Please may I join?
65 yrs old. Became unfit over the years combining working with caring. Widowed nearly 5 yrs ago and slumped even more to the extent that I had to use my arms to get off the sofa.
Have had two shoulder decompressions, have been diagnosed with patella alta and every single valve missing [! Genetic, apparently.] from the saphenous vein in my right leg.
Was referred to physio after the second shoulder decompression and thereafter to a class at the local gym. Lost two stones over two years and and have recovered some muscle in my legs and thighs. (Accidentally lost two stones a month after DH died and that depleted my muscles. Quickly regained that weight.)
My BMI is just under 30. I'm concentrating on building muscle and flexibility.
Currently attend one pilates class, one stretch class, one senior flex class (cardio, stretch and weights) and two 'Active' classes with individual programmes a week. Have started a Musical Theatre Fitness class which is primarily cardio plus stretching.
Try to add half hour gym sessions when I can. Monday had pilates followed by the lat pulldown - lats, triceps and biceps. Also worked on the obliques using an 8kg weight. Fitted in the leg press - inner thigh stance - with 50 kg, since I couldn't get onto the machine for leg day.
Today had stretch class, followed by leg press, leg extensions and calf raise. I'm now up to 45 kg on the calf raise, 20//25 for leg press. Only 15 kg for the leg extensions - the dodgy knees are a problem.
I'm trying to increase weights in order to build muscle. I started off doing sit-to-stand in classes with a 2 kilo weight. Now using 8 kilos.
Started off at 16st 4lbs. Now 14st 1lb.
Everything is done at the local leisure centre: I paid under £300 for the year and that allows access to all classes, the gym, health suite, etc. Next year the rate goes down for me when I hit state pension age.
I'm a skinflint, so I'm getting my money's worth. If you pay as you go, it's 4.50 a session, so my membership has already paid for itself.