The aging athlete, getting back into shape
The story most personal trainers hear:
“There was a time when lacing up for a game or hitting the gym was automatic. Lean, fast, and always ready to compete. Training wasn’t something to schedule, it was a way of life. But then life itself shifted. Work got demanding, kids arrived, weekends filled with commitments, and suddenly the training that once came so naturally felt like a luxury.
For a while, he thought that part of him was gone, that the athlete in his prime had been left behind with old jerseys and highlight reels. He felt slower, less confident, and further from the person he once knew in the mirror.
But something clicked. The truth is, being an athlete doesn’t end when you’re in your twenties. It just looks different. The body may not recover the same way, and free time may be harder to come by, but training can evolve. No longer training past the point of puking or passing out (unless that’s what you desire) a different goal is the focus… longevity.
Instead of chasing old numbers in the weight room, focusing on what mattered most: staying strong, moving well, and having the energy to keep up with life. Shorter, smarter sessions replaced marathon workouts. Recovery became as important as intensity. And slowly, the confidence returned, not because he was the same athlete as before, but because he realized he didn’t need to be.
The athlete inside never left, just needed a new game plan.”
The personal trainer’s thoughts:
This story is so often what I hear from my retired athletes, and my once upon a time athletes. Health is a commitment but it doesn’t have to be a chore. The schedule may vary weekly, but a training program can be as long or short as needed. When life is hectic, if mandatory, decrease amount of time training. Just don’t stop.
Written by:
Kirill Vaks
BA, CSCS
Take action… Now!
Voorhees Flyers Training center.
The Hollydell ice arena, in the main building.
