Living an Active Lifestyle—with Health Issues
Filed Under Natural Athlete |
My journey into fitness began in the US Navy. When I turned 50, during a Navy physical exam, I discovered I had several symptoms of diabetes, the disease that took the life of my father and grandfather at an early age. That’s when I began a workout and diet plan that eventually led me to competitive bodybuilding. I made up my mind that I wasn’t going to go the way my father and grandfather had, and immediately began aggressive weight training and diet programs that eventually led me to where I am today. At 64, I still have the symptoms of diabetes, but I do not have the disease.
There is an assortment of information about the benefits of exercise in older adults, yet older Americans often have a difficult time starting an exercise program. Many have lived a sedentary lifestyle for most of their lives, or have developed ailments that may lead them to believe that an exercise program is not going to provide any benefits.
I am a Certified Personal Trainer with the National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) and with the National Gym Association (NGA). I assist people with a variety of fitness issues, from competitive athletes to people wanting to take better care of themselves.
One of the first steps is setting realistic goals. In a society that markets to rapid results, our expectations are often distorted by commercials and advertising campaigns.
The biggest obstacle I have with clients is helping them set and agree to realistic goals. Don’t tell me you want to lose 60 pounds. Let’s agree that you want to lose five pounds in 6-8 weeks and keep the weight off. Once we achieve that goal, let’s lose 8 pounds over the next three months. Then, let’s lose 5 pounds… Pretty soon, my client has lost the 60 pounds, one pound at a time.
I train people in person and through an internet business that allows me to reach clients as far away as Hong Kong. I work with athletes in two ways. I train one athlete at a time, in person; in effect, this person becomes my training partner. I lead the workouts and do the same exercises and help my client achieve his or her goals. In recent cases, I have trained a 28-year-old, a 40-year-old and a 66-year-old athlete to enter their first bodybuilding competition.
I also operate an internet-based distance personal training business, BodyBuildingSenior, LLC, and work with clients in California, Colorado, Arizona, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Georgia, Massachusetts, Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Canada, Hong Kong, and Baghdad, Iraq. Using email, online chat, cell phone, snail mail, and fax, I provide diets, training plans, and ongoing consultation. Some of my clients are trying to lose weight, get into shape, recover from illness, or prepare for sports competitions, including bodybuilding. I also work with two marathoners, as well.
As a personal trainer I have three goals:
Manage my diabetic symptoms and demonstrate that it can be done with diet and exercise. Because of the diabetes in my family I knew I did not want any of the complications. As I said earlier, both my father and grandfather passed away from the disease. Diet and exercise has helped me avoid the onset of diabetes.
Be a role model that motivates others. I use myself as a living example. You can get into shape at any age. The clients that I train want to be healthy, look good and feel good. People respect that I live a healthy, natural lifestyle—and it shows.
Show others that you can be fit without too much supplementation or any illegal drugs. When working with younger kids, motivate them to remain natural athletes—not load up on supplements and other chemicals. Show them that you can work hard, use the proper diet, and exercise the proper way and achieve results.
Scott “Old Navy” Hults
