Wellness

[AngelPuppy1]

I know I need to check with my doctor first before beginning.  Those familiar with my posts know that I am 65, and not been able to exercise for a good while due to various health issues.  I am in need of something to do which will give me some sort of physical fitness.  I know I need to start slow.  I also need to lose a few pounds --- after holidays I gained a bit.  

I am not a swimmer and don't have access to a pool.  I used to walk a lot but haven't been able to since having a long-standing ankle issue.  I can now proceed with a bit of walking but not much.

Can anyone recommend any exercises, devices, equipment, or things that I could do or use?  With the new year I really want to do something to get me started slowly to improve my physical health, get some conditioning, firm up a bit and lose a bit of weight.

I would prefer to be able to do  things at home.

Any and all suggestions and tips would really be appreciated!!!!!  

[qualitygal]

Just a thought/suggestion, can you swim at a Y? I know you can't swim, but you could hold onto an edge and kick behind yourself. Some Y's I think, have aerobic classes for pools. Might want to check. Or Do some Leslie Sansone Walking in place exercises at home? She has DVD's.

[jackthebear]

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@AngelPuppy1 wrote:

I know I need to check with my doctor first before beginning.  Those familiar with my posts know that I am 65, and not been able to exercise for a good while due to various health issues.  I am in need of something to do which will give me some sort of physical fitness.  I know I need to start slow.  I also need to lose a few pounds --- after holidays I gained a bit.  

I am not a swimmer and don't have access to a pool.  I used to walk a lot but haven't been able to since having a long-standing ankle issue.  I can now proceed with a bit of walking but not much.

Can anyone recommend any exercises, devices, equipment, or things that I could do or use?  With the new year I really want to do something to get me started slowly to improve my physical health, get some conditioning, firm up a bit and lose a bit of weight.

I would prefer to be able to do  things at home.

Any and all suggestions and tips would really be appreciated!!!!!  

---

you might benefit from a couple of sessions with a good personal trainer,  who can supervise you as you begin.

[meem120]

Just start by walking.  Simple and easy.  If you want to invest in some equiptment get a Tony Little Gazelle.  They are in various stores and start at about $129 to $300.  They are simple and easy and easy on the joints.  There are Leslie Sansone walking DVDS also.  As you get stronger you can do a little more.  You can get yourself a tracker and set goals also, it will give you a sense of satisfaction and control.  Good Luck, but take it slow

[magicmoodz]

A few suggestions would be starting gently with Yoga for Seniors, Chair Yoga or Tai Chi.  You can find many videos on YouTube so there is virtually no cost involved and you can just keep searching until you find an instructor and moves with which you "connect".  

Another option would be Feldenkreis.  I had the opportunity to take classes from a woman working towards certification.  While this practice isn't as popular as those above, it was designed for dancers who suffered from injury.  It is a gentle and easier form of yoga and as I recall everything is done on the floor.  I am sure by now there are exercises on YouTube you could see.

Good luck in starting the new year with a resolve to move.  After the holidays, I am right there with you! 

[hoosieroriginal]

You might want to start building some muscle first - get some bands you can work with in your home - you can sit and use them on your arms and legs. Start slow and work your way up. 

[SXMGirl]

Happy New Year and congratulations on wanting to be healthier as we enter 2017.

I had to retire due to a serious work injury, so I understand any hesitation you might have on what fitness plan and exercises to start with.

If you have the Leslie Sansone DVDs, start with the one-mile walk, twice a day.  Get some light weights (one or two pounds) and do some bicep, tricep, and hammer curls.  Do some squats, preferably against the wall with a stability ball.  The stability ball can be used for so many things.  All of this can be done at home.

There are many programs online and on cable.

However, I would join the Y if one is near you or hire a certified personal trainer.  They would need to know your health issues and can do a progressive plan for you.  I take classes at the Y, but I also work with one of their personal trainers, who not only knows my limitations, but also knows my fitness goals.

Never overdo it and stop when it hurts.  If you overdo anything, you will be seeing a doctor and will stop doing your activities.

Most doctors will tell you that swimming is the best, but there are other things you can do in the pool.  Most Y's have different types of water classes.  Be very careful with yoga, even chair yoga.  You can hurt yourself.  If you take a yoga class, make sure it is truly a beginner class.  I know that PBS has yoga programs every morning.

Good luck as you start this new journey. 

[SilleeMee]

When I started to lose my mobility I began going up and down the stairs in my house. This helped me gain strength in my legs so I could go on to other forms of exercise. 

I also use those resistance bands to help build and maintain muscle. Walking is very good if you can get outside or if you want to buy a treadmill.

[151949]

I can't emphasize enough the value in joining a gym and starting out doing water aerobics. Usually they have a class for beginners and you progress upward from there. At our YMCA there are about 6 different levels of difficulty - they even have water zumba.

When I started I did not want to go to the pool in the winter time etc. - it was a pain to go every day and get wet etc -- believe me , I know what your thinking -- however, it is absolutely the best way to get started , esp. after illness. The water supports 80% of your body weight and so you can move so much more than you can on land, plus the water gives you resistance to help build muscles.Once you have exercised in the water you will be stronger and then can be free to chose to go on to other forms of exercise, but most water exercisers stay with water exercise.

[151949]

The problem with walking is - you exercise the exact same muscle group every time. You need to do other exercise as well, something that exercises ALL you muscles