Fitness is a pursuit that knows no age limits. It is a journey that accompanies us throughout our lives, offering countless benefits for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. However, despite the inclusive nature of fitness, ageism remains a prevalent issue within the industry. Ageism, the discrimination or prejudice based on a person’s age, can manifest in various ways, including limited opportunities, stereotypes, and misconceptions about older adults’ capabilities. In this article, we will delve into the topic of ageism in fitness, exploring its impact and the importance of challenging these biases to create a more inclusive and empowering fitness culture.
- Ageism’s Impact on Fitness: Ageism in fitness can have significant consequences on individuals of all ages. Older adults, in particular, often face societal assumptions that they are less capable or should limit their physical activities. These stereotypes can discourage them from engaging in exercise, leading to reduced mobility, loss of strength, and overall declines in health. Additionally, younger individuals may also face ageism when attempting to break into the fitness industry or participate in certain activities that are deemed more suitable for older age groups. By perpetuating ageism in fitness, we miss out on the immense potential and diverse perspectives that people of all ages can bring to the fitness world.
- Challenging Biases and Shifting Perceptions: It is crucial to challenge ageist biases and shift societal perceptions surrounding fitness and age. Recognizing that fitness is a lifelong pursuit can empower individuals of all ages to engage in activities that promote their health and well-being. By embracing the notion that fitness is not exclusive to a particular age group, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment that encourages everyone to pursue their fitness goals, regardless of their chronological age.
- Promoting Age-Inclusive Fitness Practices: To combat ageism in fitness, it is essential to promote age-inclusive practices and provide equal opportunities for individuals of all ages. Fitness facilities and trainers can adopt age-appropriate programming, tailor exercises to individual needs, and foster a supportive environment that celebrates the diversity of participants. By highlighting the achievements and success stories of people of all ages in the fitness industry, we can challenge ageist stereotypes and inspire others to pursue their own fitness goals with confidence and enthusiasm.
In the following sections of this article, we will share some examples of individuals defying ageist stereotypes to achieve remarkable fitness feats. By championing inclusivity and embracing the limitless potential of individuals at every stage of life, we can transform the fitness landscape into a place where age is not a limiting factor but a source of strength and inspiration.
The Ninja: Elaine Butler, 72, Sherwood Park, AB.
Retired and part time ninja at Iron Goddess Sherwood Park. Growing up on a farm and riding horses all her life Elaine was always active. A short stint of some jazzercise 20 years ago, and always enjoying a good bike ride or walk, Elaine never really had a regular exercise routine. A few years ago she saw her daughter join a local fitness and kickboxing group. Not only did she see her daughter experience weight loss results but she also saw how much fun she was having and the awesome new friends she made. Elaine thought “I feel good, I could give this a try, why not?”
Starting off slow and steady, Elaine quickly learnt how amazing and powerful her body was becoming. She kept going and going, and for the first time in her life she was consistently going to the gym. Who says there’s ageism in fitness and an expiration age to get fit? Its never too late! Her trainer Rhonda Karisse, made it fun, informative, and created an environment that was supportive and encouraging. Not only was she becoming more connected with her body, gaining more strength and confident in her skills but connecting and growing with an amazing diverse group of women.
Her confident, assured, and caring presence is an absolute delight to encounter. Boxing at Iron Goddess has not only made her stronger then ever before but as she says “punching something couldn’t be more fun and stress relieving.” As long as she’s still swinging she still thriving.
Elaine’s health secret: Move, move, move! Something is always better then nothing, find something you enjoy and just have fun.
The Warrior: Rhonda McLeod, 61, Edmonton AB.
Accountant and partime cross fit bada**. Two years ago Rhonda was unhappy overweight, completely inactive and looking to make a lifestyle change. A friend told her about a cross-country bike road trip she was doing and it stuck with Rhonda. She thought about again and again and couldn’t shake the idea. She was inspired and saw a golden opportunity to take the leap and make a dramatic change in her life. Rhonda decided she was going to get active, set a big goal, and seize the opportunity to see the country she loves in the best way possible. Love in Motion is a cross country tour bringing support and hope to vulnerable and hurting across Canada. Vancouver to Halifax, summer of 2017, 9 weeks, 63 days, 7500 kilometers. Dream big go big!
To begin, Rhonda enrolled in a cross fit gym and quickly built a relationship and friendship with her trainer Rich. She struggled in the beginning, often wondering what she got herself into but continued and worked very hard to lose over 60 pounds in 18 months. In little more then a year, Rhonda went from completely inactive to now squatting 135 pounds and competing at the Battle of the Border. She keeps pushing her limits, one day at a time, improving everyday showing there doesn’t need to be ageism in fitness. She blows away her own expectations while showing all those around her what amazing perseverance and will she holds.
Now a regular at, CrossFit Armoury Edmonton, she has found a energetic and crazy supportive group of “young punk friends.” She often is touched and surprised how many people have reached out to her telling how much she’s inspired and pushed them to do better and be better. Never before has she been around such a positive and supportive group that has in a way healed her. Rhonda has over come obstacles, pushed her limitations, learnt more about and how much others cared for her and how much she cares for herself.
Rhonda’s health secret: Don’t take everything so seriously, relax, and embrace opportunities. Let your boundaries down and people in, you never know what you can learn. Find a fit and supportive community cause it will invigorate your life.
The Dancing Yogi: Geha, 60, Edmonton AB. Owner, founder and inspiring leader of Wellness on Whyte.
Her day job involves creating a zen, relaxing, healing environment to all of her clients. She practices acupuncture, energy and spiritual healing and helps others learn to apply nutritional info into their everyday lives. Geha is a wealth of knowledge, over 20 years experience of mentoring, educating, and guiding others to live their best lives. She possesses a calming presence, an infectious passion for life, helping others and most importantly having fun.
An active yoga student, you can often find her at her favorite spot Sattva School of Yoga. Practicing has been apart of her life for over 20 years, taking her all around the world. She grew up as a very sick child, troubled with asthma and severe allergies she wasn’t able to be very active. Geha graduated with a degree in movement and as a young adult, moved to New York to practice and embrace her passion for interpretative dance. To this day dance is her favorite pastime. After long day of work she often will go home blast some music and dance to her heart’s content. Yearning to dance, letting her hair down to weather it be classical, salsa or hip-hop she allows herself to disconnect and let her body be free. Her mantra is to let go, find endless reasons to laugh and enjoy yourself ignoring ageism in fitness.
Apart from keeping her body moving a vital part of her health is her mental wellbeing. Mediation allows her to keep her stress levels down, her mind sharp and her spirit high. As a health practitioner, Geha knows that a balanced healthy lifestyle isn’t just keeping active but also taking time to connect your mind with your body and remembering the power of using food to fuel and heal yourself.
Geha’s health secret: Take 30 minutes everyday to do whatever you love that keeps you moving to the point of exhaustion. Always remember no matter your background, genetics, fitness level or nutritional challenges know that with the proper changes and attention you can change your health dramatically.
By Jenise Kropp
