Fitness Over Fifty: An Exercise Guide from the National Institute on Aging

I have a small shelf of fitness manuals, and this is my favorite for its simple and practical exercises for strength, flexibility, and balance (separate chapters for each). No equipment is needed for any of these, though some can be used with ankle weights (I recommend) to make the exercise a bit more challenging. It covers comprehensively the muscle groups of the body, indicating what exercise covers what. There are other books with a greater number of exercises, which can make things actually more confusing for the reader trying to figure out which ones are the most effective. For older people, it's usually wise to work on exercises for the lower half of the body. All of us need to get out of a chair and walk without falling, but usually do not need big biceps. It comes with a DVD, but it was missing in my copy.

Fast service. Book exactly as described. Would not hesitate to order from this seller again.

This would be a great book, but not for normal people in the 50 - 80 range, unless they are very frail. For example, there is a section on how to move forward from a wheelchair to using a walker ....If one is in reasonably normal shape for their 50's .. IE the usual rice krispy stuff ... snap crackle pop in the morning, putting on weight, losing stamina, etc, there are better options.

I couldn't give this book 5 stars because, although it looks like a great book in and of itself, it should be titled, "Fitness Over 65" since most of the quotes, stories and photos are of people well over the age of 50, and more like over 65. Keep in mind if you are 52, like me, that with very little current exercise you might be better physically fit and beyond the simple exercises in this book. It's VERY basic. But if you haven't done anything beyond sitting on your couch munching chips and watching the tube your whole life, this book would be a perfect way to break into beginning to get fit.I admit, it's kinda scary looking at 70 year olds (even though they're in great shape!) demonstrating the exercises in a book for the over 50 crowd, but I also purchased a book called, "Strength Training Past 50" and although it's basic in it's own way (it demonstrates free weights, and if you're into going to a gym also machines), many of the photos in it are of people much closer to my own age, and that at least speaks to my comfort zone on working out and aging! It's also more of what I needed to start getting more fit.

I am needless to say over 50 & I needed exercises that my knee replacement could tolerate. This book is the answer. Not only do you get exercises but great information on heart rate & pulse. Exercises are given step by step but also illustrated. At the end of the book you can copy and set your own exercise program another plus for this book. For those over 50 or people in need of easy non aggressive exercises this is the book!

Practical. Not a word wasted, with good common sense. For example, with reference to the latter, this book warns that the older person must be careful not to over-emphasize strength fitness. So true. As a very senior citizen, I have seen so many of my exercising contemporaries injure themselves by doing excessive strength training while not balancing them with flexibility, vitality, and balance training. Book is large and lies flat so it can be viewed while learning through the routines.

As a senior I needed exercises that I can do now. This book is my best guide. If you haven't exercised in a while, this book will get you started on a fitness plan you can start as a (previous) couch potato and get fit again, Have recommended it to my friends. They want to borrow mine, but I tell them to go to Amazon and get their own. I need to keep mine!

The exercises in this book are basic, for people who have had little experience with going to a gym or starting from the beginning. All decent, basic exercises for someone desperately needing to pay attention to their body. I was hoping more for a routine, (especially with gyms not being open during the COVID virus), where I could adjust my exercise to an at home, without equipment routine. This book will go to the local thrift store where someone may find it helpful to them.

We are healthy 70 years old and find the exercises in this book just right for our needs. I'm glad I searched for it.

took a while to get here but otherwise it is great