How do women over 60 get in shape?

[Shelley]

Hi all!  I am starting this thread to help all the ladies from our old forum get started up again over here in the new place.  Hope you all find this thread.  Getting in shape after 60 has its own challenges especially when you have lost muscle, have slowed metabolism and hormone changes.  How are you getting and staying fit?  What s working for you?  

[DarleneJA]

so how do I join the young chicks in the 60+ group?  age: 68 and pushing 16.

[Dinca]

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@DarleneJA wrote:

so how do I join the young chicks in the 60+ group?  age: 68 and pushing 16.

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Hi Darlene. It's nice to meet you! I don't think you need to "join" per se...just post to this thread. At least, that's what I've been doing. If I'm mistaken about this I hope someone will kindly let us both know. lol...

[DarleneJA]

thanks. I like the mixture of substantive advice and a bit of humor or personal touches.

[DarleneJA]

Hiking Ireland!  What a good plan. I know a couple of guys who hike Hadrians wall every summer.  Apparently there are good trails.  Tuscany also.

[broussca]

I stay healthy and in shape by doing marathons and ultramarathons. I started doing them after breast cancer, did my first half in 2006, my first marathon in 2008 and ultramarathon in 2009. The races are my "long runs" now and in-between races, I just have to stay in shape. I need to add more cross-training...am planning to start swimming laps over the summer.

I've done 65 marathons now (in 42 states). It's fun and addictive.

[broussca]

Join me in the: 90%+ and over sixty group in the Fitbit community!

[andepk]

Hi!  New at this.  I have used the fitbit for a while tracking my steps but have not taken the time to really apply myself.  I have tried to increase exercise but now that I am retired I just can't get enough steps in to do any good.  I found you but I don't see anything to help.

[broussca]

No, no one has joined the group yet. You might find something in 90% and over 50 because it's been around a lot longer. I advise you to approach work out time like an appt. and set a goal. Just go and walk around the neighborhood for a half hour. Any interest in running or walking a 5k? If you are, look up couch to 5k online ...you'll find tons of stuff and some of the sites tell you exactly what you need to do each day as you train. Good luck!

[andepk]

I already exercise.  Watch what I eat.  I don't want to joint 50 group.  I would rather join 60 group when/if it gets started.  Thank you for the info.  I have my steps up to 4,000 or more.  I need to increase but I want to get to 10,000 average.  Thank you for the info.

[offthewall]

I think the "trick" is to be gentle with ourselves and increase steps & exercise slowly. I have a current goal of 6,000 steps/day - but some days can only do 4,000. Hope to increase steps each month. I use the NU-STEP machine at the gym - it is good for us older out of shape types - as well as people with arthritis and other problems.

I tried to mow the back lawn today - and did do 2/3 before the mower stopped (and I could not get it started again) - and it was a good thing it stopped because I am really hurting now.  But, then again, I should be joining a 70 plus group.  I do get exasperated when people tell me things like "my daughter does between 10 and 15 thousand steps a day"  - when daughter in question is 25 and does not have 2 metal hips.  Or... "why don't you take Zumba?"  (I am not allowed to jump and even Zumba Gold for seniors would be much too much right now).   I do have a recumbent exercise machine at home too and sometimes use it during TV commercials.  But a younger friend (in her 40's and is decent shape) suggested I use the machine for an hour at a time.  Think that would do me in completely right now!

So... we have to keep moving, but at our own pace.     Bev

[Shelley]

There is a great group under the Activity Groups section called "Women Over 60".  Lots of activity and support.  

[andepk]

wow!  Thank you for emailing me.  I think the contact with others help.  Yesteday I did more then 8000 but then I kept really busy with cleaning out a closet and rearranging a room while cleaning it.  I use to bike ride but in the last three years have stopped for work kept me too busy.  I am retired now and need to get bike repaired.  I have thought of the sitnride.com bike that I could use whild doing my crafts and watching TV since I like to ride a bike.  It is expensive to purchase.  I know it would increase my steps and is good for the joints.  I don't go to the gym anymore.  I should start going again.  Again,I really appreciate your contact.  You sound like a wonderful person.  Keep up the good work.  Fitbit has been great to help me to get myself moving.

[alice5402001]

Hi, Carol.  I  found this  new  site.  I like  it.  I  took my  walk this  morning.  Alice Schatz

[SunsetRunner]

I'm 52 years old and even though I've been losing inches, the weight isn't moving.  I saw my rheumatologist today and she mentioned this 7 minutes work out that's on YouTube.  It's 7 or 8 exercises that you do in a short time frame and it's suppose to jumpstart your metabolism.  I watched the video and I know some of the exercises I will have a challenge doing due to my arthritis.  She said even if you can do some, it will still help. So, I'm guessing once you do this video then you do another cardio exercise like riding an exercising bike.  I'll be trying this later today.

[tasia]

Me too :-). Yay for us!

Sent from my iPad

[pohlmbs]

Awesome...and so encouraging!!!

[Sappi]

It was nice to know your views Shally it is difficult to loose those extra pound when one is in its late 50's

[Shirleigh]

Ditto.

Shirleigh

[Kathymac61]

Hello My name is Kathy No Im not 60 however I am 53 and would love to gain friends to motivate and inspire me as I would for them. I am a former Weight Watcher Leader and still follow the program. I do have slow down in the weight loss department, sadly that comes with age. However we can lose some weight I believe in us. Thank you for considering me as a Friend.

[tasia]

Welcome and good for you for helping others. I am sixty our and it is much harder to lose now. Being a yoyo dieter hasn't helped either. I have good days and bad days but many many more good days now as I stay focused and moving. 🙂 Good luck and stay in touch! Stacy

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