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?  

[andepk]

I have decided today that I will try to be more active.  I am over 60+  and find I like to sit and work on my sewing, quilting or crafts so I forget about the time.  I mow, edge and weedeat the yard once sometimes twice a week.  Work on my veggie garden but just could not get in more then 4200 steps a day.  I have decided to get in walking no matter how hot the day but make sure I take water with me.  Today I started walking and put in 45 minutes.  I have decided I am going to loose this weight.  I need to loose 40 pounds so between walking and start exercising 30 minutes I hope to get in 10000 a day.  that is my goal.  Starting today. I do not eat a much.  I eat fresh veggies mostly. 

[tasia]

It is hard to get up to 10000 steps. I use my rebounder (mini trampoline) and it helps a lot without stressing my joints and dealing with the elements. Give it a try and happy losing...you will feel better! Stacy
Sent from my Verizon 4G LTE Smartphone

[offthewall]

I started "interval training" 2 weeks ago and I am firmer and can breathe more easily going upstairs. Weight still not down much -but I will persist.  Do 4 minutes moderate pace on the NuStep machine (a recumbant machine - safe for the elderly and those with replacement parts like me) then as fast as I can for 45-60 seconds to get heart rate up - then back to moderate for 4 mintes (repeat until someone else needs machine).  Also on treadmill - I walk  for 4 minutes - then increase incline to 11 degrees for 1 minute. Will try on my size 14 pants again in another 2 weeks - they now fit in hips and thighs - but waist too tight - but I could not even pull them up at all 1 month ago. This is a permanent commitment for me - not just a quick fix.  It will take at least 1 year for me to get to a good weight - but I do feel much better now.   I go to gym 5-6 times a week (ended my job 1 month ago, so I have the time ).    Bev

[andepk]

No mini trampoline for me.  I will walk, Hiphop Abs, Rock N Body or work in the garden.  I almost made it to my goal yesterday for the 10,000 steps.  If I loose the weight it will be worth it.  Then to keep it off by exercise.  I think I can do this.  I know being positive is the first step to doing it.  Here I come to a skinner me. You can do it.  I can do it.  thank you all for your comments.  It helps.

[tasia]

I was so excited the first time my flex band started flashing and vibrating.:-). Yes, we can get healthier! Glad you are going strong! Keep drinking water and moving.:-)

Sent from my iPad

[cdpatches]

I walk walk walk - I used to go to gym (and I really miss it) but the walk walk walk seems to be working and I feel great - summer is here and it seems like there is so much to be done outside - but just keep walking

[andepk]

Yea!  My fitbit vibrated.  I thought something was wrong until I read up on it and also received a message from person in this group.  I have the wrist band but prefer the one on the belt.  I have to log on to see my progress.  The one on belt shows my steps.  I find I break my day up and now if I am on track with the one on belt.  My problem with the belt one is that I keep loosing them.  Wrist band stays on and so it cost me less to have it.  Well I am on track and have lost a pound. 

[tasia]

Yes, I started with the fitbit one which gave me more info but it was harder to keep track of and even fell in the toilet (fortunately pre pee: -)). The wristband works so much better for me (swim and shower with it) and aside from stairs climbed not much difference really in the data.
Congratulaions on earning your 10000 steps badge!!!
Sent from my Verizon 4G LTE Smartphone

[ChiMom]

I wallk about 6 days a week.  We go out with our two dogs at 6AM and are now walking 5 miles each day.  We just upped it from 4 miles about 10 days ago.  Also go to Curves 5 days a week. Still have trouble with wt. loss, but feel better.  Next week I'm trying water aerobics. for 4 1 hour sessions,  It always feels better to walk.  We started out a few years ago at a mile, and slowly worked up.

[OhioDeb]

I don't know If I am doing this right, but here goes.  I am 61yo female with Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, fibro, sjogrens and others for 20yrs. I am an RN but have had to quit working.  My rheumy has been protective of my joints.  My internist suggested 2 months ago joining a specific gym here in my town with an owner that has degrees and works with rehab pts and the elderly and we did.  He has me using the elipitcal 30min about 4 times a week with another half hr or so using the other machines.  This is the first time for me at a gym, I am ashamed to say! but My husband and I are sticking with it.  I have only lost 10 lbs so far but feel better.  I also bought a fitbit flex 2 wks ago but so far it is not working correctly- I sent a email today to the fitbit team after trying all the fixes I read about.  It has me with 15000 to 30000 steps every day and that is not correct.   Hopefully we will get that fixed.  Good to find a place to come for tips and encouragement.

Deb from Ohio

[andepk]

Well, I am doing better in the steps.  How about every in this group. I have found an old DVD that has Advance power walking in the home.  It is for 3 miles.  this is great.  I get in my walking on hot, rainy or just on a bad day to get out.  I have not lost any weight but more active.  I feel great! 

[Sappi]

Hi shelley. . It is defficult to loose weight in sixties. I beleive keeping watch on what your food is most important because by now one cannot digest half the thing to its full as the metabolism has slowed down so change in eating habit and some exercise is best to keep up and one more thing no late nights.

[Avocado77]

 Hi!  I am new at this...just had my Fitbit since mid June...and am trying to find my way around the different forums.  I am loving my "Fitbit!"  It is a wonderful fitness Buddy.  Am tired of being tired, stiff and sore. This has helped me immensely.  Fitbit has made "getting fit" fun! Am looking forward to getting back in shape and hearing everyone's success stories.

[ChiMom]

I started in mid June too. I like it a lot also. My husband, 2 dogs & I
walk most every morning & having the fitbit can get me out of bed on days
I'd rather not . Not losing weight yet, but even started water aerobics
last week. Good luck and enjoy. Karen

[Avocado77]

Thanks ChiMom.  I don't notice a huge difference on the scale....but I notice the difference in how my clothes fit.  I think perhaps I am building muscle while losing fat...so it might take a little bit before it registers on the scale.

How nice that your husband and dogs walk with you!  I do my walking on the treadmill.  We are in the country and the cars just zip by here.....too fast for my comfort.

Water Aerobics?  Good for you!

I am thinking of adding TaiChi.

The person who told me about Fitbit has become my "friend" and we have a friendly competition going as to who will walk the most.  Right now she is ahead by 10,000 steps!  Hahahahaaa......I don't think I offer her much competition today! 

[ChiMom]

I wouldn't walk on a busy street either. We walk mostly on a parkway. No
cars. We do parallel the train tracks, but they leave us alone. lol.
Treadmill is a good idea. I never did water aerobics before last week.
It is a lot of fun. I also go to Curves 5 days a week. It helps. I like
the exercise but I love the socializing. A lot of good support.

I would like to add you as a friend on fitbit, but not sure how. Keep up
the good work.

Karen

[Avocado77]

Curves 5 days a week?  Boy... you sure are busy!!!

I think it would be great to be friends.  Let me investigate how to do that.

[Pamela_June]

Hi everone!  

I just 'found' this site/thread .. and all the post I have read are so positive and inspirational - I want to be a part of this group....I am at my heaviest.. and it is time to take care of ME - I want to move I want to be happy I want to feel good...and there is no reason why I can't - (I mean I am healthy - other than this extra weight I have on me) - I want all the tools that will help me stay healthy - my Fitbit One... and my 'new' friends on this site...

(I just hope I can find this again later today and tomorrow...!!!  LOL 

[JulieInMadison]

Hi Pamela,
I use a Fitbit Force and I love it! I will turn 60 this month and have never felt better. I try to walk (or run) 10,000 steps every day, eat a plant-based diet, and only put plant-based products on my skin. I have felt so much better after eliminating animal products from my lifestyle! Not only did I lose weight, I gained energy. If you would like support in learning to live with less dependence on animal products, please visit my site: teamvegan.weebly.com. Good luck with your goals!

Julie Fitzpatrick
Arbonne Independent Consultant #14910035
juliefitzpatrick.myarbonne.com
juliefitzpatrick@myarbonne.com
608-279-1856

[cdpatches]

I received the flex for christmas and I WALK AND WALK AND WALK - the flex is the motivating thing for me - I do not stop walking until I feel the vibration and then I think can I get more - I play DVR'd shows and walk (pace) for a show a night to pick up additional steps - ps - I was born in 1951