55-65 year old women's success?

griffinca2

For those ladies that can; you should be lifting weights. Moved from one state to another and had to find a new doc that accepted Medicare (found a good one). Anyway he wanted a bone scan done; blew the lab tech away! Was the best bone scan I've ever had (and I'm 67). I do full-body three times a week w/as heavy as I can. Doctor I saw highly recommended it. BTW, you don't start out heavy, you start out light and as you gain strength increase the weight.

sheliftsweights

griffinca2 wrote: »

For those ladies that can; you should be lifting weights. Moved from one state to another and had to find a new doc that accepted Medicare (found a good one). Anyway he wanted a bone scan done; blew the lab tech away! Was the best bone scan I've ever had (and I'm 67). I do full-body three times a week w/as heavy as I can. Doctor I saw highly recommended it. BTW, you don't start out heavy, you start out light and as you gain strength increase the weight.

Congrats on your test results! Thank you for your sound advice.. that's the direction I'm heading.

-Do you have programs you have done and recommend?

RetiredAndLovingIt

I am interested in the weight lifting information, too

AnnPT77

This is a really good, comprehensive MFP thread on weight training programs, with useful info for any and every age and stage:

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you

sheliftsweights

AnnPT77 wrote: »

This is a really good, comprehensive MFP thread on weight training programs, with useful info for any and every age and stage:

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you

Thank you!

griffinca2

Sheliftsweights, I do a full-body three times a week; I use a local parks & rec facility that has mostly machines (w/some free weights; price is right). I try to rotate the exercises/increase the weight (when I can) so my body doesn't get into a rut. There are lots of programs out there, pretty sure you can find something that works for you. Good luck!!

sheliftsweights

griffinca2 wrote: »

Sheliftsweights, I do a full-body three times a week; I use a local parks & rec facility that has mostly machines (w/some free weights; price is right). I try to rotate the exercises/increase the weight (when I can) so my body doesn't get into a rut. There are lots of programs out there, pretty sure you can find something that works for you. Good luck!!

You are fortunate to have access to a facility that works for you! I am sure I will find a program .. doing something is better than nothing.. which has gone on to long for me. Thank you!!

Evamutt

I'm cleared of pneumonia so been exercising. I'd like to share that I'm a care giver to a lady who had a stroke & it effected her right side. No use of R arm but can walk slowly with a brace on her R leg. On Wednesday's I take her to a "ppl with disabilities" life group at church. I'm so amazed that all the ppl there are so active. There's one couple who are both in a wheelchair mostly, they can stand for short periods. They are so busy. The lady voluteers to answer phones at a food distribution place, they both go to many events, church & otherwise. They go to exercise at a physical therapy place(they're both over weight) & the lady does zumba with her upper body on saturdays!! They go everywhere on Handy ride. She is SO cheerful & encouraging & neither one of them complain, except to ask for prayer if there's some medical issue. Our leader is a retired paraplegic lawyer who is very funny & also drives, then there's several others that use a walker & use handy ride.They are great group. The lady I care for is the only one who complains, a LOT (only to me) about her stroke

1Nana2many

I am a person who believes in the power of positive thinking...and since you are taking her to church...you might remind her that she could have been one of those stroke victims who can no longer articulate her complaints about her lot in life...Now, before everyone gets upset..I have a very dear older friend who used to complain quite a bit and was not very tolerant of other’s infirmities, like hearing loss. She made a very snide remark about a gentleman who was nearly deaf as he exited his car to come into the local diner where we knew he would join us at the communal dining table..I’m afraid I snapped at her that she should be thinking, “There, but by the grace of God, go I” since she had recently recovered very well from a brain aneurysm and no one was intolerant of her infirmities during her recovery. I was simply letting her know I didn’t think it was appropriate for her to do so. I am not suggesting you snap at this lady, but you might remind her of just how blessed she is and that we all carry our own burdens, some not at visible as others. Maybe God still has a purpose for her, otherwise, she might not have survived the stroke. Sometimes it just helps to see that there is a brighter side to whatever is going on in your life.

By the way, this lady has since moved away and still keeps in touch with me. We are pretty close mostly because I was the only person who called her on her negative comments. Most other people just avoided spending time with her.

Evamutt

she can't speak very well either. I have been gently talking to her about how much worse it could have been. She wasn't expected to walk again or have the feeding tube removed at first, so she's come a very long way.At the same time I do my best to empathize with her too, it's not easy. It's strange that in her way of thinking, life was supposed to be positive & smooth if you work hard at it & she did, then this happened. I do hope one day she will heal enough emotionally to move on & live in the present. I took a break from working with her for almost a year, I didn't want to keep hearing her talk about how unfair this is etc, etc. I know she went through a lot, but it was getting me down. She's not as bad about it lately

griffinca2

I don't think God appreciates our complaining; remember what happened to the Israelites when they were complaining about the manna; He sent them quail to eat, but sent leanness to their souls. I know it's hard sometimes not to complain (it's so easy to do); but need to remind ourselves that we could be worse off.

Evamutt

no, He doesn't, it was recorded for our benefit so we don't

bikecheryl

MissMaggieMuffin wrote: »

kjurassic wrote: »

I can totally relate to the way luluinca feels. It's one reason I tend to stay away from the more "mature" age groups om MFP for this very reason. Let's face it, once you get to a certain age, we ALL have issues aches, pains, surgeries, conditions, etc. Suck it up, give it your best and keep moving!!!! Luluinca, I think you're my new "hero!"

So true!
Yes, I am 60 years old; yes, I have health issues - but neither of those things define the person that I am. I am grateful for the blessings that I have and am going to do my darndest to keep fit and healthy and live every minute of my life.

Yes !!!!

Czzamoment

Do you mean free weights? I do 30 min on elliptical and 30 min on weight machines. I never did free weights. Where should I start? Today is my first day starting MFP

griffinca2

Start w/weights that bring you close to failure in the 8 to 12 rep range. Don't try to start off too heavy; proper form is more important than the weight. Check out Bodybuilding.com, they have instructions for different exercise so that you do them correctly. Good luck!!

AnnPT77

Czzamoment wrote: »

Do you mean free weights? I do 30 min on elliptical and 30 min on weight machines. I never did free weights. Where should I start? Today is my first day starting MFP

This thread points to some well-designed strength programs, including beginner programs, that are a good starting point. You can also ask questions there

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

Evamutt

I do free weights with Fitness Blender, there are so many to choose from

debtay123

I am glad you brought up fitness bender- I am going back to them. I have been walking mostly since I got a fitbit at christmas- but I did enjoy lifting my small weights- was fun

Evamutt

I upped my weights. I love lifting weights

griffinca2

Love the weights too; go heavy as possible!

lovesretirement

Hi ladies...I definitely agree with all that’s been mentioned about weight lifting/strength training. My why is simply staying mobile as I age, and lifting is empowering! Hasfit.com has great workouts for every fitness level (senior to advanced and even chair)to include strength training/weight lifting, cardio, rehabilitation, and high/low impact workouts on YouTube. I supplement these workouts with Zumba and water aerobics, but they could easily be your entire program as they frequently add new workouts a few times a month. Check it out!

amazsplendor

Thank you for the suggestions @lovesretirement!

marjtrewin

Hello ladies, how many calories do you allow yourselves per day. I tried restricting to 1200, not always doable.

AnnPT77

marjtrewin wrote: »

Hello ladies, how many calories do you allow yourselves per day. I tried restricting to 1200, not always doable.

My goal is 1850 + exercise but actual maintenance is 2000 or so + exercise. (Right now I'm trying for a slow loss to make up for over-indulgence in recent months, but my general maintenance strategy is to eat a little under most days in order to indulge on occasional days).

Most of my initial 50 pounds or so loss was at 1400-1600 plus exercise.

Evamutt

My maintenance cal is 1700, which I have been living on since last Nov but decided to start eating at a deficit again started last Monday, so it's 1440 for 1/2 lb/wk. Did great the first 3 days & yesterday I was just hungry. I did lose almost 1 lb this week tho. I also got sick again & finished another round of antibiotics so I'll be working out again soon

bikecheryl

Hi.... I was at 1350 for the last 11 months and lost 100 lbs.

I've recently taken it down to 1250 to rid myself of the last 30lbs to goal.

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the whole "when you weigh less you don't need as many calories per day" along with the "you weigh less so you don't burn as many calories doing the same exercise".

I am so looking forward to maintenance.

griffinca2

Agree w/the above; you don't want to under eat for your body's needs. You may want to re-adjust your cals up some (depending on your height, etc). Read on some fitness sight that you don't want to set your cals too low when first starting on a program; doesn't leave much wiggle room when you get closer to your goal and need to cut back more to lose the last few lbs. I'm 60+, in maintenance and eat close to 1700 cals a day; but I lift weights three days a week. Experiment and see what happens. If you're hungry a lot may mean you're under eating. Good luck.

tlawsonlpn3

Is this group still going? The posts look old. I am 55 and and BEYOND frustrated with trying to lose #. I have never had a weigh problem but I can not manage to get these 15 pounds off.been trying for 2 years. As of Feb started really working out and tracking cals. I am now running 2-4 miles daily, keeping cals at or below 1200 (other than cheat days) and nothing!!! I am more fit and energized now but this is rediculous. 150 lbs does not seem unreasonable, just appearantly, imposible. Thanks ladies for sharing!

kjurassic

I check in on this group from time to time. The less you have to lose, the longer it seems to take. You seem to be doing the right thing. Just keep at it - it WILL happen!

adotbaby

I just started MFP 2 weeks ago and lost 5 pounds already. At 55, 5'4", I need to lose another 60 to my ideal weight. It's definitely more challenging to lose weight now compared to when I was 25. Tracking is vital; it really boosts my motivation. Reading these posts has been all the difference tho. All of us have struggled with weight, but not feeling alone is the real prize. So many don't appreciate good health until they have health issues. I want to stay healthy, but improve my health by losing weight. Thank you, ladies, for the inspiration and solidarity. Keep up the good work.