Cardio/resistance training (but not weights) for health

Hello
I am currently belong to gym that has a program called: Fit Body Forever. It is designed for people over 50 and is split between cardio and strength. The strength training they do is oriented to keep/strengthen the muscles you need for daily life. Legs, core and arms. About 50% is weights/bands. I can feel the difference and my balance is better. I am 72, the oldest one in the class.
There was a recent article about the importance of strength in longevity
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/01/29/strength-training-all-ages

I cant comment on what is enough

I started an all inclusive fitness program (online) last year that offers exercise sets you can adapt to your current fitness/age ability. Exercise sets are trainer led. The program also offers yoga, mindfulness exercises and health driven nutrition, recipes, cookbook etc.. Weights are gradually added once you reach a certain level of fitness. The trainer insists you rest and use Epsom salts baths and restorative/ gradual stretching yoga the day or two following exercise to reduce muscle soreness and promote comfort. It has been life changing for me and I love it! I have never felt so good, I was 66 when I started and never exercised most of my life! My strength and flexibility has improved considerably!

Hey good on ya Helen. 71 years young!
You are right about the rowing. I use a machine in the gym and it is certainly one of the most challenging cardio pieces there.
I recently went swimming, after years of not swimming. I found that my cardio and (light weight training) from the gym really helped, as it can be a challenge to get the breathing right in the pool, if out of practice.
But generally I believe one thing helps the other. I think the term crosstraining means doing a selection of different exercises. Such as hillwalking or X country skiing.
On that note, for years I have been threatening to fly to mainland Europe and try it! I have a holiday booked in April - bootcamp Marbella- in Spain. But now you mention X country skiing I think I'll try that for a winter holiday too!

In Ireland we are fortunate insofar as we are not obliged to take out health insurance. Although most people agree it is a good idea, especially as we get older. My philosophy is that out best health insurance policy is to get and stay in shape, make it a lifestyle, when we are in shape, it really is not a big deal to maintain that fitness. A little bit often, they say.
And a lot less Guinness, I've decided 🙂

You sold me! What's the name of the online fitness program?

Rfhearld- Per your request here is the fitness program that has positively improved my fitness and well being! The additional positive to this program, there are many, is 50% of your membership fees go to worthy charity programs. Enjoy!🙌🏻
https://www.mypeakchallenge.com/pages/join

I appreciate all the input and it inspires me to keep being active. I will soon be 85 and am a female with no surgical history, but I know that to be healthy, sleep well and continue to be active that I must exercise. I do some form of cardio or strength training 5 days a week using DVDs. I read that folks over 50 should exercise at least 150 minutes a week.

Yes keep going! I started doing some resistance training with weights as I believe it will stand to me over the years. Plus as you mention, exercise helps with sleep. Between the metcon class on sat morning and a few cardio/weights/hillwalking sessions during the week, it feels great to choose an active, healthy lifestyle with less alcohol consumption and better diet.

Thanks for the encouragement! I use a variety of DVDs and exercise in my basement as I live a few miles out of town and prefer this. I'm not working for muscle, but toning and keeping up my strength for my age. I do this in the morning, at least 30 minutes and have just started to walk (in the basement) in the evenings after dinner for about 30 minutes. Now with warmer weather coming, I will try to walk outdoors to get the fresh air and exercise together. If I lose a few pounds, it won't hurt my feelings a bit. HaHa

I'm 74 and have been active and fit most of my life. Moderate exercise of the right kind has helped me weather the inevitable changes that come with aging. I strive for a balance between aerobics, balance, flexibility, strength, core and specific work on problem areas like my torn rotator cuff. Four foundations or anchors have helped me sustain reasonably good health; they are priorities for me: exercise, quality and quantity sleep; good nutrition and stress management. I've worked on each of these for a long time, but am always learning something new. Allow me to mention an online site that has been very helpful for my fitness during the pandemic: Eldergym Academy, which is gearing to older exercisers. http://www.eldergymacademy.com