I was originally alerted to Groundwork when I attended a course with Newcastle University of the 3rd Age (U3A). The course was called Optimal Ageing. I am 73 and thought “that’s a good subject for me”.
I have kept relatively fit and over the many decades usually have formal gym sessions (cardiovascular), personal training, walk whenever I can rather than use the car and have always paid attention to what I cook and eat at home.
The U3A course emphasised that as we age we lose muscle and bone which will of course lead to fractures and over time can lead to other serious health issues. They specifically advised their members to lift weights (amongst many other key points) to keep bones, muscle and overall well-being strong.
Since joining Groundwork and many weeks of one-on-one training with Karl on technique, I am finally finding my creaky knees and dodgy hips are not even considered. They give me no trouble and I feel stronger with each week. I have gained some muscle, and this is reflected in my increase in weight but without any fat. This was my aim.
I love weightlifting. It’s hard to believe that in all the previous decades of my interest in keeping fit I didn’t turn to weights. So, it was a tricky concept for me to feel comfortable with it at my age. I have been slowly gaining confidence and I’m at the point where I feel my muscles have worked hard but the joints are not complaining at all!
My advice is to find a trainer who you feel comfortable with and take your time, have no ambition about how much you will be able to lift. Concentrate on technique and enjoying your sessions with like-minded people around you, who also take their time to enjoy getting and keeping healthy and strong.
