What exercises help to increase muscle tone as we age?

Posted by johncottingham @johncottingham, Aug 26, 2022

At 83 my muscle tone is decreasing. Walking is helpful, but does not address all my muscles. Is there a good plan written from Mayo or others describing exercises my wife and I can use to restore muscle tone without doing damage?

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I actually have an exercise that is good and can even help against tremors, although of course the reasons behind tremors vary. Mine are 'inner weird ants vibrating' kind of tremors. My mother has functional tremors which are debilitating.

I share this exercise because it did me good a long time ago.
So!
Go find something (comfortably) heavy or start out with, say, a pound and see how that goes.
You could use a bag of flour or a can of peas.
Put this in a bag that you can attach to a rope.
Use solid rope and attach the bag on one end.
Place the bag on the floor and roll out the rope, holding your arms outstretched in front of you to define the length.
Cut the rope and attach it to a stick. Make sure the rope will wound around it and not move as you roll up the bag plus rope or else your efforts are an exercise in futility.
Stand with your legs slightly apart or any other way you're comfortable.
And roll up the rope!
Roll it back down!
Continue and do this as often as you're comfortable with.
Enjoy! I will soon pick this back up myself too 😊

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Something that helps me is doing the “Classical Stretch” program on PBS. It’s for all ages and really strengthens your muscles.

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@khali

avocado is the best you can eat, that gives you an HDL high which is good

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Yes, except when you cannot process fat. Fat = fat from this perspective, and it is getting some getting used to to work around. Hoping to test the waters after some time and try maybe nuts or avocado. My HDL is not a problem currently.

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@sueinmn

That's a great question for the group.
Hello all of you who are trying, like @jlharsh & me, to stay as strong as you can - @slmremy @johncottingham @emil @millerdust @imallears @janet49 @joiful
Please tell us -
Once you get comfortable with a certain set of exercises, how do you figure out what to add to improve your fitness even more?
Where do you find safe, helpful exercises that are appropriate (we're not flexible 20 year olds)any more😁)
What is your favorite, use at home, low cost exercise device?

I'll start - I do squats & toe rises at the kitchen sink/counter while I work. Just not when I have a knife in my hand.

Sue

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I like what you have to say Sue

The source of exercises for us, that is a good thing to keep up with.

For example: what is your exercise goal? This important piece of info with govern what and how you add to the routine.

For instance - if I am wanting to build my energy/endurance. I would start with a hand ful of exercises - well rounded group!
Like stationary bike to warm up
Then stretch gently and do the Theraband or small (2lb) weights or a weight that seems easy for 6-8 repeats and set a series of 6-8 reps of each exercise then do it again when it become easier. The increases are gentle & small. 2# dumbbells then get put together so it is 4 # and you have expanded what your routine can do for you.
And maybe a walk. I started a friend with back pain walking a small park with me. We strolled along - she had been aware of being deconditioned. After a few weeks of very easy walking I noticed she picked up the pace - perfect! She felt the change and we have added friends and moved to longer walks but the pace is the important marker for all of us.
There is a lot to the set up of an exercise training program….. so take your time and keep a log of your activities. It was so wonderful to give myself permission to progress
S. L. O. W. L. Y.

Funny how it doesn’t stay slow
When we don’t force or make something’s to happen!
I challenged myself to the kind soft care I knew I needed at first.

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Sorry a favorite topic fitness, exercise, movement I could write a book or a chapter apparently
(I am giggling please join)

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In addition to going to a local exercise place and working with a trainer twice a week, and going to yoga once a week, here are some of the things I do at the house: push-ups against the kitchen counter; squats using just my body weight; doing an assortment of stretching exercises before I even get started with doing more strenuous things such as using dumbbells to do biceps and triceps curls; I use the stretchy bands for an assortment of stretches, including looping over a closed door for a lat workout. My hamstrings and glutes are tight (Does that make me a tight ass! Lol) so I do a lot of stretches to loosen that area. I also walk.

After a year of gently working out, increasing the weights and activities over this past year, I can feel the difference. I an stronger, more flexible, and certainly have more endurance.

It’s my desire to remain fit and strong and healthy so that I can continue to live in place until I die out of my own house. And hopefully, that’ll be a long time coming!😉😊

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@joiful

In addition to going to a local exercise place and working with a trainer twice a week, and going to yoga once a week, here are some of the things I do at the house: push-ups against the kitchen counter; squats using just my body weight; doing an assortment of stretching exercises before I even get started with doing more strenuous things such as using dumbbells to do biceps and triceps curls; I use the stretchy bands for an assortment of stretches, including looping over a closed door for a lat workout. My hamstrings and glutes are tight (Does that make me a tight ass! Lol) so I do a lot of stretches to loosen that area. I also walk.

After a year of gently working out, increasing the weights and activities over this past year, I can feel the difference. I an stronger, more flexible, and certainly have more endurance.

It’s my desire to remain fit and strong and healthy so that I can continue to live in place until I die out of my own house. And hopefully, that’ll be a long time coming!😉😊

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I admire what you are doing to keep fit. Nevertheless, I have much to do in my home! I go up and downstairs, picking up, keeping order, keeping a supply of everything I need and keeping in touch with the family on a regular routine. I exercise about three times a week on zoom.
I starting exercising about 4 years ago, on a regular basis. I do see a difference, but I think it depends on your age. Going up and down the stairs is still a little "testy". Do you mind telling me how old you are?

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You are inspiring

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@fala

I admire what you are doing to keep fit. Nevertheless, I have much to do in my home! I go up and downstairs, picking up, keeping order, keeping a supply of everything I need and keeping in touch with the family on a regular routine. I exercise about three times a week on zoom.
I starting exercising about 4 years ago, on a regular basis. I do see a difference, but I think it depends on your age. Going up and down the stairs is still a little "testy". Do you mind telling me how old you are?

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My 80th birthday was celebrated this past April.

What a great idea to exercise via zoom. Thanks for that tip. And you’re right, one can certainly get a lot of movement, exercise, and steps taking care of the house and the environment around one. Go for it.

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@joiful

My 80th birthday was celebrated this past April.

What a great idea to exercise via zoom. Thanks for that tip. And you’re right, one can certainly get a lot of movement, exercise, and steps taking care of the house and the environment around one. Go for it.

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Thanks for letting me in on your age. The older I get the more I push the "over the hill" age...LOL
I am over 85, and I thought that would be "slow down, danger ahead zone" Not so. It will hit me I am sure, one of these days. Meanwhile, I do NOT exercise everyday, but seem to get away with my two or three times a week. I am in physical Therapy a couple times a week. As my body breaks down, I keep adding PT. The facility is not around the corner, so I would like it to end! If my PT and Zoom class is on the same day, it does tire me out a little more. I have a sleep problem, so I do get tired, but never sleepy. Strange, I know...(long story) It took about three years of "regular" exercise before I could feel and see a BIG daily difference. The nice thing is I can eat like a pig and still stay same the same weight. Less bread, more activity.

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