Staying Superyoung | Exercise, Sex, and More Good Behavior

Camped out in South Beach, far from snowy Carversville, last weekend, I was surrounded by the Young and Gorgeous, and the Superyoung … hoards of them, mostly from hot-weather countries.

You can’t help but notice these people, the ones who have smooth, radiant skin; trim, athletic bodies, and boundless energy. They exude a contagious mojo, walking down Ocean Drive.

How Do They Do It?

Two doctors, David Weeks, of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, and University of Chicago Michael Roizen, argue that only about 25% of aging is related to genetics. The remaining 75% is behavioral, meaning that you and I have control over whether or not we become Superyoung.

Dr. Weeks pinpoints two top ways to get that knowing smile on your vibrant, young-looking face: exercise regularly and enjoy a robust sex life.

When analyzing the sex and exercise habits of the Superyoung, Dr. Weeks concluded that:

• Regular aerobic exercise for about 40 minutes daily can add as much as 12 years to your life.

• The equivalent of three brisk one-mile walks a week is sufficient to help you look between five to eight years younger in middle and later years.

• Improving the quality of your sex life  can help you to look between four and seven years younger.

Dr. Roizen estimates that you can add nearly two years to your life, simply by having good sex twice a week. Weeks argues for three times.

Behold a Believer!

Working out 5-6 days a week is difficult. Finding excuses for skipping the gym are easy for today’s woman — especially if she has small children. Who wants to believe that taking the time for exercise, including a sexual romp, actually makes us more productive, focused, healthier and happier?

You Can Run but You Can’t Hide

I’m a serious gym rat at this stage of my life, but on rare occasions, even I try to cop out of exercise. Last Saturday was one of those days.

Walking up South Beach’s Washington St. to the Crunch gym, I muttered that I would be the oldest, least in-shape person there.

• I was already surrounded by shapely, fantastic-looking, young Sobe women. Did I need yet another dose of supermodel types?

• South Beach has a significant gay male population, many of them notoriously focused on developing the most fabulous-looking bodies. Talk about muscle lust! Crunch is their kind of gym.

• Unlike Equinox, Crunch has a reputation for being a kick-butt gym. Crunch is a guy’s gym, and the testosterone flows freely.

So What? 

It didn’t matter that my doctor’s assistant did a double take, when looking at my chart a few weeks ago. “Impossible,” she murmured. That joyful moment was now history.

My intense pride over staying on the elliptical machine for 75 minutes two weeks ago evaporated with each step. Big deal. The guys at Crunch would steamroller me.

Prima Donna Moment

The renaissance of South Beach is in overdrive, but some streets are a bit spotty. Washington at 13th is not a bad neighborhood, but it’s not Ocean Drive.

Walking along in the intense heat, I didn’t like the area. Then I didn’t like entryway to Crunch. Done deal. I was outta there.

“Wait a darn minute, Anne,” my inner voice commanded me. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“Across the street,” I replied. “Let me get a good look.”

“Get your butt up the stairs, Anne.”

Ignoring her, I sauntered across the street, eyeing a vast expanse of equipment. My “seedy gym” excuse went out the window.

“All right; all right. I’m going.”

Little Ms. Winesappy

Stopping to register, I was pleasantly greeted by Mr. Ultra Hard Body. I knew it! Look at those biceps!

I didn’t like the daily rate, even though it would come off my hotel bill. Ridiculously expensive at $24 for a single visit!

“If you were buying a $24 bottle of Pinot Noir, one not credited to your hotel bill, what then?” she zapped me. “I’m sure you consider red wine investment good for your health.”

“I hate you,” I replied.

“Cut the crap, stop stalling and get out the credit card now!”

At moments like this, I don’t fight her, my bossy inner voice. There’s no point in arguing.

Trudging up the steps, I prepared myself for the psychological battle ahead of me.  Sounds of male agony pierced my ears.

Playing With the Big Boys

The aerobic equipment begged for attention. It was lonely and neglected, like a wife whose husband doesn’t find her interesting anymore.

“Sorry, Ms Elliptical Machine. I’m not here for an aerobic workout. Today is weights and core training … testosterone-producing stuff. “

Walking the gauntlet, I’ve never seen so much weight equipment in one gym. The air pulsated with brawn, humungous muscles and cries of agony.

Mirror, Mirror

“I hope you’re happy,” I muttered. “You got me into this mess, but I must get myself out of it. Not fair.”

“Oh, come on Anne … you’re still a babe. Suck it up and get going.”

Looking around, I conducted the inevitable female self-assessment. Five feet away was a young South American woman, probably 20 and a total knockout. Behind me an African American woman with the smallest waist I’d ever seen did pushups, at least 50. I do 15.

Life Is Not Fair

Not one to wallow in my misery, I grabbed my weights and revved my motor. Reality check: I’m not 20, and I never will be again. To hell with it! Clearly, I was the best-looking woman over 30 in the gym. True, I was the only woman over 30 at Crunch, but that’s irrelevant.

Take That!!!

Mood surging, I visualized myself as a kick boxer. Whoa, I can pack a mean punch with those 12lb weights and a 10 lb ball.

Watch out, guys. I’m Superyoung, and I mean to stay that way.

Groaning, breathing deeply, sweating profusely in my relentless pursuit of babe status, I won the round. Hah! Bounding down the stairs of Crunch 75 minutes later, I was quite happy with myself.

My trainer Mara will be pleased tomorrow. “Crunch? Really?”

The Chicken and the Egg

Doctors cannot agree which comes first in the positive connection between exercise and a vibrant sexuality.

Exercise promotes muscle lust, self-love and a strong surge of endorphins. With the proper mental attitude, we’re awash in sexy, desire-inducing hormones.

Now I’ve always had a healthy libido, but at my age, it’s nice to know that abundant orgasms are just what the Dr. Weeks and Dr. Roizen ordered.

After all, who am I to ignore doctors orders. I believe in always being a model patient.

Love,
Anne

Photo Credits:

South Beach Women: photo by Patrick Fulcher 

South Beach Man:dkimages