Weight Lifting for Seniors

puppy_amor

I am looking for a good beginners weight lifting program for my parents. They are both overweight and want to loose weight and get strong. They have both been walking for years, but due to a recent knee injury, my mom has not been walking too much. They eat a very clean diet with very little processed foods. I have recently been doing Stronglifts and have noticed a huge improvement in my body composition. I want to help my parents get stronger and become healthier too but am not sure what kind of routine would be good for them. Neither of them has any experience lifting weights and they need something that is not too complicated. Does anyone have a good recommendation?

puppy_amor

Bump anyone?

JenMc14

Honestly, if they are obese and have no fitness base, a certified trainer is probably the way to go at first. If you can find one who has experience with seniors or specializes in senior training, that's probably even better, depending on how "senior" we're talking, the older I get, the older the age range for "senior" gets in my eyes! (My parents are 66 and almost 65, and I just don't see them as "senior", especially my very fit dad.)

BikerGirlElaine

I have a friend in her late 60's who was very deconditioned and overweight. She LOVES using a suspension trainer. She says having the straps to hold on to makes her feel safe. She's made great progress over the past 9 months using it. It isn't lifting weights but it will help strength and mobility

I do think it's important that they find something that they love to do. Maybe just explaining all the different options out there, and letting them choose what sounds possible and fun, would be the best way to go.

juliemouse83

I just stumbled on this link looking up something for a friend of mine...maybe there is something in there of value for you?

http://scoobysworkshop.com/fit-over-50-tips/

PLUMSGRL

Try the New Rules of Lifting For Life, by Lou Schuler.
They can make up which exercises they want to do (and physically can do).

puppy_amor

Thanks for the suggestions guys!