Msnerd55

Still here. In fact, trying to figure out why my hip and shoulder joints are so darn sore regardless of all the self-care I do. Just old age I guess.

Elastigirl, this is Joni. Msnerd55. I'm mostly a lurker on the forums but I'm here!

Grats! There is nothing harder than quitting smoking.

By the way. May I use the phrase "the big give up" in my blog? I've been trying to find a way to say becoming frail is a choice and I love that phrase.

Same here. I'm 60 and at 50 my mom had her first (of 5) heart attacks. She just sat down and waited to die. She was 73 when she passed. I want to live every moment I can. I just started lifting last Feb and the difference it's made is amazing. I don't understand why every person my age out there isn't in a gym.

On Deload, I know that now but was told by younger lifters and my Chiro that I "had" to take multiple days in a row with nothing more than walking and I got as stiff as a log. I've only been at this for a year (in Feb) so I took them literally. I will take a much different approach next time. I think that's why I'm grateful for this group as maybe I won't have to fall into as many holes due to age.

First, I am lost on the forums so I hope I'm posting in the correct place. Jim, that's amazing! I started lifting about a year ago and fell in love with it. I just turned 60 and for the first time in my life feel strong. I got to a 230# deadlift and deadlifting is what I really like. My squat 125# and bench 100# are still under construction. I would like to compete also. I think it's the UPA my trainer is looking at and there are literally no records in the Masters 60-64 group and there should be. I really, really want folks my age to know that you don't have to give up strength just because you are over 50. So I may never Deadlift 400#'s but I've certainly drank the Powerlifting Koolaid. That said for me it seems that Deload is not a good word as I literally freeze up with too many days off and recovery time is becoming very important. I'd love to talk to some of you my age just to compare notes as at my gym I am decades older than anyone else there. So glad to have found NF and this group!

I have a question. I am 60 and took my first Deload week (5 days). I won't be doing that again. I am so stiff that everything is hard. Leg press. Can't get deep enough on my squat, etc. I can really feel how much I've stiffened up. Is it just me? I did stretch and walk those days. I can't imagine I'll be doing that again if that's the price. I've been lifting about a year so I'd appreciate any thoughts from you more experienced folks. Thanks!

Oh yeah. I'm trying to learn SCA fighting (just started) and my old self says "really?" And how long do you think you'll keep this up? But learning gives me joy and makes me smile so I just keep doing it. Really, what's the option? I'm not quitting until they carry me out of this life.

Ok, first time on the forums so if I step in anything please tell me. I lifted 435# at camp. I'd like to be at 550# or so by the next camp so goals by the end of the 6 week challenge are: 235# deadlift (230 is 1RM) 135# Squat 115# Bench 480# All very doable Also, I'd like to get the weight loss going so I don't slip up during the holidays so I'm at 174 and want to be at 170 by the end of the challenge. I lift 5 days a week and am going to add a minimum of 20 minutes cardio to each session. I'm also going to go back to measuring portions. Staying Paleo or at least healthy (I do have protein shakes) isn't a problem but portion control is so I'm going to get back under control. I'll post my weight once a week. Mid period I'll do all 3 lifts and post where I'm at. I know this is a little light on information but it's a start. Thanks!