Older Demographic

[ConnieL429]

I recently got my Ionic and I am very happy with it. I especially was looking forward to the coaching feature.  The thing is, at my current age (almost 60) I find the body is just not cooperating with the desire. I went thru many of the programs and workout that Fitbit offers but none seem designed for the older individual who can't just start out with a lot of moving (much as I try).  I'm not in so bad of shape that I could not get used to some of the programs but I definitely need to start out in a far easier mode before I can. In other words, I need to work up to them from the ground 0.  So why is it that neither Fitbit nor anyone else that I can tell (I also own a Samsung Gear S3 which uses the "MapMy" series of apps and other Under Armour apps) not come up with some programs designed for those individuals, who in all likelihood, need improved fitness more than anyone?  Doesn't anyone believe we would get into these fitness products?  It's very disappointing to say the least.

[WendyB]

You can modify the exercises that's what I do. Or do something else in its place.

I agree it would be nice for some easier things or to do or show modifications.

[Coracora]

Check out Fitness Blender.  It’s free, and allows you to pick workouts based on degree of difficulty.  They couple who do the workouts on the videos always give modifications.  I’ve been using it as I recover from major surgery, and I’m 50.  

Coracora

[ConnieL429]

I don't recall seeing that but I'll look again. Thanks!

Connie Litrenta
Sent from my iPad

[WendyB]

@CoracoraThanks! I googled it and it looks great!

For others that want the link its here

https://www.fitnessblender.com/

[Daves_Not_Here]

Hi @ConnieL429 - I think I have the same issue with motivation -- I'm 58 and have always hated exercising for exercise's sake.  As I get older, it just feels like an incredibly tedious waste of time, particularly when alone.  Fitbit, an app, or other technology is not the solution (at least not for me).

However, I figured out some ways to be very active and my fitness is pretty high, particularly for my age.  Here is what has worked for me:

• Shorter workouts -- I only exercise for 15 minutes a day.
• Repetition -- I exercise 7 days a week as part of my morning wake-up ritual.  The exercise is not so bad as I am still asleep.
• Intensity -- the last 5 minutes is a sprint which gets my heart rate up and adds enough stress to make the exercise effective.
• Purpose -- I see my exercise as something that puts me in a good mood, improves my health, gives me energy through the day, helps me positively kick the butts of lame millennials in business, and preps me for a great ski season.  It makes waking up a pleasure.
• Social -- On weekends, I ski, cycle and hike with friends and family -- I see it as recreation, not exercise.
• Outdoor scenery -- I can ride a bike for 5 hours outdoors (but can't ride an exercise cycle for 5 minutes) because of the changing scenery.
• Obstinance -- I refuse to ever do any exercise that I don't enjoy doing or doesn't feel good.  For example, swimming laps?  I'd rather drown, not doing it.  Curls, OK.  Shoulder presses, hurt, not doing them.  Sauna, OK, but only for 10 minutes.  Etc.

Hope this helps!

[SunsetRunner]

Honestly, I'd start with something like the Leslie Sansone, "Walk Away the Pounds" workouts. You can get moving and do several miles a day as a workout. They get your heart rate up and then just progress from there.  

Workouts for 'ages' can be a slippery slope, I think, for most companies. I think they believe that any age can do anything and that by limiting or defining it, they may be discouraging people from trying. That said, I think they are also insane. We're not one-size fits all. We're not all fit beings, just because we may chronologically be young doesn't mean we're capable of doing a full workout. But again, I think it's just a misguided attempt to make people feel included in "normal" things and not limit them. 

[wookietim]

I agree. I am a bit younger (48) but trust me - I have tried things like yoga and my body doesn't bend that way. It used to back when I was a 20-something...

To be honest, though, don't give up. The fitbit coach is nice but you don't have to do a straight workout to get a workout. Play with a Nintendo Wii Fit (I use that every day still). Go for a walk. Maybe try out using stairs more than elevators. 

Healthy lifestyles don't mean you do a hard workout of 45 minutes per day. It's all about finding what works for you and then sticking to it - some people, especially older bodies that are just getting into it, need to adjust things. When I do a fitbit coach workout, for example, sometimes there are simply things I cannot do... Moves that I know, for a fact, will end in my yelling "Ouch!" and having a back out of place for a bit. So I skip them by either outright skipping or just kinda walking in place while they play. It's your workout you can decide not to do a move if you can't.

[Corney]

ConnieL429:  I'm 70 and I eercise 5 days a week for 45 minutes.  I alternate days using a rower, stationary bike and an elliptical. none require a lot of movement.  2 times a week I add weight lifting using between 5 pounds for exercises to continue rehab on a shoulder surgery 5 years ago and 20 pounds for curls.  As with any new exercise start out at your own pace and amount of time and work up as your fitness increases. Good luck!

[emili]

I remember my step mom was in her 70s.. she did stretches and abs every morning for 20 minutes. Then in the evening swim for one hour after sitting in the sauna for 15 minutes. She could jog, jump, carry groceries like I wish I could and in general kick my 20 year old butt in most things fitness. Ironically, I now kick my 18 year old's butt in fitness. I think it is like you said, starting somewhere and working your way up. Whether it's videos or virtual coaches or joining a local gym- as long as you start somewhere you are already ahead. Things like stretching and walking and light weight work- you can do all that on your own.. and when you are ready, progress to other things. I hope you find what works and come back and tell us!