MAKING THE MOST OF OUR YEARS

When I think about climbing the ladder of aging, one of my main fears is that I won’t be able to fit all that I want to see and do into my life. For me, it is an awful feeling because I never want my parade to stop. Therefore, I am constantly seeking new activities that pique my fancy.

I want to make the most of the years to come and I suggest you do the same. Many women are living into their 90s and one of these women I knew was 93 years young and boxing! Never one to miss a new opportunity, I followed her advice and I’ve started boxing as a 50+ woman who now practices twice weekly.

It is important for all of us to concentrate on our lifestyle. Wholesome foods, daily exercise, supportive connections, and social activities all play a big role.

Women and men (get your fellas to join a group or take a boxing class, darling) with social connections are touted as an extraordinary source of comfort and support. I agree wholeheartedly.

 

WAKING UP WITH ENERGY

I know advancing age takes its toll. I am fortunate that I wake up without aches and pains. And, darling, that my healed ankle never bothers me on rainy days so I can still wear my platforms. I am fortunate that I am always filled with energy.

Don’t get me wrong, I have my physical and emotional aging problems. After ankle surgery, my balance never returned to perfection so I hold onto railings. I had cancer and the emotional toll it took never completely fades.

My energy has changed direction. I relish spending alone time in the evenings with my Ultimate Concierge and puppy, America. This is instead of throwing the large dinner parties I used to. I worry about something happening to my husband, the man I adore, who is older. This is part of aging that I don’t like one bit and I know you don’t like it either.

You, like I, face issues as a woman over 50. Issues of retirement, coping with physical and emotional ageism problems. Caregiving, adult children, medical costs, and lack of social connections. Grandparenting, financial stresses, and of course, loss.

Physical activity such as boxing reduces stress significantly, is great for weight loss and toning, all while making you a proud woman after 50+. It is also fun to spar with your trainer or partner.

FINDING REWARDS THROUGH BOXING AFTER 50

After the children leave the nest or you retire, please take your time to explore new activities. I know most of us lament our society for focusing on youthfulness. Don’t let that stand in your way. Instead, follow the lead of my friend Fern. She was 93 years old when she got me into boxing!

Fern could have fallen apart when her husband died of a heart attack at a young age. Instead, she returned to school and took weekly classes at Northwestern University.

I would see her walking to class when I was outside walking America. She had a new heart valve, has broken a hip, and has had a knee replacement. She walked her dog Henry several times a day and has many female friends. She was a role model for all of us.

I owe my love of boxing to Fern.

WHY TAKE BOXING LESSONS AS A WOMAN OVER 50?

There are many reasons to take up boxing. The most important is the emotional benefit: you will be reinvigorated by your youth. You’ll feel proud of yourself and will have fun because boxing is an upper. One cannot help but think positively when boxing.

Did you know women with positive self-perceptions live 7.5 years longer than those with less optimistic self-perceptions?

The physical benefits of boxing after 50 will surprise you. The fitness company I signed up with helps Parkinson’s patients who have a greater chance of experiencing dementia in addition to physical difficulties. The sport of boxing has been proven to help people with this illness. My girlfriend with Parkinson’s took up boxing in California and no longer uses a walker!

The professionals who work at the studios that treat Parkinson’s patients know the human body. My trainer has his doctorate in aging and the physical body. They are real pros. Please note you do not have to have Parkinson’s to take up boxing. Fortunately, I do not have Parkinson’s disease.

UPPERCUTTING THROUGH AGISM AND LIVING VIBRANTLY

Boxing has helped me, as a vibrant woman over 50+ explode with confidence. I notice when I box with my trainer, named Adam, that I have to concentrate equally on my balance and coordination. I have to use my mind to process the drills as he calls them out to me. And also use my memory to recall the different moves.

Without realizing it, I am simultaneously employing all of my muscles as well as my mind, which helps with memory. I am doing aerobics, toning my body, and strengthening. All while feeling upbeat as I concentrate on my jabs, the cross, the hook, and the uppercut.

Oh! And then there are my feet to coordinate with my upper body. While it is not easy and I have a lot to learn, I am happy I have added this invigorating activity to my lifestyle.

I hope many of you will inquire about the sport of boxing. I am giving you excellent advice when I tell you to try it. And by the way, I have pink boxing gloves — a woman needs to stay fashionable after all!

Do you take boxing, or do you plan to? Let me know in the comments at the bottom of this page. I want to hear from you!

 

If you enjoyed this story about the benefits of boxing after 50, please subscribe! You’ll get each of my new stories delivered to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE HERE

 

**Honey Good may receive a small commission for items purchased through links on this page. This helps with the cost of maintaining this site.