Is it too old to start?

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.

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.

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.

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

What an optimist you are, Frank!

That's one word for it Ana

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

Discrimination!

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

Nelliemoser just oa, that's enough Thankyou. It's playing up again today as I've made a boiled fruit cake and a banana cake.
The banana cake only the top half came out so I'm eating the banana bottom instead of lunch.
Don't normally bake but DD and DGD coming tomorrow.

If you want to exercise and loose a bit of weight you could try Rosemary Conley diet & fitness classes if there is one in your area. This club is suitable for all age groups and I have been going to mine for about 15 years. I recently had a bone density test to show the risk of osteroporosis(not the correct spelling - sorry) and I have the bones of a 30 year old - I am 59 years old. I put this down to regular exercise and keeping fit. It is never too late to get fit.

Alison; the gym I've joined is called 'energie' and they have franchises in other parts of the country. They have machines that take the pressure off your joints which is why I joined as I have bad knees. They monitor your first 6 weeks and discuss diet, lifestyle, goals etc. It's a women only gym [hope Frank isn't reading this] so I feel comfortable going there. They also have cross trainers, treadmills, exercise bikes etc and a machine that I've not been let loose on yet. It seems to be mostly older women, so I feel comfortable about going. It'll be interesting to see how much I've improved when I have my 6 week assesment in a few days time. I'm hoping that it has improved my fitness in such a way that I can move on to different sorts of exercise. I also get to meet some very pleasant people when I'm there. I've paid for a year and doubt if I'll continue after that [I won't have the money soon] but it's certainly kick started me into a fitness campaign. Most of these places let you have a free go to see how you get on. It takes me exactly an hour to do the circuit.

Just come back from shooting arrows. Very enjoyable but got rained off! No archery next w/e as they have some sort of gala .
Suppose I'd better go and bake a cake!

It just knackers you out. What is the flipping' point?

Step away from that mixing bowl Galen.

Your are never too old to exercise but the only thing I would say is have a word with your GP if you have any health problems.
The gym I attend wouldn't allow me to use the machines when I tried to join because I had high blood pressure and advised me to go to the GP.
Any gym worth it's salt will give you a health review before you are allowed on the equipment.
I use the YMCA gym and for seniors it's £10 a month so a good deal, we don't have a swimming pool but that's alright as I wouldn't use it so know point in paying for something I wouldn't use.
I use the gym 2 to 3 times a week the staff are very helpful I can have a review of my program at anytime.
You will maintain your muscle mass, bone density and endurance and all this will help into old age.
I am also in a walking group and can walk 5 times a week if I had the time with this group it is run by the council and is guided, walking is a good way to keep fit.

You will not loose weight by exercising I have never lost weight the only way to loose weight is to eat less or change the types of food you eat and take in less calories than you need.

I started 3 years ago with regular exercise at CURVES, a gym for women. 30 mins workout on ten pieces of equipment and stretching. Love the though of the YMCA Gym tho. even cheaper than Curves which is £35 a month. I also go walking with my husband, lately though have not felt much like either due to a nasty bout of shingles but intend to start asap

Meant to add that these machines also take the pressure off joints they are hydraulically managed and it is fun.