PAMELA MANCUSO | MEMBER OF THE MONTH AUGUST 2022
Senior Citizen? Who me? Proudly Yes! Body Changes? Health Obstacles? Physical Challenges? Yes! Of course, they come naturally with aging. Slowing Down? Quitter? Excuses not to engage? Absolutely Not Me!
“Life plans should be like clay, for one never knows when the call for change will be mandated by greater powers. If the clay has been kilned, change can only happen by breaking the creation. Be malleable, like clay freed from the kiln, for change is inevitable.”
Daryn Clarke (1962-2013)
At the end of December 2021, at 62 1/2 years old, I made a decision to give CrossFit a try. I was looking for a change and a challenge in my personal at home exercise routine which was pretty much only running in addition to some 5lbs. weights for upper body strength and basic abdominal exercises. I was getting seriously bored and depressed with myself.
I reached out to gyms outside of Lafayette to get an unbiased opinion of where I could get the best coaching. I was told Ragin Fitness Co., “They have the best coaches around Lafayette.” It has become perfectly clear to me after being here for 7 months, this is certainly true of the of the coaching staff. I am beyond grateful for patience and help I personally have received from each and every coach and staff member. They will answer every single question you ask and twice if needed!
This gym is based on family, faith, fitness, friends and fun. You cannot get this combination many places. Ragin Fitness is truly my happy place. I can’t imagine myself anywhere else.
For me getting older hasn’t meant slowing down, just the opposite, I needed and wanted to step up my game, not only physically but mentally. As women, we go through so many changes throughout our lives both physically, mentally, not to mention the hormonal changes. These changes aren’t totally in our control but how we use them can make a huge difference in how we feel.
My personal goal when I began was simply to make it through the class. As I have moved along and learned proper techniques in weightlifting, I have stepped out of my comfort zone. Getting stronger, building up my endurance, simply learning to breathe properly while working out, scaling workout moves down to my personal capabilities has become my focus. To be my personal best for me, rolling with the changes in my life and pushing myself to stay healthy and fit is my forever plan.
Everything in our personal lives must fit into a circle, God first, family, friends, jobs, obligations, etc. So many things require our attention, but in order to be our best for others, we must first be our best for ourselves.
My advice is fairly simple, balance yourself as best you can no matter what stage of life you are currently in. Don’t compare yourself to another person. We are all like zebras, each uniquely created. Pray, lead a healthy overall lifestyle, keep moving and above all be happy with yourself! You get one life..seize it each and every day with a grateful heart!
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