Good flexibility but poor cardio?

eastofeden

I would welcome some advice please. I am 58 years old and of a slim build. I do both yoga and pilates and walk for an hour once or twice a week. Every month I do a long walk of up to 12 miles in addition.

My concern is that when I go up even a short flight of stairs I get a bit breathless and can feel my heart beating fast. I have never enjoyed the gym or aerobic type activities ( although I walk at a good pace).

Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions, and do you think this is normal? I have a job where I am sometimes office based, but often out and about too.

I want to continue to be flexible and supple but recognise the need for 'fitness' too!

Lizling

Normal, quite possibly, but not healthy.

How about including some more hills in your walks or just going a bit faster? Or maybe there are some non-gym type activities you might enjoy, like swimming, or tennis or dancing or whatever else is available around your way?

McKneff

Do you take any medication that could be to blame.


Other than that, you sound exactly like me..... go to an aquasize class, once or twice a week. brilliant and no pressure on the joints but getting a cardiac buzz.... ~

eastofeden

Thanks both. I think the idea of including some hills is a good one! I was also wondering about some daily skipping too as I used to love skipping! I am retiring in July so will also look for a class or two then.

I don't take any medication other than cod liver oil and vitamin d.

trailingspouse

It might be worth mentioning it to the doc next time you visit. Breathlessness can be a symptom of other things.

browneyedbazzi

trailingspouse wrote: »

It might be worth mentioning it to the doc next time you visit. Breathlessness can be a symptom of other things.

I agree - if you're generally fit and healthy and relatively active (which you sound like you are) then it's worth speaking to your GP about the breathlessness. It may be nothing and you just need to improve your aerobic fitness, but it's better to get it checked out in case there's an underlying cause.

cherryblossomzel

Do you walk fast enough to actually increase your heart rate and breathing? If not, try throwing some faster walks in there, or even just bits of walking fast, mixed with slower speeds to recover.

eastofeden

Again thanks for the replies. I suppose I knew deep down that a visit to the doctor is in order! For the past couple of years I have suffered with anxiety, and tend to notice my heartbeat when I am in bed or when I am relaxing, never at work, for example.

I agree about walking a bit faster, as I don't tend to get out of breath, hence I can walk for miles!

martyfonda

Hopefully it is just a lack of fitness. yoga and pilates while great for toning are not aerobic. I find it strange you can manage a regular 12 mile walk yet are left breathless walking up the stairs. increase the pace even if just for the last couple of miles and get your heart rate up

eastofeden

Thanks for replies.in 2012 I climbed Snowdon with my brother. The first 500 m were very steep and I honestly thought that I couldn't do it.Once it levelled out a little I was better and was pleased with the achievement. I think what everybody is saying about stepping up the walking speed and doing a bit more like running up and down stairs is the way forward.

ERICS_MUM

Get yourself checked out by your GP first before you attempt any of our suggestions.

Once you get the OK, start walking faster and use your arms more. I don't mean waving them like a windmill but just enough to your upper body moving. Get slightly breathless - not so you can't speak !