Our rec center is sponsoring a 12 week course emphasizing the "Body for Life Challenge" and the use of a personal trainer (no more than two persons per trainer) for a minimum of a 4 week period along with various group meetings, measurement of the body fat and size. You must meet with your trainer 3 times per week first 4 weeks, then optionally throughout the rest of the 12 weeks, with a group meeting at the end.

Our situation:

My wife (65 yo) and I (63 yo) both walk at least 2 miles per day winter and summer, no matter what the weather, excpet on those days when we can get a significant (10+ miles or more) bike ride in.

Generally, I bike more than she does, and I can do 30 mile rides. She can also, but we just don't have the time nor opportunity, especially considering our work sechdules and winter weateher. In the past, I have done centuries and Ride the Rickies kinds of things.

However, I have been chagrined this last winter because of a sharp drop in aerobic fitness this spring. A major contributor has been the lousy weather, and I havbe managed to gain some weight. My commute and intense work load have contributed to all of this, also.

My wife also needs to lose some weight. Probably she need to lose 20 pounds, and I need to lose 30.

I also consistently weight lift, doing so approximately 2 times per week, and lift in the neighborhood of 205-225 pounds in the bench press, squats of 225 pounds, 8 full body weight dips, etc.

I have tried a trainer in the winter, and the only thing I can say is "yuk," even using the spinergy tapes.

The brochure for the course states:

"20 minutes of aerobic activity 3 times per week" - we are already far beyond that in our aerobic activity.

"Weight training 3 times per week with a trainer." I suspect that I am far ahead in weight training of their "average" customer.

My wife has tried weight training bu feels lost. We have a complete gym in the basement with free weights, etc.

So, my goals (and her goals) are:

1. Weight loss, including a change in eating habits.

2. I would like more suppleness, stretching, about which I am clueless. I ffel my body tightening up as I grow older, have tried stretching, and just don't seem to get the message about how to do it.

3. My wife wants to do weight lifting, but feels the need for a more competent instructor for her than I am (and also not to take lessons from her husband).


So, my concerns:

1. I don't want some BIMBO instructor (trainer) who hasn't a clue about life or the stresses that we (as parents of two children who are profoundly handicapped) have been through and how those stresses have affected our lives and attitudes.

2. I feel that I am already in pretty good shape regarding musculature and in fair shape regarding aerobic activities. I feel that I am beyond a "beginner's" course.

3. I do know we both need to have a change in eating habits - something that neither of us has been able to pull off permanently, despite our best efforts.

The cost of the course is $199 each with a partner and $299 without a partner. The money (fortunately) is of no concern. We can walk or bike to the rec center - just 1.5 miles away.

So, I would like the thoughts of folks out there who might have experienced or know about "Body for Life".

Thanks.

DnvrFox: I have not tried the Body for Live program but worked with a guy who tried it and he was quite pleased with the results. The thing I liked about the program was he seemed to be eating all of the time and lost a good amount of weight. He lost about 30 pounds over 3 months if I recall correctly.

The program seems to be centered around what you eat, lifting weights and aeorbic activities. Given your amount of exercise you and your wife are currently doing I'd skip the trainer, buy the book and do it yourself.

Also have you ever considered yoga for stretching? I bought the "Yoga for Dummies" DVD and love it. The instructor takes you through 12 different poses and I have noticed quite a bit of extra flexibility since I started doing it.

Good Luck!

Zack

hi. my pt used to be in the program.. he is now head trainer at another gym that is why he moved :) he said in the program that he trained.. his percentile of ppl reaching or getting very close to their goals in 12 weeks was 82%, that means there was enough motivation in the participants and the trainer knew ways to keep them going through the motions.
hopefully you can express your concerns and the trainer is not a BIMBO(sorry this is a term i find really derogatory) and knows to listen and adjust the training for individuals
having a pt for 12 weeks and sharing with one person for $199 each is wonderful.
i would do it.. and if you have any concerns beforehand, perhaps you can talk to the co-ordinator of the program and they will quell them.
good luck.
everyone i know who has done the program has kept on getting healthy.. tho most of them don't ride :(

Thanks for the responses.

I think we are going to try it. I posted on several boards, and got a mixture of fairly favorable responses - with some folks urging me to do it on my own.

But, I think we are both convinced that the one thing we need help with is the weight loss thing, and that my wife needs help with the weight lifting aspect. Also, I am sure that I will learn new things also.

It seems like Body for Life has mixed results- it works extremely well for some people, somewhat well for others, and not at all for others.

In other words, it's just another diet.

What I do like is that it emphasizes healthier eating, plus throwing in the cardio and weights. I think if you already do the cardio and weights, you'll have limited results. What can a program tell you to do more of when you're already doing it? It wouldn't work well for those folks.

If you don't do a lot of weights, and your eating is off, I think you could have somewhat moderate to extremely good success, depending on how your body adapts to the weightlifting routine and provided that you are doing the eating exactly as they tell you to.

As far as the personal trainer- 3 times a week for 12 weeks for $199? That's pretty good. You see the trainer 12 times, and you end up paying roughly $15 per session. In these parts, you'd be paying at least twice that. That is a REALLY good deal, provided that you end up getting a good personal trainer.

As far as personal trainers, I'd ask each trainer beforehand what qualifications they have. Good personal trainers will have an AFAA, ACSM, NASM, NSCA or ACE certifications. By far, the best certifications of the bunch is NASM, NSCA and ACSM. AFAA is pretty ok- on a scale of 1- 10, it's about a 6.5. ACE is an ok certification- it's a basic, multiple choice test, so it's more looked down on than the other certifications, but still pretty decent. Also, ask them which conventions they attended and when. Hopefully, they'll be able to spout off at least one. They should be going to at least one per year.

Good luck with that, and if you do end up doing the Body for Life, let me know. I'd be interested in seeing how it works for you.

Koffee

Since you're worried about flexibility and suppleness, I would recommend a yoga class. A class with a good instructor is the best way to get started (imo) -- books and videos can't really teach you the breathing techniques and proper postures that add a lot to your practice. Also, for me, having an instructor was a really good motivator. The class I've taken before is power yoga (or Ashtanga, I think), and it's an amazing workout. It's a lot more than gentle stretching. Your wife would probably like it too!

If the money isn't a problem what do you have to lose? 12 weeks of your life doesn't seem to be to much to invest in something that may be beneficial in helping you and the wife reach your goals.

I'm not familair with the program, I do know a couple, that have been fanatical about it for years and I have to admit they look great and they profess that to feel great!

I'd say try it, maybe you won't get much from it but your wife will (or vice versa), maybe both of you will, maybe neither of you will, but you won't be out much time or money and you'll have learned something about the program.

Originally posted by threadend
I'd say try it, maybe you won't get much from it but your wife will (or vice versa), maybe both of you will, maybe neither of you will, but you won't be out much time or money and you'll have learned something about the program.

EXACTLY!!:)

Good luck, Dnvr & Mrs. Dnvr!:D

Go for it!

Okay, we rode to the rec center, filled out the paper work for Body for Life, paid the $$ and then took a nice bike ride down the path a ways.

Nothing to lose but time and money!!

Lots to gain. So it is a pretty good equation.

Thanks.

(Gee I hate those questions that require a physical or whatever if you are over 65. Blatant age discrimination, IMHO.) As I am not yet over 65, I don't have to do it, but WHY?

Does something terrible happen between 65 and 66?

Nah. They require EVERYONE to complete those questions. It's a liability issue, and it also helps us determine exactly what your fitness level is. Trust me. Everyone fills out the forms regardless of age.

Don't forget to ask those questions about their education. That's important in determining how well they'll be able to help you.

Koffee

Originally posted by Koffee Brown
Nah. They require EVERYONE to complete those questions. It's a liability issue, and it also helps us determine exactly what your fitness level is. Trust me. Everyone fills out the forms regardless of age.

Don't forget to ask those questions about their education. That's important in determining how well they'll be able to help you.

Koffee

You missed the point. Yes, everyone has to fill out the forms. Those over 65 also have to have their MD's clearance and/or a physical or whatever.

Again, what terrible thing happens between 65 and 66?

Though I'm not a big fan of Bill Phillips (more due to his pre BFL days as well as the marketing hype of BFL)I do think the BFL plan is sound introduction to bodybuilding (gain muscle/cut fat ) diet and exercise plan particularly for those looking to cut fat.I have not read the book but have read summaries of the plan and heard alot of feedback.By introduction I do not mean anything negative but rather it gets you on a consistant exercize plan and sound healthy diet the basics of which you can follow long term .While it is more of a cutting(bodyfat)routine and diet keep in mind you will always want to alter your diet as well as exercise somewhat depending on whether you are trying to cut fat or gain muscle or other objectives.Think of it as periodizing your diet as well as exercise routine for a cutting phase keeping in mind after the initial program you may want to alter your routine(and diet somewhat)to add more size or other objectives or just vary the routine somewhat to shake things up(I'm sure you know what I mean here).

Whoops, I sure did miss the point, and re-read it correctly.

I guess at some point, they just have to consider that older people may have physical problems. They probably pick 65 because the rest of America considers 65 as the age of retirement.

I don't think most people your age are as physically active as you are. They may just need that physical...

Originally posted by Koffee Brown
Whoops, I sure did miss the point, and re-read it correctly.

I guess at some point, they just have to consider that older people may have physical problems. They probably pick 65 because the rest of America considers 65 as the age of retirement.

I don't think most people your age are as physically active as you are. They may just need that physical...

Or, they could just be wrong. Why do folks always defend silly bureaucrats, anyway?

Why do we defend them, when it is obvious that the basis for the requirement for a physical should be based upon certain warnings and indications on a screening form rather than age.

If my birthday is November 7th, it is pretty much impossible to be okay on the 6th and for some bureaucrat's reason to need a physical on the 8th. Makes no sense to me.

This is the same reasoning that used to be used to make folks retire at age 65. You know, someone decided that age 65 was a good time to retire, so they made everyone do it with no sensible reasoning involved. For the same reason that retirement is no longer required at a certain age, a physical should (actually CAN'T) be required because you reach a certain age.

Here is a little info about "retirement" from the National Council on Aging:

“We will see more and more people who describe themselves as retired but continue to work. Many of these people are working by choice, not because they have to,” said Neal Cutler, Ph.D., Director of Survey Research at NCOA. “In the 21st century, retirement will encompass a wide range of options. We will see some 75-year-olds working two jobs and some 40-year-olds lounging poolside. Retirement used to be defined by what one was no longer doing – not parenting, not working, not actively involved. Increasingly, it will be defined by what one does do – second career, volunteer work, travel, sport activities.”

“The stereotypical notion of working until age 65, moving to a warm and sunny climate and rocking on the porch has gone the way of the gold retirement watch,” Dr. Firman said. “We are in the midst of a fundamental reformulation of retirement.”

Older Workers A recent study by NCOA showed that 65% of Americans over age 65 believe that there are not enough job opportunities.With the economy in a downturn after a decade of relative prosperity and plentiful jobs, NCOA expects increased use of "downsizing" and policies that induce early retirement or outright layoffs by employers. Also, it is likely that there will be more limited opportunities for training to develop new skills, and hidden, but ingrained, age discrimination will continue. Our nation's minority population, who historically has not had equal access to employment or training programs, is projected to increase at tremendous rates over the next decade and for the next quarter century.Women in the workforce are still limited in terms of job options, with two thirds in nonprofessional and often low-paying jobs such as clerical, retail or food services.NCOA has long believed that all Americans have the right to economic security and self-sufficiency. All older individuals, including non-citizen legal immigrants, should have equal access to all public and private services that lead to challenging and rewarding employment opportunities.

Koffee, I don't know your age, but just suppose you are 30, and you read on a form that at age 31 you needed a physical for some activity. I bet you would not be so calm about it, right?

I will be bringing this up officially with this organization. They are in direct violation of a number of federal and state age discrimination laws.

My wife and I went to the first Body For Life meeting and orientation at our rec center. It is only 1 mile, so we can easily walk, and did.

About 30 folks there.

Good orientation. Had my body fat, weight and body measurements taken.

I have put on weight - at 242.5 lbs. My body fat was 21%, which was less than I expected.

They had a difficult time getting the measurement on my upper thigh because it is quite muscular and there is absolutely no fat there. The trainer remarked that I must work out a lot, which I do.

Our own personal trainer is also a certified physical therapist. Seems very nice and good, and is also more our age.

It seems as if we are already on the right track, and that I will need to make just 2 adjustments:

1. Eat as the program prescribes. Not too hard. We already eat, and have for years, only whole grains and use no or little sugar - except for - my problem has always been snacking and ice cream. I think with the 6 meals per day I can handle this ok.

2. Increase the vigor of my cardio - not too hard - just use my HRM more and make sure I am in the 60-80% zone for 40 minutes. That part should be like falling off a log. This is an alternative to the 20 minutes of intense 80-90% cardio of the original B4L program. Probably much better for my wife.

I already weight lift a lot, and I figure that if I drop about 40 pounds to 200 or so, my body fat will be at something like 17% or thereabouts.

Anyway, we are off and running into this program!!

The very best of luck Mr & Mrs DenverFox!

Today I'm starting a new program too: Hypertrophy Specific Training.. similar to the Powerlifting approach, but now with more muscle groups. Starts with sets of 15 reps and ends with 5rep sets.

Fietser Ivana

Thanks. I will keep the Forum informed of my progress (to keep me honest).

As I think about the weight of 242.5 lbs and 21% body fat, I guess it occurs to me that theoretically, 21 percent of 242.5 = 50 pounds, and if I drop 40 pounds (of mostly FAT), my body fat percentage will be about 5% (LOL and a great big giggle). I know I may lose some muscle, so that is not totally predictive, but it is a nice thought to get the BF way down there.

Fox,
How tall are you? I am 5-6, 220 and the BMI chart says that I am at the 36% fat level, but I honestly think that the number is ridiculous. One would just about have to be emaciated in order to meet the BMI fat chart listings.

I am about 5'11 1/2".

I do have a large amouint of muscle.

They used some sort of electronic device to measure body fat at 3 different places - back of arm, tummy and thigh.

I have NO DOUBT that I have too much fat. My belt reminds me daily.

My ideal weight would be about 195 lbs. I would have a 33-34 inch waist, which would be great.

When I was in my late 20's, at one time, after a summer of very hard work in the forest servie, I weighed 155. At that time my wais was about 30"!! But I dod not have a lot of muscle.

Met with trainer 1st time tonight. He spent over 1.5 hours with us.

Great instruction, learned some new things as I have never had formal weight lifting training before. Did everything on my own, and have missed some techniques.

Also, wife felt comfortable with weight lifting for the 1st time.

Doing well on cardio - just a little step above what I have always done.

Doing well on diet. Don't seem to be hungry on 6 small meals/day.

Report more later.

Originally posted by DnvrFox
I don't want some BIMBO instructor (trainer) who hasn't a clue about life or the stresses that we (as parents of two children who are profoundly handicapped) have been through and how those stresses have affected our lives and attitudes.

I would of thought that, as parents of handicapped children, your attitudes would be more tolerant and less judgemental of stereotypes.

From reading this thread I see you are happy with your personal trainer, so maybe you will be prepared to publicly rescind your stereotypical views of personal trainers.

stereotypical views

I also don't want a Bimbo as the president of the United States, nor as my medical doctor nor as my auto mechanic. I want no Bimbos in any part of my life.

Does that make it a "stereotypical view" if I want no Bimbos?

Nope.

You are way off base IMHO. I have known of great trainers, and I have known of Bimbos. Same with auto mechanics, presidents and MD's.

What about you. Everybody perfect in your life?

As the parent of profoundly handicapped I am no more nor any less tolerant or sensitive nor aware than anyone else, and it is unfair of YOU to make that demand of me. To do so is judgmental and stereotypical on your part, not mine.