Connect
← Return to What exercises help to increase muscle tone as we age?
Discussion
What exercises help to increase muscle tone as we age?
Aging Well | Last Active: Mar 12, 2023 | Replies (129)Comment receiving replies
I agree with @merpreb about going to a reputable gym.
If you can drive, I strongly suggest joining a senior exercise class that focuses on balance, strength training and stretching for older people. So many of us have secondary insurances that allows you to have a free Silver Sneakers type of membership.
While exercising at home is great, most of us need a disciplined approach and having to go to regular gym classes with people in the same age group is both motivating and a big plus social wise. I’m 81 and I do walk almost daily and have some routines I do at home it I know I would not be the way I am today if I had not started senior gym classes 8 years ago. I am strong and healthy and have made some great friends over the years from attending these classes. Our gym instructor is a fantastic 82 years young who still teaches core classes and has balance classes on weekends in addition to my class. My gym also has chair yoga and other classes geared to an older population.
We all have the same aliments and vagaries of age and so does our gym instructor who has had three shoulder surgeries. So I suggest investigating nearby gyms to check out what they offer and find out who actually gives the class. And then…ladies…get some cute gym clothes and tie up sneakers. Looking good makes you feel good. You guys too…don’t go to the gym with slip on shoes, long pants and belts. Get some loose flexible tops and shorts and pay the money for good sneakers.
And then…do what you can do and get addicted to it.
FL Mary
Replies to "@merpreb I agree with @merpreb about going to a reputable gym. If you can drive, I..."
My chronological age is 80; I had bilateral lumpectomies July 2021. I was having such intense joint pain, especially in my hips and knees, that I asked my primary care physician for a prescription to physical therapy (PT). After a year with PT, my joint pain has Disappeared. The lead physical therapist made me an offer: he and the other therapists will continue to work with me at no charge, assisting me in any way possible, setting up a strength building, core building, balance program for me. What a wonderful gift. I go to PT/exercise twice a week. I have routines that I do at home the other days.
I also started yoga about a year ago. The combination is working wonders for me. I feel myself stronger, more flexible, able to do things that were beginning to be difficult. Thankfully, I truly enjoy - and get a charge out of - working out.
I was already walking every day. I have found that strength building is improving my muscle tone, and my sense of well-being.
I’ve also returned to meditation, and mindfulness. I also started counseling sessions a year ago. I keep tweaking my eating (diet) and have slimed down by 25 pounds. I feel great.
The bottom line is, I’ve been doing my best to take good care of myself. My hopes are to live independently until the day I die. In order for that to happen, I have to do my part.
Oh, and yes, those cute gym clothes are also a boost to my sense of well-being.
Thank y’all for this forum.
Connect
LOL_ I love this. You are right, new clothes can make your day! And then to show off your new dudes! Whoa! Another good thing about joining a gym is that you can make sure that the trainer corrects your position. Your form is everything to make sure that you are getting everything out of your workout.
Everyone at the gym had the first day so the feeling of intimidation. Don't let it get to you!