Cathe, older women and weightlifting ?

J

jackier

Cathlete
I have been working out for almost 20 years now. I'm close to 46 years old. When doing flies 2 weeks ago, I upped my dumbbell weights to 20lbs each. (Not the first time, but the first time in a couple of months.) I'm very careful about a good sore and a bad sore feeling when I lift and I felt something in between. Next day my left shoulder was uncomfortable, but not "painful". I stopped exercising and decided I would let my shoulder rest, and start back up when the discomfort eased up. This was on Mon. By Sat night I was in the emergency room with EXTEME pain in my shoulder. They gave me painkillers and said see my pcp. Went to see him and he referred me to an orthopedic surgeon. Went to see him and he scolded me for using such a heavy weight. He said women my age should be working more on flexibility and endurance. I agree those 2 things are important but what I don't understand is since I've been lifting for a long time, why shouldn't I continue? (This is of course when this dang shoulder heals. I don't have a problem easing up on the lbs for lifting either.) I never want to experience this experience again, so you better believe I'll be very careful in how heavy I go in the future. It's funny because with all the running and step I do, you'd think I'd have knee problems first. But now I'm thinking that may be right around the corner. I'm not being paranoid, really. I'm just very discouraged with what happened and what the doctor has said to me. Any advice? As women age do we need to be more careful about the stress we put on our bodies? (BTW, even though I "feel" like an older woman today, doesn't mean I think of myself older at age 46;) I'm just repeating what the doctor said.) Thanks for any help!
 
Of course I'm not Cathe, but after reading your post I immediately felt the need to respond.

I'm also not a doctor. But I'd say I'm pretty informed when it comes to health-related issues. I've been working out for years (with weights and cardio) and have been a certified instructor for years and will be a certified personal trainer in the next few months. I read almost everything I can get my hands on when it comes to exercise and women's health because I feel that it is so important for us, as women, to take our health care into our own hands. I think it is completely irresponsible of your PCP to say that "women your age" should be doing ... whatever. It also doesn't surprise me in the least that a male PCP would give you this advice. Please, before taking his word for what "a woman your age" should be doing -- get a second opinion from a doctor that specializes in sports medicine. Lifting heavy weights is a very good thing as long as it is done with good form. I know that for sure. Lifting heavy weights builds muscle which keeps our metabolism up -- something very important for us women as we age. It also helps combat osteoporosis by increasing bone density.

The truth is that any person (male or female) at any age can get injured when participating in activities (sports, weights, aerobics, walking, just getting out of bed in the morning). However, that does not mean we should stop performing all activities.

Please do not give up on weights. This is a minor setback and could just as easily have happened to a 20-year old. Please speak with a doctor that specializes in treating active people.

BTW -- I'm impressed with the 20lb flies! You go! And please keep going!

Shonie
 
Thanks so much for your response Shonie. It was an orthopedic surgeon that gave me that advice, however he was not a sports-related orthopedic. I totally agree with you on all points, but thought maybe he was giving me updated advice. It didn't make sense to me, though, and was hoping he was erring on the side of being overly cautious. I do understand that you need to be careful and listen to your body. But I sure was hoping that I didn't have to start rethinking what my expectations should be "for a woman my age".
 
I agree - find an ortho who is a sports medicine specialist. This doctor may even be in the same practice as the one you just saw. They look at things a bit differently and certainly a second opinion is needed - regardless.

I would exercise care and heal yourself, but if I find myself completely questioning a doctor and want a second or third opinion, I certainly go see what someone else thinks. Of course you'll eventually find someone who will tell you what you want to hear, too, but perhaps a second opinion and a visit (or several) to a physical therapist who is sports-minded would do you good.
 
Not Cathe or a doctor either:

I'm 45 and use 20# for flies with no problems. I agree with the above poster that said anything can happen to anyone at any time. It's not because you're of a certain age. I also agree that we have to take medical care into our own hands. I had a supposed "medical expert" tell me the reason I was having pain in my leg (20 years ago, mind you) after falling off my chair at work was because I didn't have a boyfriend! I've had many male doctors make sexist remarks to me over the years, and I always get a second opinion. The second doctor may give the same underlying advice, but without the sexism or ageism (is that a word?!) I hope to be lifting weights (and hopefully, a woman of "my age" will be able to do flies with 25# soon!) well on into my later years.

Take care and heal soon. And PLEASE don't stop lifting! Sorry for the rant, but things like this just make my blood BOIL! Argh! x(

Oh, and someone forgot to tell Joyce Vedral that a woman of her age shouldn't lift!
:7
 
My grandma is 78 years old and lifts weights!! She works out to the Firm mostly. I just talked to her today and she was all ready to do another workout and was telling me how solid she's been getting. :)

Her picture is in my link below. :)
 
Also not a doctor, but I agree with everyone else who has responded that your PCP is profoundly misinformed, and quite probably extremely sexist, in his advice.

I'm 42, and I do chest flies, all long-arm back work, all long-arm posterior, middle and anterior delt work, and all triceps work with a MINIMUM weight load of 21.25 lbs per dumbbell. With barbell triceps skullcrushers I use a 45-lb weight load and barbell back work I use a 52-lb weight load; for one-arm back row work I use 31- and 36-lb dumbbell weight loads. And I know my strongest days are still ahead of me.

Beyond that, is your PCP aware that there are powerlifting competitions for women in their 50's, 60's, 70's and beyond? I'm aware of a powerlifter in my geographical area (Twin Cities Minnesota) who is a powerlifter at the tender age of 68 and began lifting in her '40's.

Regarding your own situation, I'd be curious as to what your weight load was before you upped it. Sometimes the strain comes in when you up it beyond a certain percentage of your current weight load.

Anyway, I also agree that a consult with a sports-medicine specialist is indicated for an informed and enlightened second opinion.

And Dani - your grandmother ROCKS! GREAT picture!

A-Jock
 
Not Cathe and not a doctor, but I had to chime in. I've been lifting for about two years, I'm 52 and can do flies with 20#ers. The advice you were given by your PCP seems to be out of date. I agree with everyone here in that a second opinion is definately warranted. Of course listen to your body, have physcial therapy, anti inflammatories help a lot and I'm confident you will be lifting again. I also have those "I feel like 90 days" but continue on. The past year alone has proven to be the most challenging with back injuries and a fouled up knee operation, but I'm on the mend and have begun to do more and more every day. I miss stepping (for now), etc. but my metabolisim is very high with lifting, pilates and yoga. And please don't think that injuries occur just from exercise - it can happen just by sleeping wrong or something like that. All I'm saying is that women our age today are stronger, healthier and obviously more informed and in tune with their bodies and how they work. I hope some of this advice will enlighten you and encourage to seek another opinion. Above all, listen to your body!

Janice, you are so right - someone should warn Joyce Vedral! (See you on the 1st)

Danielle - your grandmother looks awesome!!! Tell her for me - right on sister!!

Take care,

Iris
 
Oh wow! Thanks for all the nice compliments about my grandma everyone! I'm going to tell her what you all said. She'll be so tickled. :)
 
Jackier, two years ago I was in physical therapy for scoliosis. The PT (who was a small, lanky dude who clearly didn't do any weight lifting) ASSURED me that I DIDN'T need heavy weights to strengthen my back. Anything beyond 5 lbs. was "heavy". I don't know if it was because he thought I was too tiny to handle anything heavier than that. I'm 5'1" and at the time was 98 lbs. I looked like a prepubescent than a new mom. Anyway, my doctor encouraged me to consider weight lifting. She -- and take note of the gender here because I think it's important -- reasoned that because my bones are genetically weak, the surrounding muscles have to be strong. I started with two 10-lb. DB's and Cathe's PS series. That was last May. Today I use a 55-lb. BB for back work. It turns out my back is the strongest muscle group in my body. I am 34, btw. By July last year, I was off Celebrex, Zanaflex (a prescription-strength muscle relaxant) and another prescription painkiller. I could say this has been a miracle, but without my doctor's gentle prodding and confidence that heavier weights can help me, I wouldn't be here.

Also, everyone is right about your needing a second opinion. Seems like there is always some gung-ho know-it-all in the medical field who, in reality, has no right being in medicine. A nurse practitioner once did my annual pelvic exam because my ob-gyn was off to an emergency C-section. This woman took one look at my chart, saw that I had had a miscarriage and have scoliosis, and told me that I had a connective tissue disorder. She concluded that much from these two things in my records. She even recommended that I saw some doctors in some big hospital in Dallas. Imagine that, I went in for a routine annual, and I am thrown this crap. So I went to my doctor (same doctor as above) for her opinion. She said that there are about 13 symptoms of a CT disorder and I have to meet 7-8 of them to be diagnosed with it. So far I've met only two, and they were totally unrelated things. I went through some thorough blood work just to be sure. You know what I discovered? I am perfectly healthy. Normal. What I learned from this experience? Just because someone is a medical professional doesn't mean he or she can be trusted. There is a lot of prestige in the medical field, but that goes down the drain if the medical "professional" puts her "knowledge" and "authority" over the patient's needs, concerns, beliefs and personal knowledge over his or her body. Apparently this nurse practitioner was so incompetent, I had to go back to the clinic for a repeat pap smear. She didn't collect enough cells for the technicians to make a reading. I don't know how much her advanced degree cost her, but I sure know exactly how many dollars and how much grief her "diagnosis" cost ME.

I believe you'll be just fine. Hang in there.

Pinky
 
Dani:

yup, your grandmother looks so great! Please tell her from us all! But also, may I say how I enjoyed looking at your anorexic days photo compared with your "me now" photo. Today, you look lovely, a picture of health and beautiful. I am dead jealous of your hair. I love it, gorgeous, dark and glossy. Girl, what were you doing back then?!?!? You look so much better now!

Stay healthy!

Clare
 
WOW!!!

Your grandma looks FABULOUS!!! (And I agree with another poster about how great you look too!) Thanks to everyone who's responded to this thread. I also have had other people tell me to keep on lifting once my shoulder heals. I usually err on the side of being very careful so this has really taken me by surprise. I think that's why it had me questioning my expectations. I think flexibility will play a greater role in my workouts, though. I'll probably add some stretching and/or pilates a few times a week. Thanks again for all your responses!

Jackie
 
Hi Clare,

Thank you so much!! I had some crazy self esteem issues back then. It helps me a lot to look back at that picture.

Thanks again!!

:)
 
Strong women

This is why I love this FORUM. Strong women who prove that you can be fit and look great as long as you take care of yourself and believe in lifting weights. My poundages are no where near as heavy as the weights you lift but it just proves there's so much room for me to grow. 20 lb. flyes!!! I use 5 lbs. and feel strong when I can lift 8. You are all a constant inspiration.
 
Hi Jackie,

You've received a lot of really good advice here. Regarding your doctor, I have to ponder the question:

What advice would he have given a 46 year old MAN who came in with your problem? My speculation is that he wouldn't have been scolded for using "such a heavy weight". x( x( x( x(

I hope your shoulder recovers quickly and your back into those 20lb flies - I'm impressed as hell by that weight!

Dani - Your grandmother looks incredible! What an inspiration!
 
Gayle, I totally agree with your comments. A family member of mine is always making comments as to why I have a need to lift weights. And most recently when he was at my apartment visting with his family noticed my stability ball, among my other equipment. Of course his comments were dumb and I shouldn't have let them bother me but they did so I had to show him what I exactly do with the stabiilty ball. Suffice it to say that he was left speechless. Mind you, I'm not perfect when it comes to the pkes on the stability ball, but boy o boy did it feel great that I was able to hold my form and do planks and chest flies with 15 pound dumbells! HA!! So you see, men - what do they know - doctors or otherwise!!!

Take care,

Iris
 
>Of course his comments were dumb and I
>shouldn't have let them bother me but they did so I had to
>show him what I exactly do with the stabiilty ball. Suffice
>it to say that he was left speechless.

Way to show him, Iris! :D :D

I think it takes an enlightened and assured man to appreciate a strong woman. Trevor and Wayne, if you happen to be catching this thread, you set a fine example.
 
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