Using himself as a test person Charles has discovered a unique combination of progressive resistance and endurance exercises which, with diet, has increased his strength, coordination, well-being and even libido in advanced age.
Charles says: “Muscle and bone mass can be increased and the elasticity of blood vessels preserved. Instead of loss of bone and muscle, loss of self worth and degeneration, old age can be one of the most enjoyable, pleasurable, exciting, and wonderful periods of life. Even a body beautiful can be attained. All that is required is consistency and a love of movement.”
Charles believes the key to his success is the right combination of endurance and resistance training. After changing his training regime, by taking up resistance training and reducing endurance training, Charles achieved his lowest ever pulse rate at rest (45 beats / minute) and highest peak pulse rate (157 bpm) and this was at the age of 87! He is now training for less time, is putting in less physical effort and is performing at a higher level than ever before.
Endurance training keeps the arteries elastic land promotes longevity. It can also slow the progress of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Progressive resistance training - i.e. using weights and doing just a little bit more each time - stimulates the body to build stronger bones and muscles and produce anti-oxidants that slow the aging process. It also prevents the loss of coordination.
The advantages of stronger bones and muscles are particularly significant to the elderly as the aged are prone to suffer from falls from which many never recover. Stronger bones are less likely to break and stronger muscles offer more resistance.
These are compelling reasons for the elderly to undertake vigorous exercise and fortunately, the idea is catching on. A decade ago, there were just two competitors in the over 75 age group in the Masters Regatta but last year there were 12.
Charles believes that if more elderly people were to take up such training, they would dramatically improve their lives. The only caveat: he recommends starting sooner rather than later.
