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Fit After 50: 13 Atlantans Tell You What You Want to Know

Fit After 50: 13 Atlantans Tell You What You Want to Know

The bodies of today’s 50 year olds look nothing like they did back in the 1950s, that’s for sure. From toned arms to flat tummies, these 13 Atlantans share their secrets to staying fit after 50.

A special thank you to Windy Hill Athletic Club for hosting our photo shoot.

Photography by Sawyer Photography

Sonny Gholami  |  51  |  Windy Hill Athletic Club

How much time do you dedicate to staying in shape?
As a personal trainer and fitness coach at Windy Hill Athletic Club for the past 20 years, fitness has always been my priority as a lifestyle, not a trend. There is no magic pill or shortcut. This is the reason I work out six days a week.

How do you maintain your look?
I utilize variety in my training to avoid burnouts and plateaus. Most of my workouts consist of functional movement that demands strength and stability. I believe a workout should be short, but intense, which is why I use high-intensity interval training or Tabata training.

2RD

 

Robert Dothard  |  56  |  Fit Family

How do you maintain your look?
I am the same weight and body-fat percentage that I was 20 years ago when I got married. Being consistent is the key. In other words, exercise and proper eating habits aren’t something I “do,” they “are” simply a part of my personal lifestyle.

What is the secret to being fit over 50?
Start where you are. Improve and never go back to your old eating habits and unhealthy lifestyle! I often have people tell me they don’t have time to work out, but when I ask them about their favorite TV program, they share the last series they just binge-watched.

3KS

Kim Saunders  |  55  |  Lift Yoga & Body  

What are a few of your favorite ways to work out?
I do different styles of yoga including strong vinyasa flows and some yin, or deep stretches. I also like to lift weights, typically dumbbells that are about eight to 10 pounds. It’s all about the combination of strength and stretching—both are equally important.

How do you maintain your overall health?
I eat close to a Mediterranean diet including lean protein and lots of vegetables. For the most part, I choose organic foods and healthy carbs.

 

4SC

Shelly Casady  |  61  |  Life Time Fitness Johns Creek

How much time do you dedicate to staying in shape?
I weight lift four days a week and box one day a week.

What is the secret to being fit over 50?
It is a journey. It doesn’t happen overnight. It takes commitment and I commit every week. I always know on Sunday night what my workout plans are for the week. I’ve lived my life like that for over 30 years. I have also learned there are injuries that happen and I have had some. I’ve learned that you can work through them and around them and to not give up.

5OS

Orlando Sablon  |  54  |  House of Payne Personal Training

What are a few of your favorite ways to work out?
I train with weights and body weight five days a week and incorporate one day of calisthenics or high-intensity interval training.

How do you keep your nutrition on track?
I typically eat five meals a day. My meals are usually made up of lean protein, rice, fruits, dark leafy vegetables, and healthy fats along with one to two gallons of water.

 

6LK

 

Linda Key  |  68  |  House of Payne Personal Training

What are a few of your favorite ways to work out?
I enjoy working out using resistance bands, they stimulate the muscles. Sumo squats are also one of my favorite workout moves because I can feel it in my buttocks, quadriceps, hamstrings and hips using a mind/body connection. Using machines has allowed me to create the beautiful body I never knew I had.

How much time do you dedicate to staying in shape?
I work out five days a week for one hour.

7DK

Drew Key  |  60  |  House of Payne Personal Training  

What motivates you to stay in shape?
My objective is to have an ageless body and a timeless mind through healthy aging. I am working to age backward and become more youthful internally.

What are a few of your favorite ways to work out?
Traditionally with weight resistance, calisthenics, and cardiovascular activity. Weight resistance helps build muscle fibers. Calisthenics helps to tighten, shape, and form your aesthetics so you look good. Finally, cardiovascular moves help to facilitate internal movement on a cellular level. So, in conclusion, I feel great and I look great.

8DM

Debra Miller  |  67  |  Stability Pilates & Physical Therapy

How much time do you dedicate to staying in shape?
I do an hour of cardio (StairMaster and/or elliptical) five days a week and about three hours of Pilates a week. As I age, I’m finding it necessary and helpful to stretch for 10 to 20 minutes a day.

What are a few of your favorite ways to work out?
Working out has always been a priority for me. In my early 30s, I was a single mom working my way up the corporate ladder. I had to squeeze in my daily fitness routine at midnight sometimes. I purchased a StairMaster so that I could work out on my schedule in my home. Exercising at home continues to be my favorite way to work out. I love the flexibility and freedom it affords me.

9NL

Nanci Love  |  58  |  Windy Hill Athletic Club  

What are a few of your favorite ways to work out?
I manage processes and people all day. When I get to the club after a long day, I like to turn my brain off in a sense and focus on the expertise of the trainer to get in a rigorous workout.

How do you maintain your overall health?
I surround myself with people that enjoy a healthy lifestyle and I understand the changes that need to be made in a workout routine and diet as aging occurs. It is very important to eat healthy (i.e., stay away from processed, preservative-heavy, fried, sugary, dairy and caffeine-filled foods).

10SF

Sandy Farinella  |  54  |  Concourse Athletic Club  

What are a few of your favorite ways to work out?
My trainer and I use weights two to three days a week and on two other days, we mix it up with bands, the BOSU® ball, gliders, power moves, a medicine/stability ball—you name it! I love the variety and the fun of working out with other women that have the same goals.

What motivates you to stay in shape?
My desire to have a healthy body and mind for as long as possible! After having my fourth child at age 40, I knew that keeping up with my family was going to require that I build a stronger body.

 

11MS

Mark Street  |  56  |  Blueprint Fitness  

How much time do you dedicate to staying in shape?
I generally work out five days a week with each session lasting about one hour.

What are a few of your favorite ways to work out?
I prefer a balance of strength training, high-intensity interval training, and traditional cardio/core workouts. Usually, I start with barbell lifting that targets a major muscle group. From there, I complete three to four circuits using kettlebells, TRX bands, body weight moves and dumbbells. For cardio, I prefer jumping rope and battle ropes.

12GA

 

George Amos  |  56  |  Windy Hill Athletic Club  

What are a few of your favorite ways to work out?
I enjoy playing basketball about two to three days a week and I also do some cycling classes.  Basketball and cycling provide the cardio I need to reduce the health risks of heart disease and high blood pressure, in addition to decreasing stress.

What is the secret to being fit over 50?
Consistency. My philosophy for staying fit—exercise for the rest of your life and find something you enjoy doing!

13DH

Dona Halliday  |  52

What are a few of your favorite ways to work out?
Walking, dancing, tennis. My workout has to be fun!

What motivates you to stay in shape?
I want a strong, healthy body for now and the future.

What do you do to maintain your overall health?
I continue to learn. I remain flexible and constantly examine my perspective. Fitness, health, and well being are more than external things. My confidence and my hope come from within and I really believe that reflects externally.

 

 

 

 

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