Recommended exercise for the middle age?
 

Sup's post about gigging with a band got me thinking.

I'm 54 and getting random aches and pains that can be associated with hitting middle age.

My knees and feet are not in the best condition So running/jogging is right out!!! however I can walk up to maybe 5 miles without pain. Kinda jealous of you guys who can go on ten or twenty mile hikes.

I have a bike (so far the best exercise I get... but only once or twice a week on my day off) and a simple situp bench and some dumbbells... that were supposed to get used twice a week... but still procrastinating on that. :rolleyes:

So... would signing up for an exercise class help motivate me?

Low impact = Yoga, I'm confident enough in my manhood to try this... and women in leotards... could be worse.

Medium = there is a studio in town that does a kick-boxing routine (not one on one AFAIK) looks like punching and kicking the air... pretty much a manly dance workout... they have been around for about ten years so something good must be going on there.

High = Krav Maga, looks cool but anything that requires a cup and headgear seems like a bit much for these old bones.

So, what are you guys (and gals) doing to keep in shape?

Yes... I know... pear is a shape :p

Yoga is good, give pilates a shot too. I prefer the later.

Bike is great, make sure it fits you and it's setup right. No need to aggravate your knee issue.

Pool nearby? Hard to beat swimming for low impact workouts.

If you arent into going to a gym, the basic old school pushups, situps, lunges... works great too.

about your age..
I do at least 5 miles a day walking my dogs..
every day...no exceptions
+ I swim daily..
the lady does the dog stuff with me...
+ she does karate 2x week..
she competes now..
comes home blk & blue...
all grins..
just start & hang with it..
you will be amazed what just walking can do..

Rika

Swimming should be great, low impact exercise that shouldn't cause you any problems.

I rollerblade. As long as you don't fall, it's not a high impact activity, but can be great exercise. You can go as fast or slow as you like and work your way up. It won't do much for your upper body (although your back may feel it a bit).

I'd recommend checking out a few of the various "classes" at a YMCA or gym or something. Try some out, see what you like and what feels like it's working and not going to kill your knees.

Not that I do it...but I too vote for swimming.

I thought about it, but only one pool in this town, and it's not all that good.

Swimming.

So is "vote" coming up as bold and red for everyone or just me?

As we age, losing muscle mass/strength becomes increasingly an issue. Include some strength training to maintain your muscle. Not just cardio/aerobic.

I've been swimming a bit lately, I like it.

Other old-school stuff that is good includes jumping rope, burpies.

Flexibility is something else that we lose, so don't forget stretching, yoga, etc.

Swimming, bicycling, walking are great low impact sports, but at 57 I've discovered crossfit and love it!

What exercise? Anything that enjoy enough to do on a regular basis that gets your heart rate up and won't hurt so bad that you are doing damage to the body.
If you watch a lot of movies, how about a stationary bike in front of your TV?

Our YMCA has water aerobics, and all kinds of swimming (kids, families, adults).

The water aerobics classes are almost 100% women, with a focus on range of motion. The instructor stands at the side of the pool and demonstrates the motions, and you do whatever you feel comfortable doing, at your own pace. This is in the shallow end of the pool. I like to do this as a warm-up for swimming, which immediately follows the aerobics class.

There is also a deep-water aerobics class which involves similar motions, while treading water at the same time. I've never seen any men in that class..

:)

For the last 30 yrs I have been telling people how to cure low back pain so you can stay out of my office.....get more sex. This is not new thinking but a AMA Journal report.

Not only good for the back but good for other systems too, keeps the plumbing working better.

I never have had anyone tell me otherwise, so I assume it's good advise. It follows my other saying ... Use it or lose it.

Yoga works for me. Once you learn a variety of poses, you can perform some pose anywhere, anytime whether sitting, lying down or standing. Even walking.

Not here...so must be you.

Does anyone else find swimming as boring as I do?

+1 Yoga...

I agree completely. I see a lot of older folks with poor muscle mass and really have a tough time as they age. Certainly add some weights...doesn't have to be a lot. Squats only 50% down, shoulder exercises below shoulder height, chinups, curls, and core exercises. Walking fast enough that you can't carry on a conversation for 30 min twice a week has also proven to be nearly as good as running without pounding the knees.

Also not mentioned are the elliptical or Nordictrak in front of the TV....lots a people seem to like this. Swimming has been mentioned. Yoga I am not a fan of for older folks unless they absolutely love it already and do some other cardio/strength training.

Sex.

angela

Go to Mark's Daily Apple and download the Primal Blueprint Fitness workbook..

While you're at it, check out his the latest posting on his blog ("The Unconquerable Dave"). Pretty inspiring.

Cut and pasted to wife ;)

I love swimming... but spent most of my life swimming in the ocean so doing laps in a pool is somewhat boring... that and I worry about the hygiene of a public pool.

On the other hand the YMCA has a pool and workout classes... hmmm...