Feeling younger than I’ve felt for years

Very well done Primrose, and thank you for sharing this. I have never been a fan of organised exercise as such, but lately have started a Pilates class, and a movement class, and I feel so much better for both. I don't have to take too much time out of my day, just walk along to the church hall for both ( different days, of course!). Like you, I find it a social thing too, we laugh and chat, and there is no pressure, no competition, just fun exercise. I now do the Pilates at home too, just five minutes here and there.

Cambia

CanadianGran

Good for you Primrose. Staying active has such a great impact on our health, mentally and physically!

I do a weight workout at home 3 x weekly, and yoga 3 days, with Sundays to lounge about. I fractured my elbow late August, so couldn't do either, and I did notice the difference in flexibility and strength. I'm working my way back up now, but with lighter weights.

Can you recommend a weight workout from home please? We were going to the gym but as we travel so much we need to follow a home workout really and haven’t found one yet.

There are loads of workouts on YouTube. Just search for beginners weights, older women or, as the Americans like to call us, Seniors weight workouts.

You give me hope Primrose53, you really do as I am looking after my mum at 94 with double dementia and feel tired, worn out and no time for myself, exactly how you felt. Not an easy dad with mum today so your post gives me heart.

Sorry mean day not dad! You can tell I haven't had an easy one!

Bravo and a seriously well done to you. 👍🌷. I know your successful outcome is all you need but thanks for sharing. So joyous to read something heartwarming. Oh yesss.......

Cambia, I follow a woman on line that is in her 50's and a weightlifter, but only does her weights with hand weights at home.

On youtube, look up Cheryl Coulombe, under her playlists look up 30 min Full Body Workout. Her instructions are simple and start off with very light weights.

As Primrose says, there are lots of on line programs, but I find the woman above to be realistic in goals and the videos are easy to follow.

mrsgreenfingers56

You give me hope Primrose53, you really do as I am looking after my mum at 94 with double dementia and feel tired, worn out and no time for myself, exactly how you felt. Not an easy dad with mum today so your post gives me heart.

If you can, try and get even half an hour or an hour to yourself. I know it’s not easy because when you sit down there are things like Mum’s bills to pay, appointments to make, prescriptions to sort out etc but make that time just for you.

I should have done that more but you just keep going on the treadmill don’t you? Have you got anybody who could help you with that?

I had nobody else to help me and I got so exhausted that I used to drive off, park up somewhere and just cry!

Have a look if there are any classes near you. Some only last 45 mins others an hour.

I am telling you this so you learn by my mistakes.

What a great message Primrose53 really good news having travelled the same road and came out the other side with determination to ‘start living my life now my carer’s role had ended’! So happy for you .

Lovely post well done Primrose. I’m 67 and my mum passed away this year after being poorly for years. I recognise your feelings of being old and tired. Just before I read your thread I was giving myself a telling off, for not getting out for a walk again today.
I’m still very tired. We’ve just been away for a couple of days and I’m exhausted.
Maybe it’s early days for me, or should I push myself. We’ll see.

I love this post

Well done Primrose!! I started at a gym 18 months ago, previously had bad hip pain, was convinced needed a new one, saw osteopath who said, no you don’t, you just need to work the muscles that are not working, he recommended gym and what to do there, I am no longer in pain and literally feel like a new woman, added bonus, dropped a few pounds, win win!!

Wow Primrose, very well done. I’ve been poorly for the best part of this year, but I’m finally beginning to feel better. You’ve given me the push that I very much needed to find my get up and go. I have wrist and ankle weights, plus dumbbells. I’d like to start at our local gym, but I’m going to try and start off slowly on my own first. I’m not very good at joining in with anything new. Thank you so much for your post. You’ll be running marathons next! 🏃‍♀️

Nannylovesshopping that is amazing. Well done!

Summerfly ooh ankle and wrist weights sound good! May have to invest.

Try not to bother about “joining in” or worrying what people think. I just do it! I probably look like a blob in my ancient batho but I will treat myself to a new one when I am a bit more toned up.

For anyone ( most of us!) who have less time than intention, there are some great 7 minutes workouts on Youtube, LWR, I think her name is Lucy Wyndham Reed. Some movement, is better than no movement, and as Primrose has so eloquently and positively posted, you will feel so much better for it.

Well done Primrose53 and enjoy your new found freedom.

Apart from the physical side the exercise will do so much for your mental health. Exercise causes the release of endorphins - the 'feel-good' hormones - so it will help you to feel happier too. And the knowledge that you have taken responsibility for your health and well being will also help alleviate some stress so it's a win-win.

UPDATE!

I last weighed myself on my birthday which was beginning of October. Since then I started aquafit, do daily weight lifting (nothing major just lightest weights) and gone on to smaller portions. I have cut out chocolate, biscuits (just about) and alcohol which wasn’t hard as I only ever have an occasional drink.

Weighed myself this morning and I have lost 1stone 1 lb! I am really pleased with that as when I did SW I weighed in weekly and it was a pound on, half a pound off, 2 lbs on etc.

I have been out for several meals and an afternoon tea during this time but eat smaller portions and I do ask for half portion of chips for example.

Off to Aquafit this afternoon!

Well done Primrose 👏🏻👏🏻
Up to a few weeks ago, I was doing kettlebell and weights but having hurt my shoulder. I haven’t done anything for awhile and the weight is gradually creeping on.
I realise that is no excuse,there is plenty I can do including walking, I work three afternoons a week in a high high dementia care home but obviously that is not enough exercise
I am going to look on YouTube for some either yoga or Pilates and really need to get out and walk more
Thank you for your inspirational post 🦋

Shinamae

Well done Primrose 👏🏻👏🏻
Up to a few weeks ago, I was doing kettlebell and weights but having hurt my shoulder. I haven’t done anything for awhile and the weight is gradually creeping on.
I realise that is no excuse,there is plenty I can do including walking, I work three afternoons a week in a high high dementia care home but obviously that is not enough exercise
I am going to look on YouTube for some either yoga or Pilates and really need to get out and walk more
Thank you for your inspirational post 🦋

Thanks Shinamae. Just very gentle stretching exercises may help your shoulder. I used to do yoga classes regularly and loved them. The yoga teacher moved away and I wasn’t so keen on her replacement.

However, I carried on with the stretching and balancing exercises at home and have been doing them every morning for a couple of years. I just made up my own routine which now includes some light weight lifting.

Primrose -
Very well done !
I am thrilled for you.
My story is similar to your history .
Unfortunately , before I could get to grips with my health -I caught one chest infection after the after leaving me weak inbetween .
But I've started exercising with my walking poles ignoring people telling me to get a rollator or a mobility scooter .
I look at the church ladies and they can hardly walk from their walking aids to the loo .
That's the way - I was going using a walker .
So now I use the walking poles as often as possible .
I am very tired - but tired in a good way .
I battle with IBS , migraines and a damaged knee , back and neck .
I'm not giving up .
I am slowly getting more energetic .
Chair yoga helps too .
And unbelievably , I've attracted a couple of men at church !!!

Esmay

Primrose -
Very well done !
I am thrilled for you.
My story is similar to your history .
Unfortunately , before I could get to grips with my health -I caught one chest infection after the after leaving me weak inbetween .
But I've started exercising with my walking poles ignoring people telling me to get a rollator or a mobility scooter .
I look at the church ladies and they can hardly walk from their walking aids to the loo .
That's the way - I was going using a walker .
So now I use the walking poles as often as possible .
I am very tired - but tired in a good way .
I battle with IBS , migraines and a damaged knee , back and neck .
I'm not giving up .
I am slowly getting more energetic .
Chair yoga helps too .
And unbelievably , I've attracted a couple of men at church !!!

Wow! You go girl!! 👏👏Esmay

It definitely is a case of use it or lose it.
It is so much easier putting socks and shoes on and not feeling so breathless. I can feel much less fat around my middle too. My backside has disappeared as I carry my weight on the front.

Primrose
I know that it's hard work and Christmas is nearly upon us -but it's worth it !
I'm dreaming of a nice neat little bum and a flat tum .
At the moment, putting on shoes and socks is uncomfortable .
We mustn't give up !!!

Well done Primrose. You sound absolutely buzzing ! Me on the other hand, i still haven’t made a move. My excuses are having a bad cold and now an eye infection. Could do better.

Always good to read these positive posts. Well done, Primrose, you are an inspiration. 👏👏👏😊

And Esmay. 👏👏👏😊

Primrose, your lovely post warms my heart and makes me feel that this carer should follow your lead. You are an inspiration to everyone.