Recently signed up to work with a trainer.

[John Schmidt]

Started about 2 wks. ago and surprised that only one set of muscles were tender for a couple days. He's a pro-body builder, middle 40's in age and keeps himself in great condition. Is a certified trainer and also works with a few other members including the owner of the gym & her hubby. He first wanted to know my history and was surprised at both my age and T-factor, which according to him is quite high for an old fart. Basically if the T is high a person should still be able to build muscle...all other things being equal, whatever that means. During my prostate cancer treatment with the hormone shots that drops the T to zero, plus the radiation and loss of energy, I lost a noticeable amount of strength and muscle mass so just trying to get some back. I hit the gym 3 times a week on average; Monday=upper boddy, Wed.=light w/o overall, Fri.=lower body(he really got my legs burning last Fri.). First week with him was a bit tough on the old body but he learned age is not the deciding factor in some folks.  Guy has a great personality, great "people" person and really encouraging. I've been taking creatine and glutamine the last few weeks and can begin to see a difference, not only in energy but sleeping better...especially on w/o days. With 5+ inches of new snow I can't ride, too cold to work in the garage, so I figure this will keep me off the streets and out of the bars....well, one out of the two at least. 

[Bret SD]

Started about 2 wks. ago and surprised that only one set of muscles were tender for a couple days. He's a pro-body builder, middle 40's in age and keeps himself in great condition. Is a certified trainer and also works with a few other members including the owner of the gym & her hubby. He first wanted to know my history and was surprised at both my age and T-factor, which according to him is quite high for an old fart. Basically if the T is high a person should still be able to build muscle...all other things being equal, whatever that means. During my prostate cancer treatment with the hormone shots that drops the T to zero, plus the radiation and loss of energy, I lost a noticeable amount of strength and muscle mass so just trying to get some back. I hit the gym 3 times a week on average; Monday=upper boddy, Wed.=light w/o overall, Fri.=lower body(he really got my legs burning last Fri.). First week with him was a bit tough on the old body but he learned age is not the deciding factor in some folks.   Guy has a great personality, great "people" person and really encouraging. I've been taking creatine and glutamine the last few weeks and can begin to see a difference, not only in energy but sleeping better...especially on w/o days. With 5+ inches of new snow I can't ride, too cold to work in the garage, so I figure this will keep me off the streets and out of the bars....well, one out of the two at least.  

Great to hear John!

There are many ways to skin the strength-and-conditioning cat, when people ask me what I think is the best program for them I tell them it's the one they'll do consistently. Even a small amount of regular exercise benefits the Mind and Body in ways that are hard to count.

If he doesn't suggest walking at least three times a week for some distance I would ask him about it, weather permitting of course. I know it might seem boring to you as a former runner but walking with purpose is one of the best exercises we can do.

You have my congratulations and respect for having the balls to keep going.. I intend to go down swinging also.  

[John Schmidt]

I have difficulty walking any distance. Right hip replaced nearly 5 yrs. ago and the left appears to not be far behind. I will spend 10-15 min. on the stationary bike for warm-up, then after a w/o I'll spend maybe 10 min. on the treadmill. It isn't fast and the incline is fairly low but it gets the old ticker going good. On the bike the pulse will run from mid-70's to low 80's when pedaling at a good pace. But later on the treadmill it will jump to mid-90's, mostly due to taking more effort from me. My cardiologist 8 1/2 yrs. ago told me my life would be rather docile following an attack that almost took me out. I didn't listen....thankfully. 

[cookiedough]

good for you John keep it up even if lighter reps is better than nothing.    Am sure it will help you sleep and get stronger and hopefully prevent further weakening of the body as what normally happens as we age.    I visited my kid who lifts HEAVY weights all the time in his gym and he was doing like 8 sets of 350lb. squats and every single time his knees and/or ankles were POPPING/CRACKING going back UP.  He says that is normal but to me is not he is only age 20 now and wonder what will happen as he ages keeping up those enormous weights in special tight equipped suits.    I tried just picking up on my neck the 350lb. squat bar had NO intentions of going down would NEVER get back up no way and that was enough for me.  back in the day 400lbs. was about my max where as my kid is near doing 600lbs. about same 200lb. weight at same age.  He sees his heavier/bigger lifting buds do more so thinks he should be able to match them.   One guy is a TANK competes in worlds strongest man events or did in his prime big dude 375lbs. or so can do 800lb squat/deadlifts and over 500lb. bench presses.  He makes me look like a twig... 

[Bret SD]

I have difficulty walking any distance. Right hip replaced nearly 5 yrs. ago and the left appears to not be far behind. I will spend 10-15 min. on the stationary bike for warm-up, then after a w/o I'll spend maybe 10 min. on the treadmill. It isn't fast and the incline is fairly low but it gets the old ticker going good. On the bike the pulse will run from mid-70's to low 80's when pedaling at a good pace. But later on the treadmill it will jump to mid-90's, mostly due to taking more effort from me. My cardiologist 8 1/2 yrs. ago told me my life would be rather docile following an attack that almost took me out. I didn't listen....thankfully. 

Ah yes, hips can be a problem for walking, though they're getting very good with replacements, I know a few people who've had them and say it's the best thing they could've done. Do you have access to a rower? I have an air rower that I use sometimes for aerobic work, mixing it with mace for example works really well, but you could do it with other movements too. I like to row for 5 mins then jump up and do a set of something, then back to rowing, it keeps the butt from going numb after an hour on the rower. Doing that gets the HR higher, I like to hit 100-110 BPM at least while rowing.

It's natural for HR to climb as you go about training, so the treadmill is a good one for you, especially after other efforts get the ticker going faster. Glad to hear you're still kickin after an attack, sometimes instinct drives us to the best results.

[Bret SD]

good for you John keep it up even if lighter reps is better than nothing.    Am sure it will help you sleep and get stronger and hopefully prevent further weakening of the body as what normally happens as we age.    I visited my kid who lifts HEAVY weights all the time in his gym and he was doing like 8 sets of 350lb. squats and every single time his knees and/or ankles were POPPING/CRACKING going back UP.  He says that is normal but to me is not he is only age 20 now and wonder what will happen as he ages keeping up those enormous weights in special tight equipped suits.    I tried just picking up on my neck the 350lb. squat bar had NO intentions of going down would NEVER get back up no way and that was enough for me.  back in the day 400lbs. was about my max where as my kid is near doing 600lbs. about same 200lb. weight at same age.  He sees his heavier/bigger lifting buds do more so thinks he should be able to match them.   One guy is a TANK competes in worlds strongest man events or did in his prime big dude 375lbs. or so can do 800lb squat/deadlifts and over 500lb. bench presses.  He makes me look like a twig... 

From age 20 to 27 I did heavy barbell work and routinely squatted for reps at well over 300 lbs, after a time my knees hurt way more than I knew was healthy.
 At 27 I started practicing karate and my knees healed up shortly after that, ever since then they've been fine. I see power lifters that can't move and feel bad for them. A good friend of mine was a PL for many years and has since switched to kettlebells and running, says he feels better than he has his whole life. Another guy I know is in his 70's and beat to hell, surgeries.. replacements.. you name it and he's had it done. He's still in the gym chasing poundages because that's what makes him happy.

I have my share of past injuries that hold me back to a degree, the worst of which is a rotator cuff tear from throwing a baseball 7 yrs ago at my son's baseball practice. Mace work and kettlebells have it back as strong as it's gonna get, so I'm happy.

I hope your son finds his path, whatever it is, and that it's a healthy one for him.

[0leman]

John, sounds like you got a pretty good trainer.  Keep him handy and don't stop working out.  It will help to keep you riding for years to come.

I spent my youth competitive swimming, 8 years of high school and college, plus 30 years of martial arts, plus 30 years of being a forester (fighting fires and clearing roads in the spring).  Shoulder have taken a lot of beatings.  They are now letting me know I abused them.   Several years ago I had a MRI that showed that I have lost the cartilage and have arthritis in both shoulders.  But Doc said the shoulder were in great shape all thing considered.   I am having to take a month off from working out to get them back happy again.   Do miss going to the gym.   Hopefully they will start behaving.   Sort of good timing as the Virus is going great here so timeout isn't a bad thing for this old Fart