What are you doing for fitness these days…

Runcarla

…and is it working for you?

I’m no longer in my 2 workouts a day tri-athlon era, and the on-again/off-again pandemic years of struggling for a consistent routine were so discouraging that I got quite lazy about anything beyond long walks and Tai Chi once a week.

At the start of 2025 I set a goal of swimming laps 3xweek. If I could be consistent for 3-4 months then I would see about adding some weight training. Well, I wasn’t consistent. Mom decided she wanted to relocate from her assisted living place in Ottawa, to one in my town! What a lot of work! (She is a billion times better than she was, with dramatically improved health and mental well-being. However, her personality is difficult. It’s emotional work, setting boundaries - while still being supportive. But, that’s another story!)

Back on track, now, I can report a 3 month unbroken stretch of swimming, AND the addition of a Saturday 1 hour Pilates mat class! Still doing Tai Chi one day a week - outdoors at the beach since June.

Surprise! Surprise! I had a big physical due to an upcoming benchmark birthday and my labs were ‘perfect’, and bone density was ‘that of a 30 yo!’ Muscle mass needs a little building up, and what I’m currently doing - while good for maintaining overall health - won’t do that. An hour of weight training 2 days a week is the prescription.

From a vanity perspective, I’m happy with my 64 yo bod! Weight seems to have stabilized, and is in the normal range for my height. Muscle tone is good enough that I’m not self conscious in sleeveless tops or shorts - but booty has disappeared, and skin isn’t as taught as it once was. Oh! Well!

It was interesting to read media reports that the ‘10,000 steps’ recommendation had been adjusted to ‘7,000 steps’. I haven’t seen or heard much about health and fitness in the news - other than an uptick of pickleball injuries, lol!

So, what are you doing for health and fitness? Something old? Something new? What are you interested in trying? Are you setting goals? Meeting or exceeding them? Are they realistic? Do they need revising? Sometimes we set the bar for diet(nutrition) and exercise too high - when it really isn’t necessary. What do you think?

3 months ago

Off Topic

26 replies

Latest reply was from texstyle

LJP

Veteran

Oh I love a good fitness and nutrition discussion ;). I stay as up to date as I can - because of my job, and because it's my main hobby/interest.

I am more focused on the 150 minutes of movement/cardio recommendation per week, and in the summer I get it over the weekend with 2 75 minute bike rides at a high heart rate. . The rest of the week I do weight work , and a mat pilates session here and there. I do have to be careful with myself though because I can add tremendous pressure to myself to be perfect, and it causes emotional turmoil if I don't watch it. So goal setting for me can be triggering and problematic- I can do it with food, but with exercise I find it really hard. I never feel like I do enough.

I've been on a dietitian -created eating plan for almost 2 months now and have lost weight according to plan ( 1 lb a week). I have a body type that isn't naturally slim so it takes vigilance to stay that way. I don't want to go into the next phase of my life with ANY extra weight so that my strength for everyday movement is maximized. I've got about 6 -8 lbs left to go. It's very tedious and slow. I do have access to an in-body analysis at work and that's what informs my weight/body composition goals.

Your one hour mat pilates is quite an accomplishment! A solid 60 minutes of that exercise is more than usual so kudos to you. I do a 30 minute class ( no breaks and no warm-up , cool down) and it's challenging enough for me . I'm good with sleeveless too - my arms are not sculpted in a relaxed state but they are fine right now. And I hear you with the lax skin - eek! Not much we can do about that .

At our gym, the messaging is about aging while staying strong, flexible and mobile. Weight bearing exercise still is considered the gold standard for all adults , and especially for women as bone density becomes a problem for many. Our dieticians still promote protein, but fibre and the right carbs are getting more emphasis. My current diet plan is not as heavy on protein as I expected and has more (of the right kind) of carbs than I'm used to eating. It's interesting.

3 months ago

Irina

Veteran

I usually do 1 hour yoga class a week at the community centre but it’s been canceled due to daily camps for kinds. So, for now I do some stretching and yoga in my 1 hour x 3 times a week gym sessions. I will resume regular yoga in September. I do weight lifting and resistance training, too. I reduced my general treadmill jogging to 10-15 minutes. I do lots of walking in the summertime as it is.

Lane swim 1 hour x 3 times a week. My recent health issues prevented me from going to the pool 3 times a week and it makes me really unhappy. Hopefully back to my normal routine next week.

I tried tai chi but didn’t like it. I might add Pilates in the fall. It’s a gentle, introductory class and I tried it before but I had a conflict with my pool schedule. I have to wait and see the fall schedule.

I must keep myself from pushing too hard with weights. I overdid it and now deal with stressed muscles in my shoulder. It’s healing well, though.

I gained a few pounds indulging myself with pastries, my major weakness. On another hand, I almost gave up alcohol, an occasional drink once or twice a month.

I don’t want to feel stressed about physical appearance. It is what it is, as long as I stay healthy. My weight gain or loss is not that visible and bothers me mostly if my clothes feels too tight. It’s a signal that I need to lose a couple of pounds.

I measured my height at the pharmacy today and I’m only 5’2 or 156 cm and not 160cm as I thought! Crazy!

3 months ago

Runcarla

Veteran

Was hoping you’d chime in LJP, ‘cause I know you’re in the biz, and in the know.

Gotta love the dietician! My assignment is 60 g of protein and 21 g of fibre - with an emphasis on soluble fibre. Talapia and avocados are my friends!

TBH, the Pilates is killer. It’s like the instructor is in my head and knows exactly what my weaknesses are and what I need! I think it’s the toughest class I’ve ever taken. One of the regular swimmers told me about the class, and suggested I try it out. Not sure if I should be grateful, lol!

3 months ago

LJP

Veteran

Reformer Pilates is the biggest revenue driver at our gym . We only have 6 Reformers , which is currently a problem , but it also means the classes are small and you get a LOT of personal attention . Registration time for each season is so stressful and competitive that it’s all we talk about for weeks on end . We don’t offer Mat Pilates as you can’t technically call it that unless the instructor is certified , and we don’t have enough instructors as it is for the Reformer demand . I can’t even get into classes anymore it’s that crazy . I do Mat on my own from Apple Fitness videos .

We also hold a program called Pickleball Injury Prevention , which gives you an idea of how popular that sport is now . Pickleballers are nuts too . Everyone thinks they are back in their high school athlete stage - and injure themselves constantly .

I’m eating a ton of avocados too , fish , and tofu and almost no alcohol now . Aging is not for the timid .

3 months ago

JAileen

Veteran

Carla, that’s fantastic! My bones might not be as good. I haven’t broken any big bones, though, so that’s something.

I’m back to swimming, three times a week. I swim about 3/4 of a mile. I’ve been doing it for 11 months, since the new aquatic center opened. I might up my distance to a mile this fall. I stopped for our recent trip, obviously, but came back with a weird cough and fatigue and sat out for four weeks. My doctor also said I’m not doing anything for my bones, so I got a weighted vest. It needs to cool off, though. Even in the evening it’s close to 90F.

Somehow I lost all of my pandemic weight! We’re in a bean club and eat a lot of beans. Tonight we had Rio Zape beans which were delicious. If anyone is interested, google Rancho Gordo.

3 months ago

Sal

Veteran

I am in the pickleball club but only once a week. I work almost full time so I have to fit things into before and after work.

I typically do weights 2x per week, with 2x fast walks, 1x yoga and the weekends might be pickleball and biking or walking.

I have been fortunate with perimenopause to date but just the last month the hot flushes and inflammation have been bad. I look puffy. It’s not alcohol as that’s been low but could be diet or stress or hormones.

I am about to start an eight day cycle trip tomorrow so that’s new for me.

3 months ago

EuroTomGirl

Active Member

Until a month or two ago I was focussed pretty much solely on running. I’ve been a regular runner for years, and I’m a member of my local running club and core team member of my local parkrun.

I’ve become more aware that running on its own is not enough and that I need to do some strength work so I’ve recently started body pump (weights) classes at the leisure centre, just one a week. I’m really enjoying them so far; it’s good to do something totally different. I’d also like to incorporate swimming into my routine. I love swimming - it’s my favourite sport - but running is easier in the sense that I can just run from my front door when I like rather than having to go to a pool at a certain time for lane swimming. But I think I’ve found a time that works. I’ve also been enjoying some open water swimming too during the summer. I want to build on the limited amount of at-home yoga that I currently do, too, and keep up with walking and cycling rather than driving for local distances.

This means that I may run less per week (in terms of both time and distance) and I hope that doesn’t affect race times. On the other hand, maybe the cross-training will have a beneficial impact on speed and endurance. If nothing else, it’s fun to switch things up a bit, and I can always tweak things at a later date if I need to.

3 months ago

Style Fan

Veteran

In February, I fell on the ice in Montreal. I injured my right leg and could only walk a short distance. I was able to see an excellent physiotherapist the next day, and she gave me some exercises to do. She also recommended that I continue going to my daily Yoga classes.
The exercises helped, and I can walk longer than before, but my leg still bothers me.

Before injuring my leg, I was walking 1.5 hours in the morning with Garthy. Now I am walking 30 to 45 minutes with Garthy. I am doing online Yoga classes about twice a week. I started going to Pilates twice a week a couple of months ago. I am hoping to add a Barre class in the Fall.

In a couple of weeks, I will see a new physiotherapist. I am hoping she has some suggestions on how to speed up my healing.

3 months ago

MsMary

Veteran

The one and only "organized" fitness thing I am doing these days is an exercise class at (get this!) our local Senior Center! Believe it or not, it's the best class I've ever taken because she explains WHY we are doing each exercise ("this is for balance," "this is so we don't get a hump on our back," etc). Other than that, my husband and I take a long walk most mornings and I shoot for 10,000 daily steps and usually clock in at around 7,000.

I will be taking a weekly tap dancing class starting in a few weeks, and I'm looking forward to that.

3 months ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Congrats to everyone on their excellent health and fitness achievements! It's inspiring!

I'm a city walker, so many steps a day. Up and down hills. Seattle is hilly! I am also vigilant about weight baring vinyasa yoga practice, and Pilates. An hour on most days. I've been doing intermediate yoga for many years, but Pilates at this level is new to me! I feel that the two are complementary. The one makes me better and stronger at the other! I love these forms of exercise

3 months ago

Echo

Veteran

I definitely need to incorporate weight training into my routine. I do feel the loss of strength in my legs sometimes. I'm currently biking about 22 miles daily, 4 or 5 days a week, and I've been doing extensive stretching to get my flexibility back to where it was. I'm doing well in that department, and have added balance exercises, as well.

I was walking, and honestly I prefer it, but my right knee is arthritic and long walks get painful. Ultimately, I will need a knee replacement, but I'd like to put that off as long as possible. I'm only 54, and that seems too young ot have arthritis to the extent I do, but physical therapy (continuing to do the exercises at home) and pain meds are only going so far. At some point, quality of life will demand a joint replacement

3 months ago

Style Fan

Veteran

I wanted to follow up that since I added Pilates to my fitness routine, I have noticed that my Yoga practice has improved. I felt I had reached a plateau in my Yoga practice. One of the reasons for this was the closing of the studios after the pandemic.

The Pilates instructor at the Community Centre is Stott-trained and a massage therapist. Her classes have a waiting list. I feel so fortunate to have this in our small town.

3 months ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Carla, that's wonderful about the bone density! Brava! For some reason, no one has suggested that mine be measured but I really think I ought to get it done. Will make a note to discuss at next appointment.

Congrats also on your renewed commitment over the last few months. The effort you expend on that will probably help with the emotional toll of Mother and is worth every bit of time and money you spend.

Impressed by all the routines and approaches mentioned here! Many of us are active!

I have been saying for a while that I need/ want to switch things up a bit, but what with one thing and another, I haven't done so. Hmmm.

Having said that, I'm hardly a couch potato. I take two hour long kettlebells classes per week (with some weeks off for travel, etc.) and ride my bike for a minimum of 15 km on most days. I also walk on hilly terrain at least 10,000 steps per day, and often hike on weekends. And when I travel, I sometimes get to swim as well.

The thing is, I've been doing this exact same thing for almost 5 years and I feel like the routine could use some refinements. I used to jog, but I think my jogging days are done -- I have had two knee injuries/ problems in the past four years; my body does not like the high impact any more. I saw a physio who said while I have arthritis, at this rate, I will never need a joint replacement...but I do have knee tightness and pain at times, and I want to find something that both strengthens the knees and eases the discomfort. You would think the biking and weights would help -- and no doubt they do -- but honestly, salt water seems like my best remedy!

Anyway. Thanks for the invitation to ponder this some more.

3 months ago

kkards

Veteran

For movement I walk, but not as much as I want to- I do great on the weekends and ok on my WFH days, but need to figure out how to get moving on the days I’m in the office.
I do Pilates 2 days a week. Have been at it an almost 2 years and it’s been a game changer. I’m doing 1 private a week, and for me it’s worth the expense. I was/am lucky that I found an instructor who’s just finished up school & will be testing to be a certified PT. So best of both worlds as she is so knowledgeable about moving and aging from both the Pilates & the clinical aspect. And then I found that our world class ballet company has community classes, and offers a reformer class that’s limited to 3 students at the same cost as the bigger 6+ reformer studios. My core & balance are getting better and stronger, but each week I’m still humbled by something we do
I think I eat a well balanced diet, but am getting overwhelmed by all the things coming at me about how much protein older women need, and I know I don’t eat the amounts I’m reading about. Seriously thinking about seeing a nutritionist, but no idea how to find one

3 months ago

Indigoprint

Veteran

Walking and gardening are what I rely on. We have a nice walking path around our property and a big garden along with yard work. However it can be somewhat seasonal.
My job is pretty physical so I have that. But I do notice stiff joints and "throwing my back out for no reason" and am looking into more preventative movement activities.

3 months ago

Peri

Veteran

Four hours of ballroom dance practice per week and two hours of weight training.

The ballroom doesn't feel like "exercise", although it definitely is. It feels like fun, artistry, expression and learning with intense attention to detail, while breathing hard and breaking a sweat. The weights definitely feel like exercise in that I force myself to do it and wish I didn't have to. That "have to" is facetious. No one can make me, after all. But I want to do this thing that is said to be so important to healthy aging so I make myself.

3 months ago

Helena

Veteran

Carla, I'm glad your mom is doing well and I also wish you positive vibes for finding the right boundaries for you xx

The theme of my life right now is reconnecting with my intuition and I'm doing that with my health and fitness. My anxiety has been rearing its ugly head and my mental health is top priority. I have stopped tracking my steps and other metrics for the time being. I try to eat a decent balance of carbs, proteins and fats and don't eat too much deep fried or sugary things, but I don't stress to much about being exact. I don't drink alcohol, except a sip or two of bubbly if there's something to celebrate, and avoid caffeine almost entirely also, as neither works with my anxiety.

For exercise I walk daily and do Pilates most days, including a few classes of Pilates inspired weight training. I have a mini trampoline that I enjoy when I feel like something high energy, and we have an exercise bike for an alternative activity during long winters. I practice breathwork most days too. With all things, I keep it simple and do what is realistic on a given day.

3 months ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

I do simple calisthenics and dancing at home four or five times a week...not long, 20 or 30 minutes. I would definitely like to do more.

One big change for me recently has been paying attention to balance as I get older. I do one minute of balancing each morning, and I also incorporate other core/balance exercises.

People sometimes ask me if I have lost weight. I have not...but I look more athletic!

3 months ago

Jules

Veteran

I’m a longtime fan of weight training and have been to the gym to lift 110 days this year I know this because of
a great app I started using called Boostcamp, which gives me workout programs to follow and tracks for me. The free version alone is great! I love being ‘told’ what to do without having to interact with people. The structure of programs, not just individual workouts, is helping me make slow but steady strength progress that I can see over time in the app. It’s very satisfying and I feel better all over.

I wouldn’t say it’s an app for people who aren’t already pretty familiar/comfortable with gym equipment and weight training though, and most of the programs are pretty masculine coded (do you want to look like a male Greek statue or a great ape?!? lol), but that doesn’t bother me as I believe the essentials are the same for all folks.

3 months ago

Jules

Veteran

MsMary, I saw a sign for some ‘seniors’ exercise classes the other day which appealed, and I realized that I’m actually looking forward to being 55+ for this reason, lol! Aquafit here I come!

3 months ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I just turned 60 and feel most days like I’m 30… until I look in a mirror, LOL.

That said, I know my habits could use improvement. I’m tired of the extra 15 lbs I’m carrying but it’s really hard to get rid of the extra without being super strict in what I eat, and I just don’t see that happening. I like sharing good meals with husband and friends and don’t do well with restrictions.

I got a new doctor this year and she is not concerned about my weight or my labs, but we are concerned about my blood pressure. I need to monitor it at home because my anxiety spikes when I think about taking it.

I take a great reformer Pilates class with just a couple other students three times a week and I am now at level three — it does help my core, which was actually pretty strong to begin with. There are some exercises that my classmates struggle with that I do with relative ease, which makes me a bit proud. But all bodies are different and there are other moves that are more challenging for me (scoliosis and tight hamstrings make a difference!).

During much of the year I walk a lot, but the summer is a struggle. Heat and humidity suck the energy out of me. I’ll be ramping up my activity as the weather cools, and I’ll be walking the 500 miles of the Camino de Santiago in October!

3 months ago

Gail

Veteran

I do pilates as often as I can but generally about 2-3 times per week.
This is a mixture of reformer, core align, and Bodhi Suspension Training.
It's the only form of regular exercise I have EVER stuck with, I started in
December of 2019.

3 months ago

Laurie

Veteran

Arthritis-sufferer, and veteran of 2 hip replacements, and lower spine surgery, I continue with my yoga instructor/trainer led durability program via app. Daily set of exercises for hips and back mobility, plus 3 strength/weight days with bands and hand weights, plus 30-min myofascial release workouts on the off days. I walk 3-6 miles, at least 4 days a week.
I miss running.I miss biking. I hope to bike again on safe trails in the near future, but I'm not willing to run the risk of accident on the road, given how hard I work to stay in shape just to be upright and walking.
My back has been really bothering me on car trips lately, so my daily routine is nothing short of essential.

3 months ago

pil

Veteran

After many years of yoga, I have been doing Buff Bones (exercise for osteoporosis) and reformer tower at a small studio (close to my home no less!) for about three years. She recently added Lagree Method and, boy, does that kick my butt!

https://www.lagreefitness.com/the-lagree-method

3 months ago

AndiB

Veteran

I love these posts, too! I have had pretty good exercise and fitness habits since I was in college: mandated PE credits in college (!) really did start me on my fitness journey and I am mid-60's now, so . . . I probably worked out less so when my kids were little, so busy with all of that and part time work until they were school age, and then full time. But I do a lot now, especially since our YMCA, which is where I work out, changed its structure from pay per class to all classes free with a slight increase in dues. So where I used to take only 1 spin class a week, and didn't even do my yoga at the y, but instead at a boutique studio, now I spin about 2x per week, and have moved all of my yoga to the Y, some weeks doing as many as 4 or 5 classes. I am also studying to be a certified yoga instructor, and I am very excited about this new journey. I expect to finish this year. I still work full time, but with kids out of the house I have ever so much more freedom. . . In addition to spin and yoga, I life 3 to 4 days a week. My "accountability buddy" at the y and I shared a personal trainer about a year ago at the Y, didn't love him, but I've been lifting regularly if not consistently my entire adult life, so we committed to each other 3 days a week, and we have been super consistent with that. I have muscles! And then I returned to my covid era personal trainer for a day a week, so most weeks 4 lifting days. Pilates on Sundays. Long fast walks with friends. I've lost almost 25 lbs since the first of the year, but that was drastically changing eating habits, my workout habits have remained pretty consistent for years, if not upped a bit with the lifting. I've lost just less than a pound a week, slow but steady. I've never felt better!

2 months ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Sounds like most of you get a lot of exercise in each week - I'm not sure I do that much. I do work out with weights a few times a week but not every week and only like 20 mins. I was walking 30-40 mins. most days but after injuring my foot pretty badly I had to take a long break. I'm finally back to being able to walk distances again. I also walk up/down stairs all through the day and I work out in the garden many days - just got done planting a fall veg garden. I've kept my weight pretty stable. I am really into eating healthy food and healthy portions. I stop eating by 7pm and I don't really eat sweets. I don't eat much fried food, or other "heavy" things except when I eat out and there aren't many options. Then we try to share something.

1 month ago

Category