Puts hand up meekly ....

[tawnyfrog]

Ok - all you butch boys - help me out here.

Physically I'm easily walking 10,000 steps per day. I'm a full-time gardner (not of the pot plant variety), mowing, clearing, clipping, chopping etc.

As I'm on the ugly side of 50, I would like to ensure continued strength. I do NOT have access to a gym, nor do I wish to buy a truck-load of weights or other kit and equipment. Can you point me toward a strength/weight training regime which does not involve "gear" - just stuff I can do with what I have to hand?

I need to stay strong and can't afford to let "old-lady body" sneak up. I've tried Googling but I don't think I'm specific enough in my search.

Thanking you in advance, SAH!

[Flip]

How about a sack of potatoes in a back pack when you walk?

Cans of baked beans as weights?

strap bags of flour on your ankles?

push ups in bed with a 20 year old sitting on your back?

No, seriously, if you just keep working in the garden you'll be fine!

[tawnyfrog]

OK, thanks Flip.

No, seriously, could you elaborate on the bit about the 20 year old sitting on my back thing ... I might need some graphics here ... memory's getting a bit dim ... think he might need to be 40 ...

[maxman]

hey frog
flip is right but keep taking the L glutamine from mwo

max

[Saint Jude]

I like the push-up idea! Maybe I'll get a chance to try that out tonight... He's not 20... but 40 will work.


That's still "robbing the cradle" for me!

[SKendall]

Tawny, A while ago RJ posted a fitness web, I put it in my favourites but has been deleted due a re-format. You may want to check out her posts, or google very specifically. I think you'll find your answers there. Dang wish I had bought that google stock at $11.00!

[tawnyfrog]

Thanks, SK - will persevere. I know what you mean about the Google stock!!!!!

[Wattle]

Ok Tawn .. seriously..

what you are doing at the moment is combining both your aerobic with the anaerobic.. which is perfect for a women slightly over 50...

If you are looking for toning the muscles which I'm thinking you are after... the key here is to do:
1. Low Repititions with a heavier than normal weight... for example if you are lifting a 5kg bag of organic soil by 10 times in repetition.. change that to a 10kg bag by 5 times...
2. What you also need to think about is if you are pulling the bag towards you... you then need to match that exercise with the opposite movement.. ie pushing your weight against the side of a wall... you always pair muscle groups in exercise that are opposite.
3. Repeat these 2 sets of exercises 3 times only in the one session... only every second day.. the muscle needs time to re-build itself in between.

Was that too serious... oh well hope it helps..

Wattle

[tawnyfrog]

Wattle - I LOVE you.

That's exactly what I wanted!!!! You've made me realise I do a lot of lifting/pulling (soil, cement etc,) but I don't do the opposite. I did when I was pushing the mower around but now I'm riding.

Never thought I'd be wanky enough to warrant a Personal Trainer .... will you be it?????

PS. And here's your $10.00 for saying "slightly over 50".

Mwah.

[lushy]

Hi Tawny,

Wattle is right about the slow reps with high weights. That is the workout I do and it has done wonders. Also might want to consider resistance band training. You would only need one little band and if you work until your muscles burn it can be very beneficial. Here is just an idea of what I am talking about.

Resistance Band Workout - Upper Body

Please post pictures of your buff self when you can. Including the young male on your back.