How to improve my fitness at 71

Swimming or aquacise?

A chap in our aquacise group has lost 1.5 stones since coming, probably over a year or so.

Don’t know if he’s dieted as well though, but the exercise is good, even if you’re not trying to slim.

Also just walking more.

Have a look in YouTube. Lots of exercise routines for us seniors. It's a question of getting into a routine and finding something that you actually enjoy.

I am naturally lazy but force myself to go to a weekly exercise class for oldies (ageing well) a gentle (fairly)yoga class weekly and a 6 or so mile walk with the U3A every
fortnight. I also dug out my bike and rode it on an organised cycle ride.

I joined the gym after my hip
replacement at New Year but have only been
twice since . Oh dear.
I believe the answer is to find a gym buddy and go together.

Swimming is good but I hate the chlorine, the changing out of wet togs and the squealing children. I love the Med in September ......

Maybe your August holiday is enough of an incentive for you. Good luck!

Walking is pry the best.

Sorry. ! Probably !

To help me with my back and legs I attend a weekly exercise session on a reformer which helps a lot. There are usually six of us all with different needs and different exercises.
I also attend ChairYoga - which I have to say is more fun especially as we get the chance after to have a good natter.
In between I'm meant to do some walking. I have a 'push along' and on I plod. Not much fun but it does help.
However this is all different from 'normal' keeping fit activity

I’m 72, work part-time in a dementia care home,that is quite physically and mentally challenging But I love it
I also goes to the gym three times a week for about an hour and a half. I mainly do weights a little bit of cardio….

I have weight to lose too - at 70 I have been doing yoga for 4+ years, which helps with flexibility, strength and balance (defo recommend!). I've invested in a fitness watch which encourages me to do more walking and warns me to 'MOVE!' (also recommend). I'd love to join the local swim/gym but it's too expensive. I do a lot in the garden when I can (arthritis/fibromyalgia). It's so difficult! I would love to get slimmer and fitter but I'm finding it a bit of a challenge! I hope you do find a way forward for yourself and enjoy your holiday. Just take it gradually and build up gently.

Start walking, increase distance gradually. Look at strength exercises cut back on cheese and bread, as well as the obvious foods to avoid and enjoy the fact that you are going away with family for the second time this year. I confess I am a bit envious.
Join SW. I did and have lost 9 lbs but many many more to go before I reach a sensible weight.

I’m also not a natural keep fit enthusiast but am aware that I need to do more as I get older, 70 at the end of the year.

I know too that I’m not a ‘joiner’ so wouldn’t continue with classes beyond the beginners enthusiasm stage so have found a way that suits me.

Instead of buying the weekend newspapers around the corner , I walk to the next town, a 3 mile round trip twice a week. I also deliberately park as far away from the supermarket doors so that’s another walk fitted in mid week.

As far as weight bearing exercises are concerned I do squats whilst waiting for the kettle to boil and worktop press ups (stand a metre away and lean forward/push away) are good for using your own weight to strengthen upper arm/chest.

None of the above cost a penny, an added bonus!

You are doing well Pantglas. Keep it up.

Walking seems effective, to me.

Walking and using stairs as much as you possibly can. Then try and bring in something for your arms and shoulders that is simple too.

To lose weight I find that I lose weight and inches if I make a point of not snacking between meals and try to fast for as long as possible after my evening meal.I don’t have a set number of hours, just go for as long as possible and I’m asleep for a lot of the time. Also I feel much better if I cut out bread. It is hard at first because we get into the habit of having a quick sandwich or a slice of toast but I soon get back into a different eating habit. I substitute rice cakes for bread. I do slip back into the habit of having an eating bread after a while, though. I am going to start doing chair yoga as, with my dodgy knee I struggle to get up off the floor if I try to do the plank etc. I struggled with not having tea or coffee in the evening but have developed a taste for very hot water instead.

Swimming
Aquarobics
Nordic Walking
Walking
Hiking
Yoga
Tai Chi
Youtube fitness videos - lots of exercise for seniors etc

Hi Tilly8 and others. I am 71 and started weekly 1-hour sessions with a personal to get fitter.
I have heart disease so can't do press-ups or planks so it is mainly strength training to help me regain lost muscles plus exercises to strengthen my core and improve my balance.
I also walk in between and do some of the exercises in between sessions.
I have started to feel a bit stronger but I think moving around a lot and exercising has to become a way of life.
I was afraid I'd just get more and more frail if I did nothing and am hoping to feel more energetic and sleep better in future so I'd say definitely go for it.

dogsmother

Walking and using stairs as much as you possibly can. Then try and bring in something for your arms and shoulders that is simple too.

That's a good tip. I have a couple of weights I keep in the kitchen (but you could use tins) and do a few minutes of exercises whenever I'm waiting for the kettle to boil or something to cook. I've been doing this for a few years and it's just part of my routine. I've noticed that I have something resembling muscles in my upper arms - they're certainly less saggy. I also have a cheap step, which is tucked away in a corner. I use it three or four times a day to do 100 steps/jumps (if I'm feeling energetic). I started using it during lockdown and have carried on. I have problems with my feet, so can't do long walks, so it's especially useful particularly when the weather is bad.

yogitree not sure what part of the country you are in.

Here in Lancashire we have a scheme "up and active for over 60s" run by the local gym (council) I have just joined .

£45 for 12 weeks self referral (you can go through your doctor but we all know how long that will take)!

I get to use the toning beds, swimming, gym and can book on other classes.

Not sure if you have a council owned gym near you but maybe worth a google.

By the way I'm almost 70 and 4/5 stone over weight (bit of a late starter)

I am going away in August too, there will be lots of walking uphills so I feel I need to get ready too, and also lose a bit of tummy fat.
I'm working on losing some weight and doing more walking too.

I will happily be your holiday fitness buddy for the next few weeks!

Persuade a like minded friend to join you on a walk You will probably walk further and enjoy it if you are not a regular walker Or borrow a dog if you don’t own one you tend to have a chat with other dog owners

There is no one answer. It requires a holistic attitude to exercise in your life.

1) Just be more active in ordinary life, walk briskly, use stairs not lifts, if it is less than three floors, cut down on short car or bus journeys.

2) Have a steady exercise you do most days. Walking is the obvious one. No matter where you live where you walk can provide endless interest, stimulating mind as well as body. The joys of walking in the countryside are obviouw, watching natures changes, but I also enjoy town walking, looking at the houses and buildings one goes by, different styles, what happens to thebgradens and the decor you can see inside. Also going down small roads and even industrial states you would neve think of visitng and finding all kinds of useful little businesses that you didn't know were there.

3) Anexwrcise class once a week: Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates etc etc.

Get a bike. I am 82 and swapped my normal bike for an electric. I only use the power if needed. Such as going up hills etc
Plus it's great to be outside.

If you are on Instagram, follow @grandma_moves. She’s inspired me to start moving more with her encouraging videos. The set of daily movement exercises she shares have really cut down on the little aches and pains, too!