How do you respond to exercise?

[mudsticks]

I am 56 and buff. It's down to a lifetime of sport..................but that sport has dwindled now to just cycling. Enter middle age and if you don't use resistance weights then your body is going to go downhill and you are not going to look good (physically), no matter how much cycling you do. It's alright saying you don't need it at 45, or you've always been fit, or you've always done a manual job........past 50, get on the weights.

So, I have "off" times when I just can't be bothered but generally I respond quickly once back in the swing.

As I get older I find it takes longer to recover after a weekly 'total fitness' session I take part in - exercises with light weights. It doesn't seem to get any easier and muscles ache for longer. I'm the oldest there by decades and it's hard work. However I'm encouraged by knowing that I'm still fitter than most of my contemporaries who don't cycle or take much exercise.

Yes you do need to do some kind of strength or impact exercise - in addition to the aerobics of cycling - to maintain bone density - and avoid osteoporosis - at any age - but particularly in middle age onwards - a combination of types of activity is best - it doesn't have to be 'weights' in the conventional sense though - even reasonably energetic gardening or housework can give you a good workout.

And dancing - as someone mentioned above can be fun too.

The trick is not to stop altogether - even if you get ill or injured - pick yourself up afterwards and keep doing what you can.

 

[I like Skol]

I am 56 and buff. It's down to a lifetime of sport..................but that sport has dwindled now to just cycling. Enter middle age and if you don't use resistance weights then your body is going to go downhill and you are not going to look good (physically), no matter how much cycling you do. It's alright saying you don't need it at 45, or you've always been fit, or you've always done a manual job........past 50, get on the weights.

So, I have "off" times when I just can't be bothered but generally I respond quickly once back in the swing.

Why is it important to look good? IMO it is more important to be healthy and fit than be aesthetically perfect.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

How do I respond to exercise?
I get starving, eat lots, then want to sleep lots

 

[guitarpete247]

Winter is the worst time of year for me and exercise. Cycling or walking are my thing. I hate the wind and dark nights. Live out in the sticks so either can be quite scary with dark nights and drivers who think they know the country lanes. We seem to have too many things to do at the weekends. Come the lighter nights and I will be getting out after work. It'll then take me weeks to get up to last year's fitness levels.
Every year takes longer. 62 and getting slower.

 

[Drago]

How do I respond to exercise?
I get starving, eat lots, then want to sleep lots

Do you not have a picture of me all oiled up in my Y fronts to motivate you?

















Surely the thought that you could end up looking as bad as me would spur you on to exercise?

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Since I took up structured training together with retests every 4-5 weeks I am getting a better feel for how I respond to different types of exercise. High intensity seems to work well for me for lifting my aerobic fitness. I would hate to be putting the effort in and not seeing much return on the investment. Strength requires more work to see results.

 

[MarkF]

Why is it important to look good? IMO it is more important to be healthy and fit than be aesthetically perfect.

I didn't say the first nor suggest the second and I agree with you..

 

[Drago]

Why is it important to look good? IMO it is more important to be healthy and fit than be aesthetically perfect.

I'm both healthy and fit as well as aesthetically perfect. Modest too.

 

[roadrash]

@Drago ...the post a lie thread is that way>>>>>>>

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I'm both healthy and fit as well as aesthetically perfect. Modest too.

Are you posting from the kebab shop after getting a taxi 100 meters from the pub where you have just had a session?

 

[HLaB]

I am still at a stage touch wood where I respond positively to exercise I think. I don't actually know as I don't really have long periods of no exercise to compare too.

 

[guitarpete247]

Looking for something like a Fitbit but not as expensive. Bought 2 misfit rays today from Argos. They're going back tomorrow as we can't find how or if we can download the app to Android phones. One part of their website says it is only available for iOS.
Can anyone recommend anything similar, around £50?

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I get tired. Nothing else much changes.

Have to tried sleeping? Maybe try once a week and then increase the intensity from there.