Golden girls prove it's easy to stay fit and healthy after 50

by Gillian Brunette
Huntsville Forester, Jul 02, 2008

Centennial Seniors learn ways of achieving success during annual Seniors' Month Celebration Edna Levitt and Susan Sommers defy the myth that weight gain and decreased energy is a consequence of growing old.

Both close to 70 years of age (and looking a decade younger), one is training for her third marathon, the other is a fitness trainer for the over-50s.

Levitt and Sommers were the guest presenters at last Friday¹s Centennial Seniors celebration event, which is held annually in June Seniors' Month.

In keeping with this year¹s theme Discover the Possibilities, those attending the celebration were treated to an entertaining, inspirational
and educational couple of hours.

Introducing the two women, Centennial Seniors president Jim Gould remarked, “You are about to meet two of the most fit grannys I have seen in a very long time. They inspire women and men over 50 to start and maintain a fitness program.”

First at the podium was Sommers, who drew a laugh from the audience by saying, "I bet you were expecting Suzanne Somers." She added that while the two do have some things in common both are blonde, both have family in California she is the one about to embark on a third marathon.

Sommers hails from New Jersey originally and consequently everything she does is fast, she said. “I never wanted to be bored or boring and I multi-task everything.”

Short, a little bit overweight but harbouring a competitive streak (her own words), Sommers began walking/jogging short distances, increasing them to five and then 10 kilometres. She went on to run her first marathon in 2005, another in 2007 and is attempting a third in 2009. Sommers is quick to admit that she is slow (seven and a half hours to complete the 42 kilometres), but while she¹s usually at the back of the field, she has never not finished a race. Sommers has turned her marathon experiences into a 10-step program geared to teaching others how to achieve success.

First it is necessary to identify a new opportunity, then research it, she said. In my case it was marathons. I did a lot of research. I knew I wasn't a winter trainer, so I picked a marathon in the fall.

Above all it’s important to be realistic, to listen to your body and work through it, she said. “I had to accept that I was slow and could finish last. I made the commitment to train for six months and set myself short and long-term goals.”

To be successful requires the encouragment and support of others. Staying focussed is another important step, Sommers said. “In my case I started going to bed early. In bed at 9 p.m. and up at 5 a.m. I had to change my habits.”

Once success has been achieved it’s important to celebrate and then set new goals, Sommers said. “Once you have hit a milestone, set a new one. Enter a competitive activity or show. Think about an active or hobby vacation. Try a new fitness activity or hobby. Finally, what one new step could you take today to achieve (your goal)?”

The audience barely had time to catch a breath when they were introduced to Levitt, a 69-year-old fitness trainer,who exudes as much bounce as a rubber ball.

A Scot who emigrated to Canada 26 years ago, Levitt said she bought her first pair of trainers (running shoes) at the age of 50. “I joined the Y because I heard it had a walking track. After three days I found it so boring that I almost quit.”

A chance look through a window showed Levitt an aerobics class in process next door. “I joined them and that’s when I started my career as a fitness groupie,” she said.

Unlike Sommers, who likes to train alone, Levitt said she needs a class setting to stay motivated and goes to the gym every weekday morning.

Once a fat person who has lost 30 pounds over the years,Levitt credits that accomplishment to exercise and strength training. “If you don't do some form of exercise after 55 there's going to be lots of aches and pains and reduced energy levels,” she said.

Handing out a sheet listing 12 myths and misconceptions about fitness and exercise, Levitt continued: “When I first started working out 18 years ago what I knew about exercise could have been written on the back of a postage stamp. Of all my fitness misconceptions, my favourite is, “Exercise will turn fat into muscle.”
 
It only appears that way, said Levitt. “Fat is fat and muscle is muscle. You cant change fat to muscle, but with strength training together with a reduced fat diet my body is now more muscle and less fat.”

It is also never too late to build muscle, Levitt said. Not only is muscle gain attainable but it¹s beneficial. Strength training helps increase bone mass to reduce the risk of falling. “I have clients in their 70s who are starting a (fitness) program.”

”Decide on some type of exercise and assign a time each day, then make it twice a day. If you are watching television, do an exercise every time a commercial comes on. That¹s half an hour (of exercise) every two hours.”

Levitt then produced a selection of rubber resistance bands that can be used as exercise/strength training aids at home. Inviting members of the audience to join her, she showed a selection of exercises using the bands to help strengthen back, chest, leg and arm muscles and improve posture. I’ve shown you a number of simple exercises and you don't ever have to get off a chair to do them. A few minutes every day will make a huge difference,” said Levitt, then added with a laugh, “I hope all of you will dash out and buy these bands."

Three resistance bands of varying tensions come in a packet with instructions and sell for about $12.99, Levitt said.

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