In this series of blog posts, we explore the ways in which CrossFit workouts can benefit every type of person, from youngsters to seniors, adaptive athletes to large body athletes and runners to couch potatoes. Today, the focus is on senior athletes, those aged 60 to100 plus.
You’re Never Too Old To Be Your Strongest Self
CrossFit offers seniors the opportunity to reconnect with the joy of movement while building functional strength, improving cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, enhancing flexibility, stamina, coordination, agility, and balance—all within a welcoming and supportive environment.
In the realm of CrossFit, seniors can find an inclusive community, a tapestry of diverse individuals on a shared journey towards well-being. It’s a place where the pursuit of health transcends the boundaries of age, fostering connections that weave strength into the fabric of everyday life.
CrossFit’s founder, Greg Glassman has said that his greatest fear was living a long life without the basic functionality to enjoy it, i.e. spending 100 years on the planet and requiring the support of others to perform basic daily tasks for 40 of them. That, he said, is a very real prospect for the majority of humans in the western world: a later life that is marred by ill health and spent largely in the nursing home.
Custom Modifications to Match Your Journey
CrossFit offers a proven path to avoid such a fate. CrossFit coaches embrace the concept of “scaling” workouts. For seniors, this means personalized modifications to suit individual abilities and goals. Every squat, lift, and stretch becomes a tailored expression of one’s unique capabilities, honoring the wisdom and experiences accumulated over a lifetime.
The workouts, far from monotonous routines, unfold as daily adventures – a fusion of cardiovascular exercises, mobility and balance drills, and gentle strength training. In this tapestry of movement, members discover not only enhanced physical fitness but also the thrill of mastering new skills, fostering confidence and mental acuity.
Gone are the days of isolated gym endeavors; CrossFit offers a sanctuary of encouragement where coaches are attuned to the needs of athletes of all ages and abilities. As Summa’s head coach Sean Rimmer explains “I specifically love CrossFit because it allows any population of people to get better at functional movements. The added bonus is, you get to do that while being a part of one of the most inclusive communities you could ask for!”
Vitality Classes: Strength, Balance, and Longevity
Coach Sean guides Vitality classes with humor, compassion and grace, ensuring both safety and progress. The shared laughter, encouragement, and mutual triumphs become integral threads in the fabric of this fitness experience. The supportive community, the adaptable workouts, and the holistic approach make Vitality classes at CrossFit Summa an inviting journey for seniors seeking a fountain of youth within the gym walls, as one member stated “because of the improved fitness I achieved with Coach Sean, I’ve been able to get rid of my cane and can get in and out of my daughter’s SUV without assistance!”
So, imagine a place where silver-haired warriors lift weights not just for their bodies but for the sheer joy of the journey. Vitality classes become a testament to the fact that, at every stage of life, there exists an opportunity to savor the thrill of movement and embrace the vitality within.
Crossft Summa offers group classes at various times Monday through Friday, and offers Vitality Classes for seniors at 11:15 every Tuesday and Friday.
Every great workout starts with some good stretching!
