Exercise for older/injured people

Girl_du_jour · October 2012

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone has any tips I can use to help my mum. She's really overweight (needs to lose at least 70lbs) but she finds it hard to exercise because of various injuries (some of which were caused by her being so overweight!).

She has arthritic hands and knees, and has recently had steroid injections for a problem with her shoulder. She will be 60 next year. I just feel so sorry for her - she has been overweight for a long time and the older she gets the less she believes she can lose the weight. She lacks a lot of conifdence and because she cares for a disabled child her time is limited.

I paid for her to have swimming lessons once but she was very nervous in the pool and while she did okay for a while, her teacher got changed, she didn't like or trust him so she stopped going. I know swimming would be the best exercise for her because it's low impact and would support her joints etc, but it's going to take a long time to get her back in the water.

Does anyone have any other ideas for exercise she can do? I really want to help her as much as I can but I'm running out of ideas for cardio she could do!

Girl_du_jour · October 2012

BTW I should mention we live in the UK, and also that she is on medication for a thyroid condition which doesn't help with weight loss!

BrianSharpe · October 2012

How about keeping it simple and starting with just walking.

Keep in mind, however, that weight loss happens in the kitchen; she can exercise like crazy (which would be beneficial and improve her fitness) and not lose a pound if she eats too much.

Is she committed to losing weight and becoming healthier? If not you can only lead by example and hope that she comes to the realization that only she can help herself.

bathsheba_c · October 2012

Are there any other water classes, like water aerobics she could do? Also, the Iyengar style of yoga trains teachers to work with students who aren't in yoga-shape, so they have a lot of props for use by people with limited flexibility. Also, just going for a walk is good.

Chenoachem · October 2012

The best thing I have done whenever injured in cycling. A simple recumbent exercise bike would help her a lot.

Keiko385 · October 2012

Google Leslie Sansone walking videos, there is a ton of them on Youtube, simple yet effective

dorothytd · October 2012

Google Leslie Sansone walking videos, there is a ton of them on Youtube, simple yet effective

Yes, this!

darrensurrey · October 2012

I paid for her to have swimming lessons once but she was very nervous in the pool and while she did okay for a while, her teacher got changed, she didn't like or trust him so she stopped going.

Not sure what this means. Is it that big a deal that she refuses to learn to swim?

In any case, she could try walking in the water - the resistance will be useful.

Alternatively, tai chi is a good exercise for those with limited movement who are still mobile.

Girl_du_jour · October 2012

Thanks Keiko and Dorothy - had never heard of Leslie Sansone but will look at the vids!

@ Chenoachem: If you don't mind my asking, what was your injury? I'm not sure her knees would be able to take it but I'd certainly like her to try!

@ Darrensurrey: I see what you're saying - I just get frustrated because I know it would be the best thing for her if only she wasn't nervous about it. She can swim fine but she leaves such long gaps between going that she forgets she can do it and gets nervous all over again. She didn't like the new swimming teacher and it was a perfect excuse to stop going.

beachlover317 · October 2012

Is she on MFP? If she can do that, it would provide her a peer group that is exercising at all different levels. Maybe this would be the motivation for her to step out of her comfort zone and do things that she doesn't think are possible. I'm 54, was very overweight, and I am now lifting heavy, kickboxing, and starting to run. I would have NEVER thought that I would be doing that at my age! Get her involved if she is not already on MFP! Good luck!

ETA: I also had a knee injury, but through strength training it is allowing me to do all the things above!

Girl_du_jour · October 2012

Thanks Beachlover - it's really inspiring to hear that! Congratulations on coming this far and it sounds like you're loving it enough to keep doing it.

I helped her set up a profile on MFP and she liked the look of it, but she doesn't get to come online much. I'll keep encouraging her though - I think it really makes a difference. Has to me anyway!

Thanks to everyone who has replied anyway - really encouraging and helpful to hear your ideas. If there was a 'Like' button I'd click every post...

Scottish_Lass · October 2012

When I was recovering I started with walking more, and of course physio. I just did a little more whenever I could manage. Swimming is great, but can exacerbate back injuries if the strokes are done incorrectly. I was advised to stop swimming until my back muscles were stronger. Don't know if that helps you at all, but if her back isn't injured then swimming will probably be best if you can get her back into it again

sandra152 · October 2012

I am 61 and go to aquafit classes their are women there who have waight problems and injurys and arthritus and they all say that it realy helps I have made many new friends there too.you should look for a class at your nearest leasure centre goog luck.massage me on how she is getting on .

terribla · October 2012

I just wanted to reply to your request. When I started out exercising, I weighed 550lbs and could not stand up. I was in severe pain from arthritis and fibromyalgia so I started out by do exercising while I was lying in my bed or sitting in my wheelchair. I did sit ups and alot of exercises for my legs (with & without therabands). Then I started doing water exercises and walking/jogging in the pool. I have now lost 237lbs, but I still cannot walk yet and I still have the severe pain, so my exercises have remained the same. Just encourage her to always be moving something (arms, legs, etc) even when she is just sitting watching TV or whatever. I hope this helps you some & gives you both a little hope. I hope she relizes that she can move some and any moving helps.

blankcanvas · October 2012

I have a tyroid cindition as well, plus bad hips and shoulder which i also get injections for. I have recently discovered Leslie Sansone dvds. Theyre wonderful for people like us! Its indoor walking that you can do at your own pace from beginner to more active. I actually make myself do it each day now, no matter how I feel, because I find it actually seems to relieve some of the pain...good luck and how wonderful that youre trying to help your Mum:)

Girl_du_jour · October 2012

Seriously, thank you so much. Some of these stories have literally brought a tear to my eye. I'm going to send her a link to this page now and let her read just how inspiring you all are!

People can be amazing - both for what they can achieve and how nicely they can treat other people... :-)

Chenoachem · October 2012

Thanks Keiko and Dorothy - had never heard of Leslie Sansone but will look at the vids!

@ Chenoachem: If you don't mind my asking, what was your injury? I'm not sure her knees would be able to take it but I'd certainly like her to try!

@ Darrensurrey: I see what you're saying - I just get frustrated because I know it would be the best thing for her if only she wasn't nervous about it. She can swim fine but she leaves such long gaps between going that she forgets she can do it and gets nervous all over again. She didn't like the new swimming teacher and it was a perfect excuse to stop going.

I had a broken leg and one knee surgery. I also used it to recover from having tumors removed from just behind my belly button.

Exercise for older/injured people

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