Fifty Plus (50+) - 50+'rs - Do You Feel Like You Are "In Shape?"

It's been at least 5 minutes since I posted a poll, so here goes:

50+'rs - Do You Feel Like You Are "In Shape?"

Finally, after working hard at it, I feel like I am getting "In Shape?"

By "In Shape," I mean, subjectively, whatever that means to you.

To me, it means I can climb hills without huffing and puffing, go longer distances and times, and recover quickly.

I have been doing a lot of swimming, cycling, walking and weight lifting, and, somehow, it seems to have come together this week.

So, are you "In Shape?"

What does "In Shape" mean to you?

I don't consider myself to be 'really in shape' but I would consider myself to be in better shape than 97% of all 54 year olds on this planet.

I have a shape, albeit a somewhat rounded one.

I guess I'm getting there. I climbed a hill Sunday that has been tough for me in the past, with less huffing and puffing than usual.

I don't consider myself to be 'really in shape' but I would consider myself to be in better shape than 97% of all 54 year olds on this planet.

...and in MUCH better shape than I've been since the Nixon administration...

"In shape" is being able to ride where I want in the manner I want. I will never be in race shape but there are hills that I must be able to climb and certain speeds that I must be able to maintain to be happy.

When I say in shape I compare my self to most other folks my age. And I know I'm in better shape than some people 25 years younger than me, I feel pretty good about that. If my ankles and knees were the same as 25 years ago I'd be stoked! :D:roflmao2:

Reckon I was in shape for the type of riding I do but I have otherwise been engaged with trying to avoid a Cricket Bat. (The taste of which I was promised if the wifes pool was not up and running by the end of May.)

Pools built but in the last 3 weeks I have only got in a 22mile ride on the flat. Sunday did a ride that should have been "Easy"- a 54 miler with only one hill in it. It wasn't. Forearm caused me a problem that I had to accomodate- That made me feel the saddle by the end of the ride and if I hadn't been knocked off going up the hill- I might have noticed a rare plant on the roadside that just had to be photographed- Even if it meant stopping to do it. It got through to me that I am not as fit as I should be at this time of the year.

I'm back to where I was 2 years ago. Now trying to better it. I'm now averaging 16-17mph on my 20-30 mile solo rides, where last year I was in the 14.5-15.5 range. ( Had a mild heart attack in May 2007.) For a 56 year old fart, I'm not doing too bad. So I'm definitely making progress. Need more time in the saddle to get better.

I don't think of physical conditioning as an on/off condition. On a scale of 1-10 for me I am now about a 2 or 3. Last year at this time I was at 10 and it has been all downhill since then. I am still riding 100-150 miles/week but I keep finding excuses to take 2 or 3 weeks off to go on vacation or play tennis. I plan to float along through the summer and fall. Will begin to focus next winter on a program for another long tour. There is no way that I could stay focused to maintain a 10 for very long. It pretty much takes up my whole life to do that.

My goodness, if I compared myself to most 50+ year olds I know, I am now 17!! I can ride 80 miles without a problem, ride hills with moderate comfort. I'm within 5 pounds of ideal and still love and am loved by my wife. What better shape could I want!

I have to admit that I'm in shape. I weighed 188 when I ran track in college. I weighed 189 this AM. Over the past year I lost about 40lbs and have started to get competitive while riding by doing group rides and racing. Last Thursday my wife and a couple of women, she teaches with, went to see the 'Sex in the City' movie and came back to our home afterwards to have a drink or two. They were all at the house when I got back from racing in a TT and was still in my "team kit". It was an awkward but telling moment being caught in my riding clothes hearing the comments from the ladies and request for more drinks. The movie really seemed to pump them up! After I changed into shorts and a T shirt one of the women said "the show's over and now I have to go back home to chubby old Dean". So, even though I don't win any races at least I have the eye of some 50 somethings.

Voted 'almost there' because at this particular point in time I'm reasonably comfortable with where I'm at, and know damned well that what life's throwing up at me lately and the time I have available to ride and engage in other physical recreations makes it unrealistic for me to be anywhere else just yet. That'll more than likely be revised downwards within a year or so.


Right this minute, for example, a Metric Century or longer ride would probably stagger me, but I know full well that it'd only take me a week or three of practice and preparation to get back to that. But I also know full well that I'm potentially capable of more strenuous stuff than just a few hours of rather leisurely riding, and I'll most likely set my sights on such goals within the next year or two, when the time is right to do so.

Started at it hard in Nov. of '07 and have been doing what I consider to be well up until the last couple of weeks. Here are some of the excuses, and they are just that, excuses. Business commitments, then some business travel (eating poorly, only sporadic exercise etc.), some family and other social commitments.

But before that, dropped about 13 lbs.,put over 500 miles on the bike, gym or other exercise 5-6 days per week, oatmeal in the morning, eating very sensibly.

And the bible.........."YOUNGER NEXT YEAR" by Chris Crowley and Dr. Henry Lodge.

I have a shape, albeit a somewhat rounded one.

Round is a shape.

I believe I am in the best physical condition that I have been in for 20 years (I will be 56 in July). I find I can gain weight relatively easily if I dont watch it. I finished the Tribal Sprint Triathon on June 7 (not as strong as I would have preferred, but recovered quickly). I rode 73 miles with our club last Saturday morning, the another 38 on Sunday. I feel very good, but gained a couple of pounds :(.

I had to vote "about half way there".

I was in better shape before the back and leg problems hit me a couple months ago. Things have been improving - I rode 67 miles Saturday and have been able to climb hills again. I'm still working on losing another 10 pounds which should make the climbing a little easier.

If I compare my current condition to other women my age I would probably rate much higher than most even with the slightly injured leg:) I'm really looking forward to retirement later this year as I'll have more time to spend in the gym and on the bike:thumb:

I might just be, at 55 years old, in the best overall condition of my life.
Certainly, my cardiologist is awfully happy with me and that counts.
I was at the allergist yesterday having my asthma checked and as she checked my vitals she kind of raised her eyebrows and said "Your pulse is.... good" and kind of looked at me funny. "Yeah", I said, "I can go sit on my couch for a couple of minutes and get down to 57. It was in the 80s a couple of years ago"

Don't know about the huffing and puffing thing... I'll always do that up any serious incline, no way around it for me. And I'd like my BP to drop more... quite a bit more... but I can ride distances and climb hills I never imagined possible before. In fact, I'd never even try. I try now. That about sums it up.

I'm in pretty good shape now, but I'm about to undergo a big setback. I'll be struggling to survive for a while, after which I'll be tired, much lighter and working to get back to riding and living shape. I'll post another thread with the lowdown on my condition.

I was getting into pretty good shape and then developed a nagging pain in my right knee, IT band issue I believe. I still weigh the same as when I graduated from high school 38 years ago, so I haven't gotten fat, but I know I could be in better shape. Once I get over this knee problem, I should start improving.

I was in the best shape of my life from my forties through about age 60. Since then I've let things slip a little but still am in better condition than most men my age (65). This past winter has been tough on me.

I think I'll be in great shape if I lose about 20 pounds.

I don't know if I am in shape. I do know that the more I ride my bike the better I feel.
Every other day I push myself to ride hard. The days in between I just ride to enjoy the ride.
I am finding that each day I push myself that the going is not as tough when I originally began.

I don't know when I will be in perfect shape (if there is such a thing) since when I hit a plateau I try to push myself beyond that by setting new goals which challenge me more.

Like SKT, I'm in the best shape I've ever been. My resting heart rate is in the 40s. Unless I've kicked-in the afterburners, in-ride I average 146 when cooking along. I can ride anywhere, and any distance I point my wheel. 18% grade? No problem. Miles and miles at 7%? We can do it. A nice 45-miler before work? Do I have to stop and go to work? 20 MPH headwinds? I don't like 'em, but I can ride 'em--uphill if need be too.

I find all of this absolutely amazing. 27 months ago I couldn't climb the stairs to my apartment without huffing and puffing. My first bike ride was 2/3 of a mile--and I had to stop and rest half way. Then I needed a nap afterwards.

What I find even more amazing is that from what I've learned, if I keep at it, I'll continue to improve for another 2-3 years before plateauing. Yikes!

Of course I'm in shape. Everyone knows ROUND is a shape.

I've noticed that when I'm not regularly on the bicycle (due to other responsibilities) the ol' bod turns to crap much faster than when I was younger.
Even with that said, I'm in much better shape now than I was during the Grover Cleveland administration.

Of course I'm in shape. Everyone knows ROUND is a shape.

That's called an AeroBelly in recumbent speak right? LOL!

Honestly, I'm losing weight and almost having fun doing it too. I was chatting with TSL at the Shop last night and explained my progress to him. He's turned into a heck of a rider and "IF" I get a road bike, you'd better believe I'll get the lightest and quickest I can afford just to try and keep up with him! LOL!

The last time I was really in shape was when I was on the cross country team. We trained hard enough that I was barely able to walk for most of the day, not really recovering until it was time for another workout. I liked being in shape, but it would be difficult to have any sort of life while training at that level.

I'm reasonably physically fit from doing nearly all my commuting by bike for the past 11 years. I'd like to lose at least 40 more pounds. However, I have no desire to be back in shape.

Paul

Very interesting how it is a relative term. I'm probably in much better shape than 6-7 years ago but not quite where I was last year this time. However it looks like I can still comfortably do 100 mile rides but maybe not quite as fast as last year. Like some others, I'm trying to figure out how much effort I really want to put into being in shape. I think I'm okay where I am right now but I don't have the desire to get to the next level.......but I also don't want to drop down a level either.

I was in the best shape I have ever been in my life in May 1999- Training for a hard ride- doing the Milage- the fast rides- the hills and slaughtering my ride mates- Then indigestion and a bypass.

Don't get complacent.

As jppe has mentioned, feeling you are "in shape" can be entirely relative.

Age, self-perception, models of fitness you may have in your mind, how far you have come from being what you thought was "out-of-shape," your genetics, your body type, your whole psychological makeup and positive or not-so-positive mind-set, and I guess a whole lot of factors would make one feel they are "in shape."

I purposely did not establish ANY outside measures of being "in shape" - of which there are myriads - for the purposes of this poll. I simply wanted your own evaluation of yourself.

Interesting responses.

Don't get complacent.

+1.

I'd add "Don't take it for granted." Been there, done that.

Even with an extra 8 lbs. I'm in better shape than I've ever been, mentally as well as physically.

I love being 50+.

Denver,

At 58, wearing 15 lbs too much blubber, I can still do a 2:45 minute Oly distance tri or a 4:15 minute marathon. By objective standards, that has to be "in shape."

There's room for improvement and I continue to strive for better weight control and better race times. (Jppe is my hero!). Nonetheless, my motto of "Fat, but Fit!" seems to apply.

TysonB
Cushing, OK

Completely out of shape. It surprises me that I can even get out of bed in the morning.

I think that if "being in shape" meant having nowhere to go but down (i.e. can't get any better than this) then very few could/would ever say it. I voted "getting there" though I would have a very long way to go to get to the state of fitness some others here are apparently already at. And frankly, I probably won't get there based on the amount of time and energy that I can/will devote. That said, I'm in far better shape than I was two years ago when I dusted off the bike and started riding again. I've dropped about 40 pounds and have a heck of a lot more endurance than I did then, though I know I don't have a century in me at this stage.

I don't have a lot of specific goals and achieving those I do have won't allow me to anoint myself "in shape." I'd like to look okay in a bicycle jersey; I don't think I do now. Maybe another ten pounds will get rid of the remaining pot belly? Probably 15 though. I'd like to be able to comfortably sustain 20 MPH in the flats without a tail wind to help. Not for the duration of a century ride, but for a couple of hours. But when I can I'll probably decide I should really be able to sustain 22 :-)

I'll just be happy if I feel like I'm in a bit better shape next week than I am now, and can look forward to continued slow improvement into the foreseeable future.

Jim

You forgot the option for "trying my best to keep what I've got". This being an option that I suspect fits in well with us 50+'ers.

Maybe I'm not riding as much as I used to or maybe it's just that darned getting old deal. But I sure can't ride as fast as I could when I first started commuting and trial riding in my early 40's.

However there's no doubt in my mind at all that riding (and other physical hobbies) is slowing the erosion of my body a LOT. I'd hate to think where I'd be if I wasn't doing my daily rides to work.....

... skip that, I KNOW where I'd be. I've had enough of a taste of it with how hard it is to get back in the groove after a week away on business where I'm sitting and taxiing everywhere. Seems like it's at least 3 days before I'm back in the groove. I can't imagine where I'd be if I stopped riding for more than a couple of weeks.

I'm in decent shape for a guy who smoked and was overweight for too many years. My "favorite" mountain isn't as hard to climb as it was last year, but due to my poor habits in years previous, I still huff and puff and want to kick myself in the ***** as I pedal up it.

I'll be 62 next month. Monday morning I rode 26 miles, had to cut it short for a visit to the dentist. Monday afternoon I rode an additional 27 miles and could have gone further. I think I'm lucky, good genes. When I ride I'm not very fast but I keep on going and going!
When I try and ride with the local club I'm always last. As long as I can continue riding, I really don't care.
Most of my rides are alone.
Mud:thumb:

I feel "in shape" when I can ride a century without too much agony, or average 50 miles a day on tour for many days in a row. During the school year I'm too busy or exhausted from work to get into that kind of shape, but during summers I can. I'm working on it now, since the last day of school was Friday. In a couple of weeks I'll be able to respond differently to this poll, I hope. But by then I'll be on tour and won't be checking this forum. :)

I vote yes, I'm in shape. After riding for 30 years, I guess I had better be. I have a 40 mile loop that I ride on a regular basis. It's pretty hilly and I can average 17 mph if I really put my heart into it. On a flatter ride of the same distance, 18+ is doable. For being 53 years old. I will take that and not complain too much. I think the days are gone where I can go out and do 20 mph for any ride over 25 miles. Maybe with a nice tail wind. :p

I'm in good shape based on a resting heart rate of 48, good acoustic scans of heart and carotid arteries recently, 70-75/110-115 blood pressure readings, rides of 12 to 24 miles of mostly single track rides in the Georgia/Tennessee mountains and 19 mile rides on sandy single track in north Florida; generally averaging 9 to 10 mph (N Fla. only).

I've been doing aerobics of various kinds for 44 years and weight training for about thirty. Age 69. The goal was always to have an active retirement. Been retired for 10.

So my definition of being fit is having the strength and endurance to do what you want with the medical statistics indicating no problems that could lead to a less active lifestyle.

By the way, weight training is necessary over 40 to maintain a high energy level. It's certainly true for me and it's explained in the book Younger Next Year.

A saying in the book is that aerobics will keep you alive and weight training will make life worth living. Very true especially at my age.


Al

I'm in fairly good shape, enjoying it, working to stay that way, and not much interested in the time and discipline it would take to get in full competitive trim.

Two years ago I was in flat (and fat) rotten shape and would still be except for having rediscovered cycling.

94 miles last Saturday in 6 hours.
Still 66 y/o @ 198 Lbs
I am the Little Guy in the center at the 70 miles lap.


http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/bikefood019ceter.jpg

Leaving friday morning to fly up to Trondheim to ride back here to Oslo saturday morning. Going with a large group of about 50 riders (5 ladies) trying to go 540 km in 17 hours. (Quite a few of us over 50 as well). Total number in the ride close to a record 6000, cycling is really popular now in Norway.
Feeling slightly sick (sore throat), underprepared and overtrained and unfit for the challenge which means I probably will do OK.

That's called an AeroBelly in recumbent speak right? LOL!



Yep, that would be me. Two years ago I was in really great shape. Last year I struggled and kind of fell off the fit wagon. Now I'm back trying to get there. Whenever I feel I'm making some progress, something has come up that has stopped me from riding. I'm hoping I'm done with that now.

I guess for me there is biking shape and other shape. I work out with a loose affiliation of men in the area I live. We are all Vietnam era vets. We are all over 60. Our basic general standard is 10 pull ups, 10 chin ups, 10 dips, 25 sit ups, 25 push ups, and run a 12 minute mile. We do all this in 45 minutes or less.
We can all hold our own on a road bike.
When I was in the military we had a "dessert bar" (pull up bar) set up in the mess hall. If you wanted pie the NCO in charge made you do pull ups to get a second helping. I suggest measuring your strength and "shapeness" by doing pull ups.

Only when I'm not racing.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y117/patentcad/SS4-13-08029.jpg

The guy that looks like he's going to detonate is me. However, I did manage to finish all my races so far this year.

Not in the shape I'd like to be. For the last five years, I floated from job-job, working on assignment with employment agencies, with some time in between, which allowed me to bike more, and I was in decent shape. I've been working a desk job since last Oct. and was just recently hired on permanently. So, while I'm gainfully employed (a definite plus!), my fitness level is not what I'd like it to be. Not bad, but for someone who is used to being fitter, not where I want to be. But I'm adjusting to it, and finding ways to fit in time to get fitter!!

Really amazing what my view of "in shape" has meant over time. Mostly, it would never occur to me - just that "can do what I need to" approach.

Something that happens to me with exposure to different stressors is that my body learns to adapt to them. I worked a great deal in hot places. So I still have good heat tolerance. Fieldwork in the middle east in July will do that, or kill you! Worked outside in the cold lots. Hiked a great deal carrying way too much weight (fieldwork). Cycled long distances.

How much of being "in shape" is simply having the skill and technique to do what's asked?

At this point in cycling, I'm just about "in shape" for me. Which I consider being that I can do a 50 mile ride pretty quick whenever and can be woken up at 5 am and ride a slower surprise century. I think I'd have a hard time the last 20 miles this year. And I can probably do a 50 mile ride a little less fast than last year. And I'm climbing longer hills in one gear lower. But I'm in pretty good shape overall.

One thing with age, my limits too often aren't the basic conditioning, but weaknesses in one part. Power to the pedals I have to limit because I don't have a hurting left knee. I wear a little brace thing to warm up with it and ride carefully. And no tweeks or soreness or anything. But I'm always a little throttled back. Once it flares up, I'm back to fredville coasting along.

Am probably 25 lbs lighter than when I resumed running 3 years ago but still about 10 lbs over what I used to (bike) race at 30+ years ago. In "shape" considering age but would still like to drop a few more lbs to take the stain off the joints. Am working more riding back into the routine and I think the longer rides (on the new bike) will help with that.