Exercise over 70

Matelda
That's a good news story. Great to hear you persevered.

Hi why dont you see if there are any seated exercise classes near you. You can go ta your own pace and are also good fun.

Swimming most days and Pilates once a week where there is a maximum of 6 in a class so we all get proper attention according to our needs. Love it!

So very true Matelda....its not a new idea...but 'use it or loose it' is so true. When you have dodgy joints its too easy to make the mistake of thinking you have to use them less, take it easy and just let it all go when getting sound advise and doing exercises with weights or resistance can be so liberating.

I have a treadmill and try to do three 5 minute sessions a day at 3 kms an hour which is pathetic I know but Any more and I'm bored stupid and get breathless. I also lift 2.5kg weights to improve arm muscles and go to a Tai Chi class once a week for an hour and do a shorter routine at home two or three times a week.
What I have noticed is if I miss any of these sessions for even a couple of days it's really hard to get going again.
Other than that I do my garden in the warmer weather with many tea breaks!

Aquarobics is brilliant,I’ve been going 2 years now, twice a week.You don’t get sweaty which hate,it’s the only exercise I’ve ever stuck at,and the ladies are all ages,I’m nearly 72.

This might sound a bit random. I do Ladies Kickboxing. I’m 70 this year. I started two years ago, six months after a stroke leaving me with lack of balance and some left sided weakness. Also I couldn’t raise my left arm above shoulder height. I’m going for my black belt in October. I’ve never been sporty, but I believe that’s there’s exercise suitable for everyone and you are never too old. You just need to find something that you enjoy and that gets you keen to participate.

I have had a knee replacement, and thought I was doomed to walk with a stick forever. However I realised that I needed to build more muscle and began to work out every day using YouTube videos. I began with seated exercises and functional exercises for seniors. I also liked ‘walk at home’. Later, I graduated to light hand weights and ‘standing abs and cardio’ routines. These resistance routines mean that I now feel more like 35 than 70, can nip up and down stairs with ease, and can kneel easily because my knees are well padded with muscle. Apart from my fingers, my osteoarthritis has gone into remission.

Social dancing - good for the brain as well.
Also some gentle weight training is very important. My joints would be a lot worse but getting some strength back into muscles supports the joints. We all loose muscle strength as we age but that can be slowed or reduced if you use weights.

I’ve had various joint and back issues. I’ve found aquafit very good as the water is supportive and doing something to music is fun. The other good thing is just walking and when I can’t go outside I’ve discovered Leslie Sansone videos on YouTube- she’s a very jolly upbeat American who focuses on walking exercises for your living room! I’ve found a great ‘15 minute happy walk’ and various other distances- including ‘American heart foundation three mike walk ‘ which she does all indoor walking- worth a thought

I walk and hike with various Meetup groups and a photography group which involves some walking around.
I'm also running 6 days a week with a running partner (training for marathon later this year all being well) I also cycle (not a racing bike) ride and, more recently, shuffle dance.
I've done gig-racing in the past and have done weightlifting (got a certificate ?) and still do rowing on a static machine in the gym.
I drank and do drink a lot of milk so my bones are pretty solid.
If you are looking for less exertion, I suggest your local community centre might have classes in tai-chi ( very popular) indoor bowls and dance classes which are quite gentle. They may have sitting down exercise classes too and a cafe to have tea and biscuits after. A good place to meet like minded people.

Yoga every time. It will effect every joint of you body. Ensure you get a really experienced teacher who understands the limitations of an older body. Admittedly I have been doing it since my 20s but we have many in their late 80s in our morning class.
Ensure your tutors properly trained & understands the limitations of your body.
It works very quickly & you should enjoy it too. I love it & we all have coffee(should be green tea really) afterwards too.

Our local Council (Wigan) runs an Active Living programme. I have just finished a 6 week, 12 session exercise course which is designed to help people with arthritis and joint problems. The idea is that we build up the muscles which support the problem areas, helping to ease the pain (hopefully)
A man from Active Living visited at the last session, and pointed us in the direction of further classes and activities which will continue the process. A one-hour interview is the first stage, to discuss our situations and devise the best way of exercising for each individual.
Why not find out if your area has a similar group? They are experts at finding out what is best for you.

You could try the Active 10 App from Public Health England. The idea is to do three periods of brisk walking (don't be put off by the word 'brisk') a day. It is very easy to use and sccording to latest research this is better than 10,000 steps a day.

I go to Zumba that is so uplifting it is more fun than doing exercise. Pilates is also a good class working towards a stronger core whilst being aware that other parts of your body might have limitations.

Doodle have you tried croquet - its a game of strategy so you get to exercise your mind at the same time. Its not strenuous but you do learn some 'tricks' with your mallet and you're are walking up and down a bit. Its getting a lot more popular now so you may find a local group possibly through U3A.
My husband cannot recommend bowls highly enough - he is a coach and has people of all ages playing socially and in competitive teams- his oldest person is in their 90s. I would point out its an indoor club so you can play all year and its very social.

We drive to the sea and walk along the embankment. My asthma is triggered by smoke and we rarely encounter any on these walks and it is lovely to look out to sea and see all the birds etc.

I know it’s now 2019 but I’ve only just discovered this forum!
I have a 14 year old and a 10 year old knee replacement but have always tried to keep moving as much as possible. I’m 71 and single and have had to push myself to join classes but currently do a weekly hatha yoga class and aqua aerobics- both excellent for keeping joints stretched and strong. I also have to walk everywhere in nice 15 minute bites which soon add up every week. All highly recommended.

Pilates is great for stretching and strengthening. I’ve recently moved to an over 55s class where you do what you can. Teaches you to listen to your body and challenge it when you can. Each teacher is different so it’s worth looking around for classes and trying them out.

I go to Aqua fit classes. The oldest two ladies in the class are aged 91 and 92. They say that if they stop they will seize up.

I love my yoga class. I now go to one peopled mostly by older ladies and gents. I once muttered that my joints needed WD40 but was told yoga is the WD40!!
I enjoyed Pilates too but sadly the class had to stop for lack of support.
Swimming is another good exercise but I hate the cold changing rooms.
I admire those of you who can exercise at home but I can't. There is never space or time or motivation.
A walk is the best I can do.

Thank you all. I will try looking at Tai chi and yoga at home. Thank you for all your suggestions

Well walking is pretty good exercise but if you want to try other things
Water aerobics
Chair yoga
Nordic walking using poles
Swimming
Armchair exercise classes

Swimming may be a good form of exercise for you.

Tai Chi is relatively gentle and, if you follow a course online at home you can stop whenever you feel it is tiring you. It is very good for joints.

Have a look on your local Age UK site. You will find that they run a a range of exercise classes of different types suitable for all levels of fitness.