When you're older can your workouts be the same as a younger person's, and still get the same results? Or should those of us who remember when hashtags were called pound signs be kicking it differently? The answer is a bit complicated.
First, a lot of training for different age groups will actually be similar. No matter what age you are, you should be strength training on a weekly basis, as well as performing some sort of cardiovascular workout for your heart and lungs.
Everyone also needs to be stretching daily (but nobody really does, do they?) and performing interval work to challenge the anaerobic system.
All these are recommended no matter what decade you are.
A 20-year-old, for example, will add squats to her workout to look hot in a pair of skinny jeans, while a 60-year-old is simply squatting to be able to get up and down (however, I know some 60-year olds who also look mighty fine in skinny jeans).
Physiologically, we are squatting for different reasons, at different ages too.
A lot of young people I work with have poor posture and low back pain, so a squat will help strengthen the posterior chain which will improve their posture, while reducing their low back pain.
Older people need to do squats for functional purposes. They need the leg strength for daily activities like getting in and out of the car, getting up and down, and walking without the risk of tripping. Not something a 20-year-old thinks of when training in the gym.
PJ Wren is a local trainer and writer who just opened up a boutique fitness studio in the heart of Ladner, The Studio. Learn more at www.thestudio.ca.
