Working out

Key to the Sextysomething lifestyle is exercise, whether it’s a walk, weights, Zumba, or whatever moves your bones and booty. Creating a regimen that lifts your spirits is really what matters most. For me, endorphins are just as important a byproduct of working out as are burned calories.

For years I was a runner who loved to race. I’ve done marathons, half marathons, 10Ks, 5Ks and the mile. Several years ago I began to feel a pull in my groin while running. I also experienced a sense of spinal compression–as if I was getting shorter–as I pounded out the miles on my runs. Clearly something was wrong, and I enjoyed running less and less. I slowed my pace. Stopped racing. Yet doctors and physical therapists urged me to quit for good.

It was a tough habit to break, especially the social aspect of getting together with other runners to train and race. I realize now that I was hooked on the “high” of running, ignorant of other ways to feel as energized and empowered (to feel SEXTYSOMETHING) after working out. I also had to find a friendship-making substitute. It was as if my athletic plugs were frayed, and I needed new outlets.

Soon after on a weekend trip to Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts I took a dance class that looked interesting. The schedule said something about a choreographed number by a former Broadway dancer that would make us all feel like stars. I showed up and about 7 women were learning steps to a Broadway tune taught by a lithe woman wearing a microphone and shouting commands for jazz step, jazz hands, touch step, chassez. It was wonderfully intimidating. It was also Friday, and this class was a rehearsal for a dance show that would be performed at 6 pm Saturday night. The following night, to be exact. In the midst of learning the proper way to place one leg on a stool while facing the audience, the teacher leaned in and asked me,”Want to be in the show? We have two more rehearsals before showtime. This weekend is “Gotta Dance” and I think you can dance.” The other dancers had a leg up on me time-wise, but they were all looking at me with encouraging eyes. Then the queen of the dancing crew yelled over, “Please, we need you.” How could I say no to Broadway?

I’ve been dancing at Canyon Ranch Gotta Dance ever since, twice a year. I also dance year-round in Zumba and in any other class that asks me to put my feet to a rhythm. I love dancing, I love sweating. Most of all, I love the elation I feel at the end of the workout. And being totally honest, twice a year I also love the applause our Gotta Dance troupe gets at the end of our three dance numbers. What a high. Not as heady as crossing the finish line at a marathon, but very, very satisfying.

What does your exercise regimen look like. How does it make you feel? SEXTYSOMETHING!