Dara Torres, arguably the fastest female swimmer in America, entered her first international swimming contest at age 14 and competed in her first Olympics in 1984. Today the 45-year-old has competed in five Olympic Games and has won 12 Olympic medals, including the heartbreaking silver medal she received for the 50-meter freestyle in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where she missed the gold by 1/100th of a second.
While the 2008 Olympics classified Torres as the oldest swimmer to compete in the Games, she hopes to hole that title twice by qualifying for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, despite claiming that the 2008 Games would be her last run for the gold.
Torres is an inspiration to older athletes as well as to all that know of her. Recently, Shape magazine interviewed Torres and she gave them her top five tips for staying fit at 40 and beyond. However, these tips are applicable to people of any age and any level – whether a beginner or not:
1) Take everything slow
It’s important to not dive in head first and take things at a pace that your body cannot keep up with; not slowing down is the quickest way to get injured.
2) Make sure you’re doing exercises right
Another way to injure yourself is to perform exercises incorrectly – ask the trainer at your gym for a one-time session to show you the ropes.
3) Don’t make excuses
In today’s world, whether you stay at home or work outside of the house, it’s easy to let life interrupt and the next thing you know, you’re skipping your workout. Don’t – exercise is not only important for your body but also for your mind and is proven to reduce stress. Additionally, make an effort daily to move more – park your car farther from the entrance to the grocery store or take the stairs at work instead of the elevator.
4) Find someone to work out with
It’s more fun and more motivating to have a partner – enlist your spouse, a friend or a neighbor to work out with you. Hold each other accountable and encourage each other. Some people may not be able to actually work out together, but are able to be on the same program and encourage each other via text – even challenge each other with friendly conversation, “I can do 20 decline pushups – beat that!”
5) Don’t be afraid of change
Your body will acclimate to the same 30 minutes on the elliptical and you’ll stop seeing changes in your body. Don’t be afraid to change and add in new exercises – play racquetball, do a new strength routine; after all, variety is the spice of life!
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