Over 50? how do you keep fit?

Sterlingtimes

I have recorded my exercise statistics and health results over the course of many years. I have experienced a measured loss of strength. I am unsure whether the decline in my exercise ability is primarily caused by age or health conditions.

At age 70, I still manage to swim for an hour several times a week and walk off-road. 

Until age 63 (with the diagnosis of leukaemia), I was able to swim 2500 metres in an hour. I am now striving to maintain 1600 metres in an hour. 

silverwhistle

I've just retired at the end of the season from 11-a-side football in the county leagues at age 70 although will still go to training so that the younger women and girls can see what they'll be up against when we play some of the more robust teams!

Apart from the allotment and cycling to actually get places, sometimes carrying a fair few groceries, I also do sea rowing which really helps the core, lungs and muscles without the impact injuries from football and the stress on my achilles. Out on the water this morning was gorgeous, and one of the local seals popped up for a look. 

I have been known to swim in the sea locally and use an inflatable kayak but not for a few years: Southern water has seen to that.

Organgrinder

Well after 7 exercise free weeks (lots of coughs, colds, maybe COVID, I did 30 gentle minutes on my bike yesterday. Fingers crossed, but I feel I can carry on. Maybe another 30-45 mins tonight! :-)

Nebulous2

Organgrinder said:

Well after 7 exercise free weeks (lots of coughs, colds, maybe COVID, I did 30 gentle minutes on my bike yesterday. Fingers crossed, but I feel I can carry on. Maybe another 30-45 mins tonight! :-)

Sometimes it is sensible to allow time to rest and recuperate.

I've known a few very fit people get ME or long covid, and I'm convinced that going back to exercise too quickly is a factor in the changes that happen to them, creating long-term problems. 

They are complicated conditions, and I'm sure that is an oversimplification, but I still think that it is a factor. 

Organgrinder

Nebulous2 said:

Organgrinder said:

Well after 7 exercise free weeks (lots of coughs, colds, maybe COVID, I did 30 gentle minutes on my bike yesterday. Fingers crossed, but I feel I can carry on. Maybe another 30-45 mins tonight! :-)

Sometimes it is sensible to allow time to rest and recuperate.

I've known a few very fit people get ME or long covid, and I'm convinced that going back to exercise too quickly is a factor in the changes that happen to them, creating long-term problems. 

They are complicated conditions, and I'm sure that is an oversimplification, but I still think that it is a factor. 

Yes absolutely - it's taken me ages to feel able to do any exercise - and am definitely going to take things slowly (though that's currently all I can do anyway!!)

Katiehound

When I am at home (or holiday home) I try to swim every weekday for 1/2 hour = 12-16 lengths. (16=1/4 mile) As I am swimming back stroke it really depends on the busyness of pool and how much ducking & diving is required to avoid 'Sunday swimmers!'

When at home : 1 session yoga per week- using a chair as I can not get up from the floor. . have tried similar with pilates but it's so popular , hard to get into the class.
 Possibly 1 session 'Mature movers'- chair pilates + golden zumba. Would go tomorrow but at 30'... maybe a tad too hot. Used to do rowing at leisure centre but they got rid of the one machine I could use!

For the afore mentioned leisure centre I buy an annual pass & have worked out even if I am away for several months of the year in total I am still quids in rather than paying for each session at the time. I reckon I would have spent about £100 extra.

At least 1/2 hour dog walking every day, more at weekends.

I don't walk well anymore (sadly) but can get into town that way if required 'though not to carry shopping.

I have just been on a cruise and danced (ballroom, latin & sequence) several times a day for 3 weeks. I just love that but locally no chance without a partner. I can only find ladies latin line dance locally when my favourites are waltz & foxtrot!!

Swimming calls tomorrow morning............

QrizB

Gardening, but today's not ideal. It's already getting into "too hot" territory and it's barely noon!

MarzipanCrumble

walking - aim for 12.5k paces per day.  Most are done in early morning.  

If I have a pulled muscle or joint pain then take paracetomol/iprobufon and do it anyway.

angieb15edin

Found a site on YouTube called yes2next which I find really good there’s a huge variety of routines that the lady talks through with you explaining everything and the reasons for each movement 
I tend to do the indoor walking ones in addition to my exercise bike
part of the appeal for me is there’s no loud music and happy clappy encouragement just gentle and easy to follow 

Grumpy_chap

Organgrinder said:

Well after 7 exercise free weeks (lots of coughs, colds, maybe COVID, I did 30 gentle minutes on my bike yesterday. Fingers crossed, but I feel I can carry on. Maybe another 30-45 mins tonight! :-)

Rest & Relaxation can sometimes be as important as exercise.
Diet must not be forgotten either.

I also think, as well, we cannot always chase a PB, but I try to get today better than yesterday.  That is always a realistic aim given current form and, if missed today, then tomorrow gets a bit easier so the opportunity to achieve today a bit better than yesterday and the feeling of success is a more regular thing.

Remember, when chasing a goal, external factors such as terrain, temperature, humidity, time of day make a big difference plus internal factors such as energy levels.