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?  

[ChiMom]

I've been doing the same thing for about the same amount of time. I walk 4 miles a day, go to gym & water aerobics x2 a week. I know I'm toning. But I want to loose that last 20. I've done 60.
Sent from my iPhone

[cpamama]

1st post.  I have had the fitbit zip about a month, but due to some unusual circumstances (lightning strike which took out lots of things in our house) I only really got started this week.  Since it's the zip, I kept forgetting about it while working with repairmen, buying new computer, etc.

I just ordered the wristband for hubby's birthday next week and I will probably get one of those for myself eventually.

We are both 67 and not very active, although in fairly good health for our age.  I am about 20 lbs over weight & have developed diabetes.  I do taxes from home from late January-April 15.  So, I am at the computer virtually all the time 7days a week then.  I do try to walk the rest of the year, but without good results.  So, I am trying to change that.   I am in Tennessee and summer is HOT.  I have walked this week, but it is turning hot again next week.  I saw where someone wrote about silver sneakers and I appreciate that and will check out the Y near us.

My question is how do you determine the number of steps for your goal?  I picked 6,000 pretty much out of the air.  Last week I wore my fitbit regularly for the first time, but was still dealing with repairs and stress headaches.  I usually had between 3,000 and 4,000 steps.  This week I have been near or above 5,000 steps, so I do feel 6,000 was a pretty good goal and will increase (maybe to 8,000) once I do that consistently and fall comes.  Does that make sense?

My joints and feet sure hurt, but my mood is much better (kind of depressing to have so many things wrong with the house at the same time and that includes major communication outage.)

[Glickstar]

If you are near a mall, you can walk there in the air conditioning. In our area we go in the winter to avoid the ice and snow, and the malls open early, 6AM, and allow people in to walk.

[cpamama]

The only mall near me only has outside walking from store to store. I have gone into Lowe's and walked practically the whole store. Since I'm older and have short legs, that does get in a lot of steps. But, they might ask me to leave if I did that several days a week.

[TCG]

I'm shy 6 months to my 60th birthday but I hope that I can add something to this discussion. I have always been active but last year around October I hit a wall and it was hard to get motivated, after a depressing holiday season, I decided that I was going to grab myself by my jean straps and get moving. After seeing my doctor in January I decided to go and get a gym membership, I found the least expensive one that was close to my home. After signing up, I asked my doctor to set me up with a dietician/nutritionist , we went over what I was eating and she suggested that I eat more fruit, vegetables, lean meats and less of the white flour products, like pasta and bread and to reduce the amount of white rice and potatoes. I have been off soda for 2 years so that was a non issue and I have dramatically reduced junk food, no chips, no cookies, no ice cream, cakes or candy. I may eat one candy a month. I also got a trainer, I use to work out but I was working out wrong. I also walk as often as I can when the weather is good and I ride my bike twice a week if possible. I found that by not eating a bunch of junk, I save money and I can afford my trainer. I have been doing this for 8 months now and I have lost a lot of inches on my body, the weight is stable because I am trading muscle for flab, even my shoe size has gone down. I am not only 59+, I have multiple sclerosis, asthma and discoid lupus. It's a myth that people with my conditions should not over excert themselves, but its the old wives tale of "if you don't use it, you lose it" my muscles are stronger and so are my lungs. Age is just a number, it's attitude that matters.

[Jood]

First post 

I've just found this thread, I didn't know there was a Community for Fitbit !

I'll be reading the whole thread later one, just popping in to say hello 🙂

I'm female. 65 in January. Totally unfit. Lazy...I'll need lots of kicks up the derrière on my journey so feel free to add one.

*Jood*

[clacker]

So far have been working on the weight loss and fitness on my own.  Thought I would look and see how everyone else was setting goals and sticking to them  Broke my foot early April so walking is limited - just getting back to normal. Try for 10000 steps three times a week but dont always make it

[NoraCharlesToo]

I am 64 and one year past bilateral knee replacement.  This is my first time on here.  I have had my fitbit flex for a month now and I really like it.  I was pretty active before the new knees and I want to be active after, especially since I want these knees to last.  I have 20 lbs to lose and Ill be happy.  I hae to really watch my portion control.

I walk everyday and before my surgery I went to low impact aerobics twice a week.  I have been to aerobics four times so far and I am able to keep up, except for anything that involves kneeling.

I am glad to see other women over 60 getting fit.

[NoraCharlesToo]

I forgot my main question.  Why does it say I am a "jogger?"

[NoraCharlesToo]

ahhh, I found the answer.

[NoraCharlesToo]

Hmmmmmm...sounds like me.

oops, I meant this for Jood!

[systema]

I do Linda Sansone walking at home - it is a brilliant way to keep fit especially when the weather is not good.

I do Aerobics class twice a week, aqua aerobics and of course my fitbit keeps me on my feet.

[roking]

Hi Everyone,

I just got my fitbit and it's charging as I write this. I am 65 years old and I am in horrible shape. I read an article that pretty much changed my idea of what I can still be. I used to be in great shape but just fell off the wagon, so to speak. I am ready and I am looking for a group of women who are in the same position. I am looking for ideas and I will share all I can. Have a great night. 

[roking]

I love your post. You are an inspiration.

[systema]

I am 68 - have just lost over 2st in 18 weeks and getting fitter every day. It does not matter what age you are you can do it.

[TikiPaka]

I agree, I'm in my 60's also and I do what I can do and some think I'm crazy for going above and beyond.  But I'm doing it for me..  So call me crazy, but sometimes older folks have more energy and will power than those a lot younger!  So keep stepping, I will... 

[SQUEAKY]

Hi everyone,

I love this category.  Such a wonderful inspiration. 

I'm a runner, jogger, walker, slug.  Depends on what day it is and sometimes, thankfully, all three in one day.

I know I should be lifting weights or doing some type of strength training but I fins that so boring.  Any tips from anyone?

[mom23sons]

There are so many other ways of weight training other than lifting weights. Here are some I do almost everyday: http://www.youbeauty.com/body-fitness/strength-training-at-home

Remember you body itself is a weight!

[Dodejo]

Hi, Shelley. Glad I found you. Hoping it will motivate me. I'm 73 and have at least 50 pounds to lose.  I'm a WW member but not doing a darn thing. I bought my Fitbit recently hoping it would help. I have a few minor medical issues and would like to **ahem** it in the bud, before they get worse.

[cpamama]

Just checking in. In the past month I have not met my very small beginner goals, much less gone beyond. However, I have stayed motivated and done more walking than usual for a summer month. AND, I have lost a few pounds. It is getting a little cooler, so hopefully I will have better results next time I report. Keep up the good work ladies! We are worth it!