When it comes to fitness for women over 60, the person teaching you matters just as much as the exercises you’re doing.
A recent Kripalu newsletter headline caught my attention:
Great teaching grows from a willingness to keep learning.
As you deepen your understanding of yoga, you expand your ability to respond thoughtfully to the unique bodies, experiences, and needs of those you serve. Advanced training helps you turn deeper knowledge into more skillful, confident teaching.
This is true for any coach, trainer, therapist, teacher, physician, nurse, or anyone who works with people.
Those of us who continue to study new research, advanced techniques, and medical discoveries, and then integrate these into our work with students and clients, are the ones who can best help you reach your goals.
You all know that I’m a research geek.
I follow the latest research looking for ways to help postmenopausal women age with grace and strength. I believe totally in giving my very best to all of you.
Unfortunately, we have all seen or experienced that not everyone keeps up with the times.
What Worked at 40 May Not Work at 60
Some older medical and fitness advice simply doesn’t reflect what we now know about women over 60.
So much more has been discovered about women’s bodies, menopause, muscle, bones, balance, joint health, and healthy aging.
And if you’re over 60, you probably already know that what worked for you in your 30s and 40s doesn’t necessarily work anymore.
That doesn’t mean your body is incapable of becoming stronger. Far from it!
It means you need a plan that works for the body you have now.
That principle applies not only to exercise, but also to the medical decisions we make as we get older.
Aging strong: Are you asking the right questions?
Near the end of her life, my mother was on more and more medications. Finally, my brother David took all her medications along when he drove her to a doctor’s appointment.
Here’s how that conversation went:
David: What’s this medication for?
Doctor: High blood pressure.
David: Does she have high blood pressure?
Doctor: No.
David tossed that one in the trash.
David: What’s this one for?
Doctor: Osteoporosis prevention.
David: Does she have osteoporosis?
Doctor: No.
Another one hit the trash can.
This went on until my mom was down to needing only her vitamins. She was 80 years old at the time and taught osteoporosis-prevention strength training at her local COA.
Now, the point of this story isn’t that you should toss your medications in the trash!
The point is that as we get older, we need to keep asking questions.
Does this medication still make sense for me? Do I still need it? What are the benefits and risks for a woman my age? Is there another option?
The same is true when someone recommends surgery, a procedure, or another treatment.
Don’t assume something is right for you simply because it was prescribed or because it may have been appropriate years ago.
Ask questions.
Make sure the recommendation fits the body and health you have now, and how YOU want to live for your remaining years.
The Same Is True With Fitness
We all shop around for the best doctor for our needs.
Why wouldn’t we do the same when choosing someone to help us exercise?
Not every Yoga teacher, Pilates instructor, or personal trainer knows how to work with women over 60.
That does not mean they aren’t good teachers. Many of them are excellent!
But someone who spends most of their time working with younger adults may not understand the needs of a postmenopausal woman dealing with osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, knee pain, back pain, balance concerns, or loss of muscle due to hormonal changes.
Fitness for women over 60 should not simply be a watered-down version of a workout designed for someone who is 35.
You need exercises that challenge you enough to build strength while also respecting your joints, mobility, health history, and current abilities.
Find Someone Who Understands YOU
The right teacher isn’t necessarily the person who practices closest to where you live.
And it isn’t always the teacher with the most convenient class time.
Shop around.
Does the teacher know how to modify exercises for knees, hips, backs, and shoulders? Do they understand osteoporosis? Do they keep learning? Do they explain why you’re doing an exercise rather than simply telling you to copy what they’re doing?
Most importantly, do they pay attention to YOU?
If you’re investing your time and energy in your desire to age strong, find the best coach or teacher to help you achieve that goal.
You are never too old to become stronger.
You may simply need a different approach than the one you used 20 or 30 years ago.
Check out my classes and see if I’m a good fit for you!
Meanwhile, below is a video that can help keep your upper body strong while you’re cooking dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fitness for women over 60?
A good program combines strength, balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular activity. For specific exercises, I recommend isometric exercises.
Can women over 60 still build muscle?
Absolutely. Building and maintaining muscle becomes especially important as we age. The key is finding an exercise that works for your body and that you enjoy.
Should exercise change after menopause?
YES! Hormonal changes can affect muscle, bone density, body composition, and recovery. Strength training, balance work, and weight-bearing activity become increasingly important.
How do I know if a fitness instructor understands older women?
Ask about their training and experience. A good instructor should be able to offer modifications, explain why an exercise is appropriate, and work with your individual needs rather than expecting everyone to exercise the same way.
Am I too old to start exercising?
No! I have worked with women in their 70s, 80s, and beyond. You simply start where you are, build some muscle, and go from there.
Best of Health,
Kathi
