Help an old lady get fit....

Tai Chi

Find something you like that you can commit to. Anything.

P.S.

I don’t think being 73 makes you an ‘old lady’ either!

Aquacise is good, you can put in as much effort (or not) as you feel able to.

Chatting to others (before the class, not during) is good socially.

And walking is great exercise.

I think that dancing is enjoyable and doesn't feel like exercising

I dislike gyms and programs that I have to pay for or drive to, and I'm also probably still too weak at this point for a sustained half hour or full hour workout all at once anyway. So I'm starting small, with plans to keep adding things on and ease into a more active lifestyle from home. I bought a pair of light hand weights and looked up a few basic moves to do with them. I do that and march in place at the same time, while watching TV, just five minutes at a time at first. Now I'm up to an hour a day, though not all at once. I see some definition in my upper arms and have bought a bit heavier weights. I also have a big exercise dice thing that I roll at the top of every hour (when I'm being good) and do what it says. If I don't understand the exercise, I look it up. I've also started doing a crazy dance or two every day, to whatever song I find. It's fun as long as no one sees it haha. My next step is to start walking to the grocery store a couple of times a week instead of driving. Etcetera.

MarieElla

Do you own a bike?
I find cycling everywhere (I don't lije driving) is a freat way to keep fit...even in the rain.

I love cycling, but we live in such busy built up area I longer feel safe to cycle.

I do exercises in the kitchen while waiting for kettle to boil or food to cook. Heel raises, plank against the work top, walking backwards, standing in one leg, walking a line, windmills etc. The cat looks shell shocked if he sees me at it!

I have a treadmill which makes me feel guilty if I don’t use it. It has definitely improved my general fitness and stamina (I am 75). You don’t have to use these machines for extended periods each day. I do 2 x 15 mins, sometimes 30 mins, and the improvement has been impressive.
I would warn about step machines though. I had one and was pleased with my progress until I tore my Achilles tendon. I couldn’t walk for 8 months after that. A treadmill is gentler.

I am 80 and have walked every morning for years. I can't say that I always reach 10,000 steps a day, but the figure is not set in stone for older people these days. I also do 10 minutes of strengthening exercises including squats, with 1.5Kg dumbells, a few times a week, usually while watching the TV. I used to love active aerobic classes, but there are no suitable ones now locally. Due to vertigo I am unable to do Yoga or Pilates, so prefer to do my own thing within my limitations.
I hope that you will find an activity to enjoy, otherwise it is not easy to keep it up.

I am nearly 72. A couple of years ago I joined a local private gym near my house. I did a 12 week transformation program with two personal training sessions a week and unlimited classes each week. A personal program is worked out and is carefully monitored including food intake and exercise.
Having completed this I now have one PT session a week and go to 3 classes every week. My strength and cardio fitness has greatly improved and I am happily deadlifting 24kg to 32kg kettlebells and this morning achieved a 75kg leg press.
My partner is doing the same program as myself which is an encouragement and she gained the client of the month achievement yesterday for her fitness and strength.
I’m lucky that I’ve never had any ailments, illnesses or aches or pains and have always been healthy.
The program has made both of us very aware of our diet and exercise and maintaining good habits.
It is a commitment and isn’t cheap but what price can you put on health?

Do you own a bike?
I find cycling everywhere (I don't lije driving) is a freat way to keep fit...even in the rain.

I went to yoga classes for five years. I had to give up to look after my GCs but I was stronger and fitter then. It is also good for relaxation and wellbeing.

Whilst Aqua is technically aerobics I find I can do it!

Also I started yoga recently and gradually others (if not me yet) seem to think I'm improving.

Aqua fit classes are great all round exercises!

Patsy70

It might be worthwhile getting advice at your gym from a personal trainer, who will assess what fitness and lifestyle would benefit you best with a view to the future.

Great suggestion

It might be worthwhile getting advice at your gym from a personal trainer, who will assess what fitness and lifestyle would benefit you best with a view to the future.

I’d add any water based activities like Aqua and swimming are also pretty good and totally non weight bearing.

I also think any exercise using weights are excellence, you don’t have to use very heavy ones.

Pilates, Callanetics or Yoga are all good for muscle and bone strength along with keeping one flexible and mobile.

Good luck