Tuesday Evening’s Training Session. 61 Year Old, Grappling

 This was my Tuesday evening. completing my little series on what a full day looks like in my world.  Most of my evenings consist of MMA training with my son Xsaviour. My son has aspirations of becoming a UFC Champion. My decision to adopt a healthy lifestyle was for this exact purpose. Having a child after turning 50 made me feel as though I owed him to be as healthy and fit as possible. I wanted to be there for him in every possible way imaginable for as long as possible. Little did I know he would choose to become an MMA fighter. 

 I lead by example first and foremost. I also study and learn everything I can about the sport he is passionate about so that I may help to guide him. Being 100% present for our children most definitely keeps you fit. Grappling—particularly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)—can be exceptionally good for you at 61 years old, provided you approach it with a focus on longevity, technique, and safety rather than competition or ego. While starting at an older age requires careful management of recovery and physical limitations, many people begin in their 50s and 60s and experience significant improvements in physical fitness, cognitive function, and mental well-being.

 If martial arts isn’t your thing, you can still do what is called ground movements. Ground movements can consist of rolling around and crawling on the floor. Rolling around and crawling on the floor is excellent for say a 60-year-old, provided it is done safely. These movements, often called "ground movement" or developmental exercise, are highly effective at restoring functional mobility, core strength, and balance that tend to decrease with age. Below I will post some of the benefits of doing ground movement. Thank you for reading. 

Here is a breakdown of why this is beneficial and how to approach it:

Benefits for Seniors (60+)

• Rebuilds Mobility & Strength: Crawling and rolling use muscles in the shoulders, arms, core, and hips that are rarely activated while sitting. It helps restore movement in the hips and spine, which reduces stiffness.
• Improves Balance & Prevents Falls: These exercises improve "cross-body coordination" and joint stability. Mayo Clinic points out that such skills are critical in reducing fall risk, as they increase confidence in navigating the floor.
• Maintains Independence: The ability to get down to the floor—and back up—is a key indicator of longevity and functional independence.
• Joint Health: Crawling places weight through the arms, which helps maintain bone density in the hands, wrists, and shoulders.