We're glad you are here!

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3/13/05 12:15 P

Welcome to Getting Fit Over 50

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2/27/05 5:53 P

Howdy! Welcome! We're glad you are here!
Aunt Bee!

Edited by: AUNTBEE1945BK at: 2/27/2005 (17:57)

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2/25/05 12:24 P

I HOPE THAT THIS FORUM START GETTING MORE PEOPLE POSTING! HAS TO BE ALOT MORE GOLDEN GUYS & GAL'S OUT THERE!

HAVE A GOOD WEEK END EVERYONE! AUNT BEE

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2/23/05 12:19 P

Still having trouble walkking, I am weak, from being sick. Not getting out of the house.
Should build up real quick.
Brenda Aunt Bee

Edited by: AUNTBEE1945BK at: 2/23/2005 (12:20)

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2/21/05 3:33 P

I don't like exercise either, but you just gotta do it! Set up a schedule (whatever works best for YOU) and force yourself. After a while it gets to be more of a routine and easier as you gain strength. I'll never love strength training or aerobic exercise, but I love the results!

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2/9/05 11:42 A

Brenda,

Good for you! Let us know how it goes!

Coach Jen

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2/9/05 11:39 A

Putting my exercise tape in the old machine! That is the closes I have gotten to exercing at home for a few weeks. Got to get a bit of food to take my med with. I will be set.

DID NOTHING BUT COUGH THROUGH THE EXERCISE TAPE, THE BODY IS NOT QUITE READY FOR EXERCISE. HAVE TO GET BETTER FIRST.

8:45 I am getting started. bye for now

Edited by: AUNTBEE1945BK at: 2/10/2005 (11:16)

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2/8/05 4:14 P

Maccorgi,

I did Jazzercise for years and you are right, the weight training you do in those classes is not enough to see results.

When picking a weight, you want to find one that is heavy enough to give you a challenge, but not so heavy that you could get hurt. Start with doing 1 set of 12 repetitions on each exercise. The 12th rep should be the last one you can do in good form. If you can't make it to 12, the weight is too heavy. If you could just keep going past 12, the weight it too light. So you just have to play around with it and see what works best for you. Once you have been doing 1 set for a few weeks, you can add a second set. Just make sure to rest 30-60 seconds in between sets.

I would suggest starting with 2-3 upper body, 2-3 lower body and 2 core exercises. If you look in the Fitness Resource Center, you can find all kinds of examples.

Let me know if that helps and if you have more questions.

Coach Jen

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2/8/05 3:56 P

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with weights. I have been doing Jazzercise for years and although we do some weights in class - I find that I am not getting the results that I expect.

Does anyone have any suggestions. I have been using small weights for my weight training. Someone told me that I need to use heavier weights. But I am not sure where to go with them

Any suggestions?

I just started Body for Life but use very light weights.



Edited by: MACCORGI at: 2/8/2005 (15:59)

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2/7/05 1:11 P

Hello everyone
The sun is shinning britht!
Going to be a beautiful day. I LOVE TO DANCE!
GOOD EXERCISE!
Aunt Bee

Edited by: AUNTBEE1945BK at: 2/8/2005 (16:48)

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2/7/05 9:50 A

NancyK, you are doing it right - to start out with walking and to just manage to find some time for it in your busy day. Congratulations!

And, Collellabean, I had to smile at your not being sold until you took your measurements. That is a great incentive, I know, because that is what really got me to the gym also! Surely, any amount of walking is better than nothing and does burn calories. Staying within target heart-rate just burns more and strengthens the heart, but anything is better than nothing and is a start.

Walking up the stairs is great! Congratulations, too, on your 3 pound loss! I found that tracking my food was, and is, a BIG help. It made me think twice about what I chose to eat.

I watched the second half of the Super Bowl game. Usually those games are run-aways for one of the teams and can be boring, but this one was close throughout. Exciting!

Keep exercising
Nancy

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2/7/05 8:26 A

Thank you all for your tips at motivational exercise. I still wasn't sold, but I did just record my measurements. Boy, was I surprised! My weight is up by about 20#, however the measuring tape almost scared me to death. That will do it. I will return and re-read all the exercise motivations again. It seems walking and strength training are the way to go. I like to get the "most bang for my buck." I am not in a sedentary position. I wore a pedometer for a week and walked 5-12 miles, but without target heart-rate I guess it doesn't count. I also park on the 7th floor of the garage at work and walk up after my 12 hour shift--I know that is target heart-rate. The diet tracker is great I have not exceeded my calories once in the past week and have lost 3# so that part is working. I could be out walking now instead of doing this prior to my 12 hr shift, maybe tomorrow. Have a great day all. By the way, did anyone see the Patriots game last night? Fortunately, it was still on when I got home so I could see the last few minutes. It was great!!!

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2/7/05 12:23 A

Thanks, Tumbleweed for sharing your exercise journey. It is helpful to know how you have progressed. I, too, like to walk and that is all I am doing at this point. I do use some light weights sometimes and need to start doing that again. After I finish this degree I am working on I would like to join a gym. Right now I am just working on getting the walking into my schedule. I have done weights at times in the past and liked it.
NancyK

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2/6/05 3:28 P

Hello there Girls
Have a great week. Doctor has me on Prednisone
60 mg has lots of side efects, but I can breath..Only have a few more days to take the meds

Aunt Bee

Edited by: AUNTBEE1945BK at: 2/7/2005 (13:10)

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2/6/05 9:04 A

Yes, Brenda, it's true that starting is the hardest part. Then, it builds its own momentum and we just have to continue . . .

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2/6/05 2:54 A

Hello, I understand how you all feel about exercise. I found in the pass, when I was able to exercise, with out pain, due to old age or what ever...


The more exercise I did the more I wanted to do.
I was addicted to exercise.. Loved to dance,
After stoping dancing and stoping exercising, I didn't want to do it any more.

Brenda Aunt Bee

Edited by: AUNTBEE1945BK at: 2/6/2005 (15:33)

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2/5/05 9:57 A

Hi NancyS and Pam, too :-)

I just popped in to see what the new postings were and was surprised to see a couple addressed to me about exercise. Over the years, I have tried various exercises to see which ones I like best and keep as a routine. Walking was always my favorite (and still is, I guess). For several years, there were two or three of us who would walk and talk. I enjoyed the camaraderie there and in a water aerobics class. Years ago, my husband and I started walking for "just 20 minutes" in the evenings as a way for us to talk (without the kids around) and to get in some much needed exercise. There were many nights when we were just too tired, but knowing we only had to walk for 20 min. got us out the door. We'd get engrossed in our conversation and usually doubled our time.
So, basically, exercise for me was a time to combine it with friendship and stress relief. So, that became a routine and something I enjoyed and needed. It was something I carved out of the day, selfishly, "just for me".

Then, a few years back, this form of exercise wasn't enough to keep the weight off. I had been gaining a little bit but attributed it to getting close to menopause. Before I knew it, my clothes were getting snug and I felt comfortable in the next size up.

So, despite loving to walk and do water aerobics, that wasn't enough. I added some regular aerobics (just at home) but got frustrated that all this exercise was just not doing it and was hard besides. Did you catch the change of attitude in that last sentence? I think attitude is the key. You have to find a way to make exercise fun for you or, at least, worthwhile by seeing results.

At this particular point in my life, I had lost the camaraderie of walks with friends and those in my water aerobics class. We had moved and I didn't have that same network. Also, I wasn't seeing the results despite aerobic exercise of 1 to 1.5 hours 5 -6 times a week. Frustrating! It was then that my husband urged me to join him at the gym, doing strength training. I resisted for a year, mostly because I didn't want to get up at 5:30 a.m. to go with him. But, he said to give it a try and if I didn't like it in one month's time, I could quit.

So, I MADE myself go. I dragged through the day for the first couple of weeks, I was so tired. By the end of the month, it was a routine and, ohmygosh, what a thrill: I was really seeing results. It was almost magical! I am a new convert to strength training (8 months thus far) and regret that I wasn't doing this years and years ago. I am rejuvenated. I tell everyone I know that strength training is the elixir of youth and that is why I am taking the time to write this lengthy post to y'all.

All the aerobics in the world wasn't able to shape my body the way lifting weights does. As for liking it, I LOVE it -- for what it does, for the way I feel, and for the instant gratification of seeing my progress by the amount of weight I can lift or the number of repetitions.

Bottom line: How to like exercise? First, try to find one you like or one you can tolerate because of some other reason (in my case, friendship or stress buster). Then, once you see results, that should be enough of an incentive to continue. Attitude is also so important in anything we do, don't you think? Convince yourself that this is something you need and want, that it is a treat for you, that is your reward. Whatever. I feel so much better when I exercise!

I do have to say that if I get out of the routine, I have to make a conscious effort to get back to it. So, I guess, starting always takes more effort than keeping the momentum going. It doesn't come without effort.

Good luck to you and treat yourself to exercise! You deserve it

Edited by: TUMBLWD at: 2/5/2005 (10:03)

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2/4/05 7:02 P

COLLELLABEAN,
Thanks for the congrats. but I have just begun the process. I will have my masters degree in teaching in May of 2006. My youngest went away to college this fall, so I decided if I was ever going to get this additional degree, now was the time. I don't know how you did it with children still at home and everything else you were doing. I put it off due to the kids, etc. I did have my undergrad, but wanted to get the masters degree. I want to fit in the exercise, but I end up not getting enough sleep due to all the paperwork I have for my teaching job. Trying to eat healthy, exercise, do classwork and paper work for school, plus all the other things we all do keeps me really busy. I guess I like it that way!

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2/4/05 6:48 P

NANCYK1

Congratulations on your impending graduation! Have you picked out your diploma frame yet? I went back to school and graduated when I was 50. It was a huge accomplishment because I had children still at home and I worked 3 12 hour night shifts. I took 2 classes for 4 quarters for 4 years. I will never ever go back. When I look back I have no idea how I did it. I am glad I did. I guess if I did that I should be able to fit in exercise I guess I just don't want to.

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2/4/05 10:30 A

Tumblwd,

It is interesting that I read this. I joined Weight Watchers with my neighbor a few weeks ago. Last night was our weekly meeting and here is what the director said. First she asked who liked to exercise? About half the room of hands went up. Then she asked who didn't like to exercise and the other half went up. She said something that made sense to me and it may help you. She said to think of it differently. Instead of hating exercise, like what it does for you and your body. It may not make you like it any better, but when those clothes start fitting the way you want them to, you will like what it does for you! Good luck and keep trying.

MissPam

Edited by: MISSPAM at: 2/4/2005 (10:30)

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2/4/05 7:59 A

I am another Nancy and new here. My problem is time. I teach and am getting my masters degree. I wanted to join a gym, but I realized I wouldn't be able to get there enough to jusify paying for it. For now, I am walking about 3 times a week and trying to increase it. I do have some tapes I should be doing. When the weather keeps me indoors, I have used the treadmill this winter more than I ever have in the past. I do need the strength training, though. Exercise is a challenge for me also.
NancyK.

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2/3/05 10:40 A

Tumblwd,
I too am another Nancy. I just have one question for you. How do you get to the point that you LOVE exercise? I think about it but I just can't do it. I have joined various gyms and have numerous tapes and equipment (clothes hangers) but just don't like it. I recently went to a YOGA class with some friends. They loved it. I HATED it. It was at least 100 degrees in there and I felt lightheaded and nauseas. I am actually within my range for hgt/wgt 5'4" 144 lbs. but my clothes don't fit and I feel fat. So I am on my way down to 118-120. I felt good there. But, now I am older and with menopause/ osteoporosis etc strength training is what I need. How do you get to love exercise?

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2/3/05 1:54 A

Got my walk in, had my picture in the disability news letter for Clark Co. WA Art Department.

Was neat seeing my self in a picture.. that was mailed out to hundreds of people. My name was not in the artical, but people that new me called me to let me know that my pictures was in the artical.

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1/31/05 5:35 P

Yeah, Brenda!

First check in is tomorrow! I'll be stopping by your journal to see how it went!!

Coach Jen

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1/31/05 5:28 P

YES! It is a deal! Brenda

Motherhen1945

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1/31/05 4:55 P

Brenda,

You can do this if you put your mind to it and develop a plan. Just start with very small goals. How about we say that every day for the next 7 days, you are going to walk 5 minutes- either inside or outside. Do you think that is something you could commit to? Just 5 minutes? I'll check in with you everyday in your journal to see how it's going. If you don't want to do walking, we can pick something else. What do you say? Do we have a deal?

Coach Jen

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1/31/05 4:47 P

I just want to cry, I am not a failure, but I have not accomplished all that I had hoped to accomplish the last few years, due to emotional, self deniel, not taking care of my self. Allowing emotional eating as a excuse to eat and do as I please knowing that my actions, have be deptramental to my well being.
I don't understand why we do these things to our self. I am guessing that I am not alone in this pitty pot! Staying foccussed is not easy for me.

Brenda Aunt Bee

Edited by: AUNTBEE1945BK at: 2/6/2005 (15:32)

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1/31/05 12:30 P

Thanks, Jen.

I'd forgotten about the need for strength training. I used to love biking (even the hills when I was a boy in San Francisco) and swimming. Good ideas!

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1/31/05 12:27 P

JC,

Congratulations on your current success! (Don't worry- Weight Watchers is not a bad word around here!) Have you thought about swimming? That would be no stress on your ankles! The bike or elliptical machine might also be possibilities. I would also suggest you start a strength training routine if you haven't already. The increase in muscle mass speeds up your metabolism, which helps you burn more calories.

Let me know if you have more questions! I'm happy to help!

Coach Jen

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1/31/05 12:08 P

I have recently lost 12 lbs. (since the new year) with SparkPeople and WeightWatchers (can I mention that here?) I am 5'10", Male, and 178lbs. I would feel more comfortable around 166 lbs. Any suggestions for other exercises (I walk 2-3 miles a day)for someone with bad ankles?

Thanks!

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1/31/05 11:18 A

Nthorne,

Congratulations on your current success and welcome to the Message Boards! You have a great story! Have you ever thought about submitting a Success Story (on the "My Home" page)? You could be an inspiration to a lot of people! Just something to think about!

Let us know if you need anything!

Coach Jen

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1/31/05 11:16 A

I turned 50 about a year ago and decided that my birthday present to myself was to get back in shape and on track. Using your daily diary to count calories and exercising 3 times per week, I've lost 30 pounds. Actually, it's been pretty easy except I've had to replace my wardrobe twice. :-)

I think the exercise is critical to keeping your metabolism up as you age. I also agree that you reach a point where your body seems comfortable and it will be difficult to sustain a lower weight. In my case, I would love to weigh 120 (I'm 5'5") but I don't think I could sustain it without a ton of work. I'm shooting for 130......3 more pounds to go.

Edited by: NTHORNE at: 1/31/2005 (11:16)

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1/29/05 12:00 P

Thanks for this forum. I hope us "more mature" folks that have a lot of weight to loose can share tips here, too.

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1/28/05 11:36 A

Nancy,

I think you are doing a great job and you are on the right track! I understand what you mean about the scale- it's hard for me not to weigh myself everyday even though I know I shouldn't.

Let me know if you need anything else!

Coach Jen

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1/28/05 10:58 A

Thanks, Coach Jen!

I think you got it right when you mentioned the part about not being willing to do what it takes to drop any further. I am really quite happy with where I am at this point in time. I just have a fixation with the scale :-) I know I shouldn't!

Yes, I do change my exercise routine every couple of months and I know about taking in too few calories. I guess I am doing most things right and just needing confirmation! Thanks!

Oh, I am 5'3" and 120 lbs.
Nancy

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1/28/05 8:47 A

Hey Nancy!

It's good to see you in here! How tall are you? That might give me a better idea of a realistic weight range for you. I don't think that you need to drop below 1200 to keep losing weight. In fact, just the opposite could happen if you did that- you might stop losing weight completely. Have you heard of starvation mode? That's when your body starts holding on to everything you take in b/c it's not getting enough energy to keep you going. SP never recommends that people go below 1200 calories for this reason. Especially if you exercise, you might need a few more calories than you think. (Could be a reason you aren't losing weight)

Do you change your exercise routine frequently? If not, that could be another reason the scale is not budging.

I think our body has a weight where it is most comfortable and it takes a lot to go down from there. For example, I'm a normal weight and very active. But I'm not at the "lower end" of the healthy range for my height. For me to get down to that lower end would take a ton of work, and I'm not willing to do what it takes to stay there. Maybe that's what you are experiencing?

You need to develop healthy behaviors that you can sustain for the long term. If you are always feeling deprived, that's not a happy way to live. You can still make good choices, feel satisfied and be healthy, without having to be a size 2 (not that I'm saying that's your goal). It's more about being happy with yourself whether you are a size 2 or size 22.

Let me know if you have more questions- I'm happy to help!

Coach Jen

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1/27/05 9:55 P

Thanks for starting this new forum, Coach Jen. I think it really must be harder to lose weight over the age of 50!!! I had always been underweight most of life, but started gaining the typical pound per year after I turned 35 or so.

I've always felt that my best weight is in the 112 -115 range. Is it realistic to think I might get back to that? I wasn't able to budge the scales until I started strength training, in addition to my regular aerobic exercise. After 8 months of that routine, I can see a big difference in my appearance (loss of body fat and visible muscle definition, but the scale just doesn't move! It hovers around 120.

I love the exercise and know I will enjoy that level of activity for years to come, but I don't like the idea of only being able to eat 1200 - 1500 calories per day forever!! In fact, as time goes by and I get more frustrated by NOT losing weight, I am tending to eat more! Self-defeating, I know.

Lately, I've been eating 1600 - 1800 calories a couple of days each week and 1400 - 1500 on the other days.

So, what do you think? Any tips, suggestions? I think I am in maintenance mode and would have to drop to 1200 calories daily to lose any more. I'm not so sure that is a good idea as I have been reading about osteoporosis. Small-boned women under 127 lbs. seem to be at greater risk and I am border-line as it is. Another reason to concentrate on adding muscle and ignore the scale. Nevertheless, I have more fat that I want to lose.

I'm thinking outloud here and probably just need to get motivated again.

Nancy

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1/25/05 5:12 P

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to our newest forum! If you have any questions or need anything, please let me know!!

Coach Jen