Vijay Swaminathan, a financial consultant, prefers to work out in the evenings at the Talwalkar Gym in Alipore. His routine includes warming up, stretching and cycling, followed by a few muscle work-outs. Says Swaminathan, “I prefer to work on my arms and leg muscles one day and chest and shoulders the day after.” The fitness regime may sound familiar, but Swaminathan is 53 and going strong. He is no exception. At the Gold’s Gym outlet, five per cent of its members are in the age group of 50 to 60. What’s more, many of them work out religiously like 22 year olds.

Fitness experts say that as we grow old, our metabolism levels drop and rigidity sets in. Also, people in their 50s and 60s have high blood pressure and blood sugar problems. Regular exercise can keep such ailments in check. Fitness professionals also point out that osteoporosis sets in with old age and hence they need to follow a schedule that includes a 60-minute work-out every day.

Pooja Chhabra, manager of Gold’s Gym, Calcutta, says that the senior members of their gym are assigned to trainers. Each member has an individual chart drawn up ? designed with an eye on age, physical condition and purpose. “We check the heart rate, level of body fat and keep in mind ailments like blood pressure, asthma and diabetes. Accordingly, we design their work schedule,” Chhabra says, adding, “Senior members use the treadmill, have a go at exercise bikes, do light weight training, coupled with a lot of floor and free-hand exercises. But they always do so under supervision.”

While walking is considered the best form of exercise, gymming also works as a mental therapy. According to fitness experts, going to a gym relieves an older person of boredom and inspires him to work out. Some also feel that socialising at the gym brings together like-minded people. These vibes work wonders on older members who wish to lose weight. As Swaminathan puts it, “I love gymming and like to be in the pink of health. Coming to a gym is also a good way of meeting people.”

For older people who have never ever exercised in their life, the gym might not be the right place to begin; it is safer to try options like walking first. This is because, since the body has never been familiar with any work-out, a timed work schedule might prove gruelling for first timers. Experts also advocate knowing one’s body well. This means that old people should disclose their ailments to trainers. For often, a torn ligament or breathlessness can be fatal for an elderly person.

Barring such exceptions, experts see no reason why older people can’t join a gym. Preeti Shaha is 57 and she works out for two hours every day doing a combination of yoga flex, power yoga and pilates while Shobhna Lal who is 61, spends 30 minutes in a gym every day. Experts recommend a combination of machine and floor exercises for people who visit the gym. When people are in their 60s, the aim is to have a healthy body and not a perfect one. As Swaminathan puts it aptly, having read about the founder Talwalkar, “He is 70 and can give 22 year olds a run for their bodies. If he can do it, why can’t I?”

Age no bar

Dos

Hit the gym but only after consulting your doctor

Ask the trainer to help you with the exercises

Always warm up before you exercise

Do some light weight training (after consultation) for body toning

End the session with some stretching exercises

Don’ts

Hide medical ailments from fitness trainers

Over-exercise at the gym

Start the exercises unless you warm-up and stretch.