Skip to main content

My 70 Year Old Dad Starting a Fitness Program

Last week my dad, who lives several hours away, called me to tell me he was not happy with the way his body looked and wanted to get back into shape. With a very earnest tone he asked me if I can be his fitness coach and create a program for him. He was ready to become strong and lose the few extra pounds he had put on over the year. Initially I was in a bit of  shock.  If you've ever met my dad, he's usually not the one calling people for advice, especially his own daughter. Without hesitation I agreed. There were some circumstances though. I don't want to give too much away right now, but let me give you a wee background of who he is.



My dad is 70 years old, born and raised in England. He still works harder than most people I know. He commutes over an hour each way between home and his downtown LA law office.  If you're an attorney. you probably understand the demands of what it takes to have this type of career. It can be downright draining and stressful for anyone at any age, much less a 70 year old. 



On top of his 50 plus hour taxing work week, my father is studying Mandarin Chinese. He started last April, and studies an hour every weekday after work, and two hours each on Saturday and Sunday. The one thing missing in his life is a regular fitness routine. 



Due to his current schedule, we started his first week off with using the stairs in his office building. Since he has just started, he is doing between 600 to 800 stairs in about a 10 minute slot. He doesn't bother to change into workout clothes. He says he’s just walking up and down stairs! So he does it in his business suit (sans jacket and tie). 



Every evening he checks in with me to tell me how it went. As of now he's been loving the stairs and tells me that he's ready for more! The next addition to his new movement routine is adding the squat challenge. 



One thing I've learned from coaching people over the last 18 years, is that slowly building-in new habits, works for long term success. When people ask me to overhaul their life and insist I create monumental changes;  the famous all or nothing approach; they often only stick to their die hard program temporarily. Although I appreciate the motivation with the "all or nothing" mentality, it's very short lived. 




Below is a video of my dad doing his first day of the squat challenge. Since then he's sent me quite a few more videos and his form continues to improve for each one.






The next step: He's currently working on a food journal that he will submit to me over the next few days. Our next step is to make a small change in this department. 

Working with a coach who you can trust and having someone to be accountable to are the key ingredients to success. If you need professional guidance along with accountability, you will want to consider my upcoming Winner Circle. We have a few spots open! Members in the playground receive a discount and we even have a "free spot" opportunity. Learn more here



Comments

Most Popular Posts

What Doctor's don't tell you after a C-section

I have now been through 2 C-sections since writing this blog post and thankfully I've recovered beautifully from both with the appropriate progressions. For those who are new and are just finding me. WELCOME! First let me say I did NOT want a C-section. I did everything in my power to avoid the first and even the second. I'm a kettlebell fitness strength and conditioning coach who relies on her body to share, teach, educate, and I was under the impression that having to give birth via C-section would and could destroy my body and career. Boy was I wrong! If you're feeing the same way, start by reading this article I wrote many years ago that still applies today! Many people have asked and here is part of my experience.  I don't claim to be a medical expert but not only have I successfully healed my C-section, my abdominals are no longer numb, and I've successfully helped others who've had multiple C-sections (even some 20 years ago) find their core aga

21 Day Squat Challenge - #21DaysOfSquats

Welcome to the 5th Annual Squat Challenge!  Updated for JANUARY 1, 2020 **We are SWITCHING things up this year** Why Squat?  Squats are one of the most beneficial exercises to practice. I could sit here and tell you how squatting makes you stronger, more conditioned, firms your legs and butt, improves digestion, increases energy and mood, but I'm sure you know the endless amount of benefits. A few people who've participated in the past squat challenges chose to share their experiences which I've shared below.  So let's just get to squatting! Beginners are welcomed! Join our Challenge Today completely FREE  here  and read the easy rules below on how to win one year free access to Lauren's Playground.  Do you plan on doing more than the Squat Challenge? If you want a workout plan... hundreds of people in Lauren's Playground will be doing programs like Upper Body Bliss and the Tushy Toning Transformation in conjunction with the 21 Day Sq