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Fitness

Fitness should be a part of your life at any age, be that 25 or 94. The benefits are endless, whether your goal is to make that stair climb a little easier, getting to a healthy weight or to run your very first race. What do your goals entail, and what is holding you back from accomplishing them?

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Nobleman Taking my German Shepherd on a brisk two or three mile walk three or four times a week has worked wonders for me. I've lost six pounds!
Tue Feb 21, 2012, 12:01:16 PM EST

Sailinggirl49 Nobleman, I think you are really smart. Not only are you getting fresh air while you walk the dog, you also are moving that butt! I'm tempted to get a dog just exactly for the reason yuo mention here!
Tue Feb 21, 2012, 12:26:15 PM EST

Elena2010 I have been doing yoga for several years I find this activity a great way to relax and good for the body and mind.
Sat Feb 18, 2012, 2:09:26 PM EST

Socratic1 Learning so much lately about the benefits of exercise for not only the body, but the brain too. Making exercise a priority for 2012! I can do it!
Sat Dec 31, 2011, 3:58:26 PM EST

Nobleman I'm fit-- and in great shape! Round is a shape. As I get older, I'm also getting taller and I have proof. The floor is getting harder to reach and my head is poking up through my hair.
Wed Dec 14, 2011, 7:09:11 PM EST

StarryK If you'd like a giggle, I found another benefit to the popular game Angry Birds--the theme song makes a great quick beat to exercise to! Altho most tunes are a little more easy-paced for me...I have a hip with osteopenia & arthritis; it bothered me quite a bit, such as going up/down the steps, until I saved up & got an elliptical. It's easy on the joints, feels like gliding on a cloud--and fun to do, to music. I am gradually increasing time but have noticed already, NO MORE HIP PAIN!!! Better mobility, too. It's helping me lose weight that Nature & certain medications put on, & building stamina I had lost during a recent health battle. Feel like it has given me a whole new lease on life. Always consult your doc before trying something new!
Tue Sep 27, 2011, 6:19:09 PM EDT

Gemlyn I had a little fun today, and got a little exercise. I put Pandora Radio on, and played some Techno-Dance music. It got me up dancing in the kitchen while I fixed my lunch. I think I'll do that more often. Another fun thing I do, to get me up from my computer once in a while, is when I'm playing MiniPlanet on Facebook, I set my little avatar Gem on dance mode, and then get up and make the same moves she does. It's very aerobic, and even better if I have some music on, too. Hey, my motto is you're never too old to play. :)
Sat May 7, 2011, 6:33:52 AM EDT

LoriBelle I love Pandora Radio, in fact I am listening to it right now! I have also been known to dance around my living room, good stuff. Thanks for sharing.
Sat Sep 3, 2011, 11:24:05 AM EDT

smr28 There are hundreds of different ways to sneak exercise into your day, and dancing while making lunch is definately one of them! Finding ways to make exercise fun and enjoyable is what is going to keep you motivated and help you reach those goals! What are other ways that you can sneak in exercise? The more ways you find that you enjoy, the more likely you are to be consistent with exercising! Make a list, hang it on the fridge and try to pick one or two to add into your day!
Sat May 7, 2011, 8:28:35 AM EDT

AnnH OK I did a Yoga class today for the first time. I figured it would be a fluff class, half way through I had a nice sweat going on. The stretching was great.
Fri May 6, 2011, 1:30:43 PM EDT

2bsassy good for you. I took a class with my daughter and we never went again. I was sooo relaxed I started snoring!
Tue Jul 5, 2011, 4:14:00 PM EDT

smr28 Some people do think of yoga as just a stretching class but holding those poses is working those muscles too! Like all exercise, it is a great way to relieve some stress as well! If you want to challenge yourself some more, you could try a "hot" yoga class where the room is heated to 90 degrees. Just make sure you keep hydrated and don't overdo it!
Sat May 7, 2011, 8:21:34 AM EDT

Sailinggirl49 Gemlyn, I like your idea of using You Tube and Netflix for sources of exercise videos! Sometimes I can make it to class but it is hard to make the time to drive to a class and fit it in my day. If I could just watch a class at home from time to time that would be a great help.
Tue Apr 19, 2011, 3:54:34 PM EDT

Gemlyn Sorry, didn't mean to double-post. My biggest problem with exercise is that I am not consistent. I start and stop, get this great idea for a fitness program, and then fail to follow through on it. Maybe I make it too hard for myself, trying to plan it all out, especially with my ADHD. And yet, I know exercise is good for me, better than sitting with my computer all day and into the night.
Tue Apr 19, 2011, 4:47:32 AM EDT

Gemlyn I've heard of the Silver Sneakers, too, and in fact there is a group at the local hospital. It looks like a fun thing to do, but I'm a bit "under-age" until next year. ;)
Tue Apr 19, 2011, 4:42:35 AM EDT

Tony My knees are killing me and I'm only 50. I find that every morning when I get out of bed I'm stiff for about 15-30 minutes. As I keep going during the day it better. Any way to work on this issue?
Sun Feb 27, 2011, 5:02:23 PM EST

Gemlyn Yoga is good for it, too. I had problems with my knee at one time in my life, and a chiropractor told me to do yoga. A combined program of yoga and pilates with an exercise ball could be good, too. I've discovered that You Tube and Netflix are good sources for exercise videos, too.
Tue Apr 19, 2011, 4:54:14 AM EDT

Vicky56 I had a problem in one of my knees and I was stiff when I got up in the morning. I started doing Pilates, cardio sculpt, and stretching every chance I get. No more knee problems - and no more stiffness. Pilates is great!
Sun Mar 13, 2011, 10:01:33 PM EDT

ErikD Tony, I’ve played sports for years and found that my joints were beginning to ache more too. It was worse when I went hours without using them because of sitting or lying down. I found that Ibuprofen and products like Osteo Bi-flex helped me out to keep the swelling and pain down.
Mon Mar 7, 2011, 4:20:58 PM EST

smr28 Hi Tony, unfortunately I do not know how to work on that issue. That is something that you should talk to you physician about. Knee problems are common and can arise for several reasons from wear and tear on the joint from overuse, a past injury, or possibly arthritis in the knee. I suggest talking to your physician to try and figure out what is going on and what you can do about the symptoms.
Mon Mar 7, 2011, 10:41:56 AM EST

Sailinggirl49 With all the craziness of the holidays, I stopped doing my usual exercises. I can really feel the difference. Today I had to walk up a hill to a store and I was huffing and puffing. It really hit me. I need to get back intothe groove, but I just dont see where I'll get the time. I know I need to do it, though.
Tue Feb 8, 2011, 9:57:27 PM EST

smr28 Sailinggirl, unfortunately it does not take long to lose all the benefits gained from exercise. It takes 6 weeks of consistent resistance training to start seeing results, but only 2 weeks to start losing those results. With cardio the difference takes even less time. You can start seeing a decline in cardio after a couple of days without doing it. Don't give up hope, it's important that you get back on track! Life can get hectic, but you have to make the time for your health! If you can find 10 mins 3 times in the day, you can still receive health benefits! Waking up a few minutes earlier, staying up a few minutes more, stepping away from the tv or computer for a little while are a few options. Also, find ways throughout the day to be more active, take the stairs, park farther away...these are all things you might have heard before, but have you tried applying them? There will always be an excuse not to, but there are much more reasons and benefits to exercise that make it worth overcoming those excuses!
Wed Feb 9, 2011, 2:52:27 PM EST

Lisa I am a 58 year old personal trainer. I live in Trumbull Ct and specialize in "Baby Boomer Fitness". I even do in-home training as I realize the "gym scene" is terribly overwhelming to many. I am reading your posts and agree with much that has been said, but I am also seeing some excuses along the way. If there is anyone out there who can not find time to workout, text me....email me. I'll find a way for you to incorporate moderate exercise into your schedule. At this point in your life, it should be as routine and important as brushing your teeth... Life is short, so live as healthy as you can. why let the kids have all the fun??
Sat Oct 16, 2010, 12:08:20 PM EDT

Joyce My over weight, legs and back are my problems for exercising, plus I have no use of left arm.
Mon Nov 21, 2011, 2:53:18 PM EST

AnnH Lisa, I can use your help. I'm turning 50 this year and have two young kids, one not even in school yet. I could use some help figuring out how to fit in exercise time for me during the week. With work and kids, homework, sports, yard work and trying to clean the house. Really I'm not sure there are enough hours in the day.
Thu Apr 14, 2011, 12:35:20 PM EDT

smr28 I agree with you Lisa, there is always a way to add in exercise if you are willing to try! It is also great to find a way to stay motivated whether it is to keep up with your kids or to better your health. what was your motivation to become and stay in an active/healthy lifestyle?
Thu Nov 4, 2010, 8:04:03 AM EDT

smr28 Getting a group of people together to exercise is a great way to socialize and stay motivated! it doesn't have to be with a sport either, try getting a group together to just go to the gym, or walk outside!
Thu Oct 7, 2010, 9:46:27 AM EDT

PaulT I agree with you, I love getting out and playing golf. If I can't set up a time with buddies I just go down to the course and work myself into a foursome. It is a great way to meet new folks.
Mon Apr 18, 2011, 10:49:11 PM EDT

Jo-Anne There's an indoor shopping mall near my home and my husband goes there several times a week and walks. I've gone with him a few times and it turns out there's a large group of people who do the same thing. Nice way to stay in shape - as well as meet new people!
Sat Oct 9, 2010, 9:56:02 PM EDT

PaulT I've been playing basketball with the same group of guys for 10 years now. Yes, it's about the exercise. But it's even more than that. It's nice to get to see each other, along with staying in shape.
Fri Sep 17, 2010, 10:03:10 AM EDT

Chevy Glad to learn that there's someone else who enjoys the game for the friendships, too.
Fri Oct 1, 2010, 2:24:58 PM EDT

smr28 Although we may not want to think about it, colder weather is just around the corner. Have you given any thought on how to stay active during those non-summer months? Are you going to participate in a seasonal activity (skiiing, snow shoeing?) or just move your now outdoor activity indoors?
Thu Sep 9, 2010, 5:26:42 AM EDT

Jo-Anne There's a 74-year-old fellow who wrote in to the AFL Facebook page today that he likes to go to the Senior exercise programs sponsored by his local Y. Well, we Boomers and Seniors consist of a lot of people. And I think that the Y's and the Gyms are "discovering" us. Have you ever taken a class at a gym or Y that was specifically for Boomers or Seniors? I have - and I really enjoyed it!
Thu Aug 5, 2010, 9:35:11 PM EDT

PaulT Woodbat, it is great to see another guy who is active and involved with working out and the senior community. You mentioned that you host a radio show, would you mind sharing more about that?
Thu Apr 14, 2011, 12:27:31 PM EDT

smr28 That sounds like a great exercise program; It gets you into a routine three days a week and also gives you a great social aspect in and out of the gym! Keep up the good work, and keep on spreading the word about the benefits you are receiving from the program!!
Wed Feb 9, 2011, 2:41:00 PM EST

WoodBat No prior group experience before joining Silver Sneakers. I interviewed the head of Silver Sneakers for my radio show and then last summer, for Senior Fitness day, I was going to do a remote show from the YMCA. Technical issues kept me from doing the show but before I left that morning, I joined. I have a pretty good gym in my garage so I don't really need the free Y membership, but I do enjoy the social aspect of being in Silver Sneakers. In addition to the three aerobic workouts each week, we have pot luck lunches, field trips to museums, healthy restaurants, hikes along the San Antonio River Walk, etc.
Wed Feb 2, 2011, 10:08:21 PM EST

smr28 Getting involved in a group exercise program is great in numberous ways. To start off with, it helps you stay motivated by getting you into the gym on a regular basis. It also gets you meeting people and, who doesn't like to be with people you like while doing something (lets be honest) not everyone enjoys. Woodbat, how has "silver sneakers" helped you with your fitness goals? And are there any other programs you have tried before doing "Silver Sneakers" and how did they help or not help in your fitness goals?
Mon Jan 31, 2011, 1:04:58 PM EST

WoodBat The best (if for no other reason than it being FREE for most 65+) form of group exercise program that I've heard of is called "Silver Sneaker" and it is available in most of the larger cities and many of the smaller ones that are big enough to have a gym. I do a radio show on Blog Talk Radio called "Older and Active" and I constantly encourage people 65 and older to check out the "Silver Sneakers" program. I'm not affiliated with them in any way, but am a member myself and love it.
Fri Jan 28, 2011, 5:22:13 PM EST

smr28 I agree Tony, you do have a choice. You have to want to make exercise a part of your life and then find a way to fit it in that works for you. Did you know that you can still get benefit from exercise even if it is split up throughout the day? Waking up ten minutes early, going to bed ten minutes later and taking ten minutes out of a lunch break will allow you to fit 30 minutes of exercise into your day and still get health benefits!
Tue Jul 27, 2010, 6:27:14 PM EDT

This is interesting. I had heard you could get away with doing just a little bit at a time - as long as you do it a few times a day. Something like this might actually work for me.
Sun Aug 1, 2010, 8:38:49 PM EDT

Tony You have a choice. Either you do it (exercise) or you blimp out and break down. It's not easy making time, that's for sure, but it's your choice.
Tue Jul 27, 2010, 4:57:29 PM EDT

ebppuid1 How the heck are you supposed to do exercise when you work all day for long hours and are just too tired at night. It all sounds good, but I don't know anyone who works the hours I work and who has all the other commitments I have who can fit it in. It's just not possible.
Sun Jul 25, 2010, 9:54:56 PM EDT

Jo-Anne Fitness at any age is a challenge - but even more so when you're busy AND tired AND committed to so many things.
Thu Jul 15, 2010, 11:50:57 AM EDT

Jo-Anne It's not easy fitting it into a schedule. So, for me, the first step was in making the decision that it was something that really needs to happen - like brushing your teeth. And I find that I'm really "proud" of myself after I've done it - and that feeling of accomplishment makes it easier and easier to come back for the second, third and seventh time!
Fri Jul 16, 2010, 6:12:38 PM EDT

smr28 I completely agree, now you have said Jo-Anne that you are currently working out, how do you fit it in your schedule?
Thu Jul 15, 2010, 11:59:59 AM EDT

smr28 As someone who works in the fitness industry, I am very comfortable in a gym setting. However, I know it can be very intimidating just stepping into a gym for someone. Do you get your fitness in a gym setting, in the comforts of home, or enjoying nature outside, and why?
Mon Jun 21, 2010, 3:49:09 PM EDT

Jo-Anne I've struggled with exercise all my life, even though I know that we all need to be active. Finally, I decided that "I was worth it." I joined a gym - but I knew that wouldn't be enough. So I hired a personal trainer who I see at the gym for 1/2 hour twice a week. Not only am I getting stronger and feeling better with every passing week - but it's beginning to become a habit. Occasionally I'm unable to make it there, and I really miss it when that happens. And I guess that's a good thing!
Tue Jun 22, 2010, 3:03:53 PM EDT

Sherry Fitness and nutrition go hand in hand. My boyfriend Larry, 63, was very overweight, modified his eating habits, and began and exercise regimen.

However, since we've been together, he's refined it even more and the results are great. In three months he lost 25 pounds without dieting - just copying my eating habits of healthy food, only occasional desserts and bread at restaurants, and a more concentrated workout regimen that is actually shorter than the previous one, and three times a week instead of five. People remark on how good he looks and, needless to say, I'm glad to see an ever flattening stomach and leaner face.

By the way, we both eat three meals a day and have plenty of steak, fish and chicken as well as fruits and vegetables. The trick is no junk food and no snacks. After dinner, if Larry needs a sugar hit, he has a sugar-free, fat-free fudgsicle. Once in a while we eat a fattening dessert, if it's really worth it.

When you're over 50, you can definitely change your eating and fitness habits and look as good as you did 30 years ago.
Mon Jun 21, 2010, 2:40:04 PM EDT

fooddiaryuser Nice to hear that change can happen. It is great that you make him want to be a healthier person so he can stick around longer! YAY!!!
Mon Jun 28, 2010, 2:27:02 AM EDT

Jo-Anne What an inspiring story! Your friend's motivation and "stick-to-it-iveness" are to be admired. In the meantime, though, he's lucky to have you. It sounds like the fact that the two of you are working together on this issue. That may be a significant reason why things are going so well. So, congrats to you both!!!
Tue Jun 22, 2010, 11:20:28 AM EDT

Queen Of Supplements I don't believe fitness after 50 is an illusive dream. I like to do moderate excerise and light weights. I have six weeks off from my job at a school and was counting on getting limbered up and healthier again. Then form out of no where I fell busted my head open made everything stiff and sore. I have to wait a couple of more weeks to refocus. I also was hoping for a month to loose at least 15 lbs. I use supplements that are organic and I am still going to take my supplements to get it all kick started. I enjoy doing yoga stretches or just plain stretches for those who think yoga is something special. It is just a work used to describe certain stretches. Books are great ways to get ideas for simple strecthes that will make you feel fantastic. I have to wait on the stretches also. I tried them but realized I better not do them yet I was a little more sore than I thought I would be.
Sun Jun 20, 2010, 4:12:49 PM EDT

Jo-Anne I am so-o-o sorry to hear about your accident! Sounds like it was awful! It also sounds like you had made up your mind to both get into better shape and to lose some weight. What a challenge that is! Is there some special program you're following - or hope to follow?
Sun Jun 20, 2010, 6:44:06 PM EDT

Jo-Anne I recently saw an info-mercial for an at-home fitness program - no special equipment required. The "before and afters" were remarkable - and frankly, I was intrigued. Yet the more I looked the more I realized that none of these people "looked" like me. The oldest was 35. Do you think that fitness after 50 is an illusive dream?
Sun Jun 6, 2010, 7:51:45 PM EDT

Jo-Anne Hi Gerrie: You have a new career at age 62 - as a Personal Trainer! What a wonderful story! And so, I've got 2 questions for you. 1) What was your greatest challenge in transitioning to this new career; and 2) what are the greatest challenges your 70-year-old clients face as they work to keep physically fit? Best regards - and congrats!
Mon Jul 12, 2010, 8:13:48 AM EDT

Gerrie Not at all- I am 62 and have a new career as a personal trainer- most of my clients are in their 70s and very physically fit.
Sun Jul 11, 2010, 11:07:38 PM EDT

Jo-Anne Absolutely! What ARE those marketers thinking?
Mon Jun 28, 2010, 9:58:51 AM EDT

fooddiaryuser It irritates me when I am being marketed to like that. I also hate it when I look at a 'plus' size catalog and the models are all 110lbs! lol
Mon Jun 28, 2010, 2:29:03 AM EDT

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