Let’s get one thing straight: Aging is absolutely beautiful. As we grow older, we gain a wealth of wisdom, experiences, and precious memories. Despite that, many people strive to look and feel younger than their age. Keeping your body healthy, flexible, and active can help you deal with the challenges that come with aging and maintain independence. 69-year-old Liz Hilliard, the owner and creator of the Hilliard Studio Method, shares her fitness habits to stay young, inspiring people of all ages. Read on to uncover the secrets of this 69-year-old fitness trainer, then be sure to check out I Tried 4 Pairs of HOKA Sneakers and One Beats the Rest By a Mile.
Liz Hilliard’s Secrets to Aging Gracefully
Strength Training
According to Hilliard, regular strength training is the key to aging gracefully, staying physically and mentally healthy, and boosting strength. “Strength training is my number one tip for aging gracefully and staying physically and mentally healthy and strong,” she reveals. “My workout, featuring Pilates-based exercises, gravity, weights, and more, has greatly improved my muscle mass, balance, and flexibility as I age.”
Core-Centric Exercises
Another fitness habit Hilliard swears by is core-centric exercises, which she credits for keeping her spine strong and maintaining her height as she ages. “Pilates is my first love and is the basis for my workout. A strong core not only strengthens my spine but keeps me working safely through some very complex HSM exercises!”
Daily Walks—Without Counting Steps
“I love to walk, rain or shine,” Hilliard says. “Being outside restores my spirit and keeps my body moving in a healthy, non-stressful way. I don’t count my steps. I count my blessings instead.”
Pushups
Hilliard sets a goal to complete a minimum of 30 pushups every day. “I believe all of us should be able to do one pushup for every year we’ve been alive,” she reveals. “You’re never too old to start regardless of your age or fitness level.”
Stretching and Foam Rolling
Hilliard incorporates stretching into her strength Pilates workout. “I use a foam roller to loosen the tight fascia around my muscles or problem areas that need special attention.”
Resting
As with any successful fitness routine, rest and recovery are a priority for Hilliard. “I take full rest days and consider them an integral part of my fitness plan,” she explains.
Support System
Hilliard emphasizes the importance of having a solid support system. “Establishing a community of support to help not only keep me accountable with my workout but to keep it fun is essential,” she says. “You really can’t separate physical and mental health at the end of the day.”
Sign up for our newsletter! Alexa Mellardo Alexa is the Mind + Body Deputy Editor of Eat This, Not That!, overseeing the M+B channel and delivering compelling fitness, wellness, and self-care topics to readers. Read more about Alexa
