I had been out of exercising for a few years (office work). Being over 60 just slacking for a few months I start to lose a lot of condition and strength. When I retired I decided to get back into more activity. Started with some long day hikes twice a week, then some bicycling and vigorous yard work (hauling gravel, digging and moving dirt, cutting some trees, etc.). That helped but still a long ways.
Then last fall I decided to do some temp labor work to force myself into longer hours of activity. I was working 10 hrs, 6 days a week and in constant motion, squatting, pushing heavy carts, lifting, and working tools. I did some stretching before work, too. That made a huge difference. After 2 months I felt 10 yrs younger and way more capable. Been off a month and going back to a project next month. In this break I have continued stretching every day which has restored a lot of range of movement and flexibility. And I am alternating days of simple workouts of calisthenics+walks with kettlebells. Really making a big difference in trimming the torso, strength and endurance.
It is so darn hard to get motivated when I am way out of condition. But after a month or so of working out even a little I start to look forward to it. I am determined to keep at this and stay in shape so I can have more fun with adult kid s and now grandkids, and be healthy for my wife. For body exercises I am just doing pushups, crunches, plank, and laying down 'bicycling". I am working up to being able to do burpees but just doing a very few right now.
My kettlebells/equipment workout is one 54# hand swings, press, and "rowing", along with rubber band chest expander and hand grip. On the hand grip I seem to have something messed up in one of my left hand fingers/knuckles and forearm so I do much less resistance with that side. On the right hand I use a 100# spring grip, and probably move up pretty soon.
I am trying to keep my workout simple enough that I will stick with it and not get carried away like I normally do until I injure myself and stop for a long time. And I am trying to minimize equipment. I might add a couple of fixed weight dumbells later this year.
I'm saving the the money from the next labor project for a good rowing machine. I practically grew up learning to row on Puget Sound and have used different machines at various clubs over the years. I plan to do this and walking as my main cardio several times per week. I've done spinning, elliptical, and treadmill before but enjoy the rowing much more.
I was thinking of the Concept2 D rower, but now thinking maybe the WaterRower Classic. It will be a couple of months before I can get one but planning to get a very durable machine.
Any suggestions for your favorite body weight exercise (given constraint for doing just a few types per workout)? Or kettlebell or other "minimalist" equipment exercise? Or favorite rower? Thanks!
