Dick van Dyke, whose acting credits include the childhood classic Mary Poppins, recently reflected on his nearly 100 years and revealed the task he continues to stick to “three times a week”
Dick van Dyke has admitted, as he approaches his 100th birthday, that if he doesn’t keep up one aspect of his weekly routine, he “really can feel it”. Born in 1925, Dick, 99, whose acting credits include the childhood classics Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, turns 100 on December 13, and he continues to “do guest spots” despite his age.
In a series of revelations that will likely interest anyone wondering how Dick manages to do it in his advanced years, the US actor recently wrote a piece in which he reflected on his 100 years and explained how he approaches life.
Included in his insights was a possible hint about his longevity, one that highlights the importance of exercise, no matter our age. Indeed, he shared his methods beneath a section titled: “And, yes, go to the gym.”
Dick told the Sunday Times: “I still try to hit the gym three times a week. I don’t know why this is something I still want to do but it is. I’m not a ‘wake up and go back to bed’ type just yet, unless it’s cold and rainy.”
He continued: “If I miss too many gym days, I really can feel it — a stiffness creeping in here and there. If I let that set in, well, God help me.”
Dick proceeded to list a few of the “carrots” that he will “dangle in front” of himself to motivate him. His list included a post-workout smoothie or “frothy caffeine treat” and what he described as “full-body tingly exhilaration”.
In addition to the sense of accomplishment, he highlighted the added incentives of a “sharper mind”, a hard-earned nap, and “limber” dancing. In terms of his workout routine, Dick tends to do a “circuit” of the various machines.
He will begin with sit-ups before moving onto his legs and finally, focus on his upper body. Yet, it’s his legs that he suggested get special attention, as they’re two of his “most cherished possessions”.
According to the NHS, older adults should aim to complete some form of physical activity each day, noting how it can boost health and limit the risk of stroke and heart disease.
It advised people aged 65 and over to be physically active each day, complete activities that help with flexibility, balance and strength (at least twice a week), and at least 150 minutes of what it termed “moderate intensity activity” each week.
It said people could do 75 minutes of “vigorous intensity activity” if they are currently active (as well as combining the two). It also suggested that people should reduce the amount of time they spend sitting or lying down.
Finally, if people find themselves spending long periods of time not moving, they should aim to break this up.
Source: Mirror
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