Training can be straightforward when you are in your 20s, 30s, and even 40s, but as we get older, our body’s story typically adds more layers (literally and figuratively). There are injuries, aches, pains, illnesses and other factors that add up throughout our lives. Priorities are also different. While at 30 you may be hoping to lose some of that belly fat and tone your arms, at 60 or 70 your goals might be to pick yourself up off the floor without pain.
At Spindle, we have a member named Dan. Dan is 68 and is the self proclaimed Medicare Grandmaster here at Spindle. His story is one of increased quality of life and movement and we’re very excited with his success.
Here is Dan’s Story
I have always been cardio active. I ran diminishing amounts as I aged, but I still ran. At about 50, I began to walk 3-4 miles each day before breakfast. Around 60, I noticed that while I had no trouble walking or running, I did not otherwise move as well. I tried yoga, but I only managed to tear a rotator cuff. My orthopedic surgeon suggested I quit yoga.
My daughter Christine [joined] Spindle when it was created. She continues to enjoy it very much. My daughter Elizabeth, Biz, started a year later. They encouraged me to give it a try. I joined two years ago at 66 and assume I was then and am now Spindle’s oldest member. I would be very surprised to learn there is another member on Medicare. I have never seen anyone even in my decade. [Note: Dan is NOT the oldest member here. He is just the oldest that comes at 6am during the week. Try coming later in the morning and afternoon, Dan!]
Except for vacations, and I take many, I am at Spindle three times each week, usually at 6 am. I have lost weight, and some of my clothes leave extra room at the waistline. My strength has improved. But the biggest difference is just peculiar to my age. I can move more easily in every direction. When I started I had difficulty turning my head to check the blind spot. A few months of neck nods ended that problem. Twice a year I clean the leaves under our back porch. To do so, I have to stoop. After a few months at Spindle, I had no difficulty maneuvering in that tight space. Before I crouched to tie a shoe. Now I bend over.
If an older person sticks with it, he or she will enjoy the same benefits. I always feel better after my workouts. I enjoy my time at Spindle. People are friendly and exercise does not seem a chore.
What I emphasize when I speak to people who are considering Spindle is the individual nature of the workouts. Everyone has his or her own program. There is no set time to perform it. There are no group sessions where people compete to lift more or look better. There are few machines that force you to do the exercise the way the machine wants you to. Every staff member is helpful and gives as much instruction as a person wants. The Spindle model is totally unlike other health clubs and much, much better. Because you design the program to fit the person, the Spindle concept should work more effectively with older people than what is offered at competing locations.
Every member’s story at Spindle is different because everyone comes in with their own past, present and goals for the future. We asked Dan a few more questions about his results and what he is looking to next.
As the self proclaimed Medicare Grandmaster, what has been the impact on your overall health?
The last time I checked, I had lost 10 pounds of fat, gained 5 (or 7) pounds of muscle, and lost 5 pounds overall. My doctor says I am healthy.
What accomplishments are you most excited about?
I am most excited about the fact I can move much more easily in daily life. I noticed almost immediately that I could rotate my neck. A few months later, I noticed that my semi-annual leaf cleaning under the back porch was much easier—a bit like doing a leopard crawl. I am stronger. I am getting better at the balance exercises. I can now do the TRX one leg exercise and the flying bird dogs, neither of which I could do the first time.
What is your favorite exercise?
I like doing assisted pullups, but I would really like to get to the point where I can do an unassisted pullup.
What is your least favorite exercise?
I don’t want to say because Christine will just make me do more of them. [Note: This might be true, but we are actually really nice people!]
What are you looking to accomplish next?
An unassisted pullup. A Slider SL Deadlift with weights and without the pole to balance.
Dan. Cheers to you!
<3
The Spindle Team