Because of my age and physical condition, I change my workout routine and lifting goals from time to time. Various kinds of changes take place throughout our lives, but some changes are essential and urgent as we get older. It is easy to think of ourselves as being much younger, therefore we push yourselves beyond our abilities. This can lead to injuries, which can be disabling.
I like setting goals in my life. It makes me more aware, more challenged, more consistent, more accountable, and therefore, more successful. But with age comes change. It is difficult for me to "ease up" on aggressively lifting more weight. But for overall health and physical well-being, I realize it is to my benefit to make adjustments.
I still need to increase (or at least maintain) my strength and mobility. I do certain exercises that are often used to gauge a person's overall strength. However, the ability to do the movement, and improve overall well-being is more important than setting personal records with one-time attempts.
As I continue to do bench presses, I will still use challenging weights, but I will be more focused on repetitions and sets than on "maxing out" with a single repetition. This will still give me an idea of a one-time maximum lift. Since I am not in competition or seeking a world record, I can use a bench press calculator. In other words, there are formulas to guesstimate a one-rep lift, without the stress and danger of using maximum weight.
At the present time I am not aiming for new "max out" bench presses. I am focusing on the routine reps and sets. This should still help my strength without over stressing joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments.
In pursuit of a healthier life, I make changes when I find a better way. And the fact is, the normal physical changes that come with time and circumstances require lifestyle changes. Sometimes this requires us to stop certain things or to begin certain things.
This is also true in the spiritual realm, both in personal time with God and in ministry. I am not saying that we should limit or define ourselves because of an age "number," I am pointing out that it is normal for age or health to limit and define our place and function in the local church. Aging is a blessing, but it must be entered into wisely. We call this, "growing in grace and knowledge." Aging may limit our ability to serve in the same way we served ten years ago, but it does not take us out of service. In fact, there are benefits that come with aging. Use your maturity, accomplishments, wisdom to serve God and to help others, even if it does change the way you perform your service to God. Do what God wants you to do and pray that someone will come along and advance the cross after you.
I like setting goals in my life. It makes me more aware, more challenged, more consistent, more accountable, and therefore, more successful. But with age comes change. It is difficult for me to "ease up" on aggressively lifting more weight. But for overall health and physical well-being, I realize it is to my benefit to make adjustments.
I still need to increase (or at least maintain) my strength and mobility. I do certain exercises that are often used to gauge a person's overall strength. However, the ability to do the movement, and improve overall well-being is more important than setting personal records with one-time attempts.
As I continue to do bench presses, I will still use challenging weights, but I will be more focused on repetitions and sets than on "maxing out" with a single repetition. This will still give me an idea of a one-time maximum lift. Since I am not in competition or seeking a world record, I can use a bench press calculator. In other words, there are formulas to guesstimate a one-rep lift, without the stress and danger of using maximum weight.
At the present time I am not aiming for new "max out" bench presses. I am focusing on the routine reps and sets. This should still help my strength without over stressing joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments.
In pursuit of a healthier life, I make changes when I find a better way. And the fact is, the normal physical changes that come with time and circumstances require lifestyle changes. Sometimes this requires us to stop certain things or to begin certain things.
This is also true in the spiritual realm, both in personal time with God and in ministry. I am not saying that we should limit or define ourselves because of an age "number," I am pointing out that it is normal for age or health to limit and define our place and function in the local church. Aging is a blessing, but it must be entered into wisely. We call this, "growing in grace and knowledge." Aging may limit our ability to serve in the same way we served ten years ago, but it does not take us out of service. In fact, there are benefits that come with aging. Use your maturity, accomplishments, wisdom to serve God and to help others, even if it does change the way you perform your service to God. Do what God wants you to do and pray that someone will come along and advance the cross after you.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.