Can an Old Man Get Fit?

By Dr. Matthew Anderson
Exclusive for eDiets

I made a big decision this week. I want to get physically fit. If you have followed my columns with eDiets over the last 6 years then you already know I lost a pile of weight (approximately 65 pounds) about 5 years ago. I have kept 50 of those pounds off and I am happy about that. However, I want more than just less fat and a smaller shirt size. That is what this article is all about. I want to get physically fit.

The question is: "Can an old man get fit at 60?"

OK, maybe some of you don't think 60 is very old, but the issue is relative. Some people are very old at 60 and some are alive, vibrant and full of energy. I plan to be around for another 40 years and I want to be one of the alive-vibrant types. I recently faced the fact that I need to make some changes if I want to join the alive-vibrant club. I am currently way too stiff, slow and easily tired for my taste and needs. You see, I have some plans for the next 40. I have at least five more books to write. I want my radio/internet show (www.WWNNRADIO.com Sundays at 12 noon EST) to be syndicated. I want to produce many more CDs on various subjects, including weight loss, how to drop 100 pounds, spirituality and waking up, etc., etc., etc. I also want to be able to play 36 holes of golf in one day, take long hikes in the Everglades, take photography courses in the desert, play racquetball two or three times a week, learn to play the banjo and the harmonica and see Scotland, New Zealand and Kyoto. I need to be fit to do these things.

The trouble has been that I stopped exercising after college. I went to work and sat on my butt for the next 35 years. I sit with clients. I sit with the computer, and I too often sit with the TV. I have had it with sitting. I have had it with being stiff and sore after exercise or an extra couple of rounds in the pool. I want a new level of flexibility, greatly increased endurance and extra strength in general. I also want to drop my golf score at least seven points (I heard that extra flexibility will do this).

So what am I going to do about this old-man syndrome that is creeping up my body and my bones? I called eDiets

Really, I did. I called my new buddy, Raphael Calzadilla, and said, "Help me before I fall and can't get up!" Raphael, as many of you know, is the wonderful, muscled and general nice guy eDiets expert on fitness. He has agreed to take me on as a project. He will be working with me to create a program designed to make me flexible, stronger and able to go all day long with zest. Sounds good to me.

Now why did I tell you all of this information? I want you to join me. Raphael and I are going to create a program plus an invitation for any and all eDiets members to join me and get flexible and fit over the coming months.

Click here to visit the Online Meeting area

How can you find out more about this experience? You can join Raphael at eDiets and me on my radio/Internet show on October 1, 2006, at 12 noon EST at www.WWNNRADIO.com . We will talk about the program and tell you how to join. You can also talk with us both live that day at 1-888-565-1470.

We will also advertise this invitation in our articles and support groups before the show so pay attention at eDiets and you can become a new member of the alive and vibrant club. You don't have to be 60 to join. You just have to want to be more fit and flexible.

You can also get inside info on my get fit project by signing up for my free newsletter at www.DrA.com . I hope you will join us.

Matthew Anderson, D. Min., is a counselor, organizational consultant, seminar leader and the author of books and tapes that can help you overcome your obstacles to well-being. eDiets members can join Dr. Anderson for his special chats the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. EST.

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