Jagger Eaton’s bronze medal in the street skateboarding event at the Tokyo Olympics inspired us to take up skateboarding again; learn new tricks, slide down steep rails, and do spin moves over concrete stairs. What a great way to stay in shape! Gym is closed. Weather is good. Enjoy the outdoors. Perfect for Baby Boomers. All except for the skateboard part.
More appropriate for Boomers is walking or biking. If there’s a park nearby, throw in some bench push-ups and rail pull-ups (beware of skateboarders sliding down the rail). Stairs? Take a few careful trips up and down. Access to a pool? Swimming engages the whole body and is low-impact. Access to a body of water? Kayaking or canoeing works the upper body.
Fitness for Baby Boomers is perhaps more important than it is for the younger set. That said, we need to select sports that make sense. Save the BMX biking and skateboarding for those whose bones mend quickly.
Olympic couch-surfing is great for inspiration but remember to get out there and stay fit!
– Jet Cannon
Photo courtesy of Arizonasports.com
