I firmly believe that age is just a number and that at any age you can feel great and be in shape – You can be a BEAST at any age.

I don’t think getting older has to mean feeling crappier, being less coordinated and suffering from illness and injury.

I think the key to staying young is to always keep learning. And that doesn’t necessarily mean reading text books or taking educational classes.

I think some of the most beneficial LEARNING we can do is the learning of new physical skills. And I don’t think learning new physical skills is just important because of all of the health benefits of exercise (which by the way…are quite numerous).

Learning how to do a new activity not only makes our body stronger….not only helps keep our mind young and agile….not only improves our coordination….not only improves our mind-body connection…

NOT ONLY!?!

Shoot learning a new activity KEEPS US YOUNG!

Kevin took a chance and gave battling ropes his all…And soon he was up on the wall for completing 10 minutes straight!

It gives us control not only over our body but also over our mind.

I think about every time I’ve learned a new skill – Olympic lifting, Powerlifting, Kettlebell Sport…Heck even boxing…actually, especially boxing….

Every time I’ve learned a new skill, I’ve learned to control my body in a new way.

Part of that physical control and strength that I feel, part of that feeling of being better in tune with my body, has to do with a better mind-body connection. And for that matter, more confidence!

That mind-body connection, that confidence in my ability, keeps me active. But not only does it keep me active, it keeps me MOVING WELL.

MOVING WELL, FEELING GOOD, is truly how we define youth.

Doing some work and learning some new skills!

And the craziest thing is that we tend to STOP LEARNING new skills as we age.

We become more set in our ways and tend to stick to our routines and our comfort zones.

When we really should almost be putting ourselves out there to learn MORE as we age because it keeps us young.

So you know how you really wanted to try Zumba at the gym? You know how you really wanted to try powerlifting, kettlebells or boxing?

You know how you were afraid you would be clumsy or bad or uncoordinated and slow?

Well sure. Most of us are awkward when we first try to learn a new skill. BUT only through learning a new skill can we create a better mind-body connection so that we are MORE COORDINATED.

Age is just a number and you really can teach an old dog new tricks.

And the best part is, the more that “old dog” learns, the younger that “old dog” will really feel!

So stop thinking your age is holding you back.

Let yourself try a new activity and learn a new skill. It may just be what you need to feel younger and move better just like the Man Bicep Mom!

Showing off the man bicep!

P.S. If you are looking for some extra glute activation exercises, check out this new Redefining Strength post!