StretchLab coach finds inspiration in older clients committed to strength, mobility and lifelong health
By George Demetriou
“The bench,” in this case, is my work area — the place where I do one-on-one assisted stretches. Various people come to improve their flexibility and mobility. I provide the manual work, motivation and instruction. They provide the inspiration.
Allow me to explain. I will be using real people, observations and details, but I have changed names to protect the innocent — or guilty, as it were.
Certainly, there are younger clients who impress with their fitness and discipline. But the people who inspire me most are around my age or older. I expect young people to be in shape. I am inspired by those who could retire and slow down, but instead choose to keep learning, growing and staying healthy.
“Eddie” was relatively weak and inflexible when I began stretching him two years ago. He stayed consistent and followed my advice. Gradually, his flexibility improved. He started walking around his neighborhood. Now, he walks five miles four to five days a week and does strength training at home. His flexibility, muscle mass and cardio have all improved significantly. When I stretch his shoulders, I can feel the difference. He has transformed himself. He also stays hydrated, eats well and has reduced his alcohol intake. He is now one of my fittest and most flexible clients — at 71.
“Ron” is 83 and one of the strongest people I know. He stands about 6-foot-3 and weighs 220 pounds of lean muscle. Once at 260 pounds, he changed his diet after a minor cancer diagnosis and lost 40 pounds. A lifelong weightlifter, he continues to train today. He is flexible everywhere except his shoulders. At 82, he walked away from a crash that totaled his pickup truck. At that age, walking away from an accident is like completing a world-class athletic event.
“Doug” came to me somewhat inflexible but in decent shape. I began working with him about a year and a half ago. He focuses on steady improvement, both on the bench and in the gym, where he trains five to six days a week. More than most, he concentrates on breathing through each stretch, allowing deeper relaxation. That has increased his range of motion and improved his performance in the gym. At 70, he is more flexible, mobile and strong than many men half his age.
“Pete” has been a longtime StretchLab member and stretches on his own daily. He is one of the most flexible people I have met, and he worked hard to achieve it. An avid golfer, he wanted to avoid the rotation and lower back issues many of his peers face. At 75, he continues to prioritize flexibility.
“Mary” attends several fitness classes each week, participates in board and community meetings, eats well and uses supplements to support her diet. She travels often, and her flexibility is excellent. At 80, she is more active than many people half her age.
While these individuals come from different backgrounds, they share common traits. They maintain a positive attitude, even in adversity. They live with intention and do not use age as an excuse to stop improving. They have a strong sense of humor. And they understand the importance of staying active, strong and mobile.
My hope is that their stories inspire you the way they have inspired me.
About the author: George is the lead flexologist at StretchLab South Sarasota. He previously owned a strength and conditioning facility in New York. He is a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a retired NYPD detective.
