Learn from Liz Hilliard, the 69-year-old fitness trainer who looks 25, as she shares her go-to fitness habits for staying young.
Aging is a natural part of life, but many individuals strive to look and feel younger than their age. Liz Hilliard, a 69-year-old fitness trainer and owner of the Hilliard Studio Method, has discovered the key to aging gracefully. Through a combination of strength training, core-centric exercises, daily walks, pushups, stretching, rest, and a supportive community, Hilliard has managed to maintain a youthful appearance and a healthy body. In this article, we will explore each of these fitness habits in detail and discover how they contribute to her overall well-being.
Strength Training:
Hilliard emphasizes the importance of strength training for aging gracefully. Her workout routine consists of compound, core-centric Pilates-based exercises using various equipment such as dumbbells, resistance bands, and weighted balls. By incorporating heavier weights into her Pilates workout, Hilliard noticed a reduction in belly fat and a slimmer waistline, even during menopause. She attributes her overall health, low VO2 max, excellent bone density, and cardiovascular health to her strength training exercises.
Performing Core-Centric Exercises:
Core-centric exercises play a crucial role in Hilliard’s fitness routine. Pilates, which focuses on strengthening the core and improving spine health, forms the foundation of her workout. A strong core not only helps Hilliard maintain a flat abdomen but also enables her to safely perform complex exercises.
Taking Daily Walks:
In addition to strength training, Hilliard incorporates cardio exercises into her routine. She loves to walk, regardless of the weather, as it restores her spirit and keeps her body moving in a healthy and non-stressful way. Walking with a friend or her partner adds an extra element of joy to her fitness routine. Instead of counting steps, Hilliard focuses on counting her blessings.
Doing Pushups:
Hilliard sets a goal of completing a minimum of 30 pushups every day. She believes that everyone should be able to do one pushup for every year they’ve been alive. Starting from a modified position on her knees, Hilliard gradually worked her way up to 30 pushups per day. Pushups are an efficient full-body exercise that can be modified to suit any age or fitness level.
Stretching and Foam Rolling:
To maintain flexibility and address tight or stressed areas of her body, Hilliard incorporates stretching and foam rolling into her routine. Stretching is integrated into her strength Pilates workout, while foam rolling helps loosen tight fascia around muscles and provides extra care to problem areas.
Resting:
Rest and recovery are essential components of any successful fitness routine. Hilliard recognizes the importance of giving her body time to restore and replenish. She incorporates full rest days into her fitness plan, engaging in light activities such as play and leisurely strolls. Hilliard’s grandchildren often join her on these rest days, adding an element of joy and family bonding.
Turning to a Support System:
Hilliard emphasizes the significance of having a supportive community to keep her accountable and make fitness enjoyable. Establishing a network of like-minded individuals who prioritize both physical and mental health is crucial. Hilliard believes that the two are interconnected, as a healthy body leads to a healthy mind.
Conclusion:
Liz Hilliard, a 69-year-old fitness trainer, has discovered the secrets to aging gracefully. Through her dedication to strength training, core-centric exercises, daily walks, pushups, stretching, rest, and a supportive community, she has managed to maintain a youthful appearance and a healthy body. Hilliard’s fitness habits serve as an inspiration for individuals of all ages, proving that it’s never too late to start prioritizing one’s physical and mental well-being. By incorporating these habits into our own lives, we can all strive to age gracefully and lead a fulfilling and independent life.
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