Any suggestions for exercising for seniors?

cindys0417
cindys0417 Posts: 1,279 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi .. Im 65 years old and just joined MFP...any exercising tips for seniors and what kind of exercising is good? thanks much.:heart:

Replies

  • mamaomefo
    mamaomefo Posts: 418 Member
    Walking is good for all ages, and some weight lifting starting out with light weights. When my mom was laid up with compartment syndrome her PT told her to start out with cans of soup if she wasn't used to lifting. Always start easy and build up your stamina. Also hydrate!
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    My dad (74) started with walking, some swimming. We've added in jogging (intervals), static bike and weights.

    He does pretty much everything I do, but he takes it a little easier if he's worried.

    (Look up Fauja Singh, for a bit of senior inspiration. :-) )
  • ShreddedTweet
    ShreddedTweet Posts: 1,326 Member
    My Dad had a stent put in last year and then decided he should lose weight!!! He's 68 and about 220lbs, his doctor has him walking and swimming both at an easy pace, static bike and sometimes he does some bicep curls with a fairly light weight. Just take it easy at the start but do start! Best of luck with it!
  • katkins3
    katkins3 Posts: 1,359 Member
    I'm 62.
    I started at Jazzercise because they had low impact classes and were happy to talk to me after class to modify any movement that needed it or just answer questions.
    Our gym was also helpful and gave us a free introduction to the weight machines, so we would know how to use them.
    Some areas have a community center that offer a variety of fitness options.
    Beside Jazzercise, I really enjoy Tai Chi.
    I hope you find options in your area that appeal to you.
  • gramacanada
    gramacanada Posts: 557 Member
    I do what the Juniors do. Only start s l o w e r. For shorter times. No bouncing or jerking. If an exercise doesn't feel good. Ah well. I just do a few more of something that does. :smile:
  • Purplebunnysarah
    Purplebunnysarah Posts: 3,252 Member
    Something like Yoga is good for all ages!
  • cindys0417
    cindys0417 Posts: 1,279 Member
    Thanks for the suggestions! Appreciate it! :heart:
  • gxm17
    gxm17 Posts: 374
    Something like Yoga is good for all ages!

    ^^^^This!

    You can do just about anything the kids do, just need to start with lower intensity, low impact and attention to form. Find something you love and make it a part of your daily routine. Exercise at our age is the best gift we can give ourselves!
  • CRody44
    CRody44 Posts: 776 Member
    I’m 67 and just joined a gym and got a personal trainer. The only restrictions my doctor put on me is to keep my heart rate to 125 BPM or less (as the result of a stress EKG test). Also, because of an artificial knee, I’m not supposed to run, jump, squat, or lift over 40 pounds with my knees. My trainer developed a program where I don’t put pressure on my knees. I do cardio on a seated elliptical bicycle. This has several advantages, no pressure on the knees, the seat in nice and wide with a backrest (no impacted little bicycle seat up my shorts). She has me doing weights for my arms, shoulders, back and front, and floor exercises with a 55mm ball for legs, butt and stomach. I also do knee pushups, bar pushups and planks.

    My wife does water aerobics and loves it. She has sore muscles (burning fat and building muscle) just like I do after my workouts. I’m afraid to get in the pool out of fear of getting harpooned my Ahab.
  • dtucker3800
    dtucker3800 Posts: 17 Member
    I agree with everyone's suggestions here. I know that walking has worked for me. I also am doing the exercises for older adults on the CDC website. These are easy to do and help build your strength up for more vigorous exercises.

    http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/growingstronger/
  • MostlyWater
    MostlyWater Posts: 4,294 Member
    Speak to your dr about your goals and what he suggests.

    In NYC, I see seniors at regular Spin class, just for seniors Silver sneakers, doing chair Zumba, pilates, doing the treadmill and other machines, and everything else in between.

    What do you want to do?
  • blf20
    blf20 Posts: 97 Member
    Welcome to MFP.
    The weather is likely warm enough at your lake that you could swim a good all-round exercise. Just check out the calories you can burn on the Exercise tab. For safety, I swim parallel to the shoreline. If you're not a strong swimmer, you can still exercise in the water or tread water near the dock. A great way to beat this heat!
  • ssohni
    ssohni Posts: 4 Member
    I have a pool so I use it daily. Since I have a torn meniscus in my knee, I can't walk much. So, I walk in the pool. Kind of boring so I put my earpiece on and talk to friends or put the TV on loud or listen to music. I do about 15-20 minutes of walking in water up to my chest, I then go to the deep end and bike ride in the water. Keeps those legs going.
    At least once a day and sometimes twice, I get on the stationary bike. It is set to be hard to pedal so I don't spend a lot of time on it but 10 mins will do.
    Oh, and failed to mention that I am 68.
  • cindys0417
    cindys0417 Posts: 1,279 Member
    just fyi...was looking for exercising info on you tube and found an old one called "walk away the pounds" ... I was able to do that one and its free on you tube instead of you going to buy something. try it if you are just starting out with an exercise routine..:heart:
  • cindys0417
    cindys0417 Posts: 1,279 Member
    thank you all for more suggestions. This is going to help me alot. Also thanks for welcoming me to this website. This site is great!

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