Blog 176: Age and Physical Fitness

By Cynthia Osborne

Guest-writer

     This is a tribute to Dr. Vernon M. Herron’s physical fitness. It is a synopsis of an article published in AKWA magazine, the official magazine of the Aquatic Exercise Association; published for aquatic fitness instructors.

Grow Strong, Not Old! 

Written by Dr. Karl Knopf, December 2013, page 32.

     How a person ages is to some extent determined by the cards (genes) they were dealt. Nature or nurture? One thing is sure, proactive steps throughout a lifetime may prevent or delay the advent of frailty.

     Frailty refers to a loss of some physical function or inability a person has to function independently. The causes of frailty vary. One common cause is sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss). Why is having less muscle bad? One reason is that muscle tissue is the furnace that rev's the metabolism, helps control body weight, and decreases the risk of type II diabetes, hypertension and other disease. Having strong, functional  muscles allows a person to lead a more active and independent lifestyle. The adage of use it or lose it applies to muscle strength as well as bone strength. Frailty can set in easily without a plan of action. Grow strong with exercise is the point of the article.

     How does one get muscle strength? Muscle strength is gained with resistance exercises.  It is never too late to get in shape. An exercise program should also include range of motion/ flexibility, muscle endurance, cardiorespiratory fitness, and balance & posture activities.

     Here is how this information applies to Dr. Vernon Herron. As an aquatic fitness instructor, I see Mr. Herron make great strides to be physically fit.  He goes to Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center pool, gym, and spa to care for his fitness needs. It is always encouraging to see him in the workout room on different equipment. He knows the value of growing strong, staying active. I am usually conducting a water fitness class when he comes. I always point him out as a good example of staying strong while getting old. He does his best to stay in shape.

     Please continue to be an inspiration to us all.

About the author

     Cynthia is the daughter of our late high school classmates, Herbert Jefferson and Rosa Lee Johnson Jefferson.  She is the director of CJOSMILES LLC Water Fitness.  This company is the result of a passion for fitness and wanting to help others be fit, healthier, and be well. Our motto is SMILE: Simple Moves Increase Longevity and Energy.  WWW.CJOSMILES.ORG