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Fitness for my mother in her 60's?

  • 17-04-2012 8:26am
    #1
    IamtheWalrus
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,075 ✭✭✭


    Hi,

    My mother is in her early 60's. She is carrying a bit of weight around her stomach and hips. She's not very fat but is 'round'. I tentatively mentioned her losing weight/getting fit and she doesn't seem to think she needs to. She says her stomach is big from having 4 children.

    In recent years, she has cut down on her meal portions and claims to have cut out snacking. So she's making progress.

    She also walks a mile about 4 times per week.

    My question is, can any of you recommend a fitness regime for her? I've a feeling just walking 4 times a week isn't enough. Obviously she can't do anything too energetic.

    Are her walks enough? I want her to look after herself in her twilight years as best she can. My father already is.

    Any suggestions welcome.

    Walrus


Comments

  • #2
    calfmuscle
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 746 ✭✭✭calfmuscle


    Hey Walrus

    Here is a link to the national guidelines on exercise.

    http://www.getirelandactive.ie/content/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Get-Ireland-Active-Guidelines-GIA.pdf

    Page 15 onwards is the general advice for people over 65. It sounds like your mom is doing a little bit less than the guidelines suggest.

    Its great that she is walking. Would she consider increasing the length of the walk and/or the speed. For the walk to count as exercise she should be a little out of breath.

    She could also start an aqua aerobics class or a dance class, zumba is really popular at the minute!

    Have a look at the guidelines and have a chat to her about the things she enjoys or has enjoyed in the past and take it from there.


  • #3
    wipednwired
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19 ✭wipednwired


    I would recommend yoga - there are studios all around. If she takes beginners classes, they are gentle enough for bodies of all ages, and it will help with toning. Walking really only gets at the legs and cardio side of things. Just google "yoga" and your location.


  • #4
    Dermighty
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,748 ✭✭✭Dermighty


    Exercise to music (like Zumba classes) come in many varieties, many low impact and low to moderate in intensity, specifically designed for people in their 60's and 70's. Most gyms have classes like these running so it might be worthwhile checking out some of your local gyms and see what's on offer.

    Every person would benefit from being active, whether they have extra weight or not.


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