Keeping fit and Healthy

[AlMorr]

I like to keep fit and healthy, I am now 71 and have been healthy all my life, I enjoy walking and cycling and also keep fit at home by doing exercises such as yoga planks, work with kettle weights and do push and sit ups regularly. When I am out cycling there is an exercise park nearby to where I live. I stop and I get on this rowing machine and do 140 strokes on it, after that, I carry on cycling. I don't go on really long cycle runs now as I used to, frequent short rides are just as good as long energetic runs. One thing I have not done is run 5k, 10k, half or full marathon distances although I do watch them on TV or if they are near to where I live I will cheer on the runners.

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

I am also 71 (later this year ) - I started running from a zero fitness/exercise background 4 years ago and subsequently have run 100 5k parkruns , a number of 10K "races" and 3 HM's. I am currently on the injury couch - not caused by running , although I was jogging when it happened , but caused by my eyesight !! ( not looking where I was going!! )

You are obvious very fit and you might enjoy doing a bit of jogging/running. Ignore the naysayers who say it will "ruin your knees" etc - most of them who say things like this are overweight sloths! You could try firstly doing some short run/walks. The C25k programme is ideal - but you could test the waters by running/walking for 30 second intervals of each. Be careful though - because it IS addictive. !!

[Bazza1234 Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

On the same subject - because of my foot injury, I have joined a local gym 6 weeks or so ago which I go to 5 days per week. I also bought a mountain bike - but soon discovered it is magpie season here so I have put it aside for another few weeks. I have never been a gym lover - still aren't , but I have developed a habit of going every morning ( same as I used to run) and this gym has enough equipment to keep me interested. I use the Internet a lot to learn how to use it all correctly.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Bazza1234 has given you some great advice... Just make a little start and see how you feel..my guess is you would enjoy it.

If you do, we would be delighted to have you join us... ( I started at 65.. still running at 68 !

[KoKo30 Graduate]

I am 65 and starting C25k 6 months ago. I have no regrets. It has transformed my life, physically and mentally. Like you I did cycling and exercises and swimming but was far from fit, you sound in a much better place. I always thought I couldn't run and tripped over my own feet if I tried but with the programme and the support on here I made it to graduation and haven't looked back. For me its safer than cycling as I had a few falls from my bike but none to date whilst running! Let us know if you decide to give it a go, sounds like you would enjoy it. Good luck whatever you decide.

[CBDB Graduate]

Hello AlMorr from your future! Amazing! And you even mention doing a bit of rowing! (As you know, I got deeply into rowing over the last few months)

Great stuff! Great first post! 5 years ago! Amazing!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to CBDB]

It was a rowing machine, not on a boat, back then I went a short bike ride, got off the bike and used that rowing machine which was on the side of the path for around 15 minutes or so and continued with my bike ride.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

5 years Al and look how far you’ve come? an inspiration to so many

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thanks W&S, as you say 5 years, Healthunlocked is one of the best social media sites ever on the Internet 👍

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

You are right! it really is the best community here

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

👍

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Update WillowandSolo, I have just looked at my very first post on Healthunlocked, written in September 2017, at that time I only wrote saying and telling people what excersises I did, I thought C25K was something about running 25K and thought no more about it.A few weeks later in October 2017 I was watching The Great Scottish Run on TV, there was a promotion for C25K, I then realised that it meant from Couch to running 5K or at least running non stop for 30 minutes, during the winter months of 2017/18 I tried several short two minute runs while on long walks, they seemed to go very well, I even ran/walked 5K in around 42 minutes, it was then I began C25K proper on 18th April 2018 and graduatrd 2 months later on 18th June 2018.

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

How we change over tim, I’ve read your first few posts Al,

[HeavyFoot Graduate]

This post totally confused me at first. This is not the Al we know! Then I saw the dateline. How things turn out !

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to HeavyFoot]

My running dates for your information HeavyFoot, I joined this community in September 2017, yes that's almost 5 years ago, I did a few short 2 minute runs during the winter months of 2017/18 when out longer walks.On April 18th 2018 I ran, run 1 of week 1 of C25K and exactly two months later on 18th June I graduated from C25K with run 3 of week 9.

[Sumandigital23]

Adopting healthy practices that improve general wellbeing is a necessary part of maintaining fitness and health. Here's how to maintain your focus:

Regular Exercise: For a well-rounded fitness plan, blend cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility activities.

Prioritize complete foods, lean proteins, vibrant fruits and veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats when putting together a balanced diet.

Drink enough water to support your body's processes throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Portion Control: Watch your portions to prevent overeating.

Sleep Well: For optimum recuperation, aim for 7-9 hours of good sleep each night.

Practice relaxation methods like meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness to manage your stress.

Fostering relationships will improve your mental and emotional well-being.

Limit sugar intake and consume less processed foods and sugary snacks.