Am I too old to be "Physically Fit"?
I love this site, it helped me lose 40 lbs last year, by tracking my food and passive exercise. I learned so much from these forums, I hope you can help me again.
Long story short, my life did a 360 in the last couple of years, I lost my mom, my marriage, my dog of 17 years, my job, my home, my retirement account, my health insurance and had to move away from family and friends.....but I made it through. Last year, in the midst of everything, I was able to focus on myself, that's how I lost the weight. It took total concentration and keeping myself away from people, places, things that could derail my program. I was'nt working full time, and I was living with good friends, so I had few money worries.
Now, I'm in an apartment by myself for the first time in my life. I work 4 jobs, 1 full time, and 3 part time. My full time job involves paid training that will allow me to do only this job and make a decent living in the near future. I am feeling great...inside. I feel hopeful, and optimistic about my future. I want to take care of myself, and do the things I dreamed of, even if I have to do them myself. I'm an outdoorsy person, I love to hike, and bike, and swim. I want to be as physically fit as possible, for the first time on my life. The only thing is, I just turned 50. I still weigh over 200lbs. I have moderate osteo-arthritis too, and I know losing weight would help that so much. I DO NOT have any extra money for a gym membership, or trainer. I'm barely able to pay my rent on my wages now. I get most of my food from a community food bank, and while I'm grateful for it, it's not always healthy.
First, what do you think it means to be "physically fit"? Am I too old to become that? Second, I need advice. A starting point.....and what should I work up too? I want to be strong, flexible (have just started gentle yoga at home with library dvd) and much leaner than I am now. I want to get rid of visceral fat also.
Please share your advice and experience with me, Thank you!
you are never too old to get fit.
If you enjoy hiking/ walking or being outdoors just go walk around the neighborhood. If you are in a not so safe area have a walking stick and pepper spray handy.
You can also do lots of just body weight exercises especially as a beginner.
Check a freecycle organization in your area ( they have them online thru yahoo) and maybe you can pick yourself up some free equipment - weights, treadmill, elliptical or something.
You can also use canned goods - or milk jugs filled with sand or dirt or even water and use those as weights
Good luck to you.
Mojorie Newlin started training at age 73 and won body building competitions going up against women literally half her age once she passed 80 and kept winning the 40+ Master's competitions.
So yes, it's extremely possible. You'll have to be smart about it and pay more attention to diet and recovery than what you'd get away with if you were 20, and it will probably take longer since you'll need to lower workout frequency somewhat to compensate for reduced recovery speed compared to a 20-year old.
As for what to do - well, a little bit of everything; a beginner can improve in multiple ways at once where the advanced trainee can only focus on one thing at a time to inch a little closer to his/her genetic max in a single training parameter. So start with a bit of body weight strength training, some walking or jogging a la Couch to 5K, and the flexibility training from yoga and then we'll take it from there once you've got a feel for what you think is fun, yeah?
An 85 year old man beat my half marathon time (I was 14 when I ran it in 01:58:13)!
You are never too old to be fit!
I'm 52 and in the best shape of my life. You are never too old. You do have to work at it though so you need time. You don't need to belong to a gym or hire a trainer. I'm a cyclist and the bike requires maintenance which means some money but not a lot.
Oh, you have to hear about my favorite lady, Ernestine Shepherd, my inspiration for fitness: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/HealthyLiving/ernes tine-shepherd-find-grandma-flab-fab/story?id= 11149879
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magaz ine/six-pack-abs-at-age-74-age-is-nothing-but -a-number-says-guinness-world-records-oldest- competitive-female-bodybuilder/2011/03/16/AG5 lGvCH_story.html
Just don't jump into anything to quickly (I always seem to do that and it's not fun). Take your time and make it a life long change.
Age is a state of mind. I have a few female clients that I train that are in their mid 50's and they are in better shape now then when they were in their 20's. Just the other day, I had one of the women I mentioned doing hill sprints up what I lovingly refer to as "Devil's Peak". One thing that has really helped her is that she has a great attitude. She is willing to step outside her comfort zone, try new things, and really push herself. When I first introduced her to squats, deadlifts, etc she didn't say "I could never do this". She said "I can't wait to get started".
I also have a few women in their mid to late 40's. The first absolutely loves heavy weight training and other forms of conditioning. Today she was doing sets of 5 w/ 155lbs on deadlifts, and she is almost to the point where she can do a pull-up with her own body weight. She also did 100 burpees (without the push-up) in 10 and 1/2 minutes. Once again, what mattered most was her attitude. She repeatedly tells me that she wished she knew about heavy lifting and conditioning when she was in her 20's because of how much fun she has training with me.
The second started training with me a year ago. When I first met her she had never worked out before and was terrified of working out. She was also over 200lbs. Now she actually looks forward to training with me and is doing things like power cleans, deadlifts, Prowler sled workouts, etc.. She went from being scared mentally to actually taking pride in her workouts. Now instead of wanting to stop a set early, she demands that we do just a few more reps.
So as long as you have the right outlook and allow yourself to be open to new things, the sky is the limit. Of course it does help if you have someone to guide you if you need help initially though.
In my 50s now, I had to face a lot as well, one was that my hormones at this life stage were effecting me in many ways. I thought I was eating and doing my normal exercise routine as I did in my 30s and 40s and when I saw pictures of myself I would sadly be disappointed - I had to find strength to face this. I did. I saw my doctor and had a physical...blood work etc. and saw another doctor regarding my knee that I felt might be effected with arthritis. I realized I had to eat less and more nutritiously as well as not jog for awhile and replace my love of jogging with biking...biking is low impact and I need to incorporate weight training. I am enjoying this change because it has provided positive results. I like my pictures today, I like myself again.
This amazing site has helped me become more educated about physical fitness and healthy living, it provides me with a community of like minded folks who have great information to share and above all it made me realize in my 50s and beyond I am not too old for anything...maybe have to adjust things at time, but I just reach out and so many "calorie counters" come to the rescue.
Thank you, I feel blessed and now love to give back through this site to so many who supported me through so much.
Original Post by onyerbike:
I love this site, it helped me lose 40 lbs last year, by tracking my food and passive exercise. I learned so much from these forums, I hope you can help me again.
Long story short, my life did a 360 in the last couple of years, I lost my mom, my marriage, my dog of 17 years, my job, my home, my retirement account, my health insurance and had to move away from family and friends.....but I made it through. Last year, in the midst of everything, I was able to focus on myself, that's how I lost the weight. It took total concentration and keeping myself away from people, places, things that could derail my program. I was'nt working full time, and I was living with good friends, so I had few money worries.
Now, I'm in an apartment by myself for the first time in my life. I work 4 jobs, 1 full time, and 3 part time. My full time job involves paid training that will allow me to do only this job and make a decent living in the near future. I am feeling great...inside. I feel hopeful, and optimistic about my future. I want to take care of myself, and do the things I dreamed of, even if I have to do them myself. I'm an outdoorsy person, I love to hike, and bike, and swim. I want to be as physically fit as possible, for the first time on my life. The only thing is, I just turned 50. I still weigh over 200lbs. I have moderate osteo-arthritis too, and I know losing weight would help that so much. I DO NOT have any extra money for a gym membership, or trainer. I'm barely able to pay my rent on my wages now. I get most of my food from a community food bank, and while I'm grateful for it, it's not always healthy.
First, what do you think it means to be "physically fit"? Am I too old to become that? Second, I need advice. A starting point.....and what should I work up too? I want to be strong, flexible (have just started gentle yoga at home with library dvd) and much leaner than I am now. I want to get rid of visceral fat also.
Please share your advice and experience with me, Thank you!
Wow, you definatly have lots going on in your life. It's amazing to me that you even have time to grab a meal. I'm 52 and I've lost 124 lbs., plus quit smoking and drinking booze. (the trifecta of health!!) I also am dealing with menopauseal symptoms. (they are less horrible with a better food plan) Getting healthy is something wonderful you can do for yourself, you deserve the best that life has to offer. You are NEVER too old to make changes. I started this journey when I was 50 also. I have faith in you and I know you can do this.
Yes, you can get physically fit after 50. I just turned 50 this year. I lost over 40 pounds in 2010--still struggling to lose another 15--but I hadn't exercised (steadily) for decades (I went through periods where I'd bike a couple months, then stop, or walk a few months, then stop, but nothing with continuity). This year I began doing Jillian Michaels' workouts such as the 30 day shred. They are great because there are levels, and within those levels are beginner and advanced levels. I say to myself, who cares if it took me months to get to level 3? I have an excuse. Lol. LOVE THEM, and I've stayed motivated to keep exercising. Good luck in finding what works for you. You can do it!!
I started to get fit during a nervous breakdown,at the age of 57, in a mood of defiance. I was determined that those who caused the illness wouldn't destroy me. I started by using exercise videos because I had become agrophobic and was terrified of people. The only person I would speak to, even on the phone, was my husband.
Gradually, I gained fitness and confidence and would go on country walks with my husband, making sure that they were in remote areas because I was still terrified of people.
Quite quickly, after about a year, I had fully recovered mentally and was physically reasonably fit for the first time in years. I had given up smoking, lost weight and was able to go out on daily walks on my own.
Over the years I have progressed steadily on the fitness front. I am now 64, run for 30 minutes every morning and lift quite heavy weights. My aim is to run 5K; at the moment I can do 3.5K without stopping. I have never run in my life until 3 months ago.
So my answer is, you are never too old to build your life again, as you have shown and now you need to make getting fit part of that recovery. I can promise that you will start every new day feeling great.
You are never too old to improve your health and fitness. The main thing I think is to do it all gradually. I'm 61 and found walking a great way to improve my stamina and fitness, not to mention trim my more than ample proportions. Start small, walk around the block (if it is safe and possible). When you feel comfortable doing that, add another block and so on. You can add some weights. Get a video from your local library,see if you can borrow some light weights or as someone suggested, freecycle. Just remember... take it easy and gradually. If you are aching, rest or simply go for a short walk. Continue with your yoga... anything that fits your needs and lifestyle.
I understand what you mean by the food banks... they rely on what they get given. You may be able to offset some by buying fresh fruit and veg that is in season or even frozen veg on sale. Can I suggest switching your diet towards more of a vegetarian diet... meat is expensive. If you live anywhere that has a lot of ethnic food shops you may be able to find whole foods like beans/ brown rice etc. a lot cheaper than the regular supermarket. For instance my local Indian market carries beans, rice and lentils, spices etc for half the price of my 2 local supermarkets. (no fancy bottles or jars... they come in packs... I just transfer to clean recycled jars.)
You've demonstrated your resilience and ability to overcome everything life has thrown at you. Believe me... you will succeed at this.
i am 70. i like me. i am proud of my body. i work out every day from 45 to 65 minutes. there are so many ways to keep fit. i use weights, jakes tower, other rubber bands, yoga, body weight exercises, dancing. i have had 1 hip and 1 knee replacement and have spinal stenosis of the back, but my blood pressure is 110 over 67 and no other ailments. my v.a. dr says i am as healthy as a teenager. my body fat is 16%. sure i have some bad arthritis but exercising actually helps that instead of hindering it. eating healthy is easy, just stay away from anything with lots of sugar and salt. good luck to you
I started reading your post and couldn't wait to hear your age, like 70 or 80 something. When I read 50, OMG! I'm 50! I have just started on a weight training journey after losing 20 lbs. It took me a year and I have been stuck since march. So I bought some dumbbells at a thrift store for $4. They are 10 lbs. I watched some utube videos on how to use them.
I am 5' sw 185 cw 166 goal weight 125 (yeah right) according to this sight I should weigh 105-125. I weighed 154 in March and have slowly increased. I havent a clue how or why. I eat 1200-1400 cals a day and do 60 minute treadmill 4 days a week same as always ever since I started here Aug 11 2010.
I have gained 4 lbs, in a week. I am thinking it is muscle. I feel and look the same and my clothes fit fine. I am going to continue with what I'm doing. No body ever got fat lifting weights. In fact i am going to get a weight bench and barbell as soon as I can afford it. I have been checking for used stuff, you can get pretty cheap. I also live 25 mi from the nearest community college which is offering a fitness class for $25 from the end of Sep thru the beginning of Dec. i am going to orientation end of this month.No sissy weights either. If I can barely do 3 sets of 8 reps then it is the best weight. I want to feel sore muscles for 2-3 days after a workout.
I expect to have a "hard body" by next summer. Want to join me? We can share war stories.
Ok...NO NO NO NO NO and NO 250 times over. You are NOT to old to be physically fit and you will never be even if you are 102 years old!!!!! Please, please, please believe this because it is true. Being physically feet means being in your best condition regardless of your age or characteristics, and exersice ALWAYS has a lot of good things to help you get there....and also, not making any excersice at all means you are not in your best condition (and all of us, regardless of our circumstances, can make some form of exercise).
Regarding your budget restrains...well, it is exactly the same. Go for laaaaarge walks (my personal favorite). Do moderate abs in your department (just be sure to do them in a carpeted floor and use your common sense to avoid over doing it or injuring yourself). Strech. If you do these three every day, focusing on being constant and being sure you get a cardio workout of your walking (its not a stroll, mind you, but a workout....so it has to be work), you'll see GREAT results that will get you to the next step in exersice. Belive me...you´ll know when you are ready.
Drink a lot of water. I know you can not afford "healthy" food right now....but try doing healthy choices where you eat and try buying some fruit.
Also...a BIG congratulations on your personal life story!!!!! It seems you are fully reinventing yourself...and it sure takes a lot of courage to do so. My most sincere admiration for it and my compliments!!!
I'm 55 and in better shape than I've been in the last two decades, thanks to finally learning how to work-out properly, diet and regular exercise.
I've lost 70 pounds and have actual, defined muscles for the first time EVER!
I started April 1, 2010 when I was 54. My knees still have occassional twinges and I still have some bouts of lower back pain - I work all day at a computer - BUT overall I'm stronger and fitter than I would have believed possible.
I'm lucky enough to have a decent job and was able to hire a personal trainer at the gym to help me...but a lot of what she did can be found online. There are many, many exercises done with body weight alone.
Also, once I became more fit, I was able to join in boot camps (group exercise/weight lifting classes...usually 5 to 8 participants) that are less expensive than one-on-one personal training but still provide a good, directed work-out.
So YES - you can do it and given the determination you've shown in overcoming other obstacles in your life, you will probably do it well and enjoy the experience.
Go for it!
- Val
I admire and am so inspired by all the responses on this post. I wish eachand everyone of you good luck and good health.
I also have a difficult situation. We are permanent RV'rs So no room for much equipment. I do have a stepper and a set of 3 lb weights. Funds are rather limited.
I recently had an accident and was not able to do anything physical. Several months have passed now, a rather surprising weight gain and no energy. Now my physical limitations are better but my energy is not great. My blood pressure is quite poor and I am on meds. Hopefully with my recent change in diet and activity my BP numbers will improve.
I'll get there I just have to take my time. I'm 69 years old and hope to improve my health. This site just might be the place.
Original Post by pnwcowboy:
Ok this is how i read this and many are gunna think im crazy but i dont care. You said you hit the bottom of the barrel in all aspects of ur life kept a cool head (well to shorten the story right?) and managed to fight ur way back to getting by with a 40lb bonus am i correct? But what you didnt say is that God made it all possible for u to recover because i believe many people who struggle that hard may just take easy way out. Now to the advice i had similiar happen to me i had been 250+ all my life until 3 years ago in midst of contimplating the easy way out i found God or he found me ,
Maybe some people do not hold these beliefs. Which G-D do you refer to? Allah and the Judeo Christian G-D are the same- Maybe she is Pagan, Wiccan, Athiest, Buddhist, Rastafarian or a myriad of other beliefs.
I tend to stay clear of the Kool Aid
Also I tend to think of this Lily Allen Song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwyb0vrwaEQ I really think she sums my thoughts !
First, congratulations on youe weight loss and desire to be healthy. The definition of fit varies but if you ask cardiologists, exercise physiologists et al they will usually base it on the results of stress test, range of motion tests (ROM), resting heart rate, hand-grip and other tests. Just about everyone says women should have waists below 35 inches and men below 40. How long does it take you to walk a mile on a flat level without getting out of breath?
Next, where do you live? Some YMCA's or Y's have scholarships and hardship fees. Some city and county health departments offer exercise programs. Community hospitals often have wellness programs that include yoga (easy on the knees), T'ai Chi (for balance), chair stretches and more. they keep the costs low and programs are often run by physical therapists and exewrcise specialists.
If you live near any major hospitals or research facilities many are looking for people to participate in screening studies which offer lots of free testing for tests that usually require great health insurance. These studies do not put you on drugs or anything like that. One I screened for offered nutritional counseling, free cardio work outs 3 X a week under the direction of a cardiologist, all kinds of metabolic testing and a sleep study.
Lastly, remember that any extra effort you do helps. It must be very hard holding down the jobs and keep your head above water. The most important muscle you have is your heart. Take care of it.
Oh by the way you are a youngster. I am 62 and just joined a Y for the first time.
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