Welcome

Fit65 – Engaging the Process

Welcome to Fit65. This website and blog is a discussion among and for those of us who are growing old, specifically those of us who are approaching or have reached the culturally significant age of 65 with the expectation that there are many more years to live – for better or worse!

The site is organized around the principle of exercise and its myriad benefits. We seek to inform with lots of good information about safe, effective exercise techniques and protocols.

We also seek to provide utility and hope to call your attention to and provide links to news, books and cultural happenings to enrich and support your engaging the process of aging.

Most important, we ask you to tell us your story. The Journal on Active Aging points out that the cycle of life – and the imperfect aging process – includes many aspects such as emotional, vocational, physical, spiritual, intellectual and social. With these characteristics in mind, we invite you to share with us your experience with the aging process so we may in turn inform others. Share with us what you’ve read, what you’ve seen, and how you’re doing.

Like each and every one of us, Fit65 is a work in progress. So tell us about your aging process, what you think about. Tell us about your exercise program, ask questions, and tell us what you’d like to see from Fit65. Please help spread the word and tell your friends and family about us.

And please enjoy Fit65.

Be Well,

Jim Stevens
Founder and Aging Baby Boomer

Biography

James Stevens
Certified Personal Trainer, NPTI, ACE
jim@Fit65.com

Before his professional involvement with fitness in 2003, Jim Stevens enjoyed a successful 25 year career as a business writer of national trade magazines, in international public relations and in non-profit fund raising. As a 40th birthday gift to himself he quit smoking cigarettes, only to experience the gradual, attendant weight gain and surge in cholesterol sometimes associated with this otherwise sensible act of self-preservation. Instead of fit and 40, Jim was fat and facing life with Lipitor.

Though he always belonged casually to health clubs to maintain strength for team sports, skiing and golf, he then chose to dedicate himself more fully to his workouts and personally discovered the critical connection between exercise and overall, long-term health and well being. Becoming certified as a fitness trainer completed his enlightenment. He now successfully controls his cholesterol through proper diet and exercise and works to share the good news about managing one’s health through exercise with America’s aging Baby Boomers.

“The fitness industry continues to exploit fear and vanity in its marketing; the ubiquitous messages are still about bathing suit season, New Year’s resolutions, and youthful physiques,” notes Stevens, “The more important message is that exercise is a process that can improve quality of life and help manage aging. I preach patience. And unlike prescription meds, all the side effects of exercise are beneficial; improved function such as lower cholesterol, elevated metabolism, strong bones, better balance, and amelioration of such maladies as arthritis, stress, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes and even cancer.”

For ten years, Jim Stevens has guided a clientele of older adults in the Washington, DC area. He stresses safe, moderate programs that feature stretching, balance, and strength training. “Beware the perils of excessive, unnecessary activities. Spinning, boot camp, and hot yoga, for example, are fine for those who want it, but regular moderate exercise is complete as far as achieving the health benefits most people require.”