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What are you doing to stay in shape?
- Thread starter ski diva
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VickiK
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
What, no posts between @altagirl 's November 2022 and today? Likely there's another thread on this and I can't find it.
I've been doing a program called "Your Best Year Yet" by Jessica Smith. I'm on week 4 of Month 4, and have seen improvements in muscle tone, mental focus, and sleep.
There's a Youtube channel called Always Another Adventure that has an Older Athlete playlist. That's been interesting listening/viewing. The English accent makes it sound fancy but it's kinda motivational.
I've been doing a program called "Your Best Year Yet" by Jessica Smith. I'm on week 4 of Month 4, and have seen improvements in muscle tone, mental focus, and sleep.
There's a Youtube channel called Always Another Adventure that has an Older Athlete playlist. That's been interesting listening/viewing. The English accent makes it sound fancy but it's kinda motivational.
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skibum4ever
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Good time to revive this thread as the ski season gets closer.
I am getting both physical therapy and working with a personal trainer. Working mainly on balance and upper body.
I am getting both physical therapy and working with a personal trainer. Working mainly on balance and upper body.
marzNC
Angel Diva
My focus for the last few months has been hip flexibility and 1-leg balance. In general, staying flexible requires attention all year long, even if all I do is 5-10 of stretching 3-4 times a week.
My core is in much better shape than in several years. Started doing a 30-min core class at the local climbing gym. My daughter started going 1-2 times a week in the spring. I gave it a try in May. Decided I liked the instructor. We switched from being members at a nearby general fitness center to Triangle Rock Club. Bottom line is that we like going to TRC more, even though it's a 10-min drive instead of a 2-min drive (or short bike ride).
My core is in much better shape than in several years. Started doing a 30-min core class at the local climbing gym. My daughter started going 1-2 times a week in the spring. I gave it a try in May. Decided I liked the instructor. We switched from being members at a nearby general fitness center to Triangle Rock Club. Bottom line is that we like going to TRC more, even though it's a 10-min drive instead of a 2-min drive (or short bike ride).
AJM
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Thanks for reviving this thread @VickiK , I mentioned in an earlier thread that I was tackling a "walk 1200km" (745miles) challenge thats run through an outdoor magazine over in little ol NZ and I'm happy to say I've completed almost 1000km so far this year so I'm well above target 
It only works out at 3.3km a day but of course if you miss a day then its 6.6km to catch up and so on and so on. I've upped my goal to try and make it to 1600km so we'll see how it goes. The weather and now skiing has slowed it down a bit but I'm a determined Diva ! I've also been doing between 500 - 1000m vertical a week and that has definitely made a huge difference in my strength and stamina, I'm happy to report that all this walking/hiking along with a summer spent paddleboarding at every opportunity has really paid dividends with my skiing. I feel stronger, my balance is great and I can definitely go for longer (which is a good thing as I have a ski camp coming up in a few weeks and its 5 solid days of training ... yikes !).
I did have a little hiccup with some unintentional weight loss but I have that undercontrol now thanks to some Diva advice.
It only works out at 3.3km a day but of course if you miss a day then its 6.6km to catch up and so on and so on. I've upped my goal to try and make it to 1600km so we'll see how it goes. The weather and now skiing has slowed it down a bit but I'm a determined Diva ! I've also been doing between 500 - 1000m vertical a week and that has definitely made a huge difference in my strength and stamina, I'm happy to report that all this walking/hiking along with a summer spent paddleboarding at every opportunity has really paid dividends with my skiing. I feel stronger, my balance is great and I can definitely go for longer (which is a good thing as I have a ski camp coming up in a few weeks and its 5 solid days of training ... yikes !).I did have a little hiccup with some unintentional weight loss but I have that undercontrol now thanks to some Diva advice.
marzNC
Angel Diva
My daughter is doing weightlifting stuff. The same instructor at Triangle Rock who does the core class teaches strength training using weights. He teaches 5 days a week so it's relatively easy to get to a class 1-3 times a week.
I do some kettlebell work for bone building, mostly for upper body. Relatively few reps at a higher weight. Learned good form from my personal trainer a while ago. Only three different exercises so easy to remember.
SallyCat
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
If anyone wants a Peloton but can't afford one, I got a $200 SunnyFitness stationary bike earlier this summer and am surprised at how non-terrible it is. It's got a 40lb flywheel, is dead silent, and came with a free cadence sensor. It's stable and nothing rattles or wobbles, which is what I was most afraid of. When you tighten stuff, it stays tight.
The seat post does not have the micro-adjustability of a regular bike, so there's some compromise there, which is adequate. Not ideal, but for $200 it is acceptable.
The pedals are SPD-compatible (though more finicky to clip in than my regular bike pedals), and you can just remove the cages that come installed on one side of them. I swapped out the big "leisure" seat for my own bike seat and put some cushioned grip tape on the bars.
Voila! Low-budget Peleton!
Well, ok there's no smart technology, just a little LED screen that gives you a few data points and I don't know how aggressive you can be out of the saddle on it for real spin-class workouts. (Though I am a 5'8" non-petite lady and it's been perfectly stable for out-of-saddle riding)
There's probably some hack you can use to get it connected to Zwift or WahooX?
I just watch YouTube cycling playlists I made for inspiration and listen to music or podcasts. I guess I'll see how long it lasts and whether I eventually want to train at a level that requires something it doesn't have. If I get to that point, I'll consider myself lucky for the fitness achievement! :-)
The seat post does not have the micro-adjustability of a regular bike, so there's some compromise there, which is adequate. Not ideal, but for $200 it is acceptable.
The pedals are SPD-compatible (though more finicky to clip in than my regular bike pedals), and you can just remove the cages that come installed on one side of them. I swapped out the big "leisure" seat for my own bike seat and put some cushioned grip tape on the bars.
Voila! Low-budget Peleton!
Well, ok there's no smart technology, just a little LED screen that gives you a few data points and I don't know how aggressive you can be out of the saddle on it for real spin-class workouts. (Though I am a 5'8" non-petite lady and it's been perfectly stable for out-of-saddle riding)
There's probably some hack you can use to get it connected to Zwift or WahooX?
I just watch YouTube cycling playlists I made for inspiration and listen to music or podcasts. I guess I'll see how long it lasts and whether I eventually want to train at a level that requires something it doesn't have. If I get to that point, I'll consider myself lucky for the fitness achievement! :-)
Trailside Trixie
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I've been riding my bike and playing disc golf a lot. 6 and a half miles on saturday on a mixed trail in south londonderry that's my favorite trail. It goes from SOLO to Jamaica and there are lots of options to turn around when you are ready to loop back. A mixture of gravel, pavement, dirt and woods riding. It's quite fantastic. Played disc golf sunday and monday so was pretty much active all weekend. I can't put a ski boot on yet so no big snow for me until October 19th but I'm clear for hiking and biking shoes so let's go..........
I play pickleball two to three times a week, and on the other days I bike, usually between 20 and 30 miles. If it rains, I have an Echelon bike, which is similar to a Peloton, so I do that. (Not bad for an old lady approaching 70!) I also do half an hour of yoga every single morning.
My biggest problem right now is spinal stenosis. I get awful pain in my left hip and down my left leg, similar to sciatica (no pain in my back, though). I've had a few epidurals to make it feel better; the last one was in December, '22. I'm sure that the yoga I do has been keeping it at bay. Nonetheless, it's been getting bad again, so I'm getting another shot next week. I'd like to be pain-free going into ski season.
My biggest problem right now is spinal stenosis. I get awful pain in my left hip and down my left leg, similar to sciatica (no pain in my back, though). I've had a few epidurals to make it feel better; the last one was in December, '22. I'm sure that the yoga I do has been keeping it at bay. Nonetheless, it's been getting bad again, so I'm getting another shot next week. I'd like to be pain-free going into ski season.
snoWYmonkey
Angel Diva
Summer sucks! I know, I know, bad attitude, but this is a ski centric forum so hopefully OK to vent a little. I go from excited for it in spring to very little physical activity by July. The hot, smoky, pollen laden air, makes exercising no fun so I slack off.
Now that the first snows are coating the tips of the Tetons, it is back to usual 8 week ski fitness classes 2 to 4 days a week and some long hikes.
This year, as the osteoporosis is starting to appear, I have added 2 to 4 hour long weight training sessions at a local weights and machines only gym. For now I am using Hailey Happens Fitness free intro to lifting app, and 2 weeks in I am still enjoying it.
It is taking a bit of mental readjusting as I prefer faster tempo activities and the hour is a bit tedious. Earbuds and good music or a book on tape really help.
Hopefully, once the ski season starts I can stick with the classes or the gym 2 to 3 days a week after being on the slopes. I did this f9r the first time last winter and as hard as it was, I really loved it.
Meanwhile, I am making peace with my late spring amd summers, mostly off.
Anything at this time of year is better than nothing, even if only 4 weeks of leg blasters before a ski trip. Though being wise about is also key. One fall I had an injury in a class trying to prevent injuries on the snow.
Now that the first snows are coating the tips of the Tetons, it is back to usual 8 week ski fitness classes 2 to 4 days a week and some long hikes.
This year, as the osteoporosis is starting to appear, I have added 2 to 4 hour long weight training sessions at a local weights and machines only gym. For now I am using Hailey Happens Fitness free intro to lifting app, and 2 weeks in I am still enjoying it.
It is taking a bit of mental readjusting as I prefer faster tempo activities and the hour is a bit tedious. Earbuds and good music or a book on tape really help.
Hopefully, once the ski season starts I can stick with the classes or the gym 2 to 3 days a week after being on the slopes. I did this f9r the first time last winter and as hard as it was, I really loved it.
Meanwhile, I am making peace with my late spring amd summers, mostly off.
Anything at this time of year is better than nothing, even if only 4 weeks of leg blasters before a ski trip. Though being wise about is also key. One fall I had an injury in a class trying to prevent injuries on the snow.
I had grand hopes and plan for this summer- hikes, bike rides, etc. But other than yard work and a few outdoor projects, I did nothing. Well, nothing aside from walking the dogs. They won't let me slack on that. In the past when I did nothing, it didn't seem to matter so much in the long run. Now, yikes. Now I am playing catch up while looking at my calendar, counting the days until ski season, hoping to get back to where I left off.
I recently found out that there is a free class at my local Y, you don't even need to be a member. So now I am going 3 times a week. If I find that I am sticking with it, I'll pony up for a membership to have access to the equipment and other classes. But for now, I am the youngster in the free class with the description that it is geared for, ahem, "active older adults." The main downside is that the majority prefer the big ceiling fans off, otherwise they are too cold even with their cardigans on, while I appreciate the fans. Aside from that, it is a good mix of basic strength, cardio and balance exercises, and I am finding that it is helping to motivate me to do more at home on my own again too. That's the part I have more trouble with- making time and sticking with it on my own without the structure of a class or a commitment with a work-out buddy.
I recently found out that there is a free class at my local Y, you don't even need to be a member. So now I am going 3 times a week. If I find that I am sticking with it, I'll pony up for a membership to have access to the equipment and other classes. But for now, I am the youngster in the free class with the description that it is geared for, ahem, "active older adults." The main downside is that the majority prefer the big ceiling fans off, otherwise they are too cold even with their cardigans on, while I appreciate the fans. Aside from that, it is a good mix of basic strength, cardio and balance exercises, and I am finding that it is helping to motivate me to do more at home on my own again too. That's the part I have more trouble with- making time and sticking with it on my own without the structure of a class or a commitment with a work-out buddy.
sibhusky
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
All I do is walk. I don't really start when the roads are icy, as we live on a hill and I've got a Siberian husky and ice +hill+Siberian = broken hip. But once it's safe I walk to the mailbox and back. Lest you think that's nothing, it's .9 miles each way, so 1.8 round trip with a 16° grade during the last section. Not 7 days a week, more like 5-6. 425 miles since the lifts closed. I had to take a bit of a break in July due to pericarditis or it would be higher.
DebbieSue
Angel Diva
I do some mixture of yoga, Zumba, mat Pilates, and barre, at my gym 2-3x / week, and in addition, for the last 2 years private Pilates reformer maybe averaging out 2x/month. My posture and ROM for squats and extension and outward rotation of hips and shoulders is getting better. I do this throughout the year but in ramping up for ski season and trips at altitutude I’m trying to increase the frequency of Zumba and the more demanding “power yoga” and “barre sport.” Over 60 it’s a matter of use it or lose it!! Also, I try to take stairs not elevators at work, and opt to walk not drive as much as possible. Just walking is a very good way to stay “young” over 60.
VickiK
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I'm still doing the Your Best Year Yet program by Jessica Smith. I'm in Month 6, planning to take a light week before starting Month 7.
I recommend this program to anyone looking for a program that focuses on strength training and includes a variety of cardio, flexibility, and rest/recovery. Minimal basic equipment is needed.
I recommend this program to anyone looking for a program that focuses on strength training and includes a variety of cardio, flexibility, and rest/recovery. Minimal basic equipment is needed.
Trailside Trixie
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Mountain biking is my new favorite activity. My full suspension emountain bike has been so fun. Did a bike path trail once but have spent most of my rides in the woods on single track and it's been great. I might actually be a little wistful as I put my bike away for the winter. I should have until November in VT and December in CT.
I have something to look forward to in May when i finish skiing now
I have something to look forward to in May when i finish skiing now
tinymoose
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I feel like this is me about everything... house projects, exercise, getting out of the house in summer in general lol
Well, I had planned on using my new e-bike this summer and do some paddling. But life got in the way and now a major health issue. I might be giving up the last 6 weeks of skiing this coming season. But I should be able to breathe a lot easier. More on that later.
I'm also in the throes of moving. So that is a little time consuming. I taking the week off to do it.
I'm also in the throes of moving. So that is a little time consuming. I taking the week off to do it.
liquidfeet
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Moving sucks up all one's energy. But once it's done, things start over again with a clean slate. Keep your eyes on the prize. You'll get there!
