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Exercise over 70

(83 Posts)
Doodle Sat 02-Feb-19 14:12:06

DH and I walk a lot but do little other exercise. I have poor joints. Both of us have asthma and little stamina for energetic exercise. I just wondered what others do to keep fit and if you have any suggestions for us couch potatoes.

Saggi Fri 15-Feb-19 14:27:25

Sorry got cut off there......point being whatever you do...DO something... I’d suggest an easy mile or two every other day on flat and interspersed with a few lanes of swimming. Good luck

Doodle Fri 15-Feb-19 14:39:25

tilly grin. That’s my kind of exercise. Thank you for all the suggestions. I do walk a lot but need to get down to exercise (not literally as I’d never get up again ?). Will look into local classes.

BGrannie1 Fri 15-Feb-19 14:42:53

Like others I have 2 newish knees and find most leaping about and normal yoga now off limits. I too have an electric bike for nicer weather... I use this site for exercises

hasfit.com/workouts/home/senior/

I don't do the chair ones now but they are a great starting point. If the voices annoy you, do it without sound.

Better to do something than nothing, and anything that gets our heart rates up a bit is a good thing.

Good luck and Well done!

grannybuy Fri 15-Feb-19 15:03:01

Funnily enough, I was handed a booklet today in the city centre from a local dance centre, and I have been trying to choose from tap, ballet, ballroom and Latin or general excercise to music. I do walk most days at a very brisk pace, but probably not far enough, and I feel that I should try to do something more structured. Can anyone recommend any particular form of dance as excercise?

grannybuy Fri 15-Feb-19 15:05:11

Forgot to say, I'm 71 with slightly 'creaky' hip joints, but apart from osteoarthritis in my hands, I'm able enough.

Gingergirl Fri 15-Feb-19 15:05:15

I do Thai Chi and swimming, also a little strength training which is using extremely light weights . Apparently it’s considered one of the best forms of exercise as we get older to strengthen bones etc.

Rosiebee Fri 15-Feb-19 17:40:47

Any recommendations for Thai Chi online? I swim three times a week but can't get to the T C class and am really interested in this form of exercise. Thanks

ayse Fri 15-Feb-19 17:50:57

Search for NHS exercise. They have Pilates for beginners, if that’s any help.

catwoman Fri 15-Feb-19 18:01:18

I'm another one who loves their zumba classes. Lots of fun & it does nt feel like exercise. Age 70!!

nipsmum Fri 15-Feb-19 18:36:46

I have never done routine exercise as I had a quite physical job. I have however walked dogs at least 3 times a day and at 78 still keep active with my Westie. No joint problems so far.

Charleygirl5 Fri 15-Feb-19 18:57:51

After my first knee replacement, I went line dancing and loved every minute of it. The only problem was that the room was full to bursting so there was little space to move. Now I have had my other knee replaced I was considering rejoining to help regain balance.

pce612 Fri 15-Feb-19 19:12:22

If you have a hydrotherapy pool near you, see if they do exercise classes.... the water will be warm and will support your body - better on the joints. We are lucky enough to have one, you can book an appointment with a physio, who will recommend suitable exercises.
If there isn't one that you can book, your GP may be able to refer you to the HP at your local hospital if it will help keep you mobile. Or your local swimming pool may have days that they up the water temperature for baby sessions.

bml Fri 15-Feb-19 19:21:29

I am 71 and I have been doing yoga about 5 times a week for the last 7 years, I have just bought a mini trampoline and been using that for the last month, it is brilliant, The benifets of bouncing are great, just look on utube for videos, all levels can use it

Yogagran70 Fri 15-Feb-19 19:35:35

If you are not able to stand on the trampoline, You can just sit on the mini trampoline and just bounce, it still is a form of exercise if you are not able to do too much, just build it up

EllenT Fri 15-Feb-19 20:12:02

An exercise bike at home works well for me. I’m 65 and have already had the same hip replaced twice, so keen to keep the relevant muscles in good shape.

Gonegirl Fri 15-Feb-19 20:49:00

Yes. I should take the coats off my exercise bike.

4allweknow Fri 15-Feb-19 22:17:27

Yoga can be as difficult or easy as you want. Keeps you flexible and relaxed. Pilates can be more intense but is great for stretching. I feel about a foot taller when finished a 45 min session. As to joint damage I have a friend who regularly goes for 8 -10 mile walks (rambler). Next day she is in agony and complains incessantly about pain in her back and leg. Will she admit walking so much over so many years could be causing a problem - no, it's all down to doing some knitting now and again. I have given up listening. To much, to severe will cause problems. Look at Andy Murray.

deaneke Sat 16-Feb-19 05:11:01

Crafty at, how do you go about checking on yoga teachers experience. I have been to a few but they no their stuff but somehow not for older bodies and just say see how your body feels! By that time I've injured my self and since a hiatus hernia find it very uncomfortable but miss it...and the joints do too!

jenkins Sat 16-Feb-19 19:04:45

Found a booklet in my local Library ,'walking for Health'
this is Bristol ..start out with a leisurely hour walk but when there are upward of ten having a chat and enjoying local history it flies by..coffee after more chat ..chance to progress to 4mile walks ,different venues .Meeting folk ..sometimes good to get out and about..no cost and quite social...make of it what you will..to your budget..ie coffee after
I have put on a lot of weight..I love swimming and dancing
need to get back in the pool and dancing..Everyone inspiring, lovely messages..food for thought..or just do it!

bikergran Sat 16-Feb-19 19:38:36

Love those BIKES smile

naheed Sat 16-Feb-19 19:50:51

Dear Doodle, I went on the NHS site and found the following:-

www.asthma.org.uk/advice/living-with-asthma/exercise-and-activities/

It seems quite a comprehensive article and towards the end I found the following which I found interesting:-

''Exercise-induced asthma is a specific type of asthma that’s triggered just by exercise.

If you find that exercise often triggers your asthma it could be a sign that your asthma isn't as well-controlled as it could be. See your GP or asthma nurse so you can update your written asthma action plan together, check your inhaler technique and review your asthma medicines. A regular asthma review can make a real difference to how well you manage your asthma triggers.

But if you find that exercise is your only trigger then it could mean that you have exercise-induced asthma.

Your GP or asthma nurse can help you work out whether or not you’ve got exercise-induced asthma. If you do it doesn’t mean you can’t exercise at all, but you’ll need extra help to manage asthma symptoms when you do exercise and advice on the right types of exercise/activity for you. Your GP might suggest you take your reliever inhaler before you exercise''.

All the best

naheed Sat 16-Feb-19 20:06:52

One more thing:- I've been doing yoga regularly for the past 3 years and have benefitted from it enormously. When I first started I used the youtube yoga and hurt myself. I found it best to learn each movement properly in the class before trying it at home.

naheed Sat 16-Feb-19 20:50:13

I tried a few yoga teachers over the years before I found the right teacher and class for myself. My teacher is qualified to teach and cater for various pains and aches. She always asks us how we've been since our last lesson and if we've experienced any problems since then that she should know. She's a member of British Wheel of Yoga. They have members all over the country and all you need to do to find one is to visit the following site and type in your post code. Then the details of the nearest ones to you appear. Here's the link if you're interested Doodle:-

www.bwy.org.uk/

jeanie99 Sat 16-Feb-19 21:30:03

Anyone with health issues should take good advice before starting exercising.
Your Asthma could be an problem with certain classes and exercise routines.
It's not always about age when exercising, I am 74 years old and like you have health issues.
I stay within recommended restraints as advised by my consultant.
Yes it is good to keep fit but do take advise before doing anything or you could be doing more harm than good.
Best of luck.

BlueSky Sun 17-Feb-19 20:34:27

I am a great believer in walking, just the right amount every day, at a pace that suits you, I believe that's all an older person needs to do to keep fit. Anything more strenuous is likely to do more harm than good. If you really want a change than perhaps swimming provided you enjoy it.