Continuing life!

[Ralph124c41]

I shall be 82 in September and no longer go to the local gymn but am using Thera bands (Latex) three mornings a week. Should I go heavy or light?

[RunLikeaTeadyBear]

Ralph, hi.

Without knowing what you are currently able to do, it will be difficult to give an informed opinion!

Your local Health Clinic/Doctor's Practice quite likely run a "Well Man" clinic. I suggest you make an oppointment with them or your Doctor directly and ask for an assessment and discussion.

If you are not comfortable with that: start within your comfort zone and add 10% effort each time you progress.

[HRHGaby]

I would say go light, at your age you should be aiming at flexibility, xx

[Ralph124c41]

I was hoping for some views on the efficacy of latex tubes or bands in general. Has anyone some experience of them? Thanks for all the views so far.

[Hairyman]

Currently on 12th week, I am 73 so maybe a little more able than you. I have been using bands from Argos for 9 weeks. They are so much more convenient than the weights that I use less now.

The main thing I found was the need to have a secure anchorage to pass them through, otherwise it is is difficult if not impossible to obtain balanced muscle development.

Hope that helps. If you would like any more help just reply to this. If you do, please advise if you are able to stand without help.

[Ralph124c41 in reply to Hairyman]

Yes, this is a problem. I use the attachments sold by Theraband to attach to a door handle and pull along the width of the door, not against it. I have a sit-up bar which I never use for sitting-up, because that is bad for one's back. but it makes a good low point for leg work instead of squatting. Thera also have an attachment for putting over the top of a closed door for lat pull-downs etc.

With a bit of ingenuity one can duplicate most free weight movements and the load increases as one stretches unlike wights wich can fall to zero at the top of a standing curl for instance.

[Hairyman in reply to Ralph124c41]

Hope that door is solid and well attatched. I use a steel bed frame. Heavy and rigid.

A few quick pulls and pushes andthe feel good is great.