I know some of you have been listening to me rant and go on about walking all these miles and gaining weight.

I've appreciated all your feedback and am doing soemthing differently. Here you go:

Thanks to orchid mentioning that I need to add something or do something differently, I've decided to do so. And in doing so, I'm realizing that all this walking isn't getting my heart pumping enough.

I've been to the Y twice the past couple days and done the elyptical. My heart has pounded more and I have sweat more than any of the times I've walked. I guess I need to run to make a difference and I can't do that because of my knees.

So anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I've had a rude awakening. Doing something different is exactly what I need. I'm considering stopping the walking because it is dark for half the walk, which I don't like. And now I feel like it's a waste of time. Sigh... after all these years.

However, I will find time to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors because that does so much for me emotionally!

What are you doing for exercise these days?

Boy, wish I could join you Dotsie. I don't lose weight walking either. I'm feeling motivated after reading your post. You go girl...and me go too!!!!!

Hmmm...this sounds too familiar...I walk our dog 3 miles every day but haven't lost an ounce in 4 years. We recently bought a big trampoline and put it at the bottom of our field (completely out of sight from anyone other than cattle!) and I bounce on it sometimes with my MP3 player on...it is SO much fun!! Absolute silly, joyous bouncing...I feel like Tigger! Apparantly 10 mins of bouncing is the same as a 2 mile run! BOING!!

Hannelore, I wish you were here too.

Countrygirl, I guess you are a real country girl if you have cattle. The bouncing sounds like fun. I'm afraid I couldn't do it due to my crazy knees. Good for you that you can still do this.

Dotsie, the cattle belong to our neighbors, thank goodness! And well...I can still do bouncing, but only for a couple of minutes at a time!! Hee Hee Hee!

I'm still mixing in going to the Y with walking. I'm getting use to it. Sigh... It's about time I use that membership.

Dotsie, I was so glad to read on your post that you like to walk because it helps you emotionally. Me too! I wondered why I would start to feel kinda depressed if I hadn't walked in 3 or 4 days, until one day, while listening to Dr. Laura, she mentioned some of us need the help of physical exercise "chemically". A good walk is like taking medicine for me. And, when my hubby and I walk together it's good conversation time together.

Dotsie
Two years ago I gave up the walking for the very same reason. However, I didn't do anything different so the weight piled on. So 6 months ago I started walking again. It about did me in to walk 2 miles which I use to be able to do in less than 1/2 hour but I walk with two other ladies who are seasoned walkers. For a time they slowed down for me then one day we all realized that they didn't have to slow down any more. I could walk without huffing and puffing and even talk at the same time! Now we do 4 miles 5 days a week and even with all our gabbing have managed to set a new record - 4 miles in 53 minutes. I have dropped 21 pounds and two dress sizes because the inches are melting away. I've kind of reached a plateau so I just started strength training exercises with light weights and a few pilates. I feel beter already.

I walk every day too and don't lose any weight. I joined a gym and went five times a week for a year. Spent an hour on the treadmill and did not lose a pound. My doctor told me that 92% of weight loss is diet. I have a friend who had gastic bypass surgery. She lost over 100 pounds in one year and didn't exercise or walk at all. The reason she lost weight is because she cut her calorie intake. There have been studies with people who cut calories and didn't exercise and people who just exercised and ate the same and the people who cut calories lost the weight.

I thought I didn't eat very much and I don't compared to what I used to eat years ago but it has to be my portions.
So my new years resolution is to keep a food diary. I eat without even thinking and I'm sure I am consuming much more calories than I realize.

Exercise keeps the doctor away, keeps stress away and makes you feel wonderful, but, doing exercise and not cutting the calories will not help you lose weight. There was a show on this subject on CNN and they were not discouraging exercising at all but the scientists and doctors did come to the conclusion that it's all about calorie intake, not exercise.

This was a controversial show because they talked about the billion dollar fitness industry, diet industry etc. etc. They do not want people to know this.

I for one love to walk outdoors and mix it up with the gym. I lift weights and that is good for boomer women as we need to do weight training for our health and bones and to maintain muscle.

I'm trying the calorie reduction and will continue to exercise and hope it slowly comes off. I started the G.I. Diet today. http://www.gidiet.com
My fitness instructor at the gym told me this is what I need to lose the weight, in combination with working out of course. So, it's a new year and I'm going to try it.

Also, I was sent a wonderful book by Darlene full of helpful exercises which you write down and work through. Her info has been invaluable to me.

Here's hoping I'm on to something. But it's really simple we just don't want to admit it. Cut out all the white stuff, process stuff, sugar etc. Eat lots of vegetables and lean meat and fish. Cut out the red meat (contributes to cancer in women) Cut down on cheese, fat, butter dairy products in general and of course desserts. The sad but true fact and deep down we all know it.
Kate

Bookie, good for you for getting back in to it. Maybe I'm not walking fast enough.

Kate, I'm not keeping a food diary, but I am going to exercise mroe and eat less. My approach is not to go all out, but to do it gradually . Hopefully the new habits will stick and the weight won't stick.

We were at a party today and their was a hubby and wife team there. He needs to lose 8 pounds and she needs to lose 3 pounds. I giggled to myself and thought, are you kidding me? And you're worried aobut THAT!

If you need to try something new you might want to pick up a copy of the Body Flex video with Greer Childers. THIS will get your heart pumping. You don't even have to leave your house to do this.

Of course I dance for exercise, but besides that, I have my hobbies to get out my energy and stay in shape. I do walk, a lot, and run steps.
I do this because the only muscles not damaged by dance are my running mucsles! I have to just dance, no warm up, no stretching because my muscles have taken such a beating they no longer need to warm up and a warm up is just hurting them needlessly.

If you did aerobics for any length of time you may be facing the same problem. You may do the hips, knees and ankles damage but doing too much walking or with certain exercises.

This is why yoga is so popular. It uses muscles not destroyed by jogging or aerobics and still works to get you in shape. It is healthy for you and does not damage any muscles sheerly by the practice of doing it right.

Everyone should try a beginning yoga class before they shrug it off. It might be different than you expect and it may be the answer to your exercise problems. It builds strength, it helps with stretching, it is a complete body workout without banging on knees or feet or any other part of your body and it is done in a calm and relaxing atmosphere!

Just another vote for Yoga!

dancer

Yes, great idea dancer9, I have been thinking of taking yoga. Stretching is really good for you and I don't do it enough. I believe there is also core work with yoga.

I've also been advised that mixing things up tricks your body. Doing the same exercise all the time (treadmill) will not do the trick. Your body just gets used to that. Why is our body this way so we have to out smart it?

I am going to walk a trail close to my house with up and down hills, go on the eliptical trainer at the gym, strength train and try yoga changing it up on different days.

I am also going to stop eating chocolate bon bons. For some reason they seem to put on weight :-)
Kate

I understand about the knees hurting. A year ago I started walking by a lake with my daughter. It is so peaceful, has a sidewalk to walk on and has a playground and benches for picnics. It was wonderful.

I had not walked or done any exercise much for years because of all the problems associated with menopause and such. After my surgery I decided to walk to get the weight off and feel better. It was great for a while. Then I guess I did too much to soon and my knees were injured. I had to stop.

With this new year I want to try again and know I will have to take it much slower and pace myself. My left knee has a problem from when I fell and it is the real pain. So as one goal this year I want to try again. I noticed when I went to the mall a couple of days ago with her to return some Christmas items I about didn't make it. I went from one end to the other and she had to get the car and pick me up cause I couldn't make it back. So, after being irritated with myself I have decided to give it a try again. I am too young to not be able to walk that much.

Here's to new goals and a new year.
Sandpiper

Take your time Sandpiper.
Important to have good running shoes. I'm not sure it orthotics would help here. But to at least walk on softer ground.

Perhaps some form of swimming, if you do swim.

As other forumites know here, I cycle. Many men and women take up cycling in their mid-years and onward. On a properly fitted bike on you, cycling is actually easier on the knees. Many injured joggers, take cycling to save their knees because the sport places less bodyweight on the knees...and you go even farther..

above all, do the type of exercise that makes your heart sing...that's a guarantee you'll keep doing it more often.

Sandpiper, have you visited a doctor to see what might be wrong? It could be something as simple as putting orthotics in your shoes. Let's hope. But if they keep hurting, you should have them checked.

The week is over and I walked all but one day for about an hour each time. The weather is cooperating. Only one day we had to walk at the mall. But I haven't lost one lousy pound.

Orchid, I don't know much about cycling. Is it beneficial to the body, all the body? Why is it beneficial, if it is?

Sandpaper, in the summer I walk the pool, by that I mean I use a flotation foam stick to hold onto (can't swim) and just walk from one end of the pool to the other in the middle, and it is soooo easy on the feet, ankles, knees and hips and you real get a workout too. I can't wait for the warmer weather, even thought the pools here are heated the air is not and its too cold for me to be out and wet too...

Some articles.

http://www.cobr.co.uk/e-cobr_information/n_and_l_cyclists_section/sections/benefits_of_cycling.shtml

http://www.co.sheboygan.wi.us/county_dep...ticle_Aug07.pdf

Cycling is primarily an exercise that works your cardiovascular system. It is true that muscular strength is gained primarily in lower body. If you understand how to use multiple gears on a 18 speed or 24 speed bike, etc., you can choose to make it easier (in terms of effort) or more challenging on your body. However no experienced cyclist would recommend gearing that pushes your knees.

Cycling does need at least 1 complementary, secondary exercise at times for all-over body fitness --it could be stretching, weighlifting. Many regular cyclists during cold seasons when (or if) they choose not to cycle, may xcountry ski, hike, snowshoe or snowboard.

I cannot but stress the cycling for myself, is never boring since I do all of it outdoors and hence, scenery changes and weather conditions forces one's body to adapt over time. On a day where I'm feeling lousy, I don't push as hard vs. other days I do ramp up the speed.

Non-cyclists forget the level of cardio effort to go a long distance, up and down hills, etc. Dealing with headwind vs. the wonderful tailwind.

today I cycled for 42 kms. after not being on bike for past 8 days. During the lst 1/2 hr., I was feeling slightly crappy plus the fact the route requires mounting 2 7-10% grade hills at the beginning. But psychologically after mounting a hill, then the whole ride is alot easier physically and psychologically.

this ride is approx. 2 hrs. long and is one of my regular routes on weekends. At the end of the ride, I bike over to grocery stores to do shopping. It works really well, this lifestyle.

In terms of weight management, cycling has worked for me...without trying too hard. ie. I went to visit toronto and ate luscious rich meals (I allowed myself 1 calorie-indulgence per day) with family members and friends for 10 consecutive days. I cycled 8 of those days and just cycled, each day, a tame 26 kms. on reasonably flat route with 1 bunny hill. It was humid 80-85 degrees during that visit.

I only gained 1 lb. I had peameal bacon sandwiches, luscious desserts, and other gourmet entrees at restaurants. Included wedding banquet, later mega-family reunion barbecue dinner, etc.

I have been cycling regularily for almost past 17 yrs. now.

I do not know how to swim, so I don't do water sports. I do walk alot during rainy days since we don't have car.

I know alot of men and women in their 40's to 70's who are cycling nearly daily, approx. 25-40 miles days. part of cycling is mental endurance also...to finish the last 10 miles or whatever after a long ride. Something that perhaps children and some teenagers need tons of psychologically boosting.

but if a woman has given birth, raised children and survived major life events...she most certainly has the mental stamina to do a long ride. wouldn't you agree???

The women's cycling internet forum that I'm on, includes primarily women from their late 20's up to 60's. There are incredbibly several women in their 50's who are racing..after taking up racing in only the last 5-10 years.

These are women who have had children. I only mention this, since post-pregnancy weight for women seems to be a common problem (plus time scheduling).

the neat thing about cycling is that a person can take a very narrow utilitarian focus --limit interest in cycling just for one's health or for transportation. Or you can expand for vacation touring, environmental advocacy work ..or get into bike culture..where there's a whole world of wacky bike art, wacky bikes, cycling lingo, alternative lifestyles, etc.

I'm not sure if there is walking "culture" or "swimming" culture. I'm sure there must be....but it does add to the whole experience of partaking in a sport where you meet other equally enthusiastic people who express their passion-love for same sport in completely different ways.

In Tucson, where I live, cycling is a sub-culture! It is SO strong here, it is amazing. We have so many "biker,s" doing races, doing the mountain trails and the city streets. All our streets are bike friendly and we have SO many out on the weekends they invade restaurants after rides in fill them up!
These people are in great shape and have biked together for years, some of them.
The university here also has a program for bikers that attracts students from all over.
You can always ride her, the weather is always good, no rain and other than three months in the summer when it is hot, it's the ideal exercise. I'm not into cycling myself but I know plenty who are, we dance, go for a coffee and run into each other at all sorts of places!

It IS very good for those, as orchid says, that have burnt out other muscles from other sports or aerobics which was never very good for you!

Myself, exercise is hurting my body and has the opposite effect. I just launch into dancing with no warm up to save my muscles from over use. I am naturally flexable so I can do the splits whereever I am without a warm up. My doctor told me to stop warming up long ago to spare my muscles.

Cycling is rewarding, I know that. It is also a way to socialize in a healthy, rewarding manner.

dancer

Orchid is there any particular cycling tour that you would say was the nicest or unusually strenuous?

When our boys were 13 and 11 we went on a 500 kilometre tour in Muenster Land, Germany. It was recommended as the 100 castle tour, with camping sites along the way.

Well, it turned out to be the most horrid vacation I’ve ever been on. When we got off the train it was pouring. Our tents and sleeping bags were laden on top of our bikes. Our roundtrip train ticket was in 7 days, and till then it poured half the time. Not only that…the route was flat as pancake, which meant non stop pedalling…no hills to just race down and ride. Not good.

Most of the castles were closed. Camping sites were in planning and didn’t exist. The advertisement for the tour was one big lie. BUT we did it. Don’t ask me how; … between coughing cows at our tent’s entrance and my air mattress floating within our tent, it was a night-mare. My husband and the boys considered it adventurous.

On our return trip, the dark rings under my eyes, white lips, and soggy hair, plucked at my husband’s heart strings, or maybe he just got scared. He suggested I book and plan the next vacation, which I did;… warm climate with lots of deck chairs, without wheels!

Before I answer to my own changed topic title above to chatty, would like to respond to Hannelore:

Wow, that is a long bike trip if your family didn't do much cycling prior to the castle trip. Yes, sounds memorable. Yes, we've had the occasional day that it rained while cycling to next destination..cycling for 5-6 hrs.

My lst multi-day bike trip (and hauling my own sleeping bag, clothing) was 500kms. in Vermont. I didn't know how to use my multiple bike gears properly. Vermont has rolling hills. And drove my partner a little nuts from frustation.

Needless to say, I learned after returning from trip how to make my cycling easier by understanding which gears to use.

For chatty & others:
I asked the cycling women forum members to tell you all their stories of: benefits of cycling, their age and why they love it. Also weight loss stories. I didn't realize until now, how many women in our age bracket and up.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?p=277970#post277970

Dotsie: You told me you loved your bike as a child...well, here is evidence, it is never too late to return to childhood bliss.

Thanks orchid. Hmmm, I might have to think about biking again, but it would definetly have to be something I'd do with hubby. We have talked about it, but that's as far as we've gotten.

I recall riding bikes everywhere. Even when I was as old as 14 and 15, we would ride bikes soemtimes 8-9 miles from home. Gosh, that was fun. I think if I got back into riding bikes, it would have to be on trails because I can't stand dodging traffic. That means we'd have to get bikes and a bike rack.

WOW, Orchid these are great. Answered all my questions, and what a nice looking forum too. I put it in my Favorites to refer back to from time to time. Thanks!

Exercise?

I say WOW too... and thank the ladies for sharing.
Can you ask them a couple of other questions?

The age ranges vary, as do the years cycling.
I think both tires are flat on our bikes, but...

1. If we are on the upper end of the scale & haven't biked for ages, how would we get started and do as little harm as possible to our bodies?

2. What is the best type of bike for older ones to use?

3. Should we seek a pro to advise because of current lifestyles?

I remember riding as a child. I'd ride for hours, up and down the neighborhood streets. I've not none that feeling since. I think it would be fun to get it back, and the weight loss would be a BIG bonus. Darn it, there is so much I'd like to do, get into, change... my life is in such an unwelcomed mess, right now, though. But any information can be stored for a later date.

Thanks orchid for taking the time on this... I can't believe you've won my interest to biking.

1. If we are on the upper end of the scale & haven't biked for ages, how would we get started and do as little harm as possible to our bodies?

It is recommended that you use a bike that fits you. Do drop by several bike stores. Not Walmart. You can always go home and try cycling the one that you have already to compare. But keep in mind, during first few days of cycling, you will be abit sore. Go only a few miles first time. And helpful if you aren't comfortable to go with another cyclist who bikes abit more often.

A helmet is highly advisable. Later you might want to wear sunglasses so that bugs and dirt don't suddenly blind you while biking.

I would not recommend a beach cruiser bike for regular bike rides. A bike with several different bike gearing speeds is most helpful, to help you go up and down little hills, or to cope with a headwind. Even a bike over 20 gear speeds is helpful. You will thank yourself, believe me.

Wear looser clothing that don't have thick seams that chafe. ie. wearing jeans, unless very loose is just a lousy idea.

Wearing sneakers and beach rubber thongs is painful thought (to me) while cycling. There is no sole shoe stiffness to push the pedal around and around. For returning to cycling, start off with a running shoes that aren't too bulky at the sole. You'll want to feel the pedal.

After a few years, I got toe cages which hold my feet on pedal and prevents my feet from slipping off pedals when I want spin pedals faster or ride longer.

2. What is the best type of bike for older ones to use?

For returning to cycling, a bike that puts you in a slightly more upright position. However if you've always biked dropped down, more horizontal back on bike, then great. A hybrid bike of light weight frame is good. A heavy bike is abit of a curse when pulling yourself up a hill or going for long rides. Mountain bikes are ok but unless you are into riding off-road rocky/stony trails alot or cycling on snow/ice, what's the point? Usually they tend to be abit heavier, because the wheels are alot knobbier and heavier for dirt traction/grip.

You want your handlebars to be shoulder-width, your leg on ground while seated on bike, must have a slight bend at knee....in case you suddenly need to stop without falling on your face. I will try to find an article on bike fit.

3. Should we seek a pro to advise because of current lifestyles?

I strongly recommend dealing with bike shop personnel who don't treat you like an idiot just because you are a woman.

Do any of your children bike /live in same city? If yes,to both, it might help you...and they might welcome a different activity with mother that they had forgotten.

Hello all you fabulon women! I"ve read all the posts to this original one from Dotsie and have to say there is so much good info here. I didn't know where else to post this but it will surely be something different for some of you, ever considered joining a walking club and entering some form of "race?" I say race but really for me and some friends it's just a goal rather than a competition.
For a 3rd year in a row, my best friend and I will power walk, (Well she jogs but I'm in the unhappy knee category so no pounding for this girl) the MORE Magazine Half Marathon for women over 40. We started as a "well what the hell and it will be something different" for her birthday as the date coincided that year. We trained little, figured "how bad could it be?" and lived to tell the story but not in full sentences. But we were hooked.
So last year we shaved 15 minutes off of our time and had done a better job of getting ready physically. This year I had a vision of coming in at 2:46:03 on the clock over the finish line. You can see we are not talking speed here just the joyous feeling of doing something which celebrates our health, friendship, and finishing the job.
Last year we decided that a few spa treatments, starting with a sauna, then a massage and finally foot pampering were in order and boy did that feel good.
I've got 2 medallions on beautiful ribbons from the two previous races and I can't wait to add my 3rd. If you'd like to follow our pre-race training and occasional bitching and moaning about said training we've got a blog-www.chrisandgreg.wordpress.com.
Whatever you choose my BW, keep moving for your mental and physical health. It's important whether the scale moves or not.
best
G

mscoach, that sounds great. Did I overlook the miles you two walked for the MORE challenge?

And who gave you the medallions?

Ah, distance, it's 13.2 miles and the medallions are given by MORE mag and are placed around your neck after you get our official time. Very exciting I must say. I've kept my number tags as well, you know those things you see on people's chest when they are doing something like this? I have no use for them but I keep them none the less.

orchid, I want to thank you for all your input about cycling. I was seriously considering it. I priced bikes - that was a big "Good Grief$$$" and a number one stop sign. I found a used one at a thrift store, but it needed help...more $$.
Also, I tried balancing myself on my DH's (which has dry rotted tires) and couldn't... even with a retainer wall right next to me as a mental crutch. I can actually say I was timid (not a better word for how I was feeling) with the bike between my legs. It was very upsetting for me... As a child, I rode up and down and all around (of course, the variant speed bikes hadn't even come onto the scene, at least not in my life) - I was free when I rode my bike, and I loved the feeling... I could even stand on the seat, after getting it moving. I guess, in my mind, I thought I could revisit those years, with your type of cycling, to recondition my body. I'm laughing at the very idea that I thought I might be able to do it. But, I want to thank you for giving us all of the information that you did. Maybe some can use it, and use it well.
Blessings (I envy you girl!, but not in a bad way.)

gims, don't give up yet. I think you just need a bike that fits your body. Have you tried sitting on something where your feet rest on the ground?

lol....I'd have to get a trike... my legs are so short they go to sleep when I'm sitting in an average sized chair this world wasn't made for anyone under 5'4"). NO kidding.