Bodybuilding to make you feel young again.
Dr. Mimi Secor, 63, mother of one, has written a new book, “Debut a New You,” about her journey into bodybuilding. The nurse-practitioner of 40 years did not seriously devote herself to fitness until three years ago, when she became with depression and stress
“I didn’t take care of myself when I was stressed,” she told WarehamWeek. “I wasn’t being a role model to my patients or to the community.”
But she went to the gym and began lifting weights, an unusual practice for a woman over 60, and the stress melted away.
“I felt better almost instantly when I started lifting weights. All my aches and pains went away. The inevitable decline with aging is not inevitable.”
She lost 30 pounds and 12 inches off her waist.
But she advised that older people are more at risk for injury in the gym and recommended the expertise of a trainer for anyone getting into weightlifting.
At her second bodybuilding competition, the NPC New England Championships in Boston, Secor won second place in the over 50 category.
For eight months she only ate carbs on Saturday nights, (usually pizza). Mostly, she ate egg whites, chicken and vegetables.
Secor’s book advocates making small changes and starting strong habits for anyone looking to transform their body. She says setting huge goals can be overwhelming and an early failure can lead to total surrender. Her psychology of small goals applies to anyone, whether they be someone looking to turn their life around, or a successful person looking to develop even better habits.
“A little planning for your day can make a big change in your life,” she said. “People need to not give up on their dreams.” Secor’s rule is to schedule everything.
“You cannot wing a healthy life,” she said. But her book also emphasizes the power of “imperfect action” and not feeling pressured to get everything right all the time.
This seems like a somewhat moderate approach, and while it certainly will not be the most effective method for everyone, it certainly is a good suggestion for those who have tried and failed to make a change.
