J.udy Young is a force to be reckoned with in the pool. Just this year, she earned her seven first-place medals, in her seven events she competed in, including the 50, 100, and 200-yard backstroke, and the 50, 100, and 200-yard backstroke. She set records for six age groups. and 500 yards freestyle.
But Young is more than just an athlete. Born in 1926, the 96-year-old swimmer doesn’t blame her age for winning a gold medal at the YMCA National Swimming Competition or setting new records for her.
Young says he has loved swimming since he was a child. “My sons eventually joined me on the swimlane. At one point, we were even on the same team and competing together,” she says. After many years of swimming, it wasn’t until the late 80’s that I started swimming competitively, qualifying locally and eventually nationally. “Since then, I haven’t quit,” she reveals.
Today, she says she swims regularly at her local YMCA, noting that she has been a volunteer at the Y for many years and was secretary to the Executive Director from 1971 to 1987. , in addition to swimming competitively in the YMCA league,” she says. “My focus is freestyle and backstroke, and the 2023 senior she’s getting ready to take part in the games. The Nationals are in Pittsburgh this year.”
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How does she stay active at such high levels? Luckily for us, she shared 5 tips for living a long and healthy life.
1. Get some exercise every day
As the saying goes, keep moving to keep moving. “Being active is a must,” says Young. “I recently had surgery and my doctor said the reason I was able to recover so quickly was because I had a very active and healthy lifestyle.”
2. Switch between cardio and strength training and remember to rest
Staying active doesn’t mean you have to follow a strict training regimen every day. say it leads to the most balanced, fitness-centric lifestyle.
But don’t force yourself to exercise seven days a week. “My key to avoiding injury is staying active, but being patient with my recovery,” says Young. She says she was able to recover from a hip replacement in 2019. That’s because she worked hard on the physical therapy program and she waited until the PT gave her the green light to return to swimming.
3. Exercise outdoors when the weather permits – especially walking
Regardless of your age, Young proves that regular hot girl walks can be beneficial. , can do wonders for your mood, especially during the gloomy winter months.
4. Don’t forget mental fitness
Your body isn’t the only thing you have to worry about in order to stay healthy as you age. “Exercise your mind by playing cards, reading books, and doing puzzles,” says Young.
(Looking for inspiration? Ordinary habits and piecework puzzles have gorgeous options that double as artwork and coffee table displays.)
5. Enjoy the process
No matter how hard you try, you can’t commit yourself to a healthier lifestyle. If you underestimate the process, you are less likely to stick to it. That’s why Young emphasizes the importance of finding activities that you enjoy.
“My biggest piece of advice for swimmers, or anyone just starting out, is that you have to enjoy it,” she says. It all comes down to a lifelong love of swimming and being active, and I keep going because I enjoy it.”
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