Fitness for dummies?

[W2R]

I would have to agree that doesn't really do much for you.

My gray hair must have frightened the trainer - - he was pretty young.

 

[Alan]

My gray hair must have frightened the trainer - - he was pretty young.

The trainer at our place is also pretty young and we are both in our 50's but the workout he created for us is pretty good. We told him that we'd take care of the aerobics ourselves - don't need instructions on how to use a treadmill - we wanted strength training using free weights.

His workout plan consists of upper and lower body, doing upper one day and lower on another day. Each group of exercises is ten different types which take us about 80 - 90 minutes to complete allowing for a 10 minute warm up and cool down period.

 

[Insanity]

I joined a gym at the start of the yer and am now going 5 days a week (although getting up 4:45 AM to do so is less than wonderful). Realized today that I really don't know much about this, especially what I should/shouls not be doing as I try to get in better shape. . . .

I don't know about the area you live in, but our local community has a couple handy resources I cold suggest. One is the various Life Fitness programs offered through the parks and recreation department community gyms. I haven't taken their classes, but have talked with many of their instructors, and find them to be both well-learned fitness pros and sensitive to the training needs of those who are older than some or more out-of-shape than one should be.

Another resource we have here is a community college that offers both physical education classes and degrees for Fitness Trainers and Fitness Therapy Specialists . . . which means they're a great place to find Fitness Trainers in Training for cheap.

 

[Insanity]

Seriously, get out and build up to jogging/running 6 days a week anywhere from 30min to over 1 hour . . .

NewGuy, that works for some people, but jogging isn't something my knees do well anymore. One alternative to jogging that I do enjoy is bicycling, which gives me the opportunity to explore parts of the county I wouldn't otherwise ever see. Riding a bike doesn't do damage to my knees like running does, which is good, because I'd really rather save my knees for 20-mile hikes in the Columbia Gorge than pound them to death on the streets of the Portland metropolitan area.

Fitness training, when done right, is both art and science. A good fitness trainer doesn't present their client with a cookie-cutter approach, but designs a program that suits the client's immediate needs, abilities, limitations, and interests. A successful program isn't merely one that, if the client sticks with it, will help them reach their fitness goals. A sucessful program is one they can see results from and enjoy enough that they want to stick with it, and which can be grown and changed as they improve or grow bored of the routine.

 

[dumpster56]

NewGuy, that works for some people, but jogging isn't something my knees do well anymore. One alternative to jogging that I do enjoy is bicycling, which gives me the opportunity to explore parts of the county I wouldn't otherwise ever see. Riding a bike doesn't do damage to my knees like running does, which is good, because I'd really rather save my knees for 20-mile hikes in the Columbia Gorge than pound them to death on the streets of the Portland metropolitan area.

Fitness training, when done right, is both art and science. A good fitness trainer doesn't present their client with a cookie-cutter approach, but designs a program that suits the client's immediate needs, abilities, limitations, and interests. A successful program isn't merely one that, if the client sticks with it, will help them reach their fitness goals. A sucessful program is one they can see results from and enjoy enough that they want to stick with it, and which can be grown and changed as they improve or grow bored of the routine.

Have you seen this one??

Video - Breaking News Videos from CNN.com

101 years old and still running and drinking!

Come on now this is a great uplifting story!!! From Newguy!

 

[clifp]

Although, I have had weight training instruction at various times in my life, I've gained a lot from my small group (4-6 people) class with good (read expensive) personal trainer. Even with machine there are a heck of a lot of ways of lifting weights incorrectly. Having somebody that watches you and corrects it is helpful.

The other thing that I've really benefited from is core training, we typically do 40-45 minutes of weight training (with short cardio work) followed by 10-15 minutes of core (sit ups, holds, toe touches, balance work etc.) training. I found that my core muscle/balance never good to begin really needed work and damn it hurts. As I told my instructor I probably could get to a gym 3 times a week to lift weights but no way would subject myself to painful core exercises.

My instructor and I are also pretty excited about the upcoming Wii Fitness program, which includes and innovative balance mat and 40 fun looking fitness programs. The cool thing is the WII can actually sense when you are doing an exercise wrong and correct you. Not as good as a 5 mile jog for fitness but a less intense workout that people actually do beats the heck out of one people think about while surfing the net/watching TV/reading ...

 

[Alan]

NewGuy, that works for some people, but jogging isn't something my knees do well anymore. One alternative to jogging that I do enjoy is bicycling, which gives me the opportunity to explore parts of the county I wouldn't otherwise ever see. Riding a bike doesn't do damage to my knees like running does, which is good, because I'd really rather save my knees for 20-mile hikes in the Columbia Gorge than pound them to death on the streets of the Portland metropolitan area.

Fitness training, when done right, is both art and science. A good fitness trainer doesn't present their client with a cookie-cutter approach, but designs a program that suits the client's immediate needs, abilities, limitations, and interests. A successful program isn't merely one that, if the client sticks with it, will help them reach their fitness goals. A sucessful program is one they can see results from and enjoy enough that they want to stick with it, and which can be grown and changed as they improve or grow bored of the routine.

I completely agree. DW and I both have knee problems so seek out alternatives, cylcling being one of our favorites. Today we explored a new place and it was great. Drove to Covington in St Tammany Parish where we had heard about a new biking trail - 26 miles long with lots of places to visit on the way. We spent over 2.5 hrs cylce time and rode part of it - 28 miles (14 each way). Stopped for lunch at a fabulous Bistro and had New Orleans Style poboy (me), and VooDoo Chicken wrap (DW).

 

[Insanity]

Have you seen this one??

Video - Breaking News Videos from CNN.com

101 years old and still running and drinking!

Come on now this is a great uplifting story!!! From Newguy!

Ahhh, a man who believes that life should be bitters to the end!

That was really great, NewGuy

 

[Insanity]

Although, I have had weight training instruction at various times in my life, I've gained a lot from my small group (4-6 people) class with good (read expensive) personal trainer. Even with machine there are a heck of a lot of ways of lifting weights incorrectly. Having somebody that watches you and corrects it is helpful.

This brings two things to mind. The first is why I enjoy working out at the community college here in town, the one with the fitness trainer's program. We swap tips, training techniques and critiques of each other's form at the college gym. It's a handy thing to be reminded that you need to flatten out your back more when doing the dumbbell bench row or to be able to show someone else an appropriate exercise for strengthening weak or damaged rotator cuff muscles. (Both things that happened this week.)

The other thing that comes to mind is how poor the quality of weight training my son gets at his high school is. His weight training instructor doesn't really do any teaching, he just give a basic safety talk and lets the kids loose on the equipment. These same kids show up at the local college a year or three later thinking they know all about weight training now, and it takes a long time to get the message across that what they've been doing was dangerous, damaging or not achieving the results they were after because they're doing it so badly.

 

[dumpster56]

This brings two things to mind. The first is why I enjoy working out at the community college here in town, the one with the fitness trainer's program. We swap tips, training techniques and critiques of each other's form at the college gym. It's a handy thing to be reminded that you need to flatten out your back more when doing the dumbbell bench row or to be able to show someone else an appropriate exercise for strengthening weak or damaged rotator cuff muscles. (Both things that happened this week.)

The other thing that comes to mind is how poor the quality of weight training my son gets at his high school is. His weight training instructor doesn't really do any teaching, he just give a basic safety talk and lets the kids loose on the equipment. These same kids show up at the local college a year or three later thinking they know all about weight training now, and it takes a long time to get the message across that what they've been doing was dangerous, damaging or not achieving the results they were after because they're doing it so badly.

Most high schools do not hire a strength coach. They use the coaches for wresting or football during their off season and sit in the weight rooms of said high schools. I would get him involved with a real good strenght coach at the college you talked about or find one and pay for a few sessions with him to set your son up a real good program.

 

[donheff]

NewGuy, that works for some people, but jogging isn't something my knees do well anymore. One alternative to jogging that I do enjoy is bicycling, which gives me the opportunity to explore parts of the county I wouldn't otherwise ever see. Riding a bike doesn't do damage to my knees like running does, which is good, because I'd really rather save my knees for 20-mile hikes in the Columbia Gorge than pound them to death on the streets of the Portland metropolitan area.

+1 I get all kinds of joint problems from running but I love biking.

Insanity: is Portland as bike friendly as I have heard? In a couple of years DW and I plan to spend a month or so each year renting a place in interesting towns around the country. Portland is on the list.

 

[chinaco]

Brew.

When you say better shape... what do you mean. Could you elaborate. For example trying to lose weight, bulk up, build stamina... or just want to be healthy and live longer (eg., keep cholesterol down and get exercise).


Over the years better shape has meant different things to me. For example when I was in the Military it meant running miles and lifting weights on a regular regimented program. Anymore, it is walking... perhaps some moderate resistance exercises with some weight.

 

[Dawg52]

I joined a gym at the start of the yer and am now going 5 days a week (although getting up 4:45 AM to do so is less than wonderful).

Getting up at 4:45 AM can't be good for you. I would stop immediately. My golf buddies have decided that it has warmed up enough to start playing at 8:00 AM on weekends. How crazy is that? I work all my life to get to the point of being able to get up when ever I want, so why would I want to get up early on a weekend to play golf? I have other buddies I can play with later in the day.

I told the guys to let me know when they decide to move it back to late morning.

 

[dumpster56]

Getting up at 4:45 AM can't be good for you. I would stop immediately. My golf buddies have decided that it has warmed up enough to start playing at 8:00 AM on weekends. How crazy is that? I work all my life to get to the point of being able to get up when ever I want, so why would I want to get up early on a weekend to play golf? I have other buddies I can play with later in the day.

I told the guys to let me know when they decide to move it back to late morning.

You know last thursday I was asked to play golf at 8am. Said no I was going to do a long run. So I went and ran 20 miles in about 3 hours. Started at 9am and ended at noon. Drank a few brews after and showered guys got back at two after their 18 holes. I wonder, was the golf more fun?

 

[Alan]

You know last thursday I was asked to play golf at 8am. Said no I was going to do a long run. So I went and ran 20 miles in about 3 hours. Started at 9am and ended at noon. Drank a few brews after and showered guys got back at two after their 18 holes. I wonder, was the golf more fun?

I'm sure it was more fun for them - they probably do it for the social interaction more than exercise. Not being either a golfer or a runner, I would choose the golfing of those 2 choices you portray, although the beers after the running I'm sure I could probably manage to do.

 

[DangerMouse]

I think it is so important to be matched with a trainer you like and understand. I have had many trainers over the years, and the worst match for me has been young males. They seem to think when you say something is hurting that you are faking it and want you to push ahead regardless.

When I joined the YMCA in December I was fortunate enough to be matched with a female trainer of my age. She is great, doesn't believe age gives us limitations, unlike W2R's trainer she has given me a meaty weights program, I met with her last Friday and she has really amped it up.

I also agree with Cliff on the core training. A weak core is why so many elderly have trouble maintaining balance. That said my core strength is not great.

As for the running every day, why is it that most runners look totally miserable and if running is a chore rather than a labour of love? I am currently training to run a 5k fun run and really regret signing up for it as I feel totally bored the moment I get out there.

 

[Insanity]

Insanity: is Portland as bike friendly as I have heard?

Absolutely. Seven or eight months of the year Portland is an amazing place to live if you love riding your bike. (The other few months it rains or gets freezing cold.) There are many hundreds of miles of bike trails, bike routes, and from downtown Portland you can bike to the coast in a day, up to a ski resort, into wine country, past world-famous waterfalls, or down to the river waterfront for a pint.

 

[myself]

My fitness for dummies would be a little different.

• Have 4 kids that want you to run/play around with them
• ride bicycles when you can
• eat basically whatever you want (including chocolate)

Truth be told, I just saw my physician for the first time in 2 years, and he said based on the way I said I felt (aside from the dang sinous blocked up due to allergies), and my BMI being so low, that only 1 in 1,000,000 people in the US are like me (and he backed it up with ... cough, cough ... statistics).

 

[brewer12345]

Brew.

When you say better shape... what do you mean. Could you elaborate. For example trying to lose weight, bulk up, build stamina... or just want to be healthy and live longer (eg., keep cholesterol down and get exercise).

Don't really care about building up bulk. Looking to drop about 10 or 15 pounds, increase stamina, and generally get in better shape given the long term health risks of a sedentary lifestyle with lots of stress.

 

[RunningBum]

As for the running every day, why is it that most runners look totally miserable and if running is a chore rather than a labour of love? I am currently training to run a 5k fun run and really regret signing up for it as I feel totally bored the moment I get out there.

Really? I just volunteered as a course monitor at a local 5K, so I saw everyone go by at about the 1/2 way point. Most people looked relatively happy. That may have in part been due to the fact that I was the only spectator in the last mile, and I was clapping for everyone and yelling encouragement.

I really like running. Sometimes I'm focused and may not look like I'm enjoying it, and sometimes things hurt and I probably do look miserable, but for the most part I like it.

I know some people don't like it, and are only doing it for the exercise. I'd recommend trying to find some other exercise they'd enjoy more. You'll stick with it longer.

 

[RunningBum]

And also, I had always wanted to run a marathon but by my late 30s I figured I was too old. Then when I moved to Austin I volunteered to help at the finish line. I expected to see a bunch of people dragging in, on the verge of collapse, etc. Instead, 90% of the people were happy, celebrating, finished strong, and so on. Maybe 10% looked miserable.

Those 90% convinced me to go out and run a marathon, because a lot of them were older than me and looked less fit.

Maybe you're talking about just seeing runners during the week. For a lot of people, running with a group seems to make them happier than running alone. I tend to run mostly alone because of my schedule, but enjoy an occasional group run.

 

[brewer12345]

Only been doing this for a few months, but I much prefer running to weights, stationary bike, etc. Can't do that much before thinsg start hurting, but I like it.

 

[Dawg52]

Just back from a doing a 5 mile hike with my dog at a local park. Very nice trail around a lake with the trail winding through the woods. Up and down one hill after another. Tougher than I thought it would be. But good exercise. Will help get me in shape for my Master's golf trip next month.

 

[brewer12345]

When the weather is decent, I like hiking with the dogs, too. But they are now 13 and 11 years old, so when I do more than a couple miles with them its really too much. The fact that they are short (13 inch beagles) makes that much distance a really long hike in relative terms.

 

[oma]

Just back from a doing a 5 mile hike with my dog at a local park. Very nice trail around a lake with the trail winding through the woods. Up and down one hill after another. Tougher than I thought it would be. But good exercise. Will help get me in shape for my Master's golf trip next month.

Cruel to mention the Masters. I've been to about five of them. I'm overseas now, so I'll be watching on the tube on Armed Forces Network.

Augusta National is one hilly course, as you probably know. Television doesn't do it justice, does it. I recall after spending entire days (from sun up to sundown) walking Augusta National - the day after you would feel it in your calves.

I'm envious. Hopefully next year I can make it. Every year, I put in for practice rounds.

Do you go to the Masters frequently?