Cantankerous Old Woman

[Sheddin]

I am not ready to become a Porch Dog even if I am pushing 50.

Ok, I'm a realist. I'm not going to acheive over nite results but I would like to put this old abused body back into the candy wrapper. The problem is like many have, I dont know where to start (even though I've started anyway)
I joined the local Gym last month after being released from Physical Therapy that began after a Car accident.

I'm fortunate that over the years I've learned to listen to what my body is telling me, not only in the ouch factor but to listen to the good cravings and to try my best to ignore the bad ones. But years of Mom have left me soft. I've got a few round spots that dont need to be round, and few flat spots that dont need to be flat!

So, in hopes of not wasting percious time I've come to you all to lerk, learn and maybe make a friend or two.

Any suggestions would be really appreciated!!!

............................................. needless to say, I'm Sheddin

[Hawkwind]

Hello Sheddin' and welcome to BB4U.
I'm a 45 year old mom and grandmom. It's never too late to train.

Head on down to the women's section and read some of the 'stickys' at the top of the page. They are loaded with information for women about training.

In the meantime. I'm going to move this post down to the women's section.
(Your intro post was in the right section. But since our dialog starts off with questions from me about your training I moved it to the women's section.)

And I'll also ask you a question to start:
Can you tell us what you are doing in the gym now for lifting and cardio?

[Sheddin]

Thanks for the reply HawkWind. ...... Right now I've barely begun.
I've been going every other day, doing at least 20 minutes on the Treadmill. I've increased both speed and incline each time but have taken it slow, I'm only at 4 on speed (fairly fast walk for me) and 3.5 on incline. I do watch my heart rate per the machine and it fluctuates 5 degree's or so from 147. I do begin to break a slight sweat near half way. Lifting is another story. Due to an auto accident that popped a couple vertibrae a wee bit out of place and pinched a nerve under the left scapula I've been following what the Therapist was doing with me. Course here's the problem, I dont know the names of all the things I'm using! So, for lack of knowledge I'll say I'm working mostly my shoulders and arms in hopes of getting some tone back. Problem with that is my right is alot stronger then the left at the moment! Grrrrr
Lower body has mostly been presses, 10 reps, and I'm following with another 5 trying to add one each trip. (needless to say I've just begun the additions)
And because I absolutly HATE my inner thighs I've been using that (sigh) thing that you squeeze together, 15 reps, followed by another 7. Again I've just began to add the reps.

Here is my problem, I do this at 0500 and have just under and hour to do it in before I have to do the daily commute. AND....... I had my 19 year old daughter join with me in hopes of having a work out buddy and the benifits she'll get from this also. I see now she is not as motivated as I am.

wow, I guess I really went on!

Thanks again for any and all help you give!!
. ........................ again, I'm Sheddin

[Hawkwind]

You didn't go on at all.

On the cardio. It's a good start and you are progressing fine. I don't see any reason to change what is working.

On the lifting. I'm very relieved to hear that you are working with what the therapist gave you so soon from your accident and into your recovery.

Here is a link to a directory that will help you identify the exercises you are doing:
ExRx Exercise & Muscle Directory

You can also check the machines you are using at the gym. My gym uses Hammer Strength machines and on the side of each it explains what muscle(s) you are working.

Leg press and hip abductor/adductor sounds like what you are doing for your lower body.

Are you doing the same exercises every other day? And is that three days a week or more that you are doing that? If so, it sounds like we can tweak your routine to shorten and spread it out a bit for you.

I have a gym membership for my 21 year old and myself. She doesn't use it throughout the summer as she works for Six Flags New England as a character/dancer. But this time of year she heads back to the gym. Mine's motivated...but in a bit different direction!

You sound like you have made a very good start. We can help you tweak the routine I'm sure. All you need now is to be patient with yourself. That is the hardest part for those of us that are older. We start training, find out how much we enjoy it...and then wish we had started this not only yesterday...but a couple years ago!

[Sheddin]

At this point I am pretty much doing the same thing daily.
I've wondered if I shouldnt be doing the Cardio daily, and switch off upper and lower on rotating days. ............ BTW, thanks for the link.. I'll be doing some studying over the Holiday break!