Welcome back to this special series featuring the stories of the Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes as they pursue their fitness goals in 2024. You can find all of our Sponsored Athletes’ stories here.

At age 37, Nancey Walker weighed 250 pounds and was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and Ketoacidosis, a life-threatening disease. Having seen family members suffer due to chronic pain and disease, Nancey decided to be the family cheerleader by letting them know — and showing them — that health can be reclaimed as we age. Learn about Nancey’s transformative health journey here, and read on as she shares how to adapt in all circumstances to stay moving and motivated.

I am queen of the “pivot”. While that sounds like part of a fitness routine, it really means that I’ve learned to adjust and adapt to circumstances beyond my control. While I have my “rathers” when working out, I’ve readily accepted and embraced life’s necessary adjustments.

Do I give up and simply quit working out because it’s harder? Absolutely NOT. I pivot!

Working out has always been “just what I do.” However, as I age, I notice the moves that once came naturally now come with a disclaimer! I love lifting weights and I love lifting heavy. But… there are times when my osteoarthritis in my left elbow says, “Do that, and I probably won’t work for the next few days.” Or, what about the days when my trainer is instructing me to do squats? But… my knees are saying, “Remember, you wore me out back in the early 2000s!” Simple moves like jumping jacks, squat jacks, plank jacks, and sit-ups — moves I’ve taken for granted — have become more of a challenge. But… do I give up and simply quit working out because it’s harder?

Absolutely NOT. I pivot!

Days Like This…

On days when my body says no to lifting, spin class, or formal aerobics, I walk. I make it more interesting by walking to music, walking the neighborhood, or walking with a goal in mind. My current goal is 13,000 steps per day, and on the days when walking is all I do, I make sure I reach that number. Overhead lifts with heavy weights are easily adjusted to overhead lifts with light weights, or none at all. Narrow squats of my youth are now wide squats — and not nearly as “squatty”!

Sometimes I’ll take the jump out of my jumping jacks. Or, my plank jack becomes just a plank. (I’m still super proud that I can hold my body in that position for an extended period of time.) I remember when I was first introduced to crunches, and I thought, “What a cop out…” I didn’t think they could ever replace my sit-ups! Although sit-ups are still my first choice, If I’m experiencing lower back pain, I quickly move to crunches.

Moving with Purpose

My goal is to live independently as I age, and I believe consistent and purposeful movement is one of the main ways to reach that goal.

As we continue to age, I believe we should make every attempt to age gracefully. I read a message from someone which said, “Working out is not what I HAVE to do, it’s what I GET to do!” I love this message because it lends credence to the saying “Mindset is everything.” Although my loved ones promise I could never be a burden, my goal is to never put them to the test! My goal is to live independently as I age, and I believe consistent and purposeful movement is one of the main ways to reach that goal. Remember, my motto is “Move something, to move something” and that won’t change.

Your Turn to Pivot

If you want pivot along with me in an adaptive workout session, scroll down to watch my first presentation for Senior Planet from earlier this year! Stay up to date with me and the rest of the 2024 Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes at seniorplanet.org/athletes.

In need of a little motivation to get moving? Join our daily health and wellness programs, stay tuned to the latest news and articles from SeniorPlanet.org by signing up for The Orbit weekly newsletter, and follow us on social media (Facebook | Instagram | X) to get to know these awe-inspiring athletes. Plus, check out past Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete programs on our YouTube channel. You might just find a new love for fitness along the way!

Please consult your physician or other health care professional before starting a fitness program to determine if it is right for your needs. The advice and information presented in this article are in no way intended as a substitute for medical consultation.