Old dude trying to get back in shape..need advise..

I just made my 42 year mark, and prior to UC (about 8 years ago) I was very much in shape. On the exterior, I still am in good shape (6'4, 185) but I don't feel as good since I cut down so much activity over the years (being anemic, flairing, three kids to chase, and working insane hours).

I am starting slow aerobics for cardio, but wanted to start a jogging routine. Does anyone here run? My only fear is that all the movement could exacerbate the UC? Any advice would be appreciated!

With proper fitness, 40 is the new 25, 60 the new 40, 85 the new 60 (pick your own numbers) as far as I am concerned. I have been a lifelong fitness freak even in flares although I back off considerably then. My two cents is to not neglect strength training- the oft quoted stats for loss of muscle mass and bone density with aging assume no training. Personally, when I hit the gym I alternate - about twice a week I do some serious strength training (with just a short warm up and down of cardio and/or stretching) and around 3 x a week pure cardio. If you are just doing this after years of inactivity, be sure and find a good personal trainer for enough sessions to get you started, and periodically check back with them.

Ricci,

I am 33 and just really started running regularly. I have found that even if I'm not feeling that great before I run I don't seem to have any problems during the run. I just go to the bathroom right before I head out and run in some sort of pattern that brings me by a bathroom 1/2 way through. I recently joined a running club once a week and run 4 miles through a hilly neighborhood and have felt great everytime. I just don't think about my colon which is pretty easy since I have to focus on just surviving the run! lol

After way too many steroids, I stick to low-impact cardio, but I do cardio and and weight work at least three times a week. I do feel it helps to work out some of the little aches and pains without making the big ones worse, and it's hard to beat that flood of endorphins!

And BTW, I'm well past 42.

First advice - take it slow. BTW - I am with the others - 42 is not old! :).

If you like to run, here is a routine that is pretty easy to follow, and slowly builds up your endurance. It is used by the Running Room in Canada. I've done it a couple of times, but running is not my thing. I play soccer, kick box, yoga and a bit of cardio/weights. This is an 8 -10 week program. Take it slower if you need to. Idea is to run/walk 3x per week for 20 min. at a time, using the run/walk ratios below.

Week 1 - Run 1, Walk 2 min (6 cycles +1 min run, 1 min walk)
Week 2 - Run 1, Walk 1 min (10 cycles)
Week 3 - Run 2, Walk 1 min (6 cycles + 2 min run)
Week 4 - Run 3, Walk 1 min (5 cycles)
Week 5 - Run 4, Walk 1 (4 cycles)
Week 6 - Run 5, Walk 1 (3 cycles + 2 min run)
Week 7 - Run 7, Walk 1 (2 cycles + 4 min run)
Week 8 - Run 8, Walk 1 (2 cycles + 2 min run)
Week 9 - Run 10, Walk 1 (2 cycles)

This just gives you a guide. When I followed this, I found it to be enough of a challenge without being overwhelming. Make sure you include an extra 1-2 min walk at the end of the 20 mins for your cool down, and also make sure to STRETCH! If you don't stretch, you'll be sore and less motivated to continue.

Good Luck!

I am more comfortable working out at home, and an elliptical was a good investment. I also have a universal gym with a weight stack, heavy duty stuff.

And a few weeks ago I finally opened the box of the Wii Fit I picked up at a charity auction, and it kicks my butt!!

BTW I am 52, old dude.

Geez, wish I were 42 again. Just hitting your prime, bub.

I've been running most of my life and find it difficult not to hit the pavement from time to time. However, during my last flare, running exacerbated my symptoms so I had to wait until things calmed down before trying again. Not easy.

What I have found that helps the most with the least negative impact is swimming. If you have access to a pool - jump in. Exceptional workout with low stress on joints and viscera. If I had easy access to a pool year round, that is probably all I would do.

Well, maybe an occasional jog for old times sake.

I'd suggest you add in some weight training, too. We all lose muscle as we age, unless we weight train to maintain. Also, more muscle mass raises your metabolism and helps you burn more fat. Cardio alone tends to make people slim, but still flabby and doesn't sculpt the body the way weight training does.

Watch who you're calling old. I'm 43 and I do step and kick box for cardio and do heavy weight training. People usually guess I'm early to mid 30s.

Good point, Z. I spend a half hour a week with a personal trainer from my gym, making sure I'm still doing things the right way and tweaking my routine as my fitness improves.

Oh, and none of you are old. I'm 62 and I'm not old. Well, I always say in my mind I'm 40 but my darn immune system makes my body feel 80 some days!