Movement Inc. Official Home Page
Come holiday season, we see plenty of expats train with us. Many of them are over 65 years old. And I’ve dealt with a few 60-somethings who comfortably keep up with the 45 year olds in our gym.
We are usually very measured with dosage and exercise selection when we have clients over 55 sign up. Lots of isometrics and measured flexion. Very conservative load. Just scaled back and gradually increase intensity is our approach.
In most expat cases, they hit the ground running much more easily than someone of the same age in India would.
And they have not participated in any organised or structured strength training program till date.
Their activity diet includes lots of walking, some golf, occasional sport. But plenty of movement in the form of hikes etc.
And it makes all the difference.
The knees and hips are able to hit deep flexion angles. They carry more muscle than the average Indian of the same age.
Now I am not pitching a reductive or simplistic argument that all people of Indian origin settled in the US are healthier than their Indian counterparts. I know that’s untrue.
I have seen my share of overweight NRIs who make just as many unenlightened choices by not moving enough, training enough and eating as they would have in the motherland (too much carbs, not enough protein).
Access to protein and good training infrastructure is not a given that one will use it. Cultural recalcitrance trumps the urge to be better.
My theory when it comes to the older clients who fare better than their peers is their general movement and activity diet owing to the environment that allows for more sport and walking.
Our cities not allowing for this diet of movement in a safe or healthy way is killing us slowly and robbing us of our ability to age well.
And you have little control over your external environment. A quality gym membership or a good home gym is your best bet.