b'TRAINING FOR LONGEVITYGeorgestrainsthreedaysaweekatAllWerenever too oldto start this.American Gym, an old-school, no frills facility builtaroundmachines,barbells,andfreeStart small even bodyweight squats or modified weights. pushupsandwork your way up .As she has progressed, she says, her training has become more intentional.Nancy GeorgesIve learned that the older I get, Ibe got to be more careful, she says. I dont do quite assucceed has motivated other older adults inA SIMPLE PLACE TO STARTmany reps. the gym. For upper-body strength, Snell recommends Warmups, Georges explains, are essential. SheItssoinspirationaltoseesomebodyexcelstartingwithverylightdumbbellseven also emphasizes that patience with recovery islike she has, he says. Our elderly population1-or2-poundweightsandkeepingthe non-negotiable.can do so much better just by continuing tomovements simple.The few times I have had injuries, Ive learnedexercise. They could sit in a chair, he says, and do it just takes a little bit longer to recover, sheSENIOR GAMES, SAME WEIGHT shoulderpresses,thenpushtheweights says. Afewmonthslater,Georgessteppedbackstraight out like a seated chest press.FROM MEETS TO HAWAII onto a platform closer to home at the PolkKEEPING THE GOAL IN SIGHTShehasnowcompetedinmorethan40Senior Games. Georges said she plans to keep competing as meets across the country. I hadnt pulled 210 pounds since that meetlong as she can.Mytwobiggestoneswerejustthispastin November, so I was happy that I could doHerinspirationrevolvesaroundaSenior summer, I went to the National Senior Gamesit again!Gamescompetitorwhostartedat92and inDesMoines,Iowa,shesays.ThatwasBeyondthemedals,shesaystheSeniormadeitintotheGuinnessBookofWorld really fun. Games felt like a reminder of what is possible. Records at age 100. In November, she and three other lifters fromIts so inspiring to see all these people thatI want to be like her. Just wowto be that old thegymtraveledtoHawaiifortheWorldare older than meand theyre still out therelady that people point to at the Senior Games.Association of Bench Pressers and Deadlifterslifting, trying, and pushing, Georges says. SnellsaysGeorgesexamplereflectswhat World Championships. WHY STAYING ACTIVE MATTERS he tells older clients who feel hesitant about For Georges, it was a chance to test herselfSnell works with many older clients, and hestarting: Even if you dont set a record every on a world stage surrounded by a supportivesaysthebenefitsofstrengthtrainingshowmeet,yourestillmaintainingyourstrength, community of competitors. up in the ordinary tasks people want to keepwhich we all need, especially as we age, he THE ONE-POUND RECORD doing on their own. says.Her first attempts in November came withinHe points to clients who notice changes inGeorges says she hopes other seniors read 1 pound of the world record, after which shethe most practical ways. her story and realize persistent effort can grow was encouraged to aim for the record.One lady said, You know what I can do now?into a routine that makes daily life feel easier.The gap was small, and that margin is part of I can pick up a case of bottled water out ofWere never too old to start this, she says. what makes powerlifting intense. the trunk of my car and bring it in the house,Startsmallevenbodyweightsquatsor Its still scary that a 1-pound difference couldhe says. modified pushupsand work your way up.make or break it, she says. But I did it, and itWeight-bearingexercisecansupportboneGeorges proves that no matter your age or was worth it. density as people age, he says, and buildingsize, showing up for yourselfone rep at a Her trainer Ken Snell, who is also co-ownermusclecanmakedailylifefeelmoretimecan change what youre capable of. of All-American Gym, says watching Georgesmanageable. HNcentralfloridahealthnews.com CFHN | 11'