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Local trainer urges strength, balance and small daily habits for adults 50+
Summary
At a Yorktown senior committee meeting, Lewis Gara of 50 Plus Training told attendees that daily, tailored strength and balance work — even 30 seconds per side while brushing teeth — can reduce pain and preserve mobility for people over 50. He recommended consulting a physician before starting supplements.
Lewis Gara, founder and CEO of 50 Plus Training, told the Town of Yorktown Senior Committee on June 12 that strength, balance and targeted exercises are the foundation of healthy aging for people over 50. "Strength is not only about building muscle. Strength is about building your entire body," Gara said, adding that tendon and ligament conditioning, bone health and flexibility are often overlooked but essential to preventing pain and loss of mobility.
Gara outlined simple, repeatable practices for home: short balance drills (for example, standing on one leg while brushing your teeth for 30 seconds per side), gradual increases in activity, and prioritizing correct form to reduce the risk of injury. "It's never too late to get started even if you're 70 and older. It's never too late," he said.
During a question-and-answer session, a resident asked whether the standard 150 minutes per week guideline applies to older adults; Gara answered that plans must be individualized. "It depends," he said. "Start with what you can do and build gradually. Some people can do more; some people need to start small." He recommended avoiding abrupt increases that can cause soreness and dropout.
On supplements, Gara advised attendees to consult their doctors before starting anything. He said collagen and creatine are among supplements with supporting studies in older populations but stressed that dietary sources and medical guidance matter. "Talk to your doctor first because I'm not a doctor," he said.
Gara left flyers and contact information for attendees and encouraged follow-up with his program for personalized assessments and classes.
The presentation was part of a regular senior committee meeting at town hall; no policy actions or formal votes followed the presentation.
