October is Active Aging month. I love the expression active aging! It brings to mind vivid images of a life of activity, adventure and freedom. It celebrates the idea that as we age, we can continue to enjoy and participate in life to our fullest.

This is not the same idea as anti-aging. Let’s face it, the only alternative to not aging is dying.

Active aging requires us to continue to embrace life and challenge ourselves physically, emotionally and cognitively. It also requires acceptance and change.

The picture above was taken almost 25 years ago for Retrofit’s very first website. I was just on the other side of my dance career where I had spent hours each day in strenuous and joyful physical activity. I was now spending hours each day on an intense and stressful learning curve, running my business, building my team, and creating a new community. I remember thinking then how my 30-something body no longer performed so well for me.

Ha! That’s like looking back at photos of our young selves in a bikini and realizing, “What was I thinking? I looked f@#$ing great!”

Our bodies, lives, and priorities change. The change is hard. It requires acceptance and adaptability. I need to rest more now. I need to prioritize self-care in the form of time with my family and leisure activities that restore me. But I continue to challenge myself and invite new possibilities into my life.

Joseph Pilates said, “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.” I would evolve that idea to a more comprehensive definition of health, safety and security as the first requisites of happiness.

I want to age! I want to stay as strong, resilient and capable as I can for as long as I can. I have much more to contribute to life. And so do you.

See you in class!

Barbara Grant

Founder and Director
Master Instructor
NCPT® Certified Pilates Teacher
Balanced Body Faculty Member