Hello all, I thought I would respond to several of the comments I have read on running. Over nearky 60 years or so I have run fairly regularly at different levels, at various stages of my ilfe. I have found that as soon as you mention the word ‘Running’ as an excercise, some people switch off, because they don’t really know what it can entail. They see it as time consuming, sweaty, and bothersome. They think of the kit needed, and the health clubs they can join etc. In my experience if you wish to buy the trainers, join a running club, health club, or even employ a fitness coach, that’'s entirely ok, and I have done all of the above in my life. (Except the coach) However the alternative is not often spoke off, and it’s simple and practical, especially if you are starting from scratch, or are unfortunate enough to have medical conditions such as ours. When you rise in the morning, whilst still in your night attire, do some very basic stretches easy for you. Depending at what level you are at, this can be a minute or much more. If you are just starting to excercise, walk in place for a minute or two or for as long as you are pain free and comfortable. You will probably feel like doing a little more over time, and there is no need to rush. Eventually you may feel like jogging on the spot for a minute or two, again pain free and comfortable, then gently progress to a level you are happy with. Doing this regulary at your level, is doable and hassle free. The advantages are, that you don’t need kit!, thick socks and a cushioned carpet may be enough. Once finished pop into shower, job done, you may even find that you really enjoy it. If you can throw in a few minutes of deep and slow breathing, before, during or after, all the better. I appreciate this method will not be suitable to many, and I merely mention it as a realistic alternative. It goes without saying, that you should get the ok, from your GP or Consultant before engaging in any excercise. Prior to being diagnosed, three years ago I had been fairly inactive, and I started from scratch as described above. I also changed the way I was eating, and found that the’Mediterranean way of eating suited me. As a result I lost 28lbs (In old money) My Blood pressure decreased, and my quality of lfe is much improved.Hope this helps. Regards all.
Hi @Vindicatrix. I love these threads on keeping fit at the moment. So much good advice and suggestions, especially for beginners. It’s also great to read about the positive impact it has had, both physically and mentally on your everyday life, and in particular, how you have adapted it over the years, depending on your health at the time. I think this will be a great read for all off us! I hope you are keeping well?
Hi @Vindicatrix, your post sounds good and so practical to me.
We have concrete floors under our carpets so as well as thick socks I do need trainers on to do anything with impact with my osteoporosis back. I am careful what trainers I get and ensure they are supportive for lessoning impact, but this definitely does not mean I go for expensive brands.
I inherited some tee shirts when my adult son was having a clear out which have come in useful and have interesting logos on them.
At 70 yrs old I am probably fitter now than I have ever been. I got into Pilates about 7 yrs ago because of my osteoporosis and at that time I kept on fracturing vertebrae. I wish I had started doing it 60 yrs ago. I had never done any exercises in my life, we didn’t tend to then.
I would not advise anyone to try pilates at home unless they know what they are doing.
Exercise can be taken sitting in a chair and I think they are far more fun to music, it is good for the circulation and not loosing muscle strength,
I am also enjoying hearing others ideas and hints on exercise on our forum.
It sounds like you a have a good routine going Erica, you are right about concrete floors and using good cushioned shoes. I also find music, a great motivator for me, and in fact it very often extends the period of my little low maintinance jog. There is also lot of medical science on the benefits of deep, slow, nose breathing both inhale and exhale, and it can easily be incorporated in any low or moderate excercise. It’s particularly effective in minimising the effects of chest and respitory problems. All the best.
Hi @Vindicatrix. Quick question…is jogging on the spot at home as effective as jogging outdoors? I would not want to jog outside for various reasons but jogging on the spot would be OK for me.
Most of the advice on this, is that outdoors excercise or other, is more beneficial for us. However, jogging inside is very effective, whether your level is Low, Moderate, or High. The further benifits are that, it’s easy to do, no kit to worry about, you can jog by your bed, then straight into the shower. No mess, no kit cleaning, minimum disruption to your day. An added bonus is that weather never stops you. You are in the comfort of your own home, and space, and you can also watch telly, or play music withouit too much fuss. It all works for me, and will work for you too, I am sure. All the best and I would be interested in your progress .Regards Ron
Thanks very much for this. I’m going to try it.
Hi @Vindicatrix Thanks so much for your post, I will add my response here shortly. I particularly thank you for your positive feedback that this is helpdful, it will encourage me to keep this thread going! Part 3 will be on recovering from illness or injury, which I think will be of particular interest to a lot of people here.
I started running at the age of 60 in order to run various 5 ks. Unfortunately, due to two arthritic knees, and a bad back, I have had to stop. I did enjoy it and wonder if it would be risky for me to try again or if I would damage myself further.
I was diagnosed with Myeloma in January and am now in remission. Whilst having to shield earlier in the year, I made a point of doing one of my exercise DVDs at least three times a week and am definitely an advocate of exercise for both mental and physical wellbeing. Since we were ‘allowed’ out again. I have made a point of going for a daily walk and Fresh air definitely helps but I would really like to be able to run again!!
Hi @Vindicatrix, these are excellent suggestions. I can relate to people who disklike running as I used to be one of those people!! I came to running originally as I way to raise funds, and I thought it would be a worthwhile but really hard thing to do. Then of course I got to love it the more I did it, especially when I did my first event, the Great North Run. I was hooked from then on.
Hi @Chrissy. Returning to running after injury or illness is going to be the topic of “Part 3” of this thread. OK, for sure it is hard, and I feel for you. But it is not impossible to start running again, though as usual the proviso is you need to get medical advice first, and this supercedes any advice I give you. In my view determination and having a positive attitude can really help with getting back though of course, sadly, it will not help in every case depending upon the severity of the symptoms. But as others have mentioned, even if it turns out that you cannot run again (and I am rooting for you), there are plenty of alternatives. Currently I am unable to run but am targetting 10k at Leeds as my come back if it turns out I cannot run it then I will walk quickly! Good luck with your recovery path.
Hi @Chrissy, I agree with you I do a Pilates DVD every day, I have 8 really good ones that I rotate. Although a word of warning to those that haven’t done Pilates at all I think you really need to ensure you know the techniques first.
I have also been told I am not to run because this time last year I fractured (another) vertebrae in my back.
I also think a daily walk (whatever you you feel is right for you) is so good for me mentally and physically. I have a wonderful Walkman with all my music playing in my ears as well and I am very nosey so it is absolute heaven.
Please keep up updated on your exercise tips.
Hi Chrissy, I can only say what works for me, I have arthritis in my knees, but I have modified my excercise, and can usually find some form of areobic movement. There are alternatives for most physical problems, swimming (Not always practical) Gentle static cycling. Gentle Sit down leg bends etc. The key seems to be, if it hurts or is too uncomfortable, stop it, and try some other form of movement. Don’t be afraid to experiment and improvise, but do it very gently at first and go from there. The main thing is that you keep something moving regularly. I don’t subscribe to many of the sometimes, commercially titled types of excercise found on You Tube, such as Tia Chi, Yoga. They are all good for you in their own way., However any slow careful movement combined with slow deep breathing is fine, sometimes, the slower the better, (no matter what it’s called.) If it’s not damaging you, and you feel it’s doing you good, then it’s doing you good Keep on doing something, all the best Ron
Those sounds really good practical ideas to me @Vindicatrix. I firmly agree with the saying ‘use it or loose it’, I know it works for me. If in doubt I check it out with my health professional.
Any other ideas out there?
Did everybody manage to keep active over the christmas period. I’m am making myself go out walking for a start. If I stay indoors I am not as disciplined!
Hi all, I have continued my early morning brisk walk although the rec I walk round is a trifle muddy. It is a great place to see the dawn come up though.
I have also continued with my pilates every day.
It does give me a better start to the day.
What about everyone else?
I’d love to start Pilates when we can get back to some kind of normality. Someone said to me that it takes your kind somewhere else for a time. Is this the case Erica?
Hi @Nichola75, You certainly have to multitask concentrate to ensure your breathing, core and techniques are all coordinated and correct. Perhaps doing the DVD’s at home has it’s downside as I find there are distractions like the washing machine finishing and oven needing to be turned on etc.
I would advise professional classes with an instructor to give you instructions and feedback before doing DVD’s at home. I am a member of a YMCA gym (so not an expensive gym) and the instructors are first class. I also do classes with a U3A (so over 50’s) and the instructor initially walked round the room and said ‘you had an office job’ or ‘you were in a caring role’ etc. and she could tell by our postures.
I have osteoporosis and a curvature of the spine, I have also fractured 8 lower vertebrae over the last 9 years and lost 5 in height and it has really saved me from being wheel chair bound.
What are others experiences of pilates or other forms of keep fit.
Wow, that’s definitely convinced me to give it a go when I can. So many positives!