Aging and Intense Training

Me too... I'm 46 and find that it is easier to overtrain now, which for me makes me incredibly irritable. I'm actually working out now, the way I started- which was aerobic weight training with the Firm. Now, I just focus on metabolic workouts varying between 25-45 minutes, depending what my body needs for that day. Heavy weight lifting doesn't feel good on my body anymore, but the metabolic workouts are great. I do one or two high impact workouts a week, the other days I modify or do low impact.
 
I love this question!!! I am 46, and recently I was wondering if Cathe ever gets achy and sore!! I work out every day, and twice a day several days per week because I am also a Group Fitness Instructor on the side. I have loved reading through all of your comments, and I have such respect for all of you for keeping in shape and listening to your bodies. I am always switching things up, and I have no problem with plyo; what is killing me is HEAVY weight leg workouts. My legs are strong and rather bulky, so I find it tough to work them out hard enough. I agree with healing11- metabolic workouts feel the best for me. Whenever I do a lot of sets with heavy weights with chest presses, my shoulder starts aching!!! It is frustrating when you are able to work out hard, but then your body reminds you that you are not 20 anymore!!! It is kind of trial and error figuring out what your body will respond best to. This post was very encouraging for me! Have an awesome day!!
 
Hi thaispice, I have had "autoimmune hormone and enzyme, blood etc. panel levels" since last June (with no change) without a definite diagnosis. Just "autoimmune condition".Also, severe Vitamin D deficiency that has not been responding to diet, before 2:30 pm sunshine or supplementation. Autoimmune disease is a vast spanning spectrum as your Dr. will perhaps explain to you. I am in the process of having more tests done & the endocrinologist is leaning towards Hashimoto's. I am hoping for this to be honest, as it is quite manageable. Although tx may not change some of the hormone changes I am having.
I actually slowed down on Millionaire last Winter-Spring cause it did burn me out and I became too thin (pre hormone testing etc.). I do like
his w-o's still though and do the shorter ones from time to time for something different. Yes, Fit Body by Julia's duration is too long for me. Both endo's I have seen has agreed that high intensity ought to be brief. I got differing opinions on lifting weights though. I do sometimes REALLY enjoy long/er weights sessions!! But I am trying to get back to more frequent pilates, now. One of the two endos who is seeing to me is an over 50 woman herself & recommends women over 50 opt for cardio that is only moderate in intensity. She is not a fan of HiiT, but of mixed with some high if it suits you.
I wish you the best in your finding out what is going on and that you get a great endo! (In Canada, it is very, very tough to get to see specialists and then to keep one as they seem to move around). Kindly update me on how it goes for you. Experiencing serious exhaustion like that can lead to and/or contribute to depression and I hope that does not happen in your case. It's a terrible combo I can tell you that!! Accomplishing the basics in my life currently is such a chore.

Thanks, Elsie, for sharing your story and for the well wishes. I know what you mean about "wishing" for a Hashimoto's diagnosis. I too have found myself hoping for the same, but based on my symptoms, I am pretty certain I will not be so lucky and my case will not be that easy to manage. Like you, I expect to be kept in limbo for a long time, maybe indefinitely, while the endo tries to figure out what is going on.

I've always been someone who loved pushing myself to the max when exercising. This unfortunate turn of events is forcing me to reconsider that approach, as I have been besieged by not just fatigue but also serious joint pain.

I wish you luck and would very much like to stay in touch on this!
 
Wow, I am so glad to hear I am not the only one dealing with issues like this. When I was in my thirties, I used to do Cathe workouts six mornings a week, and martial arts classes four evenings a week. How was I ever able to do that??? Now, at age 45, I often plan a workout rotation that I soon realize is overly ambitious, and I have to take it down several notches. Nowadays, I work out with Cathe 4 or 5 mornings a week, and spend 1 or 2 evenings a week walking or doing yoga.

If I want to keep training intensely, I will try to cross train. So one day will be upper body, followed by lower body, followed by cardio, etc. If I try to do too many days in a row of a similar exercise, it no longer works for me; I become too exhausted!


What I find most frustrating is the inconsistency in how I am feeling. Sometimes, I can work out at high intensity two weeks in a row with no problem. Then, suddenly, it is as if I am a newbie exerciser with no strength and stamina at all. One step forward, three steps back. :confused: Anyway, glad to see I am not alone.
 
I have been a Cathlete for almost 20 years. Now that I am 47, I am finding that workouts seem to wear me down, get me really hungry, and I am sick of being sore and tired. I have decent strength and muscle and my body fat is about 15%. It’s tough for me to not go all out for every workout, whether it’s lifting, cardio, hiit, etc. Even steady state cardio leaves me drained. Do you (or anyone) have any recommendations about how to handle this situation? Kind of a weird question I know, but I am open to all thoughts and suggestions (or even a "me, too!"). Thanks - Jeanne

Gypsymom, Hi! For reference, how much exercise are you doing? And how much food are you eating? I think these two factors play a vital role.
 
I'm actually much better, lately. I started a lchf diet and that has helped a ton. I was pretty low calorie before, so being satiated helps. It really helps with my sleep, too. I think that was a huge factor. I was even just able to do the drop set push-ups in a Gym Style chest/tris. That really surprised me.

I really appreciate everyone's input. Thank you!!!
 
I am 48 and have noticed this too, but my picture is complicated by an injury and some ongoing pain that has been slow, very slow to heal (read: 3 years! but now healing finally). I had to slow down during that time. I have noticed that building up my stamina and strength and overall level of fitness is much slower. Soreness can be more extreme than I remember when younger and takes longer to get over.

I have noticed that I am doing the Whole30, my second round (no inflammatory foods like sugar, alcohol, dairy and even no grains and legumes) and I must say that I am much less sore, able to do more and my energy is much improved, so a bit of reversal of this aging effect. That said, I have learned through my injury that not every day has to be a heavy intensity workout day. I am more likely to break from and intense rotation and take a day to do some fun, dancey cardio here and there as my body needs it and I am more likely to do yoga than I was before and more likely to take 2 days rest/active rest per week than 1, which is what used to do.
 
Gypsymom just by your age I would guess that your might be dealing with pre-menopause. I had a lot of problems around your age with my hormones going crazy along with some other symptoms. Talk with your doctor. And good job changing your diet, if you're not eating right for your body and activity level, you will feel it.
 
I am 56 and workout hard to Cathe. Is it allergy season where you live? I have been quite wore out "on and off" for about 6 weeks. This is on top of my normal physical issues. I have added to my daily diet: 1 scoop of Protein Isolate , a good Multi Vitamin , Electrolytes and Magnesium Citrate and Potassium Gluconate. I also added some Sea Salt to my diet. It has helped! I play with carbs too, so to speak. Like Sea Salt Soy Crisps or hot air popcorn with spray butter and sea salt with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. These give me energy the next day. I eat them in bed at night.

I would love to sleep through the night, but my Mini Doxie gets me up to go potty. Its 2 flights of indoor stairs every night for me. Sometimes, I also have seizures on top of that, so for me, that doesn't play a role in my on and off physical fatigue.

That's why I wondered if it was outside allergies. Its all I could come up with for myself. I don't take allergy medicine because I take enough meds. Cathe cardio keeps my nose a dripping away which keeps it from backing up in my head and lungs. A box of Kleenex and waste basket is standard equipment for me right now when working out.
 
I am 56 and workout hard to Cathe. Is it allergy season where you live? I have been quite wore out "on and off" for about 6 weeks. This is on top of my normal physical issues. I have added to my daily diet: 1 scoop of Protein Isolate , a good Multi Vitamin , Electrolytes and Magnesium Citrate and Potassium Gluconate. I also added some Sea Salt to my diet. It has helped! I play with carbs too, so to speak. Like Sea Salt Soy Crisps or hot air popcorn with spray butter and sea salt with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. These give me energy the next day. I eat them in bed at night.


I know each person is different. I do not have the exact similar condition as yours but I can relate with allergy season.
Basically, I have to take medecines, otherwise my HR jump too high than usual:eek::(:(:(. I have not been adjusting my nutrition
according to my allergy condition. Basically I have to cut out completely nuts. peanut, cashew and almond. Even brasil nuts:mad:. My latest
blood test has shown 10-11 times more allergenes per liter blood a normal person should carry. Asthma attack threat is just around the corner! Although I love almond it is just a no no no. My breathing is crap and my energy is low Grrrr:mad::(. Now what am I going to replace it by?

That is my 2 cents for anyone with same type of allergy.:)
 
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I know each person is different. I do not have the exact similar condition as yours but I can relate with allergy season.
Basically, I have to take medecines, otherwise my HR jump too high than usual:eek::(:(:(. I have not been adjusting my nutrition
according to my allergy condition. Basically I have to cut out completely nuts. peanut, cashew and almond. Even brasil nuts:mad:. My latest
blood test has shown 10-11 times more allergenes per liter blood a normal person should carry. Asthma attack threat is just around the corner! Although I love almond it is just a no no no. My breathing is crap and my energy is low Grrrr:mad::(. Now what am I going to replace it by?

That is my 2 cents for anyone with same type of allergy.:)
Can you have seeds? That might be a replacement.
 
You all are really nice sharing all this. I appreciate it and feel like things are falling into place a bit.
I've just started slowing down a little on higher impact and going more controlled, working on my form. I'm still doing it, and it still works, but not going ask fast on power moves on the days I'm tired. I have felt sooo much better since I've been taking a day or two off hear and there. My strength has gone up because I've had time to rest.
 
I'm Turning 60 in 2 months,

And I take it easy on the squats and lunges because of my knee less reps, and less weight.

Otherwise I Realize I'm not working out as hard as I used to.

I find the more I work out the more I am "able" to work out!

If I Work out less then I don't want to work out .
 
I find That "inactivity" is my biggest enemy!

Doing something is better than nothing.

Funniest of all, Is that I have to compete with my 91 year old mother for the treadmill.
If I am on it. she asks me continually when are you finishing?

She has to walk her 30 minutes a day every day in the morning at 2.2mph! And No one better get between her and it!!!!
 
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I'm Turning 60 in 2 months,

And I take it easy on the squats and lunges because of my knee less reps, and less weight.

Otherwise I Realize I'm not working out as hard as I used to.

I find the more I work out the more I am "able" to work out!

If I Work out less then I don't want to work out .
That is exactly what happens to me! Well said!!
 
That is exactly what happens to me! Well said!!

Lately I emphasize weights more and when it's time for cardio I do 30 min of step and then do the treadmill which is easier on my knees.
Firm workouts taught me variety cause They do step then Hi-Lo then 4-limbed then back to step then back to Hi-Lo etc that is when they changed song they changed what they were doing.
Cathe's cardios are great that way too!!! I love her variety.
 

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