- My father and I are both former professional athletes and we have always trained together.
- At 66 years old, he is still very healthy. In fact, he can outrun me.
- He shares his tips for staying healthy and happy.
I'm 43 years old. My father is 66 years old. We are both former professional soccer players and I have had the privilege of calling him my training partner since he was about 5 years old.
Over the years, what started as kicking a ball around in the backyard has gradually evolved into track training and trail running. I've loved every minute of it, but I've never been able to cross the finish line before him. I guess I thought that as an elite athlete, I would one day be able to beat my Scottish father on the track or on the hill. I was wrong.
As we both got older, my fitness level went through many ups and downs. However, my father did not step out. These are his lifestyle tips to stay happy, fit and healthy.
He starts his morning by moving his body
I wake up and immediately go to get the coffee pot, but my dad doesn't. Before his morning indulgence, he does 50 push-ups and 50 sit-ups. Yes, every weekday morning. Sure, this may not sound like the most appealing way to wake up, but he says it takes less than five minutes and is a great and energizing way to start the day. says.
a Push-ups train different muscle groups, including those on the arms and legs. Sit-ups can also strengthen your core and improve your stability. Both exercises are thought to contribute to improving overall athletic performance. Plus, you don't need fancy equipment or expensive gym memberships to perform these classic moves.
he keeps moving all day
Dad does cardio five days a week. Most of it is running, which is only performed on soft surfaces such as tracks or dirt trails. “The softer the surface, the better it is for your body and the longer it will last,” he says. When running on the track or trail, he doesn't feel any pain in his knees. He often gets sore from repeatedly hitting the pavement.
As a bonus, Travel across varied terrainEspecially on dirt trails, runners switch stride length, direction, and speed, using different muscles to propel themselves forward, which can improve strength, balance, and overall fitness levels.
He values community and makes exercise a social activity.
Dad loves working out with others, probably from his experience in team sports. Not only does he run with me, but he has a community of fellow runners, bikers, and hikers who we work out with once a week and have become friends.
He loves camaraderie and believes that his performance improves when he is around others. “If you're running in a group, you'll probably push yourself a little more,” he said.
Whether Dad and his friends tackle long trails or climb high mountains, they always celebrate their efforts with pizza and beer. Which brings me to Dad's next lifestyle tip.
Dad enjoys everything in moderation.
Dad doesn't limit life's small pleasures, but he also doesn't overdo them. He really likes drinking beer with his friends (did I mention he's Scottish?) and rarely turns down his chocolate bar.
However, he maintains a balance in what he likes by living a generally healthy lifestyle. He says his father always eats enough to build muscle and stay satisfied, and that his father likes most cuisines, with Italian and Mexican being his favorites. He also avoids processed foods, mainly because he thinks they don't taste very good.
look ahead, not behind
My high school cross country coach told me to never look back while running. There is a limit to how slow it becomes. Dad feels the same way, but he also applies these tips to his life off the track. The future is exciting. You never know what's around the corner. When you start remembering everything you've done in the past, you have to carry all that baggage with you.
Dad's advice? Do the best you can, keep moving forward, and just have fun.
Don't stress over small things
Research shows that accumulated stress can accelerate aging, so it's best to avoid sweating over the little things. Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns. Yes, there is a lot to worry about.But maybe you don't need to worry all. “Write down whatever you're worried about today. After a month or so, you may find that many of your small worries were insignificant,” he said.
In short, enjoy physical activity, eat chocolate bars, and focus on your bright future. That alone might make it faster.
