Wellness

[kaydee50]

Stationary bike.  Good workout.  Maybe a spinning class if you're up to it.  Add some weight training.

[terrier3]

I'm 62 and have worked out with the same trainer for over 4 years now - twice a week with him and twice a week n my own.

He is getting his doctorate in physical therapy and works with a lot of 50+ people.

My suggestion is that you invest in a few sessions with a person like my trainer. You will learn how to "work around" your ankle issues.

I have the beginnings of arthritis, but I have NEVER had one serious injury due to training. Getting strong and fit will keep you going!

My trainer is going on an out of state practical at a hospital for the next seven weeks, so I'm switching to Pilates to supplement my interval training. I'm getting 3 personal sessions with the Pilates trainer, then switching to group sessions (5 people maximum on the reformers.) 

Good luck!

[Meowingkitty]

My gym has a sit down Ellipical machine. It's kind of like a stationary bike and Ellipical in one. It has the arms that go back and forth. I can easily do 30 minutes on it, it's easier than a regular elliptical because you are sitting vs standing. 

[meem120]

I also would suggest the fitness chair.  I dont know if they sell it here but they do on the other channel.  Easy, good muscle workout, diffrent levels.

[qbetzforreal]

Start off slow.  Walking is the best.  Start with 10 mins a week and bump it up by another 10 mins by the next week.  Do as much as can.  Remember to stretch.  Since you prefer to workout at home, invest in a yoga mat and 3lb weight set.  You can alternate core exercises like sit ups and toe touches with strenght training- bicep curls.

Personal trainer is a good way to get you started.  There are those who will work you out in your home.  They are pricey.

Check out Target or Walmart for basic workout DVDs.

Remember to state hydrated.

[qbetzforreal]

That Maria Osmond band the QVC sells is actually good.  Good core workout. 

[PamfromCT]

You are very wise to consult with your doctor first.  I know you have had some health issues - wonder if anything you had merits a session or two with a physical therapist?  Your doctor could write you a script.

You should seriously consider a few sessions with a physical trainer.  Folks can give you good-meaning advice, but you can't do the wrong thing or too much of the thing that can be right for others.  The last thing you need is to injure yourself.

Please consider that aerobic exercise is great, but there sometimes can be a lack of strengthening your core.  That is so crucial as you age.  I never strengthened mine, suffered a lot as a consequence, and am now completing many sessions of PT in a warm water pool.  My doctor is seeing results, I am seeing results, and I plan to continue my exercises in a pool once therapy is done.  My pain is so much better.  I recently spoke to another lady in my PT pool therapy, a senior like me, who walked a great deal, but she is also suffering from very poor core muscles.

I really hope you and some others can learn from my mistake.  As my PT has confirmed, there was a time when everyone thought aerobic exercise was all you needed.  While walking is wonderful, please get some advice appropriate to your age and condition to work on that core.  My best wishes to you and my admiration for your desire to get stronger.

[alicedee]

Another vote for Leslie Sansone walking videos.  Just start out with the one mile walk...including the warmup and cool down, you will spend about 20 minutes.  As you get more fit you will be able to tackle the longer walks.  It's a good way to begin, especially since it's winter and not fun to walk outside much of the time.  Actually beginning is the hardest part!  Good luck to you!

[Laura14]

Just want to add, don't forget the merits of good old fashion body weight exercises.  They can be modified and all you need is you.  

Pushups can be done against a wall.  You can hold onto a chair and do standing leg lifts, squats, hamstring curls, etc...  And grabbing a soup can or two in each hand make great weights for arm curls and lifts while you're just sitting and watching tv.  You have it all in your home and you didn't spend a thing or make much of an effort except to just do it.  

Once you get the hang of it or get a little stronger you can keep progressing to the real thing and then eventually look into fitness equipment and whatever else you might enjoy.  

[Fressa]

I am your age and purchased Marie Osmond's body gym device.  This is the first piece of exercise equipment that works for me. I needed something that was low impact because I have a reconstructed leg and other heath issues.  It works for me because you can use it laying in bed, sitting in a chair or standing/leaning against a counter. You can exercise for any  length of time from 5 minutes on. I have seen results so I was thrilled. This works for my needs.