Vani Kola, the accomplished Managing Director at Kalaari Capital, recently shared a reflective post on her LinkedIn, offering a glimpse into her approach to life as she approaches the age of 60. With a passion for working with founders to build long-term scalable businesses, Vani Kola’s wisdom extends beyond the business realm into the intricacies of life, health, and well-being. In this post, she delves into the first installment of a series that explores the facets of life at 60 – The Body, Mind, Soul, Career, Family, and Community.
The Body at 60: A Marvelous Machine Vani Kola opens the series by inviting readers to contemplate the marvel that is the human body. Acknowledging the tendency to take our bodies for granted, she emphasizes the need to be in awe of the intricate workings that keep us going. In an era where sedentary lifestyles are on the rise, she advocates for a conscious effort and discipline to maintain a healthy lifestyle, particularly as one ages.
For Vani Kola, fitness is a holistic endeavor that encompasses mobility, strength, stamina, and flexibility. Her routine serves as a practical guide for those navigating the journey of aging:
Stamina: Understanding the importance of optimizing workouts, she calculates her target heart rate and engages in cardio activities like dance fitness or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) 2-3 times a week. Coupled with a weekly 1-hour walk and a target of 10,000 to 25,000 steps, this regimen keeps her cardiovascular system robust.
Flexibility: Integrating yoga into her morning routine twice weekly, Vani practices Ashtanga yoga, finding balance not just in flexibility but also in breath and mindfulness. Yoga, for her, is a holistic practice that contributes to both physical and mental well-being.
Strength: Acknowledging the importance of maintaining muscle and enhancing core strength, Vani incorporates weight training with 1-5 kg weights and bodyweight exercises into her routine. This ensures a well-rounded approach to physical fitness.
Mobility: In a world where prolonged sitting is commonplace, Vani emphasizes the significance of incorporating movement, even in the busiest of days. Utilizing reminders, such as those from her Apple Watch, she ensures that small, consistent movements accumulate to foster overall fitness.
Vani Kola’s fitness regimen is characterized by its simplicity and pragmatism. Dispelling the notion that fitness must be derived from complex routines, she advocates for incorporating manageable activities into one’s daily life. Whether it’s cardio, strength training, yoga, or mobility exercises, she believes that dedicating 15-20 minutes a day to fitness can make a significant difference.
In her own words, “It’s never too early or too late to start valuing your fitness and health.” Vani Kola encourages individuals to recognize the marvel that is the human body and invest time in nurturing it. She reinforces the idea that the body is a remarkable machine, deserving of care and attention.
As Vani Kola approaches the age of 60, her commitment to fitness serves as an inspiration. She exudes energy and enthusiasm, looking forward to each day with a sense of satisfaction derived from taking care of her well-being. With a promise to share more reflections on life, Vani Kola invites her audience to join her in looking back and looking ahead, embracing the journey with resilience, mindfulness, and a commitment to health.
In a world where the perception of aging often comes with stereotypes, Vani Kola’s approach to nurturing the body at 60 and beyond stands as a testament to the belief that age is just a number, and a well-cared-for body can continue to thrive with vitality and vigor. As Vani Kola guides us through her reflections, we are reminded that the journey of life is not just about the years passed but the quality of those years lived.
