I'm a 68-year-old woman who has been involved for almost 6 years in regular exercise classes at my local YMCA--weight lifting, yoga, and zumba. I also get on the treadmill once a week and do 5k. In the weightlifting classes, I use 5-pound, 8-pound, and even 10-pound handweights and load 16 pounds on the barbell. I find that I'm able to do all the exercises without any adaptations. Is there anyone else out there my age who has a similar exercise routine? So many of the senior-fitness programs focus on watered-down, "safe" exercises. I maintain that seniors are capable of much more.
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Senior Fitness Freak?
- Thread starter CAL62
- Start date
Wow, you are truly an inspiration! I'm in my 50's and just started a regular gym routine recently. As I get older, I want to maintain good health and mobility. I know to do that I must eat right and exercise regularly. Yes, older people are capable of much more, but only if they want to. I suspect most of the people in those classes are exactly where they want to be and aren't interested in the level of fitness that you are persuing (or can't for medical reasons). Here's a great idea -- why don't you look into starting your own class? Or create a like-minded group of seniors who want a more intense workout than what's offered? Great work! I hope to be as fit as you when I'm that age.
Great! It's good to hear you're just doing some good, old-fashioned working out. There's just so much information out there about what the over-50 crowd shouldn't do. I think it scares people into doing a less-than-optimal workout. They spend a lot of money on specialized classes and equipment, but they may not be getting the most for their money. Obviously, people with medical conditions should pay attention to some warnings, although I think more research needs to be done on exercise for people with health problems.
You beat me hands down on age, a mere baby at 39. With luck I will catch you up.
One of the most impressive things I witnessed at a power-lifting competition I helped at. Over 60s world record single and double arm dumbbell shoulder press being broken. Guy was around 14 stones, skin could have used some ironing, but physique was incredible. Right hand lift 41.5K over 90 pounds, left hand 37.5K around 85 pounds, both combined weight 72K around 155 pounds.
Age like most things is as much of a barrier as you are willing to let it be. I like getting older in some ways, largely because less people tell me they are too old to keep fit, and I find there are now people barely more than half my age wondering how the old man can do more than they do. Be sensible as with anyone of any age, but if you can do more and want to, go for it.
I had to perform a telephone assessment before going into the doctor a while ago and gave my age, 'disability', height, weight etc. The doctor looked shocked at my appearance and when he realised I am actually in good health. Too used to people finding excuses to be inactive, rather than viewing obstacles as challenges to overcome.
One of the most impressive things I witnessed at a power-lifting competition I helped at. Over 60s world record single and double arm dumbbell shoulder press being broken. Guy was around 14 stones, skin could have used some ironing, but physique was incredible. Right hand lift 41.5K over 90 pounds, left hand 37.5K around 85 pounds, both combined weight 72K around 155 pounds.
Age like most things is as much of a barrier as you are willing to let it be. I like getting older in some ways, largely because less people tell me they are too old to keep fit, and I find there are now people barely more than half my age wondering how the old man can do more than they do. Be sensible as with anyone of any age, but if you can do more and want to, go for it.
I had to perform a telephone assessment before going into the doctor a while ago and gave my age, 'disability', height, weight etc. The doctor looked shocked at my appearance and when he realised I am actually in good health. Too used to people finding excuses to be inactive, rather than viewing obstacles as challenges to overcome.