Getting fit when you are in your 60s
Discussion
Hi , I had a arthroscopy in February, on my right Knee. It is slowly getting back to normal again, but need to build up some muscle strength again.
At 61 general fitness is good, I’m 5’ 7” weight is 73kgs . My only medical condition is I suffer from hypertension, but is under control has been for many years.
Asked my doctor and he said exercise but don’t over do it and that’s all.
Is anyone is same position and could offer some direction , all I want is to keep fit and build stamina .
I hate gyms , there boring. Thinking a personal trainer might help point me in the right direction.
What do you think!
At 61 general fitness is good, I’m 5’ 7” weight is 73kgs . My only medical condition is I suffer from hypertension, but is under control has been for many years.
Asked my doctor and he said exercise but don’t over do it and that’s all.
Is anyone is same position and could offer some direction , all I want is to keep fit and build stamina .
I hate gyms , there boring. Thinking a personal trainer might help point me in the right direction.
What do you think!
- Find a local couch to 5km group. You'll start off walking and gradually build up to running. Take it easy and look to run in about 30 minutes. Very social.
- Head down to the local swimming pool and see if there's any local social groups that meet at certain times, maybe a coffee after.
- Go to a few classes. Circuits classes (ideally without kettle bells) and spin can all be good. Remember to take it at your own pace and you'll do well.
- Head down to the local swimming pool and see if there's any local social groups that meet at certain times, maybe a coffee after.
- Go to a few classes. Circuits classes (ideally without kettle bells) and spin can all be good. Remember to take it at your own pace and you'll do well.
MM58 said:
I hate gyms , there boring. Thinking a personal trainer might help point me in the right direction.
What do you think!
I wouldn't bother with a personal trainer.What do you think!
MM58 said:
Yes I suppose, find something I enjoy and make time . Swimming is good a bet , but find that a bit boring. I was doing walking football and and really enjoyed that, but got injured hence knee op.
Fancy cycling but roads are so busy.
Thanks for your reply’s
You don't have to cycle on the road. Depending on where you live you could find some really good (gentle) mountain biking and trail rides.Fancy cycling but roads are so busy.
Thanks for your reply’s
Can't you go in goals?
"Anything is better than nothing". AIBTN
Amen. After a savage hospital session a couple of years ago, the six months recovery finally did for any leg muscles I once had. Also cardio-lungs were a bit limp. (Ex mountain biker).
Think a combination of things you can enjoy on a regular basis is probably better than a regimen. I bought an excercise bike to get the legs and lungs back, bored with that after a month, bought a Brompton* folding bike and tootled around the lanes. Down-sized chain-ring for 'easier' gears. Works well.
Now sling it in the back of the car and drive it down to the coast for an afternoon's easy flat cycling.
Personally find that cycling is easier on the knees than walking, and I can chuck the folding bike in the car and drive home when I've had enough creaking fun, rain, and chips.
Also most cities, including London, are deserted on Sunday mornings before 10:00 am , so often drive to Hyde Park or similar with the folding bike for a couple of hours, then a cake-refill and drive home.
Amen. After a savage hospital session a couple of years ago, the six months recovery finally did for any leg muscles I once had. Also cardio-lungs were a bit limp. (Ex mountain biker).
Think a combination of things you can enjoy on a regular basis is probably better than a regimen. I bought an excercise bike to get the legs and lungs back, bored with that after a month, bought a Brompton* folding bike and tootled around the lanes. Down-sized chain-ring for 'easier' gears. Works well.
Now sling it in the back of the car and drive it down to the coast for an afternoon's easy flat cycling.
Personally find that cycling is easier on the knees than walking, and I can chuck the folding bike in the car and drive home when I've had enough creaking fun, rain, and chips.
Also most cities, including London, are deserted on Sunday mornings before 10:00 am , so often drive to Hyde Park or similar with the folding bike for a couple of hours, then a cake-refill and drive home.
- Other brands od folding bike are available.
Edited by Slushbox on Monday 22 April 13:59
MM58 said:
Yes I suppose, find something I enjoy and make time . Swimming is good a bet , but find that a bit boring. I was doing walking football and and really enjoyed that, but got injured hence knee op.
Fancy cycling but roads are so busy.
Thanks for your reply’s
There will be stuff. Park a mile away from where you want to be and walk the rest, it's just a different mindset. Fancy cycling but roads are so busy.
Thanks for your reply’s
I've always walked a lot, which does little for my upper body. I've now started volunteering at a forestery trust. Works out my top half too.
popeyewhite said:
Although better than nothing, neither swimming nor cycling will benefit the hips, ankles and knees of the OP much. Walking is weight-bearing and can be started at a very easy pace, so will be good for the joints (synovial fluid production) and balance. Very important as we age.
I have very bad hips knees and ankles due to major ski injuries etc when I was younger. Can't walk more than a couple of miles without severe pain, as weight bearing isn't good. can cycle 100+ miles though. It's whatever works for the OP
popeyewhite said:
Although better than nothing, neither swimming nor cycling will benefit the hips, ankles and knees of the OP much. Walking is weight-bearing and can be started at a very easy pace, so will be good for the joints (synovial fluid production) and balance. Very important as we age.
Do you have a source for the bold bit? Weight bearing exercise is better for bone density, but I'm not aware of any research that says the same for joints.keirik said:
I have bad hips knees and ankles and cycling is best thing for me.
You're not the OP.keirik said:
He needs to build up his knee, why would you assume weight bearing on his knee be better than gentle cycling without knowing how bad it is?
Because his doctor has recommended a return to exercise. Because weight bearing exercise builds muscle far more effectively than cycling. Gentle cycling won't build up his knee, it will allow him to perform easy cardio, that's all. Weight bearing exercise will build the muscle around his repair. That's no assumption BTW, a child with basic knowledge of exercise physiology will tell you that.popeyewhite said:
Because his doctor has recommended a return to exercise. Because weight bearing exercise builds muscle far more effectively than cycling. Gentle cycling won't build up his knee, it will allow him to perform easy cardio, that's all. Weight bearing exercise will build the muscle around his repair. That's no assumption BTW, a child with basic knowledge of exercise physiology will tell you that.
Cyclists aren't exactly known for their teeny thighs. 
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff