|
May 2013
6:55pm, 12 May 2013
8,770 posts
|
ChrisHB
Yesterday I saw my fellow 60 year-old Fetchie training, or "poncing about" as she put it herself, and I was mightily impressed by her suppleness and the degree of control she had over her body.
I feel as if I move like a plasticene model in Wallace and Gromit, and seeing Sharkie yesterday made me wonder what I could do to become less rigid. Injury lurks round the corner for those who undertake sudden exercise programmes ignorantly, so I'm thinking a PT could be a real help.
I'm sure I can't assume that anyone who calls themself a PT is going to be familiar with the needs and capabilities of a 60 yo body, so (Q 1) I'm wondering if there's any so-called or actual qualification that would assure me they understand ancient muscles and tendons and joints.
Q 2. Would it be reasonable for me to agree some goals with a PT, such as being able to touch my toes first thing in the morning, or repeat some exercise so many times in a minute?
|
|
May 2013
8:40pm, 12 May 2013
3,838 posts
|
Sharkie
Thanks for alerting me to the name check Chris - as if I'd mind! 
A GOOD PT should be aware of the capabilities of each individual they teach - to a certain extent that's what the word 'personal' is all about after all. And not all PTs are fresh faced twenty somethings.
It's never too late to address strength and flexibility issues - and I do think the two go hand in hand. A personal trainer who uses Pilates would be good for that reason, and many do. But yoga would probably help too - I just know less about it whereas I used to teach Pilates. We lose strength really quickly after about 50 - but you can absolutely do something about it. The strength brings about the control you refer to.
There are quite a few PTs on Fetch - I'd expect one of them to be able to answer question one.
As for Q2 it would be entirely reasonable. Touching your toes isn't the best indication of flexibilty though.
|
|
May 2013
10:11pm, 12 May 2013
3,084 posts
|
SharonD
As Sharkie says a PT that uses Pilates/Yoga and Sports Massage is another - the main thing is someone who is a stickler for you performing the exercises that you do correctly - performing an exercise correctly (this includes running) will help you to improve, you can improve at any age - ignore anyone who says otherwise. One of the main factors of age is the time and frustration it may take you to undo a 'movement habit', however if you are willing the body is capable;-)
Is it a PT that you want or a coach that has the right level of skills and knowledge, will listen to and understand your goals and work with you to improve at the pace and level that's right for you?
|
|
May 2013
11:03pm, 12 May 2013
8,772 posts
|
ChrisHB
It's not an improvement in running as such I'm after. Running can look after itself, but I would like a bit of suppleness and less soreness after a run. Soreness is too strong a word, let's try discomfort, or even an unnecessary awareness of my calves.
|
|
May 2013
11:20pm, 12 May 2013
10,703 posts
|
runner duck
i'd say a pt or a 1 to 1 pilates instructor.
if you go for a pt then they should offer you a free consultation just to talk over goals etc so they can get an idea of what you want out of the sessions and you can guage if you think they're the right person for you.
but i think 1 to 1 pilates, particularly someone who has the reformer machines, could be really useful for you. probably about the same price as a pt but their focus is already on strengthening and stretching muscles. and you can ask them for exercises to do in between lessons.
|
|
May 2013
11:59pm, 12 May 2013
8,773 posts
|
ChrisHB
I'll see what I can find, but I did pull a muscle in my groin once doing Pilates.
|
