|
Post by peano on Aug 19, 2019 16:23:15 GMT
If you're looking for motivation, just check out the 50ish thread. It's shocking how many 50 year olds have mobility issues. I'm assuming, yes assuming, that a lot of those problems come from not being active and doing regular exercise that requires effort. Many people are now living into their 90's. Just as I'm planning for that possibility financially, I'm also doing now what needs to be done to up my chances that I'll remain as healthy and happy as I can be for as long as possible. Actually, my mobility issues are related to a running injury. Also, I’ve exercised daily for most of my life, even while fighting a serious illness. But hey, thanks for playing. I’ll come back to this thread later, when my head cools. We’re having Dallas weather here in Connecticut this week.
|
|
|
Post by librarylady on Aug 19, 2019 16:24:03 GMT
Walking is about the easiest and purest form of exercise you can do. Start there. Walking is also much better for the knees and hip joints than running/jogging.
I did jog for about 6 years when I was age 26-32. ? made me revert to walking. Since then, so many friends have knee problems that I am glad I gave that up.
|
|
|
Post by gar on Aug 19, 2019 16:24:34 GMT
so what would be the top recommendations for excercise? Walking? Running? Weight training? Yoga? Walking is fantastic- and free and usually easy. Great for bone density, cardio and stamina etc. Add in something for flexibility maybe - but the point is try to find something you’ll stick at.
|
|
peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,598
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
|
Post by peabay on Aug 19, 2019 16:38:41 GMT
I hate to exercise. Truly. But I do it because I know how much I'll feel better later on. I was on the Peloton this morning, cursing every second and now I'm so happy I did.
|
|
|
Post by pierkiss on Aug 19, 2019 16:47:20 GMT
so what would be the top recommendations for excercise? Walking? Running? Weight training? Yoga? Really it’s whatever you enjoy doing that doesn’t hurt your body. I have a friend who is a marathon runner. She is forever encouraging all of us in our group to start running. I detest running. I don’t breathe correctly, everything hurts when I do it, the jiggle is insane and that doesn’t feel good, and I feel like I’m dying. 😂😂. So I almost never do it. But I love swimming and biking. Those activities are fun to me. They don’t make my body hurt. I feel better after I do them. I can breathe just fine while I’m doing them.
|
|
|
Post by ~summer~ on Aug 19, 2019 17:01:25 GMT
I really enjoy being active - I always have. I guess I feel our bodies were meant to move - it feels so good to run and stretch, to use your muscles and feel your heart beat. Even the word ‘sedentary’ bums me out and makes me feel gross haha
|
|
|
Post by lisae on Aug 19, 2019 17:05:38 GMT
My dad died in his early 80's with a completely intact mind but a body that struggled to walk a block without giving out. Mother is older and can outwork just about anybody. She never really exercised just for the sake of doing something active but she started gardening when she retired over 20 years ago. I think that level of activity has kept her extremely young for her age.
I've always walked because it helps me think things through. I have arthritis and it keeps me limber. And, yes, it is part of maintaining my weight. I started doing some gardening because we really needed to do some things here and also because I'm hoping to be physically more like my Mother as I age.
The health benefits from exercise are endless. It helps just about everything including your mental acuity.
|
|
|
Post by mrsp on Aug 19, 2019 17:06:56 GMT
I need to print out this thread to help me remember all the great reasons to keep exercising! You all are killing it!
I am overweight (struggled most of my adult life) but I walk most days with my dogs. I do it because I have high blood pressure but I am on the lowest dose possible because of the walking.
Sometimes I get all gung-ho about fitness and think that walking isn’t hard core enough (or whatever) but I walk because I like it and because I like it, I do it. I absolutely do not feel motivated to do it every single day but almost 100% of the time I feel better after I walk than before.
I also have a majority of family members with knee surgeries and replacements and so far so good on my knees! Seeing folks I love not be able to walk easily is really a motivating factor for me too.
|
|
likescarrots
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,879
Aug 16, 2014 17:52:53 GMT
|
Post by likescarrots on Aug 19, 2019 17:38:30 GMT
so what would be the top recommendations for excercise? Walking? Running? Weight training? Yoga? check out fitnessblender.com -they have a ton of different things and you can start small, 10/15 minutes and light training and work your way up, or if you want to try yoga, check out yoga with Adriene - they are both free on YouTube. Personally, running/walking is so super boring to me that I become very unmotivated. Doing a routine where I'm moving different ways and different parts of my body are much more interesting to me. Or doing something where I'm pushing muscles really hard, like a 5x5 routine, but you need equipment for that where as if you start with fitness blender or yoga with Adriene you can start off with nothing but a tv and some space to move around.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 4, 2024 11:21:35 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2019 17:48:07 GMT
My neighbor talked me into joining his women on weights class that he teaches at the Y. I had my annual physical about a month after I started the class and my bloodwork was so much better. My cholesterol was closer to the normal.
I feel better, physically, emotionally and mentally. I've lost maybe 5 pounds but my clothes fit better, I feel like I look better. My back doesn't stiffen up like it used to, I'm not winded climbing a few flights of stairs and I can balance on a Bosu ball and do full squats.
|
|
|
Post by colleen on Aug 19, 2019 17:57:10 GMT
I am super uncoordinated. I think part of it is bad depth perception. My mom always said it was because I never crawled as a child -- I just rolled around for most of my first year and got up and walked. Whatever the reason, I have always struggled with exercise. In my 40's a bone density scan revealed that I had osteopenia, a precurser to osteoporosis. I started walking every day and it made a huge difference. A couple years ago, I started feeling achy and realized my flexibility had really deteriorated so I took up Pilates. I love it! I go 4 times a week and can really tell a difference in my flexibility and strength. I'm also taking up HIIT training (following videos).
I belong to a women's group with a lot of ladies in their 60's through 80's and I want to be one of the 80 year olds still whooping it up, not bitching about my swollen ankles.
|
|
|
Post by melanieg on Aug 19, 2019 18:04:11 GMT
My main thing is weight but im currently taking a class to 'lose the weight between my ears' and focus on other things.
I want to increase my strength and cardio. I want to be able to do more w my nieces and nephews. I want to enjoy a healthier lifestyle It helps my stress relief
|
|
|
Post by gmcwife1 on Aug 19, 2019 18:13:20 GMT
this is something that I've been really thinking about lately. If you regularly exercise what are your reasons for doing so if not for weight loss? Currently I'm struggling with commitment/desire to exercise and I know that I *should* but I have zero interest. I'm over 40, healthy, sleep well and while I'm not super thin I'm happy with how I look. I used to run and loved it and now I feel like I should still love it but I don't. I just feel like I should be doing something, kwim? I started Crossfit after I turned 50. It was offered twice a week at work and I saw how happy and accomplished people felt after they recovered from their workout. I also thought it would help with weight loss and help with my scoliosis. I also wanted to get fit so I could be more active. I started doing the twice weekly classes at work during lunch. Since we only offer the program during the summer as it’s outside, I joined the same gym two years ago. I was never an exercise or workout person. But I love the community at my gym, the coaching staff and the other members. Everyone is encouraging and supportive of each other. I also feel better physically and mentally after a workout. My mood is better and even though I’m tired, my body feels better. I also love feeling my developing muscles and not having backfat in t-shirts I’m still struggling with losing weight, but that is because of my bad eating habits and not working on that enough.
|
|
J u l e e
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,531
Location: Cincinnati
Jun 28, 2014 2:50:47 GMT
|
Post by J u l e e on Aug 19, 2019 18:22:57 GMT
I was weirdly wired to love exercise. I know it's not something special I've done myself. I just have to be either running, or doing yoga, or getting out and walking/hiking. If I miss too many days, I am not a nice person. It truly keeps me sane. That is my number one reason to make sure I regularly exercise.
Benefits - I am 52 and generally am my same weight and size since high school (I say generally because there have been circumstances over the years where that has been up or down). I don't take any medication, am healthy, generally have a regular sleep cycle, and have plenty of energy to enjoy life - which I want to do to for a good long time yet!
|
|
|
Post by gmcwife1 on Aug 19, 2019 18:34:39 GMT
so what would be the top recommendations for excercise? Walking? Running? Weight training? Yoga? Really it’s whatever you enjoy doing that doesn’t hurt your body. I have a friend who is a marathon runner. She is forever encouraging all of us in our group to start running. I detest running. I don’t breathe correctly, everything hurts when I do it, the jiggle is insane and that doesn’t feel good, and I feel like I’m dying. 😂😂. So I almost never do it. But I love swimming and biking. Those activities are fun to me. They don’t make my body hurt. I feel better after I do them. I can breathe just fine while I’m doing them. I agree with whatever you enjoy I’m ok with walking, but prefer biking. My friends and I bike every Friday night as soon as it starts staying light enough after work. I love swimming but my schedule doesn’t work with the pool times at our rec center I also enjoy my Crossfit gym and classes. I like that Crossfit is quick and the movements are varied within the workout and each day.
|
|
|
Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Aug 19, 2019 19:00:50 GMT
I had been walking, as means to be sitting less in front of a screen. Less sitting, more movement. Pinterest is such a time sucker. Just going to look for a few minutes >> three hours later....
Recent routine blood work showed above normal cholesterol. Doctor recommend exercise and diet changes. I joined a gym to hold myself accountable. I am very budget conscious, so if I paid for membership(even if it's only $20 something a month) then I am going to use it, because in my mind it's wastes money if I don't go and I try not to waste my money, therefore I go. At home, I am easily detoured (procrastination!) by incoming text, phone call, cat, chores that needs to be done, I thought of a cute scrapbook idea so I should do a page, .....instead of walking.
So to answer your question...Exercise/walking used to be done, to have less screen time , less sitting on my ass, etc... Now, it's for less screen time and more importantly for health reasons.
|
|
valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
Posts: 5,626
Jun 27, 2014 2:21:22 GMT
|
Post by valincal on Aug 19, 2019 19:02:21 GMT
As others have stated, I want to be relatively fit as I age. I love to travel and want to be able to do so under my own steam for as long as possible.
|
|
paigepea
Drama Llama
Enter your message here...
Posts: 5,609
Location: BC, Canada
Jun 26, 2014 4:28:55 GMT
|
Post by paigepea on Aug 19, 2019 19:09:59 GMT
I don’t exercise for weight loss. I exercise for a healthy body. When I want to loose weight i have to reduce my calorie intake. Exercise does nothing for my weight loss except to motivate me to eat / be healthy.
As a woman in my 40s, I’m worried about bone density, shrinking, balance, back / shoulder issues from posture, and flexibility. If I don’t exercise I’m more at risk for breaking bones from falling due to lack of balance and / or developing back issues / a hunched back with poor posture. Having everything moving / all of the liquids flowing is the best thing for me.
I do a variety of fitness activities at the gym. I stop if something hurts. I don’t do extreme long term pounding. But i do cardio, weights, strength building and stretching.
I also like to model a fitness routine for my kids. Otherwise they won’t learn that being active is important.
|
|
|
Post by needmysanity on Aug 19, 2019 19:11:37 GMT
I personally exercise because it's better than any anti anxiety med I can be on. I also have arthritis in many of my joints. Exercise keeps me from being stiff and in pain. If I don't exercise for a few days I have trouble walking it gets so bad.
|
|
cakediva
Drama Llama
Making the world a sweeter place one cake at a time!
Posts: 7,421
Location: Fergus, Ontario
Jun 26, 2014 11:53:40 GMT
|
Post by cakediva on Aug 19, 2019 19:44:24 GMT
My main motivation is heart health. My dad died from heart disease, 11 years after a quadruple bypass. So I tend to do more cardio than weights.
My secondary motivation is weight loss. I fell off the low carb wagon last year and gained 25 pounds. I've been doing low carb since the middle of June, and have maybe lost 5. I'm super frustrated. I've had a few cheats here and there, but kept right on going the very next day. But I seem to be stuck at this one weight and can't seem to make the scale move. It's been 5 weeks at this number and I'm getting to the point where I want to say "f*ck it".
I've also been known to say "I run so I can eat the fun food and drink the fun drinks" LOL
|
|
|
Post by papercrafteradvocate on Aug 19, 2019 20:27:25 GMT
Back pain and a genetic heart issue.
I have been super lucky as of late that my back hasn’t been aching like in previous years.
When I pull my back or feel twinges coming on, I’ll walk or treadmill right away—it actually helps more than anything else including pain meds.
I swim almost daily for cardio, also work in our gardens (it’s the only thing that makes me really sweat!!) and chase our dog.
I do belong to a gym where I’ll ride 15 miles every other day, and do weights on my arms, shoulders and core.
I can admit now that exercising really does make me feel better—stronger.
|
|
|
Post by peano on Aug 19, 2019 21:11:06 GMT
I walk daily outside year-round and have recently started weight training again 2x/week. The weight training is to rebuild strength because I've had a recurrence of an illness that causes muscle loss. But the daily walk is something I've been doing for years and it provides numerous benefits, even beyond health and wellness. Now that I'm older, I notice inactivity causes stiffness, so I like to keep warmed up with daily exercise. I do sometimes dread going on the coldest winter days, but I can honestly say that when I'm done, I've never regretted it and I always feel better.
I think we must honor our animal natures and experience being out in nature regularly. Our bodies were made for activity and movement and it's important to me to move gracefully.
I think one of the causes of the numerous social issues we have in the US is the lack of the type of sensory input we get from being outside. I think it's good to disconnect for even just an hour and put the phone down. It bugs me to see people out walking in a beautiful nature setting listening to music. If I ruled the world, I would decree that everyone needs to put down the media for an hour, and listen to the birds, the wind in the trees and rustling of small animals in the bushes. I've long used my walks as an antidote to depression and anxiety and consider it a form of walking meditation.
|
|
|
Post by katlady on Aug 19, 2019 23:24:02 GMT
Several reasons why I exercise for more than weight loss - 1. My bone density has improved through weightlifting. I was borderline for osteoporosis (in the yellow). Two years later, at a recheck, I was in the green. I took no calcium supplements, just started lifting weights. 2. Bum knee. My knee hurt from jogging/skiing/life. I started to straighten the muscles around my knee by squatting. No knee issues now. I don’t want to be like my mom who has problems walking up and down stairs. 3. Diabetes (and high blood pressure) runs in my family. I am doing all I can to keep my glucose level and BP at a good point. 4. The people I met at my gym keeps me coming back. Great people.
I don’t do a lot of cardio, outside of what is programmed in class. I hate cardio, so I just do what is asked for in my classes. Lol!
|
|
|
Post by SockMonkey on Aug 19, 2019 23:25:27 GMT
I lift weights for bone health and strength. I do Pilates for flexibility and strength. I do cardio for heart health.
Now, all of those things help with keeping weight off *IF* I eat well. I ate like crap for 6 months and it shows. But weight loss isn't my only motivation for working out. It's about being healthy.
|
|
AllieC
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,057
Jul 4, 2014 6:57:02 GMT
|
Post by AllieC on Aug 20, 2019 0:34:36 GMT
For me it is super important to "move it or lose it". As you age, it is really important to keep moving so that you maintain strength, flexibility, bone density and to prevent falls etc. One of the biggest reasons people have to move into nursing care is that they can't get themselves on and off the toilet - exercise is a huge factor in preventing this.
I exercise daily because of all the above and it makes me feel good. The importance of exercise in keeping you mentally healthy is really only starting to be recognised and I know myself that I am much happier and my moods more stable when I keep active.
The key is finding something you enjoy. No point doing something you hate because you won't sustain it long term. I don't do anything super hard or for hours on end and nothing high impact like running due to many knee surgeries. Usually I do around 30 minutes a day - walking, Pilates, HIIT workout, one bootcamp etc. Try a few things out and see what you enjoy.
|
|
|
Post by ~summer~ on Aug 20, 2019 1:16:40 GMT
I walk daily outside year-round and have recently started weight training again 2x/week. The weight training is to rebuild strength because I've had a recurrence of an illness that causes muscle loss. But the daily walk is something I've been doing for years and it provides numerous benefits, even beyond health and wellness. Now that I'm older, I notice inactivity causes stiffness, so I like to keep warmed up with daily exercise. I do sometimes dread going on the coldest winter days, but I can honestly say that when I'm done, I've never regretted it and I always feel better. I think we must honor our animal natures and experience being out in nature regularly. Our bodies were made for activity and movement and it's important to me to move gracefully. I think one of the causes of the numerous social issues we have in the US is the lack of the type of sensory input we get from being outside. I think it's good to disconnect for even just an hour and put the phone down. It bugs me to see people out walking in a beautiful nature setting listening to music. If I ruled the world, I would decree that everyone needs to put down the media for an hour, and listen to the birds, the wind in the trees and rustling of small animals in the bushes. I've long used my walks as an antidote to depression and anxiety and consider it a form of walking meditation. I totally agree. When I'm out hiking I think all the time the sound of the birds and the wind in the trees is the most beautiful symphony and the rolling hills, trees and sunsets are the most amazing art gallery I could be in.
|
|
|
Post by buddysmom on Aug 20, 2019 1:38:33 GMT
This is a really motivating thread!
Over the years I have exercised on and off--just the machines at the gym, nothing heavy-duty. I started again about six weeks ago and I really do feel much better-(endorphins?) a couple hours after I do it--like I want to go back to the gym and do some more (ha-but I don't).
I'm almost exactly the same weight as the day I found out I was pregnant with my son in 1992 so it's not a weight issue, I really would like to have a nice butt and a flat stomach.
And I have a knee that bothers me some. My physical therapist told me what machines to do in the gym and I think it is working!
But I'm in my early 60's so I don't know how good it will get-but I'll keep pushing on.
|
|
|
Post by janniepea on Aug 20, 2019 2:02:55 GMT
I’m exercising because I have osteoporosis from having chemotherapy over 20 years ago. I broke my femur last year and I don’t want to break any more bones. So I’m doing strength training and lots of walking.
It’s also been a huge help with some pretty major stress with one of our children. So it’s a win/win for me!
I’ll have a bone density test in 6 months and am hopeful that things are improving.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 4, 2024 11:21:35 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 20, 2019 3:15:55 GMT
this is something that I've been really thinking about lately. If you regularly exercise what are your reasons for doing so if not for weight loss? Currently I'm struggling with commitment/desire to exercise and I know that I *should* but I have zero interest. I'm over 40, healthy, sleep well and while I'm not super thin I'm happy with how I look. I used to run and loved it and now I feel like I should still love it but I don't. I just feel like I should be doing something, kwim? If you loved it at one time, I'm pretty sure you'd love it again. All it takes is doing it repeatedly for a few weeks and then you'd remember everything you loved about it. If anything, working out is heart-healthy. At age 40 and on, it's important to add it back in your life. I was exactly that age when I added it back with a vengeance and wound up working out nearly daily and being more physically fit than when I was 20! I felt so much better. One more thing : Even when I was heavier, I worked out. If I didn't, I do wonder how unhealthy I would have been. I didn't lose weight because I was still eating crap, drinking soda, etc. But once you add working out to your routine, you tend to try to be healthier all around. I used to tell my weight-loss client that they should think of it like brushing their teeth. It has to be fit into your day for optimum health. Good luck!!
|
|
|
Post by grammadee on Aug 20, 2019 3:29:06 GMT
My knees are doing much better after physio therapy and doing some walking and stair climbing every day.
I hate to "exercise" as a routine/go to the gym kind of thing. I try to build it into my daily activities. Park in one place in town and walk wherever I need to go. Encourage myself to take the stairs rather than the elevator in public buildings. Walk around our farm yard. Go up and down stairs a few times a day in my home.
Do you have a dog you can walk? Kids you can borrow to take to the park?
|
|