Cathe, older women and weightlifting ?

[Jane P]

I'm 52 and lift weights, but I too have a delicate shoulder structure and I have to be careful. I can't go as heavy as Cathe and I have to increase my shoulder weights very gradually.

The shoulder is such a complex joint and it's very easy to injure it. If you get into really heavy weights, you should have a spotter.

I think you should consult with a physical therapist who can assess how far you should go with that shoulder.

There's no reason to quit lifting weights, but you need to exercise caution after an experience like that.

 

[mogambo]

I never read this thread because I am not that personally interested in what older women weightlift. Then, this morning out of just killing time on the web, I read it. You are younger than I am! I've been using 20 lbs for flies, and higher, for years! Hahahahaha!

Your doctor was uninformed. Pay no attention. Train smart, find some good medical people for those rare times when you will need them.

Just reiterating what others have already said.

 

[jackier]

Just wanted to be clear...

*I* don't think of myself as an *older* woman. (I know now I should have phrased the subject matter differently) In fact, until I hurt my shoulder, I felt that I was the healthiest and strongest I have ever been. It was the attitude of this doctor that I was expressing. What's funny is a family friend who is closer to 50 also just hurt her shoulder, went to a sports specific orthopedic doctor, and was told that women *her* age routinely hurt their shoulders by trying to lift weights heavier than they should or by intense physical activity. She was lifting less than I was AND she has been exercising for years. She's very fit as well. Now she's scheduled for an operation to repair a torn rotator cuff.

Regardless of age, you can hurt yourself lifting weights if you don't pay attention to form and the difference between a good sore and a bad sore. Even though both doctors seem to be against lifting heavy, I will still train as heavy as I can. (Except shoulder work, at least for now.) I guess everyone, eventually, will have a part of their body (knees, back, wrists) that no matter how fit you are, will need extra care(?). The doctor I saw mentioned knees and achilles tendons tend to blow out on older athletes as well. (Well I hurt my achilles tendon in my early 20's when I was running 8-10 miles a day.) Maybe these doctors are just erring on the side of caution, or maybe they see alot of people who are older that jump on the fitness wagon doing way more than they should. (But I *look* very muscular and I did express that I've doing this for years..)

My shoulder has regained it's range of motion, but it's still painful from time to time. I haven't worked out going on 4 weeks and I'm really frustrated. I'm going to try walking and some floor workouts. I'm so nervous about aggravating it, and setting myself back. The doctor has given me exercises for my shoulder and I can do them, but still very nervous about hurting it again.

I am going to continue to try and find a orthopedic sports doctor for future reference, though. Thanks again to everyone who has responded to this thread. It has helped me to feel better about my training. (And this is an *educated* crowd )

Jackie

 

[Carol_is_fit]

Also feel the need to respond!! I'm 46 and I'm stronger now than I ever was, thanks to weights and Cathe!!! I don't "feel" older - just more tired on some days than on others, which is pretty normal at any age for someone who works 12 hour nights and raises a child, you know? Ignore that silly physician, get a second opinion, and listen to your body. Weight lifting as we age helps protect us against osteoporosis, and strengthens the surrounding tendons and ligaments, making us less prone to sports-related injuries. The physician who made those assinine comments to you is sexist and out of touch with reality. Unfortunately, as a nurse, I see way too many of those types of physicians out there. However, I also see plenty who actually speak to their patients as though they are intelligent human beings. You'll find one of those, I'm sure!

 

[yadiraj]

A little over 1.5 years ago I hurt my shoulder while carrying my then 3yrs old, 28lb daughter for about 4 hours (a long time, I know). Since then my shoulder hasn't being the same and I have to work with "light" weights (12lb and under). I'm trying to increase it very slowly just to make sure that I don't have any more problems.

The female Dr. that saw me that day never told me that I was too old to carry her - at 42. Why will someone say 20lb weights are too heavy? Does that mean you can't carry a child/grandchild, etc. because you are too old once you hit 40+? Everyone is correct by saying ignore that physician and get a second opinion.

Good luck!

Yadira