Aging With an Attitude!

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Replies

  • luluinca
    luluinca Posts: 2,899 Member
    AnnPT77 wrote: »
    luluinca wrote: »

    I've been thinking about the "bodybuilders" we've mentioned here and that's not really what I want......what I really want is to be a weightlifter...........that way I don't have to wear the bikini but I can still be strong....

    And the Powerlifters compete in age categories, so go, you! Why not?

    I took up rowing at around 47, and have competed in in both water and indoor races - first consistent athletic activity, first team sport, and first athletic competitions of my entire life. (I'm 59 now.)

    Since cancer, one of my mottos is "There may not be a next year." That idea had me rowing in Masters Nationals after a couple of years of rowing - probably way before it was a rational thing to do so! ;)

    I might talk to my trainer about it next week and see what he thinks.............my husband would totally flip out if I started competing in weight lifting.....LOL. It might be worth it just to see his face if for no other reason. >:)

    I'm curious about what other 65 year old women can lift now. ;)
  • UncleMac
    UncleMac Posts: 13,762 Member
    luluinca wrote: »
    Wow.....you're so adventurous and I really admire that!!!!

    I've been thinking about the "bodybuilders" we've mentioned here and that's not really what I want......what I really want is to be a weightlifter...........that way I don't have to wear the bikini but I can still be strong....
    Lifting can be very rewarding. I would caution, however, it isn't as simple as grabbing heavy things and moving them around... and it is fairly easy to injure yourself if you don't know what you're doing. Having a personal trainer to set up your program and coach your lifts pays dividends.
  • luluinca
    luluinca Posts: 2,899 Member
    UncleMac wrote: »
    luluinca wrote: »
    Wow.....you're so adventurous and I really admire that!!!!

    I've been thinking about the "bodybuilders" we've mentioned here and that's not really what I want......what I really want is to be a weightlifter...........that way I don't have to wear the bikini but I can still be strong....
    Lifting can be very rewarding. I would caution, however, it isn't as simple as grabbing heavy things and moving them around... and it is fairly easy to injure yourself if you don't know what you're doing. Having a personal trainer to set up your program and coach your lifts pays dividends.

    I agree! I've had a trainer for two years now (one for back rehab and my current one for weight lifting) and have been lifting pretty heavy for the past year. I'm going to see what he thinks my chances are. I have no idea what other women my age can lift. I can do a 175 lb dead lift right now and my current goal is 200 by Christmas. But I don't know how that measures up to others.

    My other lifts aren't quite as good I don't think and I don't even know which ones they do in competition....LOL

    I have some research to do it looks like. ;)
  • UncleMac
    UncleMac Posts: 13,762 Member
    luluinca wrote: »
    I agree! I've had a trainer for two years now (one for back rehab and my current one for weight lifting) and have been lifting pretty heavy for the past year. I'm going to see what he thinks my chances are. I have no idea what other women my age can lift. I can do a 175 lb dead lift right now and my current goal is 200 by Christmas. But I don't know how that measures up to others.

    My other lifts aren't quite as good I don't think and I don't even know which ones they do in competition....LOL

    I have some research to do it looks like. ;)
    Those are good numbers. It's better you don't know what other women your age lift since most of them don't or can't lift. The best part about lifting is the competition is with yourself... and lifters support and encourage each other unlike some sports. If you want to have a real hoot, try the throwing events of track & field... shotput, discus, hammer and/or weight throw. Your lifting will pay dividends.

    For me, strength wasn't an issue. I have enough power to destroy my joints, especially my shoulders from older injuries (dislocated shoulder, protruding disks in neck). So my trainer watches my lifting form closely to prevent injury and provides a variety of lifts in order to improve my muscle balance and range of motion.
  • luluinca
    luluinca Posts: 2,899 Member
    I did a little research and it looks like I can beat the standard for a "novice" in my weight class. I couldn't even find records for women doing dead lift over age 59.....LOL.....and that record was 247 but it was really old.

    I'll probably just keep competing with myself unless my trainer has a better idea. It's fun to think about it though... :p
  • marekdds
    marekdds Posts: 2,233 Member
    You are amazing! I am a couple years younger than you and my best deadlift was 100lb. Just can't get motivated to do it more. I am definitely a cardio bunny and not a good one at that. I am just happy to not be fat.
  • luluinca
    luluinca Posts: 2,899 Member
    marekdds wrote: »
    You are amazing! I am a couple years younger than you and my best deadlift was 100lb. Just can't get motivated to do it more. I am definitely a cardio bunny and not a good one at that. I am just happy to not be fat.

    Not amazing at all really...........just stubborn. I think we all have to find our own passion when it comes to fitness anyway. And I totally agree re happiness at not being fat..............I feel the same!!!

    I texted my trainer and he said there are power lifting competitions for my age group and that it wasn't a dumb idea at all......LOL. We're going to talk about it next week.

  • marekdds
    marekdds Posts: 2,233 Member
    Well, I think it is amazing, so we will just have to agree to disagree, lol. Go for it, girl!
  • fiddletime
    fiddletime Posts: 1,868 Member
    marekdds wrote: »
    I am definitely a cardio bunny and not a good one at that. I am just happy to not be fat.

    I've jogged all my life. But. Have been thinking about lifting to get more muscle. Would use a trainer. Might start next year. I've never done anything beyond hand weights.
  • Farback
    Farback Posts: 1,088 Member
    ms7v31bmcu8r.jpg

    I pick things up.
    I put them down.
  • luluinca
    luluinca Posts: 2,899 Member
    Nice setup fatback!
  • Farback
    Farback Posts: 1,088 Member
    Thanks. This is part of the fitness centre at the fire department. In my time as Chief this was a pet project to improve the health (and survival) of our members. It's gone well. with about half of our FFs working out regularly. Still a couple who really need to make improvements that I try to coax and lead by example even though I stepped down as Chief in December (Stupid heart attack). Many of them have figured out 'if that old prick can do it...' We've got a cable weight machine, good treadmill and elliptical, bike and some free weights. With the addition of this power cage and the oly bar and weights I've not renewed my university gym membership and do all my indoor workouts here.
  • marekdds
    marekdds Posts: 2,233 Member
    That was a wonderful thing to do, you are an amazing example to follow, very impressive!
  • luluinca
    luluinca Posts: 2,899 Member
    Okay.................so I talked to my trainer today about power lifting and he's totally stoked......that's a Marine for you!!!! He seems to think I can compete with my dead lift at least in my age bracket. I'm still not sure about competing but I'm going to start the training part of it. Actually, it's not much different than what I'm already doing. Either way it's a Win, Win!

    We're having trouble finding stats re Master's Women's records but I think we'll figure it out if we keep trying. It might be possible that there just aren't that many 65 year olds power lifting.......lol

    Attitude!!!
  • marekdds
    marekdds Posts: 2,233 Member
    No kidding, probably about three of you worldwide, lol. Good for you!
  • luluinca
    luluinca Posts: 2,899 Member
    marekdds wrote: »
    No kidding, probably about three of you worldwide, lol. Good for you!

    I know right??? I bet there's more than three though......LOL
  • TravelinGal7147
    TravelinGal7147 Posts: 50 Member
    I just turned 70 and I have plenty of attitude but could use more muscle. I am still out of town so for now walking will be my exercise. As soon as I return to Florida in 2 1/2 weeks I am committing to get a trainer. Yes I have aches and pains but for sure weight loss can only improve them. I am getting ready for a trip to India in Nov 2016 and I plan to be in good shape!
  • fitotrim
    fitotrim Posts: 37 Member
    fitotrim wrote: »
    I like all the positive here! I do water aerobics with ladies in their 80s. I kayak and the leader of our group is 84
    fitotrim wrote: »
    I like all the positive here! I do water aerobics with ladies in their 80s. I kayak and the leader of our group is 84
    I just turned 70 and I have plenty of attitude but could use more muscle. I am still out of town so for now walking will be my exercise. As soon as I return to Florida in 2 1/2 weeks I am committing to get a trainer. Yes I have aches and pains but for sure weight loss can only improve them. I am getting ready for a trip to India in Nov 2016 and I plan to be in good shape!
    How exciting! Good motivation.
  • TravelinGal7147
    TravelinGal7147 Posts: 50 Member
    I too do water aerobics when I am in Flrida and I am looking forward to getting back to it. I am starting the week with ATTITUDE - all positive.
  • luluinca
    luluinca Posts: 2,899 Member
    I just turned 70 and I have plenty of attitude but could use more muscle. I am still out of town so for now walking will be my exercise. As soon as I return to Florida in 2 1/2 weeks I am committing to get a trainer. Yes I have aches and pains but for sure weight loss can only improve them. I am getting ready for a trip to India in Nov 2016 and I plan to be in good shape!

    I think your attitude is awesome......let me know if you need help asking questions of your trainer???

  • MostlyWater
    MostlyWater Posts: 4,294 Member
    Just competing with myself - did a group class today and it was me and a lot of young people ... and it was OK !
  • robertw486
    robertw486 Posts: 2,399 Member
    Great thread!

    I think at our age you HAVE to have some attitude. Otherwise we would all sit on the couch and eat, and not worry about it. I can afford to buy bigger clothes, I just don't want to.

    Luluinca, major attitude, and I love it! I would have never guessed those arms were attached to someone our age.

    Farback, I've seen your other posts about being back on "the job". Another great attitude!

    And MostlyWater, though for the most part I'm like you... more competing with myself, I do on occasion really enjoy showing the young'ens how it's done.


    A few weeks back at my biking turn around point a couple of maybe 30s guys unloaded their several thousand dollar bikes. And then drafted behind me while going upwind for several miles. While at an intersection, I made a slow roll ride through, and they blew through once they saw I was going. I managed to catch up easy, and got a little draft off them for about a mile, when the one guy notices I was still there, and tells his buddy "lets go!".

    Poor boys... all that money in their bikes, and that young foolish swagger. They couldn't even manage to break away at all. About a half mile in they faded fast. I easily put a quarter mile between us in the next couple of miles, and they gave up and turned around.

    A 52 year old guy on an old piece of crap mountain bike, 12 miles into his ride, dusted off a couple kids with all their expensive gear. I call it a non scale victory. :)
  • RodaRose
    RodaRose Posts: 9,562 Member
    Great thread. :) Reminds me to get back to the weights in the gym after the "short" break I took in the summer.
  • Farback
    Farback Posts: 1,088 Member
    Thanks Robert, and nice job showing the kids age and treachery will always overcome youth and inexperience.
  • kjurassic
    kjurassic Posts: 571 Member
    Robertw486......awesome NSV!!!!
  • luluinca
    luluinca Posts: 2,899 Member
    robertw486 wrote: »
    Great thread!

    I think at our age you HAVE to have some attitude. Otherwise we would all sit on the couch and eat, and not worry about it. I can afford to buy bigger clothes, I just don't want to.

    Luluinca, major attitude, and I love it! I would have never guessed those arms were attached to someone our age.

    Farback, I've seen your other posts about being back on "the job". Another great attitude!

    And MostlyWater, though for the most part I'm like you... more competing with myself, I do on occasion really enjoy showing the young'ens how it's done.


    A few weeks back at my biking turn around point a couple of maybe 30s guys unloaded their several thousand dollar bikes. And then drafted behind me while going upwind for several miles. While at an intersection, I made a slow roll ride through, and they blew through once they saw I was going. I managed to catch up easy, and got a little draft off them for about a mile, when the one guy notices I was still there, and tells his buddy "lets go!".

    Poor boys... all that money in their bikes, and that young foolish swagger. They couldn't even manage to break away at all. About a half mile in they faded fast. I easily put a quarter mile between us in the next couple of miles, and they gave up and turned around.

    A 52 year old guy on an old piece of crap mountain bike, 12 miles into his ride, dusted off a couple kids with all their expensive gear. I call it a non scale victory. :)

    I love this Robert................great attitude!

    I regularly out lift girls at the gym and I'm very quiet about it...................they notice though.
  • BRaye325
    BRaye325 Posts: 1,383 Member
    This thread just keeps getting more inspiring... kudos to all of you!
  • JMarcella57
    JMarcella57 Posts: 1,902 Member
    robertw486 wrote: »
    Great thread!

    A few weeks back at my biking turn around point a couple of maybe 30s guys unloaded their several thousand dollar bikes. And then drafted behind me while going upwind for several miles. While at an intersection, I made a slow roll ride through, and they blew through once they saw I was going. I managed to catch up easy, and got a little draft off them for about a mile, when the one guy notices I was still there, and tells his buddy "lets go!".

    Poor boys... all that money in their bikes, and that young foolish swagger. They couldn't even manage to break away at all. About a half mile in they faded fast. I easily put a quarter mile between us in the next couple of miles, and they gave up and turned around.

    A 52 year old guy on an old piece of crap mountain bike, 12 miles into his ride, dusted off a couple kids with all their expensive gear. I call it a non scale victory. :)

    Showing them how it's done! Loving it.
  • marekdds
    marekdds Posts: 2,233 Member
    awesome stuff! drat, now I have to go to the gym.
  • nikkib0103
    nikkib0103 Posts: 969 Member
    You rock, Robert.
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