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Craig Kirby had trials for some top soccer clubs in his teens and served his country in the British Army as an adult, but while he\u2019s now approaching 50-years-of-age, the popular Instagrammer and Personal Trainer has no intentions of slowing down. Whether he\u2019s working out in the gym or demonstrating his soccer skills with fun challenges, Kirby is all about longevity through activity, as he tells M&F.<\/em><\/p>\n Turning half-a-century in April, Craig Kirby still plays soccer in the Lancashire Amateur Premier Division for Wardle Football Club, and while he says it might be last full season, the avid athlete has no desire to hang up his boots. In fact, he was recently approached by the official England Over 50s football team, so staying in shape is a must. \u201cI train in the gym at least six times a week,\u201d he reveals. \u201cI also play two football training sessions in the week and play eleven-a-side open age football on Saturdays, and veterans football on Sundays.\u201d<\/p>\n That\u2019s the kind of schedule that would tax individuals at any age, but for Kirby, it\u2019s all about making the most of his abilities. This is why he\u2019s also advocating for Age UK\u2019s \u201cAct Now, Age Better\u201d campaign. Kirby, along with the charitable organization, hope to spread the message that physical activity is essential for enjoying greater mobility as we age. \u201cI feel very lucky that my life leant me towards physical jobs,\u201d Kirby tells M&F. \u201cThe Army, road worker, and gym owner.\u201d Still, this fit Brit\u2019s lifelong affection for activity is not always the norm, according to data obtained by Age UK. The charity\u2019s research<\/a> has revealed that school P.E. sessions often fill pupils with so much dread that millions decide to avoid being active as they become adults. \u201cThe new research shows that many mid-lifers are still held back by the emotional baggage of school-day P.E., with millions remembering feeling self-conscious about their body (40%) or being picked last for teams (40%),\u201d explains Age UK.<\/p>\n Fortunately, inspirational mid-lifers like Craig Kirby are hoping to bring the fun back into getting fit. Kirby\u2019s \u201cfootballat50\u201d Instagram account has gained 25,000 followers<\/a> and continues to grow, thanks to his vlogs, workouts, and soccer challenges like \u201ckeepy uppies\u201d while holding kettle bells, or while trying to remove his kit.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe my training has pulled me through the darkest of times,\u201d reflects Kirby. \u201cI\u2019m not sure if I\u2019d be here right now without my training. It has taught me about myself as a person. I would recommend to anyone, who maybe hasn\u2019t trained in a while, or is feeling sluggish, to get out there and try to be active. That\u2019s a huge part of what Age UK\u2019s \u2018Act Now, Age Better\u2019 campaign is all about, and something that I\u2019m personally passionate about, too.\u201d<\/p>\n Of course, you don\u2019t have to play a 90-minute match to make a brave change. You could start simply by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or by taking a walk instead of a drive. \u201cMovement is our secret weapon to staying strong,\u201d advises Age UK. \u201cBuilding fitness, strength and balance now can act as a buffer against aging, helping us to stay independent longer.\u201d When it comes to workouts, Kirby loves to crush his sessions. \u201cI like muscular endurance, with weights<\/a> or bodyweight,\u201d he tells M&F.<\/em> \u201cAnd I still do a Bleep Test (also known as the FitnessGram Pacer Test) every week.\u201d<\/p>\n As a qualified personal trainer, Kirby understands that everyone\u2019s journey has a different starting point, however. \u201cI always say to new clients, \u2018you don\u2019t start building a house by putting on the roof,\u2019\u201d he tells M&F.<\/em> \u201cCreate solid foundations: start with one hour a week and make it part of your regular routine and then build on that. Enjoy the process, and if you truly want change, you must learn to stick to your plan, especially when you can\u2019t be bothered. These moments are the ones that change your character. It\u2019s easy to train when you\u2019re feeling motivated, it\u2019s the times that you aren\u2019t which can make a big difference.\u201d<\/p>\n Studies show that being consistently active leads to a 25% lower risk of death from any cause, and experts recommend 150-300 weekly minutes of moderately intense physical activity, or 75-150 minutes of vigorous exercise<\/a> to stay in your prime. \u201cGo for it,\u201d encourages Kirby, hoping you\u2019ll spend a little less time on the couch and rack up some extra minutes being active. \u201cThe health benefits both now, and in later life, are enormous. Football and exercise should always be about improving your mental and physical health, so it\u2019s about understanding your body and reflecting regularly. You can\u2019t put a price on health, and that\u2019s something I always tell people who I train as a PT. I wouldn\u2019t swap my journey for any amount of money.\u201d<\/p>\n For more information on the \u201cAct Now, Age Better\u201d campaign, click here.<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n To follow Craig Kirby on Instagram, click here.\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nHow to Stay Fit Over 50: Craig Kirby\u2019s Weekly Training Routine<\/h2>\n
How Craig Kirby Took Advantage of the Mental Health Benefits of Exercise<\/h2>\n
How to Start Training Again After Years Off<\/h2>\n