Exercise Could Be the Most "Tasty Medicine" of All

As Marvin and Nina Vida began sizing up the older people around them, they made some interesting observations. "So many older people have trouble even getting out of a chair," said Nina, 68. "They tend not to participate, to sit and atrophy. We didn't want that to happen to us."

The couple, who have been married 49 years and live in a coastal community south of Los Angeles, had no intentions of slowing down. Marvin, 71, still works fulltime as an attorney and Nina is a fiction writer who just finished her sixth book.

However, up until 18 months prior to this writing neither had done much exercise and both were somewhat overweight and out of shape. Besides that, Nina struggled with high blood pressure and Marvin with arthritis and back problems.

"The more I read about exercise, the more I became convinced it was a good thing for people our age," Marvin said. "But we're not jocks. Believe me."

They joined a fitness center and asked to see a trainer. They had the very good fortune of being introduced to Tracy Markley, the center's specialist in senior fitness. Tracy began seeing each of them separately twice a week. She put them through a routine that included cardio work (either on a treadmill or exercise bike), plus weight training and stretching.

Tracy also talked to them about their diet. After some experimenting, Nina found she did best on a low-fat, low-calorie diet, while Marvin did better on a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet.

After several months, the new regimen had lowered Nina's blood pressure so she needed less medication to control it. In twelve months she dropped 20 pounds from her 5-foot-6 frame, taking her from 190 pounds to 170. "I'm still not skinny, but I'm skinnier," she laughed.

Meanwhile, Marvin's weight fell from 250 lbs. to 200 lbs., he stopped feeling the ill effects of arthritis and the chronic back problem he'd suffered from for years disappeared. He became so enthralled with the benefits of exercise that he converted the couple's garage into a gym. It's complete with a treadmill, a stationary bicycle, free weights, a universal weight machine and a fully mirrored wall. "The cars stay outside because we're more important," he said.

Now Marvin works out in his garage at least four times a week. He regularly does 30 minutes of cardio work and 30 minutes of weight training per session.

Nina walks on the treadmill for 30 to 45 minutes a day, six days a week. She also works with weights once or twice a week in addition to a weekly session with Tracy. Every weekend the couple takes a long hike together.

"I look at it this way," Marvin said. "Exercise is my medicine and I have to take it. The hardest part is just getting into the garage to start, but once I'm in it often it turns out to be fun."

By Marnell Jameson (Reprinted via Buy Referral Only)

FREMONT'S OWN SENIOR EXERCISE SPECIALIST IS AVAILABLE TO HELP YOU TO THE VERY SAME RESULTS:

Read all about how he helped two ON THE ROAD TO SENIORHOOD folks (well Scott anyway) get the lead out and join the road to wonderful fitness right here!