How Much Exercise is Enough? Too Much?

Chainplate
Chainplate Posts: 2
in Fitness and Exercise
As I approach 60 years old and now have access to a gym nearby, I've started exercising for the first time in my life. I've lived a very sedentary life and up until now, I thought a good workout was pushing the button on the elevator.

There is no else ever using the gym so I don't know where to turn for advice. Right now, I'm walking on the treadmill at 5.5km/hour at a 13% incline for 35 minutes. According to the machine, this gets my heart rate up to 160. I then spend 10 minutes on the 'arm bicycle' (it probably has a more technical name) at half-load. I then spend either 20 minutes on the stationary bicycle or the Stair Master. This happens 3 or 4 times a week.

I perspire profusely - to the point of creating large puddles around any machine I'm working on, which is disgusting (I'm just relieved that there's no one else around) but I drink lots of water.

My weight isn't a problem - at 176 pounds and 5'11", I weigh 11 pounds more than I did when I was 16. I'm virtually never ill and I have a good attitude. I drink far too much alcohol but I like it that way.

My question is: Is this a good exercise routine for me? Should I be doing more? What goals should I have?

Thanks!

Replies

  • twopeas2
    twopeas2 Posts: 81 Member
    Nobody else can tell you what goals you should have, that's something you need to figure out yourself. Why are you exercising? What do you hope to get from it? Asking yourself those questions is probably a good place to start ????
  • RodneyAshley
    RodneyAshley Posts: 12
    I agree with twopeas2. You need to think about your fitness goals, but be sure that it is more realistic to ensure success not injury or burnout. These goals will keep you motivated and inspired you to incorporate physical activity and exercise routine within your life.
  • 2essie
    2essie Posts: 2,847 Member
    I am 63 so know where you are coming from. I too worried I was doing too much because I did quite a bit of cardio. How do you know if you are overdoing it for your age? I was at the doctors one day and asked her. She was really pleased I was doing it and saidif my joints feel ok then I am fine to do whatever I want. So, two year later, I do an indoor walk with weights and on alternate days I swing my kettlebells.

    So I guess the answer is to start out slowly and build your exercise. Grow with it and progress slowly. As long as you feel ok doing it. You will need to add to it as time goes on because your body gets used to doing the same thing.

    Good luck and remember, the best exercise is the one you can stick with. So, find something you enjoy and think you can do for life. If you get bored with what you are doing, take a look on youtube for thousands of free exercises. There is sure to be something you enjoy.
  • rchlWest
    rchlWest Posts: 2
    I've wondered myself! Was very athletic as a child and then, couch potato status hit and the rest is history! :) However, starting MMA recently I realized that what I loved about exercise was my sense of accomplishment and the burst of energy I felt after. I got a gym membership and that bored me after a while. When I stumbled unto MMA, something clicked and I was excited. Yeah every muscle of my being hurt but 30 minutes of class felt more invigorating then the hour I tried to force myself to do at the gym. I guess what I'm trying to say is: do what feels right and listen to your body! :)
  • GillianMcK
    GillianMcK Posts: 401 Member
    Your goals are your own, do you want general cardio fitness, build muscle, more flexibility, weight loss etc.
    What might be an idea is to speak to a personal trainer and get them to put together a training plan for you and maybe see to PT once a month or so to get assessed where you are and change what you're doing.
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    My question is: Is this a good exercise routine for me? Should I be doing more? What goals should I have?
    Is it good? It's fantastic you have made a start.

    Should you do more? In my opinion yes, some resistance/weights exercise to build strength would make it more rounded. Also I think you will become bored with your gym routine unless you find something you enjoy purely as an activity. For me that's cycling - I love it both as a challenging exercise but also for the pure joy of being out in the countryside. Try everything!
    As you are coming from a low base then take it steadily and build up over time.

    Goals are very personal but as a fellow "50 something" health (IMO) should be paramount. The last ten years of my Mum's life have been completely compromised by a heart attack and it's made me determined to give myself the best possible chance of a long, healthy, happy and active life.
  • Chainplate
    Chainplate Posts: 2
    Thanks for the replies, everyone, this is helpful. By the way, is it normal to get dizzy after a rigorous routine? I've never fallen down but sometimes I have to hold on to something to keep myself upright but it usually passes after just a couple of minutes.

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