Is it too old to start?

"If in doubt consult your GP", mine usually says "don't". I agree with both jO and NellieM,the pain and tiredness of excersize is depressing and it becomes a fine line to keep the facets joints moble enough to minimize pain. Cooking,standing at the sink is hell. I'm very lucky in that DH enjoys cooking now,but he does tell everyone about it.

Galen Ouch! I hope it eases a bit soon. Have you got RA and OA now? I think you have said before you have suffered for years with arthritis of one sort or another.

I used to walk regularly which used to help keep my back mobile but now the facet joints are so worn that too much excercise leaves me aching and twinging all the time.

Its a battle between just enough excercise to keep the facet joints mobile enough to move at all and not too much so that I am left in constant pain. Standing still for cooking etc is a big problem.

It depends how old you are. Exercise can be completely knackering and the tiredness it brings can be depressing. I have decided to give it up. Largely.

It is never too late to start exercising as long as it is done moderatly to start with then building steadily. I have been fortunate in that my profession demanded that I was fit and I have tried to keep that up since retirement many years ago. It may interest you to know that gardening which includes digging is probably the best aerobic exercise we could attempt together with swimming etc. There are so many ways of maintaining a healthy lifestyle without the exorbitant costs normally accompanying organised activities. If in doubt consult your doctor first before embarking on exercise is probably good advice.

There are certain exercises in Pilates which you shouldn't attempt if you have high blood pressure.
It's best to discuss any health problems you have with your tutor before starting a course.

That does seem unreasonable but I suppose as with everything else they have to cover themselves even for a doctor.
At Scotch Horn Leisure centre in Nailsea they are currently (with posters and leaflets) pushing a GP Referral Scheme.-6 wk course with screening and personal exercise programme.
I mentioned in another thread that I took out a membership last summer.
After check -up and induction I get anytime use of gym machines,free exercise classes,free swimming all for £24 a month.I have seen many older and disabled members and found the staff very helpful.

They say I have to have a certificate from my GP who I never see! Cost £30.
I AM A DOCTOR!
The problem is my left ankle which I can't put weight on! I use the equipment on cruises ok! I do have oa though now in my hands wrists and very painful in my shoulders!
I actually walked (with crutches) a couple of hundred yards down the farmers market today!( had to get the first cheddar strawberries) now I can't put my foot on the floor and resorted to my zimmer!
I get very cross when claimants say that yes they could manage better with an aid but are too proud to use one!

That is terrible Galen, have a look at Curves, there are a couple of women at my group who have had hip or knee replacements and work to their ability. That is the thing about hydraulically powered equipment. It is gentle and does not put undue stress on you.

I thought everywhere had to make provision for disabled people.
Maybe they don't have enough qualified instructors to make sure you're safe.

Discrimination!

My local gym won't let me join as I am disabled!

That's one word for it Ana

What an optimist you are, Frank!

The leisure centre tried to promote the 50+ exercise class to me tonight.
I don't intend to use it until I am 80+.

Frank

If you have medical problems it makes sense to see a health care professional before doing any vigorous exercise.
I didn't realise that with high blood pressure there are a number of Pilates exercises that you shouldn't do, always explain your health problems to the teacher.
My consultant told me to use a heart rate monitor when I go to the gym because of a value problem I have.
Thing is I feel well and fit and wouldn't know when I am overworking my heart if it wasn't for the monitor.

Yes, goldengirl, I wouldn't use a gym that was not well supervised. I am too afraid of collapsing - if you look at all out of puff they are by your side. Also there is the Smartkey which monitors your personal fitness and if your heart rate is above where it should be on the circuit the next piece of equipment will not let you start for a few seconds to slow you down.

Couldn't stand the warm poo I would have to pick up Frank. I just love walking with my DDH or alone and with a pair of binoculars. Who needs a dog. I like dogs but it is the warm poo which puts me off.

We had a Curves in our town Flowerofthewest but it closed down unfortunately. I used to go to something similar called Motorcise which at first was very well supervised and great fun. Then, it was bought by the Council and with cut backs became supervised by young people who were more interested in chatting each other up or who were not present at all and the whole fun atmosphere of exercising changed. Several of us complained but to no avail, so I left.

So, its Pilates for me. I'd love to go twice a week if I had the time. It certainly helps my back - which I injured doing judo many moons ago - and my dodgy knee. The mantra in Pilates is 'pull up, pull in'. I'm often the oldest in the class but don't feel the least bit awkward and noone cares what you wear which suits me fine.

I think you should feel comfortable and safe doing exercise especially as you get older - and of course enjoy it!

Flowerofthewest

If you love walking a dog will encourage you to go.

Frank

I am about to be tempted by the no joining fee offer at one of our gyms which closes on Sunday. DH has been going there on a Groupon offer for the last couple of weeks and likes it. We were both members of another one but stopped before Christmas as we were so busy. Since then I have been in too much pain but now think its time to bite the bullet and see which exercises I can do. At least this one does not insist we sign up for a long term contract so if my back objects I can stop.

Some gyms are very expensive. The ones with a pool are twice the price of this one but neither of us is that keen on swimming so we will go to the cheaper one. I think there might be a stutus thing for the gym bunnies but that doesn't bother us.

goldengirl, because at Curves a lot of the people are older everyone is supervised extremely well. There is always a trained instructor at hand and she walks around talking to everyone in turn. I noticed that an eye is kept on us even from a distance. The 'stations' are in a circle, it is 30 seconds on each piece of equipment and a 'rest' board in between to keep heart rate up . Each piece of equipment is hydraulically powered - I had never been to a gym before because I needed to feel safe. I certainly do feel safe here. I also love walking and will be glad when the weather improves.

I've been put off gyms. I don't think older people are supervised adequately - but that's just from my experience. I've also changed my Pilates class and now attend one where the maximum number is 6 and we have individual sequences to complete within the hour with support from the teacher. I find it just right for me and come out feeling really stretched and 'cardio'd'. I've been attending this class since last September and my shape has changed - noticed by DH and friends without any prompting . My previous classes had been with 9 others in the class and we basically did the same activity to whatever standard was deemed appropriate to our flexibility. It was good but not as challenging as this particular class I'm now enjoying. In the summer I enjoy swimming lengths but the water has to be pretty warm!!! I'd love to walk but with the lack of loos around it's a dodgy activity for me which is a real shame.

Flowerofthewest

As it is a private gym it would not be subsidised.
I go to a council leisure centre and myself along with other men complained about ladies only classes as there were no men only classes.
This centre is subsidised using council tax payers money and about 2 months later all classes went mixed.
Also they were charging men and women the same monthly fee.
Obviously women who used these classes should have either paid a higher monthly fee or a separate charge to use them.

Frank

Hmmm! not sure it is subsidised Frank, I know it is a franchise. Just enjoy it there - they really look after you and know every one by name. You are checked every month Weight, BMI BP - inches lost etc. Lots of encouragement and I feel really comfortable there.

absent!!! Your fault, methinks.