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Pictures of incredibly fit athletes at the Tokyo Olympics put the focus on physical fitness. On the other hand, the lack of physical activity ー exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be a universal problem for the rest of us. The effect of this double blow not only increases the variety of health risks to which we are exposed, but also decreases our quality of life.
“How about if you move yourself a little while you watch the athletes fight passionately at the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” says Japan’s oldest fitness trainer Mika Takashima, known as “Takimika”, and sends out her own “cheer” “.
Go to the gym when you are 65
Moderate exercise is essential for a long, healthy life. Older people seem to be more aware of this and more enthusiastic than the younger generation.
According to a national health and nutrition survey published in 2019 by the Department of Health, Labor and Social Welfare, around 24 percent of men and 17 percent of women ages 20 to 64 exercise at least two regular 30 minutes or more of exercise for a week a period of one year. In the group of 65 and over, the number rises to around 42 percent for men and around 34 percent for women.
Still, this is a long way from the country’s target of 58 percent for men and 48 percent for women under the Healthy Japan 21 program to improve national health. In recent years, there has been a polarization between people who exercise every day and people who do not exercise at all. Also noteworthy is the fact that older women do not appear to be in the habit of exercising regularly.
“It’s because of your age,” said Takimika, the fitness trainer, hugging a hesitant person firmly on the back. The instructor is Mika Takishima, who was born in 1931 and celebrated her 90th birthday that year.
Takishima, a full-time housewife, started exercising at 65, the year one usually lives on a pension. What sparked her was comment from her family members that she was fat. “When I was laying around in front of the TV and eating senbei (rice crackers), I was 15 kg overweight. I couldn’t clean the bathroom properly because my bulging stomach got in the way, but I didn’t pay much attention to it. “
Determined to do something, she went to the gym, sweated with weights and aerobics, and worked steadily to get back to her original weight for five years. However, even after she achieved her goal, she didn’t stop going to the gym.
“It’s strange, but I threw myself into it. I think there was a part of me who loved doing sports. “
Looks she’s in her 20s from behind
She persevered without being pushed by anyone else and continued to train steadily. She did yoga poses to improve her balance and strengthen her core, and included walking a mile backwards in her morning routine to avoid poor posture. “I enjoy transforming my body,” she said.
Posture usually indicates age, but seeing it sitting down can only be admired. Your back is straight, both knees and ankles are firm. “That is the result of my training. I could be a woman in my twenties if you see me from behind, right? ”She said with a lighthearted laugh.
Other results can also be achieved through exercises: “Once I missed the stop on three steps of the station at the train station, but I managed not to fall with my toes. You not only need muscle strength, you also need flexibility. “
Based on her experience, she recommends that beginners start with ankle exercises to avoid tripping hazards. “You can do it while watching TV. In the beginning, you just do it once or twice. If you continue, your ankle will become more flexible. “
Age doesn’t matter to the benefits of exercise. The muscles of Takishima’s entire body are evidence of this. “You can start at any age. Start gradually and the most important thing is to keep going and not giving up. “
(Read Sankei Shimbun’s article in Japanese at this link.)
Author: Satomi Sakaki
