Turning 60: Change Exercise/Workout Focus?

[Demeris]

I will be 59 next month, and my mid-50's-- in addition to going through menopause (the single most horrible physical thing I've ever endured--and that includes a debilitating back injury from hatha yoga that took several years to rehab, and I still have to baby my lumbar)--required me to change how I exercise.

It took several years to admit it to myself, but I can't do most strength training; I can't do anything with impact (but I've had this problem 25 years); I can't do anything that moves too fast.

I recently did a massive purge of everything I new would bring on some sort of injury. I didn't count, but I think I gave away close to 90 dvds.

As Vintage points out--spinal health/posture and balance are absolute necessities.

The workouts I do now, almost exclusively, are rehabilitative and restorative in nature. They're gentler, and I have found renewed energy and physical well-being, now that I'm not trying to exercise the way I could 30 years ago.

Of course, everyone is different. My sister is 3 years older than I am and does power yoga 3-4 times a week and does 3-7 mile hikes over rough terrain at least twice a week. She pushes herself far harder than I can.

[superfit41]

Originally Posted by horsemom2

I just do what feels good mentally and physically to me.

Barb S

This. I am 51, and I am currently doing a PiYo rotation. I needed a break from weights due to a chronic shoulder injury. After almost 3 weeks, it is feeling much better. This is how it is for me now. I really have to listen to my body and back off when I need to. That being said, I will go back to weights. I think you can do what you want to, just know your limits.
Sherry

[TamiT]

Well, after surviving colon cancer at age 55 (10 inches of colon removed along with uterus) along with a horrible menopause and thyroid problems, I have had to change a lot of things, including fitness. Now at age 57, I swim most mornings and do the Senior Fit workout from T-Tapp in rotation with their Brain-Body Fitness Floor workouts (love sequence #2!) and their Posture Power Walking workout (from our PBS channel)

Biggest change was working with a nutritionist and a hormone specialist. After 8 months I FINALLY lost the 55 lbs I gained last year!

[mwelters]

I'll be 60 this July also and through various injuries (specifically lumbar) had to give up my heavy weights 3 years ago. After 3 months of physical therapy my back and hips are better, not great but better. I can do high reps low weights, nothing heavier than 15lbs, some kettlebell workouts, step on a strong day and kickboxing. I love KCM as most of her workouts I can do as they are 30 minutes and I get my sweat on. No impact and some yoga poses are out but I still manage some yoga as it just feels soo good. I have learned to pay attention to my body as when I don't I pay a high price. I understand where your doctor is coming from but you don't need to stop living just be aware of your body and it's limitations.

To Us in July.

[marya]

Originally Posted by Demeris

I will be 59 next month, and my mid-50's-- in addition to going through menopause (the single most horrible physical thing I've ever endured--and that includes a debilitating back injury from hatha yoga that took several years to rehab, and I still have to baby my lumbar)--required me to change how I exercise.

I totally concur about menopause. And I actually started out with a positive attitude--embracing change and all that! I've never completely recovered from the energy depletion and probably never will, but I've found certain forms of exercise helpful: T-Tapp and kundalini yoga. Energy and flexibility are now (at age 69) my primary fitness goals.

[JENILU]

Originally Posted by videofit

Age is just a number and you can do what many thirty-year olds cannot. It depends on individual physical condition.

I like to compare a body to a car. Someone who takes care of their car will have it looking better and driving longer than someone who ignores maintenance and drives it recklessly. In both cases, don't take foolish chances. Listen to your own body!

This! In some ways I agree with your Dr, but if you still feel good and challenged by what you do, why stop? I am 41, and have had to change the way I workout- not because of the number, but because of how my body feels. I do think a little more focus on yoga is always a good idea, but don't stop what you enjoy because f a number. If it wears you down or hurts you or makes you unhappy - THEN its time to change. bone strength and mobility is always important, no matter the age. Hope I'm not just rambling, lol.

[andtckrtoo]

I guess my question would be - forget the doctor for a second - do YOU see a need to change your routine? Are you questioning your activities only because the doctor told you to slow down? If you said yes, then I would continue to do what you are doing until you feel the need to change.

Lew Hollander completely the Kona Ironman at 82. Yeah not every 82 year old can do something like that (I couldn't at 51!), but I'm sure his doctor said the same thing - that he needs to slow down.

If, on the other hand, you really think it's a good idea to change your routine, then do it. You know your body better than anyone.

[TamiT]

just found this article with freebie clip about using isometrics to ramp up effectiveness... http://thecelebritycafe.com/2016/01/...er-press-pull/

[Paula N]

Originally Posted by FirmDancer

In my hour with her there was so much to cover and we didn’t spend any more time on that topic.

Wow - your doctor spent an hour with you for a physical? I am usually in and out in 15 minutes tops, and that is for a full physical. I am impressed.

Probably sound advice for all of us. We should all focus on stretching and stengthing all parts of our body, and doing moves to prevent injury and so on. I know I am guilty of just focusing on what I want to do, not necessarily what I should be doing for optimal health and well-being.

[FirmDancer]

Hi everyone - Thanks for the great discussion!!

Like all of you, I don’t believe in letting a number (my age) limit me. I don’t think my doctor intends for me to slow down or go easier. I think her point was to have a broader scope of movement. I’ll still continue doing the activities I like for as long as I can! But the aches and creaks I already have are from areas of my body that I haven’t tended to properly. So I’ll add some things - like specific hip, shoulder, and lower back strengthening exercises; a more full-body approach to stretching; as well as balance and posture work (I don’t do any of that currently). Oh, yes - and more posterior work. I had not thought of that at all until your suggestions here.

Thank you for the video and website suggestions; I’ll check them all out! I’ve already found some good websites too with rehab/physical therapy exercises. And being a true vidiot; this will give me a reason to check out some new vids

-Anita