Meet Harold Sanco. He’s one of the 2024 Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes, and he’ll be sharing updates on his health and wellness journey through the rest of this year.
Harold Sanco, aged 62, has been a dedicated athlete and trainer for nearly five decades. Despite facing a series of emergency back surgeries that threatened his active lifestyle, Harold’s patience, perseverance, and community support helped him fully recover and return to form. Today, he aims to inspire older adults to achieve their fitness goals.
“Is that me in the mirror?” This question plagued me after undergoing multiple emergency back surgeries that left me weak, immobile, and devoid of the muscle development I had worked hard to achieve.
As I grappled with chronic pain, limited mobility, and a reliance on prescription medication, I questioned whether I would ever regain my pre-surgery fitness levels. The thought of basic physical movements like push-ups, squats, and jumps seemed out of reach. But with determination and a solid support system, I embarked on my journey to reclaim my health.
A Lifetime of Fitness
I am Harold Sanco, a 62-year-old fitness enthusiast from Washington D.C. with a lifelong dedication to staying active. From excelling in track and tennis during my youth to inspiring others to achieve their fitness goals as an adult, fitness has always been at the core of my being.
Aging can be a time of agility, strength, and wellness.
I joined the Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete program to shatter the misconceptions surrounding aging and fitness. Despite my physical challenges, I believe aging can be a period of strength and wellness. My goal is to motivate and change the narrative around aging, ensuring that wellness and fitness opportunities are accessible to all communities.
As we navigate through the ongoing pandemic, it’s crucial to provide avenues for our vulnerable populations to improve their health through fitness and wellness. As a Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete, I am committed to opening doors to fitness and fostering a sense of community in our health journeys.
No Longer Alone
My journey to recovery taught me valuable lessons. I learned to embrace humility and accept support from my community. Recovery from back surgery required me to let go of my independence and rely on others for assistance with daily tasks, enabling me to focus on my comeback strategy.
Following my doctor’s recommendations and engaging in slow, deliberate physical therapy were key elements of my recovery. I had to resist the urge to rush the process and instead focus on gradual progress and incremental gains.
Every person’s recovery journey is unique; comparison or discouragement must be avoided.
Incorporating low-impact exercises and gradually increasing intensity helped me rebuild my strength and flexibility without straining my back. I stayed focused on my individual progress, avoiding comparisons with others, and celebrating every small victory along the way.
Celebrating Progress
After a year of dedicated effort, I have been cleared by my surgeon to resume my coaching and personal training activities. My return to teaching and coaching tennis marks a significant milestone in my recovery journey. Embracing patience, perseverance, and a positive mindset has allowed me to rediscover the joy of an active lifestyle after back surgery.
Together, we can conquer any challenge. Go, Senior Planet!
Movement and Motivation
Join me on Wednesday, April 17 at 1:30pm EDT for an online presentation titled Movement + Music = Motivation. Discover how music and movement can fuel your fitness journey and keep you motivated. Let’s move and groove together!
In need of motivation to stay active? Explore our health programs, sign up for The Orbit newsletter, follow us on social media, and delve into inspiring stories of our Sponsored Athletes on YouTube. Embrace a new love for fitness today!
