Fitness gadgets for older folks

Age has a way of catching up with me in ways I never thought it could. I have been a fitness person for almost 30 years now. Whether I do runs in the village where I live, play badminton in the park courts or work out at my regular gym, I make sure that I do set aside at least five or six (if I am still up to it) days a week to do something that gets my heart rate up.

But when I hit my 50s last year I began to realize that I can no longer do what I used to when I was 40. It took time for me to realize that, but I have. And with this realization comes a change in the workout routine I follow, no matter where I train.

I have 10 fitness gadgets I cant live without, and I can do well — at my age.

10. Suunto heart rate monitor. I make sure to strap on the belt and wear my watch whenever I run in the village. I have noticed that I am no longer as strong a runner as I used to be and keeping my heart rate in check is something that helps me maintain that regular rhythm as I run. It also gives me peace of mind that I can still stay within 45 to 70 percent of my training heart rate.

9. Nike trainers. Yes, I am a Nike person. I know that these trainers are the best for my feet when I am doing fitness workouts. Rule of thumb for me is to get a pair that feels right the first time you put them on. Try any brand that suits your fancy or style preference, just make sure it fits comfy-like. 

8. Training gear. Dri-Fit is the best. I still don the cotton T-shirts at times. But, I know if I want to stay cold-free I should wear gear that keeps my sweat at bay under the intense heat of the summer sun.

7. My ever-reliable Power Balance wristband. Some people tell me it doesn’t do anything. But I know that my bracelet keeps my balance as I train. And for me, staying balanced is a must.

6. The elliptical trainer at the gym. Anyone who runs knows that it can’t be done every day or else your knees will collapse. So when I am in the gym I like to use the elliptical trainer as stair climbing is another great way to burn those unwanted calories.

5. Ten to 15 minutes of ladder drills. Getting my heart rate up is always a good thing, right? Well, the ladder drills at the gym are so tough that I am always challenged to do more. I have been told that an agility ladder helps improve neuromuscular coordination, or the relationship between the brain and muscle action. The quick movements help strengthen the muscles around the ankles, knees and hip, helping to prevent injury during quick movements. The hopping and quick directional changes help prepare the ankles for unanticipated movements, such as tripping, so your body learns how to react to prevent injury.

4. Kettlebell training. Kettlebells are spherical exercise weights with handles that can be lifted, swung and thrown in a variety of ways to develop fitness, strength, muscular endurance and power. Kettlebell exercises such as the clean, swing and side press use many of your muscles and joints at the same time. These multi-planar movements enhance coordination.

I have been told that kettlebell exercises challenge the muscular system. Using heavy kettlebells develops strength, and using lighter ones develops muscular endurance.  

3. TRX training. The TRX Suspension Trainer leverages gravity and body weight to perform hundreds of exercises. By utilizing your own body weight, the TRX Suspension Trainer provides greater performance and functionality. I like the way I TRX works my core muscles, because it isn’t easy doing an abdominal exercise when my feet are suspended in mid-air.

2. Pilates. Slowing down the pace for me at the gym is a tough one. Yet I am aware that all the movements I do daily require the flexibility of my muscles. The top benefits of doing Pilates exercise is that it makes me stronger, longer, leaner, and more able to do anything with grace and ease.

Core strength is the foundation of Pilates exercise. The core muscles are the deep, internal muscles of the abdomen and back. When the core muscles are strong and doing their job, as they are trained to do in Pilates, they work in tandem with the more superficial muscles of the trunk to support the spine and movement.

 1. Old-fashioned weight training. I am a power lifter and I love lifting weights. I have been told that at my age I don’t need to carry such heavy weights. But I insist on doing it. It helps me stay young.

 Over the years I have kept a fitness lifestyle. And I am continually amazed that there is always something new I can learn or a new exercise that will benefit me more as I grow older.  

Yes, fitness rocks for all folks — no matter the age.