Welcome again to this particular collection that includes the tales of the Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes as they pursue their health objectives in 2024. You could find all of our Sponsored Athletes’ tales right here.
Whats up all people, I’m Tom Simek. I’m 72, and dwell within the forest on the finish of the Sangre de Cristo mountains in historic Santa Fe, NM. A bit over 10 years in the past, a wake-up name from a bodily examination kickstarted my wellness journey. (Learn extra about that right here.) This journey has taken me throughout the nation and all over the world, working observe and conquering obstacles — figuratively and actually! Immediately, I’m sharing extra about my life as an American Ninja Warrior, and as a grandfather. Learn on to study how one can take YOUR subsequent step towards residing life to the fullest.
When my well being took such a dramatic flip, I by no means imagined it will turn out to be a chance for me to alter my inactive life-style — from being a building builder and an unfit workaholic, to constructing a model new life for myself. Again then, I used to be scared and resistant. I solely knew a sure lifestyle, and that was MY method! Change has by no means come straightforward for me. (If we we’re all being sincere with ourselves, I believe most of us are scared sh–much less of change!) I noticed I had two decisions: I might do nothing and look forward to a complete system shutdown and dying, or stand up and do one thing totally different.
A Complete New World
I’m a winner simply by exhibiting up!
Getting management of my well being and health has opened up a complete new world to me. My first step was to become involved in masters and senior observe and subject, competing within the 50m, 100m, 200m, and lengthy leap occasions. By means of this sport, I’ve competed nationally and internationally, and met like-minded athletes everywhere in the nation and the world. I’ve made lifelong buddies to remain linked with, which is so essential in our senior years. Regardless that it is a aggressive sport, all the opposite athletes are very supportive as a result of everyone knows what it takes to be on the market. I’m a winner simply by exhibiting up!
The following problem I took on was impediment course coaching, with a objective of submitting an audition video to the NBC present, American Ninja Warrior. Once I acquired the telephone name inviting me to compete on the present (with athletes as a lot as 55 years my junior), the sensation was actually indescribable!
@ninjawarrior All the time impressed with our ninjas that remind us how age is not any impediment! 😱👌🏼 #ANW #ninjawarrior #AmericanNinjaWarrior #grandpaninja ♬ authentic sound – American Ninja Warrior
Health and Household
I by no means anticipated that this new life would come with a deeper reference to household, a really energetic life-style, and a complete group of buddies from each era. Simply final evening, I used to be watching ANW — the episode that I used to be featured in — they usually shared my story by way of the lens of my reference to my granddaughter.
You want a purpose to get up within the morning and be grateful!
None of this could have occurred had I not accepted the problem to alter. I proceed to place challenges in entrance of myself to maintain my life fascinating and thrilling. That is so essential, since you want a purpose to get up within the morning and be grateful!
Life Is Value Dwelling – Be part of Me!
Once I discovered that I used to be chosen as a Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete, I felt the identical thrill as once I was chosen for American Ninja Warrior! I solely hope that I can encourage others to begin on their journey, and that we will all obtain a greater high quality of life and luxuriate in our senior years collectively.
If it’s good to take that first step to alter your story, I invite you to affix me right here on seniorplanet.org for my on-line presentation on July 31: Life-Enriching Exercises. I’ll be demonstrating workout routines that may profit you throughout your day by day actions. We’ll additionally cowl modification strategies for various health ranges, making certain that everybody can take part comfortably. See you then!
In want of a little bit motivation to get transferring? Be part of our day by day well being and wellness applications, keep tuned to the newest information and articles from SeniorPlanet.org by signing up for The Orbit weekly e-newsletter, and comply with us on social media (Fb | Instagram | X) to get to know these awe-inspiring athletes. Plus, take a look at previous Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete applications on our YouTube channel. You would possibly simply discover a new love for health alongside the way in which!
Please seek the advice of your doctor or different well being care skilled earlier than beginning a health program to find out whether it is proper on your wants. The recommendation and data introduced on this article are under no circumstances meant as an alternative choice to medical session.
Pictures courtesy of Tom Simek / American Ninja Warrior / Elizabeth Morris, NBC