As you age, you win some, and you lose some. I’d like to share my recent story of both. I am over 84 years old., but until 2020, far from feeble. For years I worked out with weights 2 – 3 sessions of 75 minutes each, moving well over 30 tons during each session. But, due to COVID, a stopped my workouts at the gym, and lost a lot of strength. Then, in October of 2020, I suffered a mini-stroke that badly impaired my sense of balance. That left me prone to falls and often needing to walk with a 4-prlonged cane, even in the house. That made me even weaker.
IN late spring, I entered a program of physical therapy to try to improve the sense of balance. It worked. Often a few sessions, I saw a substantial difference. By the end of the two month program, the balance was significantly improved, but I often needed a regular cane. Then I started doing back to the gym twice a week, working with weights again, working with fewer machine at weight levels only about 30 – 40 percent as heavy as I had previously work out with.
I am now working out with the full array of machines I had previously used, and up about 60 – 76 percent (varies by machine and muscle group) of the weight levels from previous years, and gradually increasing the length of workout sessions and the amount of weight. I no longer need a cane at all, and have not had a fall in over 8 months. I feel back to normal -- and that is a great feeling.
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I am so happy for you. Maintaining balance is SO important as we age. This is one reason I try to promote Silver Sneakers, even though I have no vested interest, save to help my peers.
Would also like to mention that dancing is an excellent regular practice that helps maintain balance. As I wear flip-flops 365 days a year, I often trip on the sidewalk, but recover easily and do not fall. I, too, deteriorated to some extent, physically during the pandemic…still working on shedding that 20 extra pounds, unfortunately.
KateOahu
Level 8
Nov 4, 2021
1
Nonpareil news, now if we could only make you more prolix.
waitingforgodo
Level 8
Nov 3, 2021
1
That is very good to read Walt. Like you I've noticed considerable deterioration since C19 arrived but fortunately not as badly as you. Unfortunately, unlike you, I have not regained the urge to exercise.
FrayedBear
Level 9
Nov 3, 2021
2
I did not regain tdhe urge. I made myself start again, with m,y wife's insistence.
@wordywalt aha, something that I lack Walt - an urging wife. She obviously hasn't given you permission to die yet!
Agree! My daily exercise has done wonders for my abilities. Watch out world.
ChurchLess
Level 7
Nov 3, 2021
3
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