Weight lifting for women

I am 61 years old, 5'7 and weigh 220 pounds. I also have bad knees. Will I be able to do this? I have hand weights at home and wonder if those would do until I get the hang of it. I don't want to go and buy something and waste my money if it isn't going to work for me. So I am just asking.

Replies

  • MissShannonFit
    MissShannonFit Posts: 10 Member
    You absolutely will be able to do this! Mind you, you wouldn't be lifting heavy.. but it's definitely an effective form of exercise. I train my father (in his late 60's) who has had shoulder surgery, and he is still able to lift.. just not anything too heavy and I usually need to customize his routines so he can preform them without any discomfort. I think it's worth looking into if it's something you'd be interested in doing.
  • jessonsangels
    jessonsangels Posts: 11 Member
    You should definitely train with weights, what you need to do is get yourself some really good guidance. I have suffered from arthritis in multiple joints and always thought weights would never make a difference to my shape. I invested in a personal trainer, and she has changed my life, I am lifting heavy weights and feel stronger than 20 yrs ago.
    Don't let age hold you back and invest in a really good trainer
  • retirehappy
    retirehappy Posts: 4,756 Member
    tobybears8 wrote: »
    I am 61 years old, 5'7 and weigh 220 pounds. I also have bad knees. Will I be able to do this? I have hand weights at home and wonder if those would do until I get the hang of it. I don't want to go and buy something and waste my money if it isn't going to work for me. So I am just asking.

    Use the dumbells here is a dumbells only workout that can be done at home, from the Eat, Train, Progress group moderator Sara

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/902569 using dumbells only no bar.
  • 10inprogress
    10inprogress Posts: 89 Member
    The great thing about weights is you can work at your own pace. Remember to lift heavy enough to still challenge your muscles and you absolutely CAN do this!