Have you heard the common phrase, ‘lifting weight over the age of 50 is dangerous?’ Let’s find out why it’s not . . . .
Beyond a certain age, some people believe that they need to take it easy, that they are ‘over the hill’, or simply feel less capable than they once did. Scientifically, after our 30’s our bodies do begin to decline: we begin to lose muscle, our bones become weaker and our energy levels can seem lower. But, does this need to be the case? Do we need to accept this?
Actually no. We know from experience and from centuries of data that remaining active and increasing activity levels will preserve our muscle, strengthen our bones and increase our energy levels. Even if you haven’t exercised for a long time, it is not too late to start and by making even moderate increases to your activity you are able to immediately reap the benefits of a younger feeling, more energetic body.
Imagine being able to:
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- Climb stairs quickly
- Stand up easily
- Carry shopping bags
- Lift and play with your grandchildren
- Get outdoors
- Lift big weights
- Do a pull up
- Lose weight
Whilst also managing or reducing risk of:
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- High Blood pressure
- Elevated Blood sugar
- Blood cholesterol levels
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Osteoporosis
- Type 2 diabetes
- Arthritis
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Low Bone density
The proof is in the pudding . . . .
We have been operating our ‘CFG Silver’s’ group now for almost 2 years and have brought on our athletes in a variety of ways from building strength, confidence, fighting depression, weight loss and more! Check out what a few of them have to say . . . and what their children are thinking of this new fitness regime . . .
“Val & I have been members of CFG Silvers since January 2018. Both our sons are members of CFG and, for a long time, have badgered us, especially me, about lack of exercise. Val does yoga but I did nothing physical. My work isn’t physical and I walk nowhere. The thought of a gym filled me with dread. Anytime I’ve ever tried it, I’ve hated it, probably because nobody told me what to do. Also, the thought of joining something where I was the ‘beginner’ was also a factor. Anyway, our sons suggested CFG Silvers which was on Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri and aimed at our age group & above (we’re 56 & 57), along with words like “do you want to see your grandchildren grow up!!” Val was keen and I relented, mainly to shut them up.
“The first day we walked in, Viv immediately said “you must be the Stephens”, everyone in the group said Hi and we felt at ease right away. The class was great, really well explained and the hour flew by. At that time we only intended to go on Friday (Val can’t make Mon/Tues) but before long, I started going on Mondays or Tuesdays…. then Mondays and Tuesdays. Viv added Thursdays which meant that Val could do two sessions per week and now I’m doing as many days as I can.
It really has changed our lives. Viv has us doing things I couldn’t have imagined doing a year ago. At the end of some classes I am absolutely shattered, but my recovery rate is getting noticeably better. Recently, Christine has joined Viv to assist in coaching which is great, they are both so encouraging and it’s now two pairs of eyes to ensure everyone is doing things safely & correctly.
We love our Silvers class and really look forward to it!”
Craig & Val Stephen
“I wanted to say a few things about how beneficial the ‘Silvers’ class has been to me. Not only has it improved my physical health, but it’s also made a massive difference to my sense of well being. I feel more confident, sleep better, and manage stress and challenges more effectively than I did prior to coming. I’m also more conscious of my health, and discovering that challenging myself really does improve my confidence.
It would be entirely disingenuous to describe all the positives about ‘Silvers’ without mentioning Vivian and Christine, whose coaching, professionalism, warmth and empathy, are invaluable. Not only do they believe in us, but they have an amazing knack of helping us to believe in ourselves too There have been numerous challenges that I honestly believed were beyond my abilities, and yet not only do they convince me I can take them on, they also support me – and all of us – while undertaking them.
As ‘Silvers’ comprises older athletes, we have our own individual issues in terms of wear and tear. Vivian, professionally and tactfully, scales down workouts and movements according to our range of abilities, so there’s never any sense of embarrassment or hesitancy in explaining to her what our issues are. In addition, there’s a nice warm camaraderie among us ‘Silvers’, and we all support each other, as well as having plenty of laughs.
Thank you so much to everyone connected with ‘Silvers’ (and also Paddy, my son, for persuading me to go in the first place).”
Jackie Byrne
“I’ve been working out with the Silvers class at Crossfit Glasgow since September 2017, and it’s made a profound improvement to my health and general well being. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
I’m definitely stronger than I was a year ago: the app Wodify lets me track my progress for individual weightlifting components, so I know for a fact that I’m stronger. And I’m also (slowly!) getting more flexible. I can almost touch my toes again.
I’ve had a couple of long term niggling injuries / sore spots – my right knee and my lower back – but over the past year the emphasis on building core strength, plus the way that every movement in every class can be – and is – scaled to suit each athlete means that both of these are vastly improved; nearly gone in fact.
I’ve lost about 10% of my body weight – not because of the volume of exercise, but because I’m motivated to eat better by the advice and encouragement from the coaches at the gym. (By the way, don’t take that to mean that they don’t make you work. This is the most exercise I’ve done since I was in my twenties)
The class is very friendly too, as is everybody at the gym. I especially enjoyed the community atmosphere when we were doing the Crossfit Open, and I’m looking forward to taking part again in February.
To sum it up: if you are middle aged or older, then you’ll know how true is the saying, “Use it or lose it”. And whatever level of fitness you have, Crossfit Glasgow Silvers class can accommodate you. The oldest member of our class is eighty-five and I just hope that when I reach my eighty-fifth I’m still crossfitting. I love it.
(PS I know I sound like a convert. That’s because I am. Because it works.)”
Rod
“My son and daughter encouraged me to join the Silvers class and I’m so glad I did. After only a few weeks I am doing exercises that I would never have tried before.
Coaches and members are friendly, encouraging and positive.
Love it!!”
Amanda xx
“I started Sivers Crossfit not knowing what to expect as it was a gym class. I was pleasantly surprised to find the classes were tapered to the individuals capabilities, and we all did our versions of the workout as able. It is an excellent way of doing exercise without feeling pressured .The group community is excellent and we meet for coffee and lunch on occasions.”
Kay McFall 69 years.
“I never thought that 70 I would be doing Crossfit! I was stiff with arthritis and although i have always loved walking I was finding it difficult and I was very overweight. At the beginning of this year I decided to eat healthily and the weight started to come off. I knew I needed to incorporate some exercise and my daughter encouraged me to go for a free trial for ‘silvers’ at Crossfit Glasgow . I went in March (with trepidation) and couldn’t believe how much I liked it. What is special is the attention you receive to ensure each exercise is explained and broken down until you know the technique and exactly how to do it. Viv is a wonderful trainer, very knowledgeable, patient, and encouraging and it is a very friendly environment. It’s all about improving your own fitness and with the variety of the workouts it’s never boring. My family are amazed at how much my mobility has changed and how more positive I am.
You always feel great after a workout and it really improves your mood! You learn new exercises all the time. Everyone is encouraging in the class and Christine, who helps Viv, is an inspiration and very supportive. I just wish I had started years ago!!
It doesn’t matter how unfit you are it’s never too late to improve your fitness.”
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June
Here’s what their kids are saying . . .
“The biggest changes all the family have noticed is just in her general day to day stuff like housework and shopping, she finds it so much easier and also walking is a lot faster and for longer. She is so much stronger and moving better than she has in years. She’s even talking about trying some Munro’s again which she used to do all the time but hasn’t for years. She has made one of her spare rooms into a mini gym with a bench, weights etc which she is planning to start using very soon. All in all we’re all very proud of her and it’s lovely having someone in the family to chat to about CrossFit instead of everyone thinking I’m mad!”
Alison – member of CFG
“My Mum has very obviously increased in strength and fitness and her posture is much better. But most noticeably is her increase in confidence as she’s realising she’s actually good at and really enjoying something she used to be intimidated by and would avoid.
It is great to see and very glad CFG decided to start running this class, very grateful that you have made that difference, she loves going and hates when she has to miss one now. I definitely never thought I’d see her even trying a rope climb!”
Cat – member of CFG
How do I sign up?
Crossfit Glasgow have a highly qualified, highly experienced team of trainers who can help you to get started in a safe, supportive, fully supervised environment. There is no minimum fitness requirement, whatever your age, or whatever issues you might feel are holding you back: we will find and show you a way to improve your current fitness. It is a small class environment with very close and encouraging support and community.
If you are currently a member of CFG and have always wanted a parent or grandparent to be more active but wondered if Crossfit was just to intense . . . this is the program for them. We deliver intensity and strength within the program to their specific ability and capacity. Everything is scaled according to the individual and those that can do more – we make sure they do!
To register interest or if you have any questions please email: vivian@crossfitglasgow.com The first class is complimentary. Dress comfortably and bring your trainers and water! Classes are priced at £5 per class and available in blocks of 6 to purchase.
Time table below:
Crossfit Glasgow
27/29 Commerce Street
Glasgow
G5 8AB