Aging Well

I turned 51 this past December and aging well is something I think about often because that is the focus of my job.  We often think of wine when we think about aging well.  So I called Sean Bundy, a local vintner in Walnut Hills.  He and his wife, Candice, operate the Dithyramb Winery (www.dithyrambwinery.com) out of their home. As Executive Wine Sommeliers, they have studied the wine-making process extensively.  As a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, I have studied body-making extensively.  (All right . . . not “making” exactly, but maybe “molding.”)  It was fun to see the parallels between creating a fine wine and creating the best body you can live in for many, many years. Are you creating the conditions to allow your body to age like a fine wine?

1.  The raw material must be considered.

The grapes are the very essence of the wine. Sean said he has to do things on the “grape’s schedule.”  When they are ready to be harvested, he has to respond and the winemaking process begins. Body types and personalities are variables that can’t be ignored.  The right kind of exercise on your schedule will keep you active and enjoying each year as it comes and goes.

2.  The process is critical and the guide is key.

As Sean stated, he tries not to “screw up” perfectly good grapes with a bad production process.  He is constantly evaluating and making changes on the way from grape to fine wine.  You also need a guide to create your transformation.  The wrong workouts can not only be counterproductive, but detrimental to your body.  Evaluating and changing your workout routine is an essential part of moving towards your health and fitness goals.

3.  Rest is important.

This is really what we think about when we consider “aging” wine, isn’t it?  And the barrel-time and the bottle-time are important parts of creating a magnificent product. Rest is also part of a healthy exercise regimen.  In fact, you will not age well if you don’t insert the right amounts of rest which includes sleep, regular days off from training and exercise “vacations.”

4.  Uncomfortable, hard work is involved.

“Tortured vines produce the best wines.”  When Sean said that, I started to laugh because one of my nicknames is the “torture queen.” But torture is not my goal.  Challenging your body by introducing the correct exercise, however, is my goal and that involves hard work on your part.  Ah, but the results are an enjoyable, healthy and long life as pleasing as a good glass of wine!