Retirement is just around the corner. Any fitness tips for the aging military athlete?

2016-08-13T05:10:08-04:00

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2016 5:42 AM

2016-08-13T05:42:09-04:00

Get plenty of sleep, drink plenty of water, keep the heart in shape, do not neglect flexibility, and remain positive! You're only as old as you feel. If you stay active and work on flexibility, you'll continue to feel young. Also, a daily vitamin helps!

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 13 at 2016 6:52 AM

2016-08-13T06:52:03-04:00

Stay active.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Aug 13 at 2016 7:35 AM

2016-08-13T07:35:21-04:00

Don't eat like you did when you were still active. The extra 500 calories you burn every day in the Service adds up to a 1lb of fat a week, and it's easier to make dietary changes than to lose the weight.

Response by SFC Bill Snyder made Aug 13 at 2016 7:55 AM

2016-08-13T07:55:26-04:00

Leave your Rank in the safe with your DD214. No one cares if you're an EX SMaj, Maj, or whatever. Retired Generals are a different story.
Expect to start at the lowest rung on the ladder. Some places will use your Military Experience and start you higher up the ladder, but don't count on it,
Advancement is what you know and what you do, Not who you know.
Starting pay and your retirement pay should exceed your active duty pay.
Don't tell your supervisor, We did it this way...... He/She could care less.
Keep fit, keep up with the exercises, etc., your not a young chicken anymore, your pushing the "old goat" category.
Depending on your new job, don't go "native" or hippy, unless everyone in your work area does it. Remember, it an 8:00AM to 5:00PM job (or 8 hrs with a lunch break and some regular breaks during the day). Getting in early and staying late will get other workers pissed off at you unless you are offered overtime (interesting concept the Military never heard of).
No such thing as :"sick call." If you are sick call in and go to the Dr.
If you are around a Military Base, you can use those facilities and not Salute that Newly Minted 2LT or an overbearing Colonel.
ENJOY YOURSELF. Remember, telling your supervisor to "suck off" will only get your fired, (unless you belong to a Union) not jailed, unless you punch him/she out. (Not advised, no JAG for a free Lawyer).

GOOD LUCK. (this was fun)

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Aug 13 at 2016 9:33 AM

2016-08-13T09:33:54-04:00

Never stop exercising! Also take extra time to stretch out and stay limber :)

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 13 at 2016 10:03 AM

2016-08-13T10:03:35-04:00

Modify eating habits consummate to new physical levels if that is not adjusted, weight creep is likely.
Physical activity.. DO SOMETHING. I see a lot of vets that go from uber high levels of activity to NOTHING because they no longer have that structured high level presented to them.
You don't have to get up at 0430 and do PT, but you do need to do something, be it walking the links each day, dance 3 times a week, run with the dog, or walk/run on a parking lot 9 miles a day 4 days a week teaching others to ride a motorcycle

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Aug 13 at 2016 11:35 AM

2016-08-13T11:35:47-04:00

Get a dog. Play with the dog. Walk the dog. The dog will be your best friend and the exercise will help you be healthy.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2016 11:40 AM

2016-08-13T11:40:03-04:00

Get a comfortable rocker and a TV remote with large, easy-to-read buttons!!!

Response by SPC John Waisman made Aug 13 at 2016 2:41 PM

2016-08-13T14:41:12-04:00

The best exercise is something you like doing. Make a commitment to yourself to exercise the rest of your life, as long as you're capable.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Aug 13 at 2016 5:35 PM

2016-08-13T17:35:58-04:00

Flexibility is the fountain of youth :)

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Aug 13 at 2016 7:28 PM

2016-08-13T19:28:18-04:00

Become an MMA fighter.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2016 11:14 PM

2016-08-14T23:14:51-04:00

COL Lee Flemming - See a doc at least once a year for a full physical with complete blood workup . . . and electrocardiograph. Thoroughly discuss and understand your test results, whatever treatments and/or medications may be recommended. Take medications as needed to protect your blood pressure, blood sugar, and lipid levels to protect your heart, kidneys, and other vital organs. Do whatever it takes to get at least a half hour each of serious cardio exercise and a half hour of major muscle group exercise three to five times a week . . . preferably with physical trainer, workout buddy, and/or spouse . . . run, walk, and/or swim as much as possible. Modify diet . . . minimizing salts, fats, carbohydrates, and sugars. Record your weight daily . . . keep within healthy limits recommended by your doctor for your age and activity level. Keep your weight under rigorous control helps to protect you from serious killer diseases like heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes. Get vision checked annually to protect eyes from serious eye diseases. See a dentist at least annually and carefully care for your teeth . . . they are designed to last a lifetime. Know your family medical history . . . diseases your genetically related relatives died from. Stop smoking and/or chewing tobacco and other plants or chemicals. Keep alcoholic drinks to a minimum. Be in a relationship . . . marriage isn't all bad . . . but at least be with others who help to keep you happy, optimistic, and will be there to call the doc when you can't or won't . . . remain by your side to nurse and coach you back to health . . . and stay by your side particularly in hospital to ensure staff attends to,your needs and does not kill you due to inattention, unprofessional,conduct, and/or negligence. Know and understand that there is a difference between prolonging life and prolonging death . . . when it is time to go . . . when quality of life disappears and/or cannot be substantially improved by some treatment . . . well then it is time to go home . . . and stop beating a dead horse. Love and be with your family and friends as much as you can . . . and when family and friends drop away . . . well . . . do everything possible to meet people who can and will be significant partners for the rest of your life. Being part of a religious community with annual cycle of liturgy ( Jews, Catholics, Protestants, Moslems, Unuversalists, Hindus, Shinto, Bahai, Wiccans, Druids, etc ) can help to keep you engaged. Being socially involved with others instead of being a recluse will help to extend your life. Talk to close friends and/or see a counselor when major life events ( e.g. depression, disease, loss of a loved one, etc ) make life feel painful or not work striving as hard as possible to improve and maintain. Keep your mind active . . . do some significant reading, writing, and talking every day . . . don't just be passive consumer of TV / NetFlix.

Take pleasure in life's little things . . . the breeze/wind/sun upon your face . . . sunrises / sunsets . . . personal cuddly pets like dogs/cats who love you unconditionally . . . flowers / music / dancing. I personally love waking and listening during the quiet times in the middle of the night . . . particularly along the Patomic River and/or the Pacific Ocean. I dearly love walking through the National Mall with so many memorials and museums . . . particularly in the wee hours of the morning portending sunrise. I have come I love travel for the sake of meeting and getting to know people in new places and cultures . . . just yesterday walking islands of ancient Irish family ruins, fishing, and crabbing with a simple Irish fisherman, mother, and son . . . who knew the history of everyone and everything in the towns and waters surrounding our hosts converted / modernized midevil castle. We caught mackerel . . . cooked them up while sitting still in the middle of a huge fiord / bay . . . met up with another small fishing boat . . . where the other three locals on our boat ( other than my partner and I ) through quick conversation established their ancient and recent family connections with the five member family in the other boat . . . discussed who married, gave birth, should be married next ( for the good of their community ), who passed away, the impending weather, local and national politics, and bid farewells . . . relying solely on the first names and places they knew in common. A lonely goat followed us on our walks around one island . . . bleating, rubbing up against us . . . seeking not so much food . . . as the touch of human companionship . . . then he rejoined his partner sunning on the rocks by the surf. The three hour trip was sunny and warm, drizzly, and ran through a few rain squalls. I loved all of it. So . . . what I am trying to say . . . don't just survive . . . travel, meet new people, enjoy new cultures. Warmest Regards, Sandy :)

Response by Col Dona Marie Iversen made Aug 14 at 2016 11:28 PM

2016-08-14T23:28:44-04:00

Take a well deserved break for just a few weeks!

Keep your mind active, your smile wide and your heart warm!

Best Wishes for a healthy happy and enjoyable retirement! Thank you and your family for serving and all the sacrifices.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Aug 15 at 2016 12:13 AM

2016-08-15T00:13:35-04:00

COL Lee Flemming Maintain your medical records and medications for disclosure to new doctors. My Apple phone's HEALTH app has a great deal of my medical info. I continue to hope the paramedics; if I punch 911, are familiar with them not needing a password to access the app!

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Aug 15 at 2016 7:11 AM

2016-08-15T07:11:25-04:00

Get on a bike and ride! My knees have never felt better. I purchased this bike three years ago and I've put almost 7,000 miles on it.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Aug 15 at 2016 11:38 AM

2016-08-15T11:38:53-04:00

When I first retired we took 3 months and went to Europe, backpacked and toured 5 countries. Needless to stay my wife and I had no trouble staying in shape WALKING and traveling everywhere. Then we returned to the States. Hopped into the RV and traveled for 2 years. Sittin on your butt and traveling by driving, Walking occasionally and touring a bit while walking dogs, is not the same as backpacking through Europe. Weight gain creeped up. Beware of unintentional loss of activity while still having a blast touring and enjoying your retirement life. Plan and keep a exercise regimen, it does not have to be the same as your active duty life, but has to be something. When on Active Duty I got up EVERY day and ran at least a few miles. Now as my knees no longer work that well at 70, I walk a mile or so twice a day and swim 3 to 5 times a week. As life progresses, change your routine. BUT do something.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2016 7:18 PM

2016-08-27T19:18:54-04:00

Don't stop moving! Train your body as if you have to hit your last APFT maximum score at any time, and as long as you sidestep injury, you will avoid the belly bulge that most retirees acquire!

Response by SCPO Larry Knight Sr. made Aug 29 at 2016 11:01 AM

2016-08-29T11:01:24-04:00

But not the end of the road, unless you decide to sit and vegetate. I retired with social security benefits in 2015 took some time off for about 8 months having fun. I now have started a new venture as an Uber driver and have never had so much fun sitting on my ass making money, but more importantly meeting interesting people from all walks of life and hearing their stories. Maintain your good health and enjoy life to it's fullest, travel some do the honey do list and go on from there.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Sep 24 at 2016 8:58 AM

2016-09-24T08:58:19-04:00

COL Lee Flemming I can't give you the tips that 1LT Sandy Annala Gave you below that is for sure - awesome information. I can tell you that since I've retired I've gotten a full physical by the VA each every year (4 years now) and I walk about 3 miles every morning in between posts, responses, votes up, new connections, endorsements, and admin duties on RP. It has kept my weight in check and my blood pressure good and I still look damn good for a 59 year old! No vanity intended Lee! Good luck on your upcoming retirement!