Written by: Helena Smolock, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
It never fails to amaze me how we relate to age and athleticism or, best to say Age vs. Athleticism. It is the societal norm to equate youth to athleticism, but did you know there is a term that identifies those over the age of 35 years old as "Master Athletes?"
My Saturday nights are movie nights. It is a fantastic way to end the week, to shift my mind to a great movie with a remarkable storyline. This past Saturday, I stumbled upon a movie called, "Cinderella Man"; my husband commented to me, "You will love that movie." I did not ask why, but reading the synopsis, it intrigued me since I love to watch a good boxing match! As well it is a true story.
Throughout the movie, the light was shed on what I had mentioned earlier – Age vs. Athleticism. I watched a character who in today's boxing industry would be retired and done with the punches and the injuries which come with it. On many occasions in the movie this character was called and teased as "old man," "you're done," “you’re crazy” and throughout certain intervals and levels of the fights and fighters of the higher calibre he was challenged and ridiculed, he continued to his final challenge.
Nearing the end of the movie, he was faced with one of the most challenging contenders, one that most feared and some favoured. The contender's circle was strong. His coaches, his family and friends that supported his career and accomplishments were grand. Despite the challenge “the old man” did not care to listen to the very few naysayers around him. What did happen was his circle of support grew even more. Even the priest and the community on the night of the biggest fight sat and prayed for him. The stadium was packed, and the level of motivation was at an all-time high both in the ring and out of the ring. On my end, I was hyped up too!
As a Master Athlete, my hype was in support of his focus to win! It took 15 rounds, he fell, he got back up, he was punched in the ribs, he got back up, he was knocked to the floor, he got back up. His vision went unclear, he cleared it, his mind started to tire, he envisioned his wife and children to clear his mind to get back into balance and clarity. His contender at each level was getting angrier and angrier even commenting “old man” to attempt to break him down emotionally, he ignored it. At the end, that “old man” knocked out his contender to become one the best fighters in boxing history! Was I bawling? Oh yes! That movie resonated within me.
Age vs. Athleticism is only a stigma that society wants to define us, and have us believe, it is time to throw in our towel at a certain age. That the human body breaks down (yes it does), but we have control over how we age. Being in the Health and Wellness industry myself for 40 years, we have come a long way and more advanced in terms of Athleticism, Fitness, Wellness, Nutrition, and Health. Back in the character’s period that did not exist. What was scarce only strengthened him.
The moral of this article, use what is negative whether that negativity exists in your environment, within your group, your connections, family, friends, or workspace. Flip that negativity into positive thought patterns within you. Within you is where experiencing and learning about challenges begins. Remain focused, create a razor-sharp mindset, and remember, throughout the journey, you will get knocked down, you will cry, you may want to scream into a pillow. Allow yourself to experience the highs and lows because at the end – you will win.
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Helena Smolock, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Helena Smolock, is an award-winning CPT-RNC, a Master Athlete, and Founder and President of Velocity Athletic Training. She received the Business Excellence Award from the Langley Chamber of Commerce 2003, was voted by clients and business associates across Canada and the USA as Business Person of the Year (2020-2022), seated at 4 in the top ten businesses in the USA, and most recently in 2023 seated at 1 (Blaine, WA). Voted in the top ten Business Person of the Year 2023, seated at 6 in the USA. Her company, Velocity Athletic Training has most recently been voted by LUXLife 2023 as the 1 Personal Training Company in Washington State. She has been a Fitness Columnist for Canadian Healthstyle Magazine, The Langley Times and has been featured on radio and television. Helena is also WBENC ‒ Certified as a Woman Owned Business. The Gold Standard in business Certification.
From athletes and corporate professionals, to those seeking post-rehab, Helena has provided an environment where a trusted bond is developed between client and coach. Together we design your 1:1 Functional Conditioning to boost your Fitness with an Athletic Twist to enhance Performance and Mindset to WIN!!
