60 YEARS OLD AND OVERWEIGHT

Phrick wrote: »

to lose weight, you must control your calorie intake - that is all. Seriously. Exercise is not required for loss, get that out of your head. Input your information into MFP, be HONEST about your activity level, and eat the # of calories it tells you. You'll lose weight that way and it's the easiest path IMO. Don't over think it.

Pretty much this ^. I lost weight by staying at a calorie deficit. I improved my fitness by exercising. If you want to exercise, find something you like doing, or the least objectionable (I'm not a huge fan of exercise, but I do it anyway. It makes me feel better overall).

I'm 65 and do not have a gym near by. First I walk at least 30 min at least 4 days a week. We live in the hills but when I started I would just walk down in the valley on a flat route. I also bike (not on the hills) when the weather is nice. I use in home DVDs. For a beginner Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds videos are perfect, I still use them when the weather is bad. Like you I have some old exercise videos (Kathy Ireland, Kick Butt, an ancient step) that I still use. I also have 30 Day Shred, Biggest Loser Cardio and Sclupt to encourage me to use weights. I do Tai Chi daily and stretch, I also just did a belly dancing class. A few years ago I did have some sessions with a trainer when I started with weights to make sure my form was correct so I wouldn't get hurt.
I know that all sounds like alot but the bottom line is my goal is to exercise 45 min, 6 days a week, doing something that involves strength at least two of those days. I am very very careful not to overdo because at our age any injury takes much longer to heal, so if it uncomfortable I back off. My 45 min includes Tai Chi or yoga, for me 30 min of "exercise" is a reasonable time that I can stay with for the rest of my life. Anyway this works for me.

I personally would start an exercise regime you genuinely enjoy. That way chances are higher you will also stick to it. What kind of sports were you engaged in as a teenager? What did you enjoy doing as a kid? This might give you a clue.

I like going to the gym but I understand why it can be boring for some people. There are so many alternatives. Just going to the park and playing frisbee can be so much fun. I can also recommend Pilates. I just love it. It's a great and "light" way to strengthen every muscle in your body. I live in Germany and we have a few Pilates channels on YouTube. There must be some in English. Taking walks is nice as well. You can do that anywhere and anytime. It's also great to be outside. And you can easily adjust the intensity by speeding up, slowing down or taking longer walks. If you like watching TV, you could get a stairmaster, an elliptical trainer or stationary bike and just hop on while watching your favourite shows. When I was younger we used to have a trampoline. That was fun! You might also enjoy badminton or table-tennis. You could also just try to move more, without a rigid program. Take the stairs, carry your groceries, park your car far away, take walks during lunch breaks, declutter your home, clean the windows, paint the bedroom, plant a garden, meet your friends for a hike.

But as the others have already mentioned - losing weight is mainly about controlling calorie intake. Most people overestimate the calories you burn during work-outs.

Calorie deficit for weight loss and log, log, log. Exercise for fitness, firmness, and metabolism.

As others have said. Find something you like to do. There are so many workouts on-line that you can probably find one. Or join a gym. Basically, keep moving! Walking is cheap and can be done anywhere.

We have a bunch of serious "losers" on a Community Group of 60 years old and older. Why not join us for encouragement, motivation, and tips? http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/3538-60-years-old-and-over

Water aerobics! Easy on the joints