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Dieting & exercise

How to become flexible at 60

(35 Posts)
M0nica Fri 13-Oct-23 19:42:47

Tai Chi. Gentle exercises that encurage flexibility and strengthen your core muscles.

I am 80 I have been doing it for 5 years and can think of no reason why I ahould need to stop.

Whiff Fri 13-Oct-23 19:24:57

I started chair based exercises in 2018. Where I used to live . Joined at class near my new home but it closed because of Covid. Then found my council did active ageing class which was GP referral. Did that for over a year and they pulled the funding.

But go to a sit fit class near my home . I am the youngest in the class at 65 oldest is 91. The full membership is 16 but some weeks like this week where just 7 of us. We do exercises sitting down and ones holding on to the back of a chair. Don't think it's an easy exercise class it's not. Our instructor works us hard but she always you need to feel the exercises but if it hurts stop. She's in her earlier 60's. It's great fun. It's funny but I can do the exercises easier than I can walk.

If you Google over 60's sit fit classes there should be some in your area. My class costs £5 and lasts 60-70 mins. This week we did circuit training. It's great fun using bits of equipment but a minute seems a long time when you are pedalling on a free standing pedals sitting on a chair.

It's a lovely social group as well and we encourage eachother . Plus our instructor plays good music this week it was the rolling stones. All the members have multiple conditions.

No matter how much pain I am in I still go every week because it makes me feel better in myself.

BeverleyJB Fri 13-Oct-23 19:06:46

At almost your age, plus being overweight, I started to get scared that I would never be anything approaching fit and was worried if I fell over, how embarrassing it would be to need assistance to get up! Most exercise regimes I had tried in the past were too difficult for someone like me - so I always gave up.
After a lot of searching, I found Tom Morrison's Simplistic Mobility Method. It's very flexible - you progress at your own pace and he gives other ways of doing the exercises if you find them too difficult. And when you get better, there are things to make the exercises a bit harder so you still get something out of them.
Tommorrison.uk

Retread Fri 13-Oct-23 18:45:30

Prop! Damn autocorrect.

Retread Fri 13-Oct-23 18:45:13

(Apologies for dripfeed smile ) - the chair is just used as a proper for half the class. It is quite challenging, I like the fact that I can do e.g. the Warrior Pose seated, because that's quite a tough one.

CanadianGran Fri 13-Oct-23 18:44:22

I agree that yoga is very helpful. I have been practicing for about 5 years now, and at 62 feel strong and flexible.

As an office worker sitting at a desk all day, I do think it is important to have a good mix of both strength, flexibility and cardio. I try to get a good walk in most days, then yoga at home (on-line class) about 3 times a week.

Retread Fri 13-Oct-23 18:42:59

Meant to add - it definitely aids my flexibility, balance and more. I'm 74.

Retread Fri 13-Oct-23 18:42:18

Chair Yoga. I do an online Zoom class.

Chocolatelovinggran Fri 13-Oct-23 18:41:02

I joined a yoga class for mature ladies at 60 and I feel that it has halted the decline of my flexibility.

Newbeginnings Fri 13-Oct-23 18:33:32

I am 60 and beginning to seize up! is it possible to become flexible at my age. Any suggestions or recommendations?