01/07/2026
At 78, I'm still competing in team roping. Age and physical ability are two different things controlled by your mental wellbeing. Attitude and physical fitness let me accomplish my goals.
Before GET'N FIT, my major limitation was shoulder pain that worried me about my ability to keep roping. Now my shoulders and back have become stronger and more flexible—especially knowing how to use back strength to aid flexibility to the shoulder when swinging a rope.
Having professional fitness coaching helps me use my body correctly in ways I may not have figured out on my own. It helps with strength, flexibility, balance, hand-eye coordination, and mentally believing I can do what I do. Riding and roping have become easier and more enjoyable because of my fitness routine.
That 7 AM appointment at GET'N FIT is how we start our day. It's positive reinforcement being on a schedule. Staying active at GET'N FIT is a great way to start the day. After workouts I always feel better than when I come in.
Besides strength training, yoga has helped with flexibility and breathing. To other men my age who are hesitant to start because they think they’re “too old”, that yoga isn't for them or that they're "too stiff" I say think young and give it a try, age is only a number. Yoga lubricates my body. It's not easy and sometimes hurts, but each time the poses become easier to accomplish.
At my age, being physically fit lets me ride, train, and
rope—which I enjoy. That's what "investing in your future self" means to me. I never gave age much thought. I try not to let
it be a stigma that controls my life.
Looking ahead to my 80s and beyond, my goals are to
keep doing what I enjoy doing, stay healthy, maintain
good physical condition, not look old because of posture,
think young mentally and be a positive influence for my
age. As they say, age is just a number."
Neal has been a GET'N FIT Member since 2008.
