NoraB

Seems like there are a lot of pieces of home exercise equipment for sale out there. Just wondering what folks find most effective to get a workout that will maintain and promote muscle (not muscle-building), balance, strength and flexibility for the "over 60 crowd". I'm not looking for aerobic stuff (like an exercise bicycle, elliptical or treadmill).

I've heard of using Total Gym, Body Blade, light hand-held weights, Body Gym (Marie Osmond/QVC), etc. Anyone have any recommendations?

I know it also requires using the device and consistency, but I just wanted anyone's experiences with any of the above items.

Thanks for your help! I don't want to buff up...just want to maintain flexibility, build some muscle tone and not injure myself in the meantime.

I have to tell you about 4 years ago, I purchased those walking sticks that you use when walking to increase your movement and open up your "chest".... I loved them until the day I somehow tried to do 2 things at the same time and one of the sticks ended up in front of me as I was walking and before I knew it...I was flat on the ground, face down, glasses knocked off, glass out of the glasses and hands roughed up! I also ended up tearing my rotator cuff, surgery, etc. I'm not a klutz, but I need something safe! ha! Thanks!

Prism99

For balance work, I really like the Wii. Several years ago I started tripping occasionally when out walking with my husband, and I noticed my ability to recover balance was very poor. Spending about 20 minutes per day on the Wii improved my balance a *lot* over a period of about 6 months. Forgot about it for over a year and am just now starting back on it. My balance is still better than when I started, but have noticed some degradation lately and my Wii scores prove it. It will take me awhile to get back to where I was, but well worth it.

Not sure there is any one thing that will work on muscles, balance, strength and flexibility all-in-one.

I've tried several DVDs for flexibility, etc. but find with all of them that I get too bored. The Wii games keep me more interested.

Sandygirl

Yoga, Pilates, some hand weights and WALKING! Women with lots of testosterone will "look" more muscular. You should be fine. I wanted more toned looking arms when I was more active in weight training but, alas, not to be. Gym equipment tends to be space takers and clothes hanging apparatus in my house. Save your bucks. Just get moving.

sandy

helou

I agree with Sandygirl.... equipment and motivation and regularity are three very different things...walking, yoga and I would add push-ups and sit-ups... and it does not collect dust or clothes and save you money you can spend somewhere else. I am sure you tube has something on yoga...

Sandygirl

There are apps for yoga and pilates too.
Sandy

marge954

I've have the Total Gym for many years and love it. You use your body weight to do your exercise so it's adjusted to your strength. I am more toned than I ever was when I was young, my legs and arms are stronger and I can keep my tummy in reasonable shape. My husband starting using it about a year ago and likes that it has helped his arm strength.
Total Gym 1400 Deluxe Home Fitness Exercise Machine Equipment with Workout DVD is on Amazon for around $250 and is a step up from mine.

roguequilter

i too have had the total gym for many years. the newer ones are a lot less expensive and have more variety of uses. but all, even my old one can be used for pilates or total body workout. it's not used for holding clothes, it's my main source of muscle tone/strength maintenance over winter months. i have been arthritic in back & major joints since a teen. push-ups & similar high stress exercises are not possible w/o pain, but the way the total gym works i can do most everything except lateral twists w/o residual pain. my son had the wii for a while, i loved the boxing program! and did well, he was quite surprised ! the wii is excellent for balance training like skip rope etc. walking is great if you have someplace you can walk ..someplace safe, someplace where low traffic volume so you're not hyperventilating and breathing in toxic car exhaust fumes.

basically ..just move! even if it's only to walk in place. ALL exercise routines can become boring, unless you have a partner maybe, it doesn't matter what or how you exercise, it gets boring. desire to maintain health status & remain independent is worth the boredom tho!

tessagin

This past weekend we were in a Mardi Gras Parade and I thought 1/4 mile I'll just walk. Wrong, I ended up riding, couldn't keep up the pace. too much weight for these bones. walked for 15 minutes this morning and was bushed but good kind of bush. I have some 3 and 5# weights. Working few minutes at a time. My work bench is also becoming a workout bench for different exercises like squats. Need to strengthen the knees. Working on healthier meals also.

southernmema

I agree with Sandygirl and helou.....save your money and space in your home. I am 72 years old. I used a kitchen chair and did "chair" yoga until I was able to do without it (most of the time). Strengthening, toning, balance, emotional well-being, stress relief....it's great - IMO. There's plenty of free you tube videos/classes online for use at home. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best.

JustAbitCrazy

Total Gym. Easy to use, doesn't take up half a room/