Help me get into shape...take it slow, I'm 55!

[BC]

I know how to lose weight, (been there, done that!) and am back on a healthy diet plan. I just have never gotten all the excess to tighten up after I lost the weight, you know, like the bye bye flabby arms and thighs. Well, listening to all the talk on TV after the new year about getting into shape, I know I need to build some muscle, not only to tone up, but it burns fat. My question is I am not sure where to start. I know I can join one of the gyms like Golds or get a personal trainer, but thought I would try some things at home if I could. Does anyone have any suggestions for some great muscle building ideas that I could do. I know I need to lift some weights, but what else? Been a long time since I did a sit-up!!

 

[minkydog]

I'm 53 and I have not exercised in years. I have really had an epiphany this year when I first reached my highest weight ever, well over 200, AND developed diabetes. That was a real turning point.

I knew I had to start an exercise program ,but I dind't have a clue! And i was very intimidated by the machines in the gym--I felt really stupid. But I contacted teh YMCA near me and they have a program called Coach Approach. I met with a trainer who assessed where I am now and got me started on a weight circuit. She was very patient with me, and at first i only did 4 machines, very easy. As I have gotten stronger i've added a little more weight and a few more reps. And I added the treadmill and recumbent bike. My initial circuit could be completed in about 20 min. Now I'm at about 45 min.

Starting very low has really been great for me. I have been able to meet my short term goals and have suffered no injuries. We have met one more time to refine some of the goals and added a few more machines. We will meet once a month for about 6 months.

I started out going to the gym 2 times a week. i know, not nearly enough. BUt it was the amount I knew i could be compliant with. Since then I'm going about 3-4 times a week and really enjoying my time there. I think if I can stick it out for a few more weeks it will come more easily. I have lost 42-lbs since April and I have been working out for about a month.

Good luck to you. For me, making the effort to go meet the trainer was the first step. I was so scared i'd look like a dunce. But I'm hanging in there and I'm not the only "newbie", nor am I the biggest one out there. As far as i can tell, nobody has even noticed me plugging away there. I look forward to increasing my workout and toning up. It's not happening yet, but it will.

 

[KirstenB]

If budget isn't holding you back, consider joining a gym. I promise no one will judge you, because they're too busy focusing on their own goals. I'm very susceptible to peer pressure, so just being around other health-concious people at my gym motivates me to work harder. I belong to the Y. They're very low-key, not a hardbodies type of place. They'll ask you about your goals, and give you help in selecting workouts tailored for you. I see the same people several days a week, and we all motivate each other.

 

[MIGrandma]

I'm 52, and I lost 40 pounds a few years ago (after finding out I have type 2 diabetes) and started exercising. I walked outside when I could, 2-5 miles per day 4-5 days per week. In bad weather I did the Walk Away the Pounds DVD's by Leslie Sansone. I have the 1, 2, 3, and 4 mile walks plus a couple of her strength training ones. She has oodles of them out there. You can rent them from Netflix, to see if you like them, before buying them.

They do strengthen and tone you, especially when she uses the stretch band or weights and she has different walking steps to work on different areas of the body. I really like them, especially for the winter months.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

If you can afford a gym and a trainer, then I would go that route right away.

 

[Mermaid02]

My goal for 2010 is to get strong. Right now I am recuperating from my hip replacement, but I'm working with my PT and have joined WW online to improve my eating habits (losing weight is just a PLUS!)

When I am able, I think I will be joining a gym.... probably Planet Fitness.... Good Luck to you OP!

 

[BC]

MIGrandma-Funny you mentioned the Leslie Sansone tapes as I just finished doing the 3 mile walk before I came and checked this thread. I have a couple of her tapes and as I was doing it this morning, I thought of asking on this board if anyone had ever had any real success using them. It seems like I need to be doing more to build muscle.

As far a a gym, I had not even thought of the Y. I looked at Gold's Gym website, but little info is on it. I also feel very intimidated at the thought of people watching me. I am very self conscious of my thighs. Is it extra to have a trainer work one on one with you there, or is that part of the package?

 

[JCJRSmith]

See if there is a Planet Fitness near you. PF costs me $10 per month. They will show you how to use the machines (or free weights if you prefer) and will help you set up a workout program - just part of what's included in the fee

http://www.planetfitness.com

 

[KirstenB]

MIGrandma-Funny you mentioned the Leslie Sansone tapes as I just finished doing the 3 mile walk before I came and checked this thread. I have a couple of her tapes and as I was doing it this morning, I thought of asking on this board if anyone had ever had any real success using them. It seems like I need to be doing more to build muscle.

As far a a gym, I had not even thought of the Y. I looked at Gold's Gym website, but little info is on it. I also feel very intimidated at the thought of people watching me. I am very self conscious of my thighs. Is it extra to have a trainer work one on one with you there, or is that part of the package?

At the Y, a trainer will give you an orientation session for free, as part of your membership. After that, you can do your own workouts. For an additional fee, you can hire a personal trainer.