Hi
Workout
Transitions
I have a small home office where I do my writing and pay my bills. It was converted from a guest bedroom to a workspace. And in a flash, it shifts from an office to a workout room.
Where do I store my workout gear?
Hung neatly in the storage closet and next to a metal filing cabinet are
sets of resistance bands and a rolled-up yoga mat. Required time for office conversion to exercise room: less than one minute. Short of illness, there’s never an excuse for missing a workout.
A few kettlebells are at rest beneath a nearby desk. I love kettlebells and used them a lot until I hit my 80s. But resistance bands these days play the greatest role, by far.
Regardless of your age, don’t give up your gym membership if you enjoy the camaraderie in a gym and the widely varied equipment and programs. I belonged to
gyms for years and taught classes in them. I know about the variety they offer.
On the other hand, in the time it takes just to drive to a gym, I can be halfway through a workout at home. So I exercise, take a shower, and I’m done. No traffic. No hassle.
But are resistance bands really that effective? Without hesitation, I say yes that they are. I’m not running down free weights, but as I’ve gotten older resistance bands seem a better fit.
Still, let me say there are some people who simply won’t exercise at all, unless it’s in a class or gym setting. For them, home workouts, without a trainer present, just won’t work. If that happens to be you, don’t let me interrupt a routine that is working.
But for others, resistance bands may be a great training option. At around
$50 to $100 you can have a total home workout system. The bands are also compact and can go with you when you travel. They fit
into a small (13 x 13 inch) satchel that comes with the set. You’ll never miss a workout.
Another huge plus is that I have never — and I mean never — developed tendinitis while using resistance bands. They are easier on aging
tendons and ligaments than weights. And exercising muscle while not beating up one’s joints becomes increasingly important as we grow older.
There are plenty of companies selling them. Mine are from Bodylastics and can be purchased through Amazon or directly from the Bodylastics company (I receive no compensation from the company.) Complete sets come with easy-level bands to strongman thickness and various levels in between.
If you're cramped for space, or short on time, or working within a limited budget, or you just want to go easy on tendons and ligaments, a good set of resistance bands may be just the training solution you're looking for.
Stay healthy. Stay
Fit.
Logan
Senior
Exercise Central
Spread the word. If you like the newsletter, please forward it to a senior friend or acquaintance.
My Photographs: Subscribers have asked when the newsletter photo at the top of the page and my website pictures were taken. Well, I was a mere 70 years old then. I'll turn 89 this month (October). Though I remain active, I am no longer nearly as strong or muscular as I was 19 years ago. —LF
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Newsletter Policy
The Gray Iron Fitness Newsletter is a free publication sent twice monthly to subscribers. The purpose is to provide honest and realistic fitness information for people age 50 and above.
I have never been paid or received compensation of any kind to write a positive review or endorse a product. If I say that I personally use a product or service, it is because I find value in it and have paid for it with my own money.
Like newspapers, magazines, and television, this newsletter and my website contain advertising and marketing links. Naturally, I am compensated for these.
The newsletter and website provide information to help users establish and maintain a fitness lifestyle. But fitness information is not the same as fitness advice, which is the application of exercise and dietary practices to an individual's specific circumstances. Therefore, always consult with your physician for assurance that fitness information, and
your interpretation of it, is appropriate for you.Your comments and questions are always appreciated. Simply click on the "Reply" bottom.
Sincerely,
Logan Franklin
The Gray Iron Fitness Newsletter
www.senior-exercise-central.com
