light weights for older beginners?
 

Mom has expressed an interest in weight bearing exercises to ward off osteoporosis. She's at a healthy weight, is in her mid 60s, walks daily on her treadmill, and is very active in her garden and other activites. However, she only lifts 3 pound dumbbells, and is leary of doing much because she doesn't want to hurt herself - but she wants to do more.

We'd like to get her a small Danskin bench, dumbbells, and a good video for mothers day. I can't seem to find any videos that are geared to someone like her.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

Suzanne, don't know about the video, but Miriam Nelson has several good books on weight lifting, and has done studies with "older" people (I'm 60 myself, so older in my book is like 80 :lol: ). Her Strong Women Stay Strong, and Strong Women Stay Young have good suggestions for starting off slowly and increasing weight gradually to avoid injury. Check out her website www.strongwomen.com She has some exercise routines specifically for older women. I just checked though and she doesn't have any videos/DVDs. Weight training is good for preventing bone and muscle loss thus avoiding osteoporosis.

I started back lifting last fall and now can lift considerably more than 3 lb dumbbells! :)

I agree, the Miriam Nelson books would be a great resource. I'd go for Strong Women Stay Slim, because it's more recent than Strong Women Stay Young, but has many of the same examples, exercises, etc. and talks about older women at length.

You might also look at www.collagevideo.com if you haven't already, and cruise through their "specialty" section. I know they have some seniors videos but I'm not sure if there are any specifically about weights.

Another source is Krista at www.stumptuous.com :strong:

Thanks for all the suggestions, we appreciate the help :)

Hi:
I have two suggestions for you the National instutiute on aging has a video for older adults, and there is a program on public television called Body Electric. Both are perfect for all beginners. I dont have the exact links but do some searching and you'll find them.

Hi,

The book BFL for women by Pam Peeke also has information specific for older women.

rabbit