Yahoo Lifestyle 'I'm 60 and In the Best Shape of My Life—This Is the Exact Workout Routine I Swear By'
For many of us, a big motivator to exercise is to get healthier, and when we accomplish it, we can't help but be proud of ourselves. That has certainly been the case for Allie Cook, who lives in Louisiana and says that she has become leaner, fitter and stronger since discovering her love for exercise.
"I have also been bringing my total health numbers down, such as my cholesterol, blood pressure and thyroid levels, which are huge accomplishments for someone at my age," she says. "Also, exercise has been contributing to better mental health and a clearer mind, which is another huge accomplishment."
In addition to improving her overall health, Cook was motivated to strengthen her arm—and she succeeded, even after 13 surgeries.
Overcoming Obstacles
Cook explains that in 2003, she broke her right arm. Since then, she has had had 13 surgeries and three elbow replacements. "At one point, there was a chance that they might have needed to amputate my arm," she shares.
After her arm had been through so much, she wanted to start strengthening it, which was the start of her fitness journey.
"When I joined Planet Fitness, my trainer at the time, Trey, was very thoughtful about our workouts and how I should slowly regain the strength in my arm," she noted. "Then I started training with Tommy Moore, who also understood my concerns about my arm and the goal of gaining muscle and strength."
Cook adds that it's been three years since her last surgery and her doctor can’t believe how much muscle she's gained and how much better her arm looks.
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Getting Hooked on Fitness
As mentioned, Cook is a Planet Fitness member. She joined in 2022, after attending the gym with a friend.
"Over the course of a few days, we attended several workout classes together that I immediately enjoyed, and soon enough, I was hooked," she says. To this day, the variety of classes, which she takes part in frequently, keeps her motivated. One of her favorites is the 30 Minute Circuit, "where do we do a little bit of everything and can hit on all the different moves and body parts, which makes for an incredibly productive workout," she says.
Cook also says that she regularly exercises at the gym with women who are in their 60s, 70s and 80s, "so we are a great support system for one another."
Related: ‘I’m a Trainer, and These Are the 3 Exercises I Swear by for Getting Rid of Arm Fat'
Allie Cook's Workout Routine
Cardio
In general, and particularly when she was focused on strengthening her arm, Cook hits the gym four to five days a week for around three hours per day—all those classes can add up to a lot of time!
To get in some cardio, Cook is partial to the PF360 Burn class, where she sweats it out on an elliptical machine and slams some battle ropes for a full-body workout.
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Planet Fitness
Strength training
"I love the strength training class, lower body classes and upper body classes. They are all efficient and productive," Cook says. "As a result, I am also more flexible than I ever have been in my life and have excellent legs—my calves are looking amazing."
When it comes to strength moves, Cook especially enjoys doing curls and squats.
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Planet Fitness
Core
Cook admits that she used to hate doing sit-ups, but now she loves core work thanks to her core-focused classes.
"One of my recent favorite moves is planking," she says. "I used to hate them and not be able to do them, but now they are one of my favorites."
She explains the steps of completing a plank. "All you need is your body and a floor," she says.
Start in a lying position on your stomach and make sure your arms are directly under your shoulders.
Then lift your body by engaging your core muscles. You can go on your forearms or on your hands. Be sure to hold your body in a firm, straight line from your head to your heels, keeping your legs straight and toes on the ground.
Make sure to breathe and keep proper form for the entirety of the plank, for as long or short as you would like.
Related: 'I'm a Trainer, and These Are the 3 Exercises I Swear by for a Stronger Core'
Walking
Every morning before Cook heads to the gym, she says that she takes her “fur babies” on a morning stroll for an hour.
Wise Words
If a regular fitness regimen is intimidating for you, Cook says that you can achieve anything you want, as long as you stay consistent and dedicate yourself to going to the gym. She also advises steering clear of the scale.
"Stay determined to add [fitness] to your daily routine—you will not regret it," she says.
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Sources
Allie Cook, Planet Fitness member
