topic Re: Using Weights As You Get Older (Past 70) in Wellness

Using Weights As You Get Older (Past 70)

Winkk — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:20:30 GMT

For years I have done aerobic exercises and used weights. Over the past year my back has been aching a lot so I made an appointment with the doctor last week. I know its the muscles in my back but I kept thinking I wasn't using enough weight.

He told me to stop using the weights because it's causing tension on my muscles and irritating them. He told me to do yoga. Which is fine except can you retain your muscles by doing yoga? He says yes but I don't know.

Do any of you use weight training to keep in shape?

Re: Using Weights As You Get Older (Past 70)

Sunnycorle — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:23:15 GMT

My Dad is 80 years old and has been doing Yoga for the last 10 years and is in great shape. You are using your own body weight to strengthen your muscles.

Re: Using Weights As You Get Older (Past 70)

Desertdi — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:25:47 GMT

Yes, I use weights, and don't intend to ever stop.

Re: Using Weights As You Get Older (Past 70)

Effie54 — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:33:23 GMT

I stopped using weights 2 years ago, due to the fact that it lowered my bone density. For some, it increases bone density...but not for me. It put too much stress on my spine.

Re: Using Weights As You Get Older (Past 70)

SandPiper — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:34:09 GMT

I use weights to keep in shape but I do yoga too. One day I do yoga. The next day I weight train. Alternating works for me.

Re: Using Weights As You Get Older (Past 70)

dex — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:36:39 GMT

@Winkk @Yoga done with a good instructor is very beneficial.I think using hand weights or any exercise done without good form or to excess can cause injury.

Re: Using Weights As You Get Older (Past 70)

AuntG — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:37:52 GMT

At a local exercise class, the leader would belittle the ladies who only used two pound weights. One lady quit the class because she had tendon issues from trying to use the heavier weights. Asking the leader to respect the advice from her doctor was pointless...the leader was bullheaded.

Re: Using Weights As You Get Older (Past 70)

Tricolor — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:39:08 GMT

I will be 70 this year and I still use weights along with doing other forms of exercise. I am surprised that he told you to stop. Even though we really can't build much muscle at this age, you don't want to lose what you have. Yoga is awesome for maintaining flexibility but you still need other forms incorcoporated into your fitness plan. I don't lift the amount that I used to but I still give myself a good workout. If start yoga and love your results then stick with it. Maybe you could incorporate some walking also and that will give you the cardio benefit.

Re: Using Weights As You Get Older (Past 70)

cherry — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:39:46 GMT

We have just started. My husbands Chiro warned us to take it easy. He said a little over time is good , but, if you overdo, you can seriously hurt yourself. So that is what we do ,and we do it 3 times a week.

Re: Using Weights As You Get Older (Past 70)

Winkk — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:40:15 GMT

@dex wrote:
@Winkk @Yoga done with a good instructor is very beneficial.I think using hand weights or any exercise done without good form or to excess can cause injury.

I think that's what my doctor believes too @dex. Although I have been doing weights for years he believes I may not be using proper form and doing more harm than good.

Re: Using Weights As You Get Older (Past 70)

Winkk — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:42:36 GMT

@AuntG wrote:
At a local exercise class, the leader would belittle the ladies who only used two pound weights. One lady quit the class because she had tendon issues from trying to use the heavier weights. Asking the leader to respect the advice from her doctor was pointless...the leader was bullheaded.

@AuntG - My doctor said as you get older your body has to be treated differently. I am not a 70 year old in a 40 year old body. I'm going to have to try other exercising options.

Re: Using Weights As You Get Older (Past 70)

Winkk — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:45:51 GMT

@Tricolor wrote:
I will be 70 this year and I still use weights along with doing other forms of exercise. I am surprised that he told you to stop. Even though we really can't build much muscle at this age, you don't want to lose what you have. Yoga is awesome for maintaining flexibility but you still need other forms incorcoporated into your fitness plan. I don't lift the amount that I used to but I still give myself a good workout. If start yoga and love your results then stick with it. Maybe you could incorporate some walking also and that will give you the cardio benefit.

That was my thinking too @Tricolor. Yoga is great but will it help me maintain my muscles? Do you mind me asking do you do weights at home or a gym? If you use hand weights about how much do you lift?

Re: Using Weights As You Get Older (Past 70)

dex — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:48:20 GMT

@Winkk @I learned to lift weights from a very good personal trainer who closely watched my form.I now have an amazing Pilates instructor who doesn’t allow anyone to use bad form.She has a small studio gym and really is one of the best.We pay 40 a month for five days a week.I think it is one of my best health decisions.

Re: Using Weights As You Get Older (Past 70)

mom2four0418 — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:49:09 GMT

@Winkk wrote:
@Tricolor wrote:
I will be 70 this year and I still use weights along with doing other forms of exercise. I am surprised that he told you to stop. Even though we really can't build much muscle at this age, you don't want to lose what you have. Yoga is awesome for maintaining flexibility but you still need other forms incorcoporated into your fitness plan. I don't lift the amount that I used to but I still give myself a good workout. If start yoga and love your results then stick with it. Maybe you could incorporate some walking also and that will give you the cardio benefit.
That was my thinking too @Tricolor. Yoga is great but will it help me maintain my muscles? Do you mind me asking do you do weights at home or a gym? If you use hand weights about how much do you lift?

Google "Benefits of Yoga" to help you decide.

Re: Using Weights As You Get Older (Past 70)

dex — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:51:49 GMT

If anyone thinks they can’t build muscles after a certain age you need to see the utube video of an African American woman in her 70 s who is a body builder.Sorry I can’t remember her name but I will never forget her fabulous physique.

Re: Using Weights As You Get Older (Past 70)

dex — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:53:11 GMT

Look up oldest female body builder...you will be amazed

Re: Using Weights As You Get Older (Past 70)

Icegoddess — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:59:30 GMT

Are you doing core exercises? Both abs and back. The abs support the back. I'm not 70 and I don't lift free weights, but use the machines. The Back Extension one is good for the back. There are also floor exercises meant to strengthen the back.

I went to a chiropracter once several years ago due to pain in my back that almost made me give up Figure Skating. Basically, I ended up with orthotics and several back exercises to do.

Re: Using Weights As You Get Older (Past 70)

Krimpette — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 15:02:01 GMT

I go to a senior fit exercise class 4 days a week. Two days, it's weights. Two days it's bands. The age range in the class is 55 to 90+. Male and female. My guess is that on weights days, 95% of the class uses weights ranging from 1-2 lbs on up. These classes are sponsored by a local hospital. It was never suggested that we should not be using weights beyond a certain age.

Re: Using Weights As You Get Older (Past 70)

bonnielu — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 15:03:41 GMT

Hubby uses weights, since the ago of 14. I bet no one seeing him in person can guess his age. He is just fine, back and all.

Re: Using Weights As You Get Older (Past 70)

Sadiesadie — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 15:13:23 GMT

@Effie54 : OMG, was it explained to you why you had bone loss with weights?

I know for myself I have had to lower the weights I use but at 74 don’t want to quit. If the weights I use are too heavy I would have to arch my back to lift and no way will I do that so the heaviest I’ll use are 8lbs. I have always had issues with my joints so I watch that closely.

My last bone scan said I had the bones of a 24 year old....hope that’s a healthy 24yr old😁