Help me pump my mom up!

December 2, 2006 11:51 AM

Question about weightlifting and osteoporosis . .

My mom has a fair amount of bone loss. She's following the advice of her doctors re supplements, diet, medication. Everything I I've read indicates that weight lifting can build bone. I'd like specific recommendations about a weight set that would be good for a 65 year old lady whose never done any exercise beyond walking. (For various reasons, she can't get to a gym). Bonus points if the weight set is $100 or less. Double bonus points if it can be bought on line and shipped. Also, ideas about get her over her initial reluctance about weightlifting would be welcome. I live far away, so I can't help her in person. Thanks in advance.

posted by bananafish to health & fitness (4 comments total)

She needs to be in a fitness club with modern equipment and a personal trainer to give her guidance and ensure her safety. It's money well spent.
posted by dropkick at 1:35 PM on December 2, 2006

Refer to Miriam Nelson's books Strong Women, Strong Bones and Strong Women Stay Young, the former for information on osteoporosis and some exercises and the latter for more detailed info on workouts. I know several women who are following the guidelines in these books (with their physicians' approval) and are very happy with them. I believe the workouts are without weights or using household items as weights.

At least glance at these or similar books before you buy weights. I suspect if you still want to buy some, all your mom will need to start is a basic set of hand weights similar to these, (which "real" weightlifters will scoff at--don't listen to them, your mom will appreciate the colors and the soft coating).

I'd also suggest she ask her physician for a referral to a physical therapist for a few sessions for lessons on how to lift the weights safely.
posted by redheadeb at 2:12 PM on December 2, 2006

You need some advice from her doctor on this. Traditional weight training is excellent for preventing bone loss, but it can be bad if she's had too much already. And really bad if she has any joint damage.

My Mom--in-law uses elastic bands for her weight training, as does her 90 yr old mom. Here's a DVD that uses them, and some info on Therabands website.
posted by saffry at 2:36 PM on December 2, 2006

Edit- Here's the DVD.
posted by saffry at 2:37 PM on December 2, 2006