Strength Training at 70

Debi1956
Debi1956 Posts: 5 Member
in Fitness and Exercise

hi is there anyone here that is close to my age and starting strength training?

Answers

  • Retroguy2000
    Retroguy2000 Posts: 2,120 Member
    edited July 18

    Not a million miles away from there. There are at least a couple of 'older' active lifter posters here.

  • nossmf
    nossmf Posts: 14,979 Member

    Not yet 50 myself, so not in your desired demographic, maybe one of them will post there actual experience. But some words of advice for somebody starting lifting, especially at your age:

    • Safety first! Learn proper technique for every lift to minimize chances of injury. A couple sessions with a personal trainer will go a long way
    • Don't try to lift uber-heavy, stick to sets of at least 5 reps, preferably 10
    • Warm up your muscles and joints thoroughly with a little light cardio to get the blood pumping, some light stretching of the limbs to be worked, and multiple warmup sets of the first exercise of the day using weights lighter than what you will use for the heaviest sets
    • Get plenty of rest, not only sleep at night but also at least a full day between working the same muscle group (for example, chest Monday, no chest again until at least Wednesday)
    • If your joints or muscles don't allow you to do a lift comfortably, DON'T DO IT! There are dozens of exercises to work every muscle, find an alternate one which doesn't hurt or allows better range of motion
  • myrnacarrier84
    myrnacarrier84 Posts: 3 Member

    There is a 70 year old plus woman named Joan MacDonald who has her own youtube channel.

    She is very inspiring and I have taken up some training with a small group at my community rec centre after seeing how great she looks.

    I am 82 years old and I am finding it very good for strength, endurance. My balance is getting increasingly better. You are never to old.

  • nkovacs53804
    nkovacs53804 Posts: 22 Member

    it’s never too late to begin or continue strength training.
    I’m a 71 year old former powerlifter and continue to train with resistance exercises.
    They needn’t be complicated or unduly put stress on joints but it will sure help your overall fitness.

  • dahliacats1
    dahliacats1 Posts: 2 Member

    Hi, my name is Harriet, I'm 69 and thinking about starting strength training. Slow and steady works best, I guess, starting light and gradually increasing weight and reps. Now just getting myself to the gym is the next hurdle.

    What's your situation?

  • p8m6bwghh9
    p8m6bwghh9 Posts: 981 Member

    I’m 63 and found a class that I have been attending for about a year. Some of the regular leaders are in their 70s & 80s. I didn’t know when I started but it is based on research out of Tufts University and is available in a lot of places. It might be worth checking out 🤷‍♀️

    StrongPeopleProgram.org

  • sjmcke01
    sjmcke01 Posts: 1 Member

    I’m 70 and have done weightlifting on for the last 35 or so years. My workout has changed as I have gotten older. I absolutely encourage you to follow this path. Strength/resistance training is very important as we age, particularly important for women as it actually builds bone and will help you stave off osteoporosis. My personal anecdote is that I am one of three sisters, all about the same age range, and I am the only one who has not been diagnosed with osteoporosis. I am also the only one who is done weightlifting as a chosen exercise.
    I highly recommend working with a trainer at least until you learn proper form and how much you actually should be lifting, to avoid injury because that will just not only discourage you, it will slow down or even stop your pursuit of this type of exercise.

    I personally love it because the endorphin release I get from weightlifting is just the best. I feel so energized after a good workout.

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