Skip to main content
AARPTeri
AARPTeri
Community Manager
April 2, 2021

Ask our Fitness Enthusiast! Week 1 - How to get started! April 5 - 11, 2021

  • April 2, 2021
  • 40 replies
  • 28455 views

It’s officially Spring and there is no better time to get moving!  Our fitness enthusiast is here to help you Get Started! 

 

Post your questions about Fitness here and you will earn 50 AARP Rewards points at the same time! (One entry per week given points.)

    40 replies

    Show previous replies
    MaryI236103
    Contributor ⭐
    April 7, 2021

    Is it better to work out with weights for the whole body twice a week or do back and biceps one day and chest and triceps another day?

     

    PahlaB
    PahlaB
    Contributor ⭐⭐
    April 7, 2021

    This is such a great question!  My personal preference is to work the whole body twice a week.  Generally speaking, when you break your workouts down into specific body parts, you'd be working with weights four, five or even six times a week to get every part of your body, and I'd rather do cardio on those days!  😂

    8strts
    Contributor ⭐⭐
    April 7, 2021

    If anybody has issues with osteoporosis- there’s a person on YouTube with excellent exercises which aren’t  hard and can really help you- look up Dr. Furlan. She has so many different ones, neck,back,elbow,ankle and you can ask questions and she will get back to you pronto.

      whardman
      Contributor ⭐⭐
      April 7, 2021

      I understand that getting cardio exercise is important - but I find that even my regular walking, yoga and swimming are not doing that. Any suggestions?

      PahlaB
      PahlaB
      Contributor ⭐⭐
      April 9, 2021

      This is such an interesting question!  And I have a question for you in return:  WHY don't you think your regular walking, yoga and swimming aren't good for cardio exercise?  Is there a particular metric you're trying to meet (heart rate, for example) that is difficult?

      GeriRay24
      Contributor ⭐
      April 10, 2021

      What are some good exercises to do for my arms with 2 five # weights?

      PahlaB
      PahlaB
      Contributor ⭐⭐
      April 10, 2021

      Terrific question!  There are all sorts of exercises that you can do for your arms with 5-lb weights!  Some of my personal favorites are things like flys, rows and curls (this combination of just three exercises will tone and strengthen your whole upper body, in fact!)

      If you'd like to see how to do exercises like this, I'll recommend one of my full-length follow along workouts on YouTube:  TONED ARMS Walk with light hand weights 

      JamesA14739
      Contributor ⭐
      April 11, 2021

      I have had shoulder surgery and can no longer raise my left arm above my shoulder. Subsequently, I am unable to do shoulder presses. Is there another exercise I can do to work all three deltoids at the same time?

      PahlaB
      PahlaB
      Contributor ⭐⭐
      April 12, 2021

      This is a great question, and specifically, it's a great question for your physical therapist!  When it comes to injuries or mobility limitations, it's best to speak with someone who knows YOU and your particular issues.  While lots of fitness trainers can give general advice, if you want to see actual strengthening in your muscles, you'll want personal attention.

      deborahm787804
      Contributor ⭐
      April 11, 2021

      Are there other exercises or activities that give the fitness benefits of lifting weights if you are  unable to do this?

      PahlaB
      PahlaB
      Contributor ⭐⭐
      April 12, 2021

      Absolutely!  One of the best benefits of weight lifting is the development of the brain-body connection, and you can do that without weights in your hands!  Moving slowing through the motions of "weighted" work - even with empty hands - will strengthen your muscles and bones in a very similar way.

      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement