Name: Gordon
Age: 81 (8/3/1927). I have been married over 60 years (7 children & 14 grandchildren)
Height: 5′ 10”
Waist: 38″
Occupation: Retired
Hometown: Los Banos, California
Starting Weight: 155 pounds
Current Weight: 203 pounds
Body Stats: Arms: 18+ inches. Chest: 49+ inches. Neck 17+ inches.
Gordon’s Senior Fitness Success Story!
For over fifty years Gordon Borges has been fighting the aging process through weightlifting. In 1944 at age 17, Borges began a routine of lifting weights for health benefits. “I wouldn’t have done it for 56 years if I didn’t love it,” said Borges. Now at age 72, Borges swears by the healthy lifestyle he has lived by for so many years. His wife of 52 years has been working out for eight years as well.
Not only does Borges feel the health benefits but says working out can contribute to mental health as well. Working out can make you feel better about yourself and build self-confidence said Borges. He also feels it improves your people skills by making you feel more confident in yourself.
In his younger days Borges was constantly challenging himself to lift more and achieve more but now he has a set routine that works for him. He walks and uses a stationary bike along with a regimen of weights. Borges works out four or five times a week for 30-60 minutes at a time. He considers his workout a maintenance program to sustain his health.
Besides keeping himself in shape, Borges hopes to reach out to the seniors in the community. It’s never too late to start a workout program. Borges does recommend that anyone starting a new exercise program check with their doctor first.
Borges hopes to give seminars to prospective seniors about the benefits of weight training. Although many senior citizens are afraid of getting hurt, the benefits of weight lifting can be great. Among the medical benefits Borges sited, some included preventing osteoporosis, adult diabetes and colon cancer. Other obvious benefits are a leaner body mass and decreased obesity. Borges added that weight training could help alleviate mental depression and increase strength and flexibility.
This healthy senior citizen plans to continue working out until he is no longer able. “I am very alert mentally. Weight training and exercise have contributed to that”, said Borges.
Gordon’s Senior Fitness Interview!
At what age did you start exercising?
Age 17.
What made you decide to start exercising?
Football.
What is your primary fitness goal?
Good health & a decent appearance.
How many days per week do you workout?
3 days for 1 hour each day.
What is your favorite body part to train?
Arms.
What is the most challenging thing about working out as you get older?
Maintaining a regular consistent regimen.
How has your life changed from starting a fitness program?
Better health & international recognition.
What advice can you give seniors who think they are too old to exercise?
It’s never to late.
How has ShapeFit helped you reach your fitness goals?
By reminding me that other seniors have an interest & motivation to embrace good health through exercise.
Gordon’s Senior Fitness Tips!
Senior Fitness Tip #1:
Weight training is essential to foster strength. This is a glaring shortcoming with many seniors.
Senior Fitness Tip #2:
Train in moderation.
Senior Fitness Tip #3:
Train with light weight.
Senior Fitness Tip #4:
Cardiovascular workout every day for 15 to 30 minutes.
Senior Fitness Tip #5:
Train alone. Socializing will distract from your purpose.
Gordon’s Senior Fitness Eating Plan!
Breakfast:
A bowl of oatmeal.
Lunch:
Lean protein and good carbs.
Dinner:
Lean protein and good carbs.
Snacks or Mini Meals:
I occasionally have snacks.
Gordon’s Senior Fitness Workouts!
Weight Training:
3 days a week for 1 hour each day.
Cardiovascular:
Cardiovascular workout every day for 15 to 30 minutes.
Supplements Used:
Multivitamin and mineral.
