Ruth Bader Ginsburg Workout

[Eibhinn]

I stumbled across an article on Politico today where the reporter went to Ruth Bader Ginsburg's personal trainer and went through her regular workout routine. Caveat here - obviously, given the source, the fitness component of this article comes intertwined with a lot of political opinions that some of us will agree with, some disagree, and none of us will discuss here because it's against the rules. Agreed?

http://www.politico.com/magazine/sto...-breyer-214821

I'm really impressed that 83 year old Ginsburg can do this workout. I'm about 50 years younger, and I must sheepishly admit that I currently can't do 10 regular push-ups. And I now feel adequately shamed to fix that.

Along with the goofy commentary, there is some important discussion of the importance of exercise as we age. I was particularly glad to see the part about the need for squats to make sure we can get up from the toilet unassisted. I remember reading something about that here on VF years ago (that most people end up in nursing homes due to the loss of posterior chain strength) and it always stuck with me.

[Pat58]

I am chuckling over the image of Justice Ginsburg doing a side plank in her robe and lace collar!

[eventmom]

love it.

[Juliepie]

That's why she's The Notorious RBG!

[monterey vidiot]

I hadn't known that she works out; sounds like she's strong. I had read about how she kept working during chemotherapy, following Sandra Day O'Connor's advice to get the chemo right before the weekend.

[LAC]

I vaguely remember seeing this story about RBG's workout last year, but didn't really pay attention. This week, the RBG Workout book by her trainer, Bryant Johnson, popped up in my Amazon recommendations and I decided to order it.

It's a relatively small book and consists mainly of the workout (warm up suggestions, stretches, strength training, repeat stretches for cool down), without a lot of extraneous chatter. One complaint I have is that it isn't spiral bound and won't lie flat. I think that should be mandatory for exercise books. It shows the exercises at the level RBG currently performs them, together with modifications for people who need to work up to her level (i.e., she does full-on pushups on the floor, but it explains how to start with wall pushups and work up to the floor). It also shows at home alternatives for the exercises that require gym equipment. Once someone is familiar with the workout, it should take about an hour, two times a week.

Interesting fact from the preface of the book: after RBG had been doing this workout for a few years, her bone density increased and has continued to be good. That was music to my ears!

[DCW]

What a role model she is!!

[Pat58]

LAC thank you for posting about the book. Staples and other photocopy type places can spiral bind a book for you if it's paperback.

[lreidgreen]

I gave this book to my brother in law last year since he sent me the original article in Politico about her trainer.
My BIL is pretty active and in addition to running and yoga does some weight training in his small NYC apartment so I thought he would like the book.

ETA: I saw a video of RBG doing her workout ( I think it was with Steve Colbert??) and she does do push ups from her toes but does not lower more than halfway down. Still she is awesome.

[bzar]

thanks for the head's up about the RBG workout - our library has 7 copies, so i requested it.

i hope she's recovering well from her surgery this past week.

wow, she's survived cancer twice before this latest diagnosis.