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Steven C. Beardsley, a 72-year-old attorney based in South Dakota, has a long and complicated medical history. He’s endured 17 operations, including a heart valve replacement surgery, two rotator cuff surgeries and a knee replacement. And, he feels the most fit he ever has—thanks to rehabilitative exercises with coaches Scott and Hunter at Benson Training. “Together, we have designed our rehab so that I can return to my activities,” he says. “Scott and Hunter have sincerely made my life substantially better than it would’ve been without them.” Physical therapy and rehabilitative exercises are crucial after an injury, surgery or something similar. Think of phrases like “use it or lose it” and “motion is lotion.” Related: This Is the #1 Unexpected Sign That You Need To See a Physical Therapist ASAP Exercise in general is important for all of us, though, and knowing where to start can be the most intimidating part. Ahead, Beardsley shares more about his health journey, his workout routine, and more of the inspirational story behind it with Parade. 🩺SIGN UP for Parade’s health newsletter with expert-approved tips, healthy eats, exercises, news & more to help you stay healthy & feel your best self💊 Beardsley’s Health Journey Before we get into Beardsley’s current fitness routine, let’s address the elephant in the room: his 17 operations. What happened? It wasn’t a result of inactivity; in fact, the opposite. Beardsley has long been active. Most surgeries were a result of injuries he sustained playing sports as a younger person. “When I was young, I didn’t really train in a way that was conducive to keeping my body healthy,” he admits. “I inevitably had to give up things that I loved, like basketball and tennis, because of these injuries.” Beardsley learned that exercise wasn’t completely gone for him, however. He started with Benson around 2013, and those workouts greatly helped his body recover. For example, he recalls training hard before his heart valve surgery and how much it helped him. “I was up walking the floor the next day, which astonished the doctors and nurses,” he says. “I have been extremely dedicated ever since that moment. There is no question Benson Sports Training put me in a position to come through open heart surgery with flying colors.” The particular workouts he’s doing now, the opportunities it’s given him and how he feels are clear indicators that Beardsley is indeed in “the best shape of his life.” Beardsley’s Weekly Workout Routine Before jumping into what worked so well for Beardsley, it’s important to note that everyone’s workout will look different depending on their ability, goals and other factors. “We tailor my workouts so I maintain my flexibility and power,” Beardsley says. For example, his exercises focus on glute and core activation, bilateral movement, hip mobility, push movements, pull movements, stability movements and conditioning. He engages in those exercises two to three times a week, including at least Monday and Thursday. He spells out the workout below. Related: These One-Minute Stretches Can Work Wonders for People Over 50, According to Physical Therapists Monday, Thursday, and sometimes Saturday’s workout: 10 reps of banded clam shells (3x) 10 reps of banded monster walks (3x) 10 air-resisted golf swings with his right arm (3x) 10 air-resisted golf swings with his left arm (3x) 10 ab rollouts (3x) 10 reps of raising one arm and the opposite leg with a 5-lb weight (3x) 10 reps of raising the other arm and the other leg with a 5-lb weight (3x) 10 reps of a goblet squat on a Bosu ball (3x) 10 reps of the leg press (3x) 10 reps of quad extensions (3x) 10 reps of hip mobility exercises of some form (3x) 5-10 reps of medicine ball slams (3x) 5-10 reps of rotational medicine ball tosses (3x) 5-10 reps of single-leg medicine ball slams (3x) 10-15 reps of dumbbell bench presses (3x) 10-15 reps of alternating dumbbell bench presses (3x) 10-15 reps of decline push-ups (3x) 10 reps of dumbbell bent-over rows (3x) 10 reps of pull-ups (3x) 10 reps of banded rows (3x) 10 reps of 3 cone touches on a pad (3x) 10 reps of single-leg tennis ball wall catches (3x) 10 reps of tidal tank switches (3x) Boxing for 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off (5x) Walking on the treadmill at a 10-15 degree incline for 1 minute per degree of incline Beardsley is a busy man who’s out of town often, but he’s consistent with these Monday and Thursday workouts at the very least. He even completes them while traveling, using the hotel gym. Additionally, Beardsley sometimes does HIIT workouts at home using boxing equipment, dumbbells and the like. He’s also active in golf, hunting and fishing—and doesn’t plan on slowing down any time soon. In fact, he just won the South Dakota golf championship at the Hillcrest Country Club, placing ahead of someone almost two decades younger. Related: Trainers Say These Are the 8 Best At-Home Workouts on YouTube Beardsley’s Workouts Aren’t Just About Exercise As mentioned, Beardsley does all of this movement despite his extensive medical history. His story speaks to resilience, and his success has shone through. “I believe in each instance, I have returned to and exceeded my status before surgery,” Beardsley says. “My shoulders are stronger, my knee is stronger and most of all, my heart valve (after 10 years) is without plaque and working like a new valve.” Family is another piece of his exercise passion and routine. “My sons, grandsons and I walk fields for pheasants, grouse and deer,” he says. “I work out so that I can continue to enjoy those endeavors with my family and friends.” Up Next: Source:
