Mom Advice

[VeggieLifterChick]

My mom is 5'7'' and about 165 or 170 # and would like to lose around 15 #, but she is mostly sedentary and refuses to weight lift. She will diet, to some degree, and I have helped her there. Got her to drink more water, eat more frequently, and eat more protein. She has had some issues with night binging, always carbs, and she thinks that's probably what makes it hard for her to lose weight.

She has been using "Walk Away the Pounds" videos 2-3 times a week. I'm wondering whether anyone has recommendations for her, for what sort of resistance training she could use that wouldn't involve weights. She is bulk phobic and sort of has this idea that anything to do with muscle is manly. Or, if you know of any effective exercise videos you might recommend, that would be welcome as well.

Oh, btw, I have already shown her the 10 reasons why weightlifting is good for women - still no interest on her part. I think I just flexed too much or something and now she thinks she's in danger or growing a bicep. LOL

 

[VeggieLifterChick]

I had thought using resistance bands might interest her, but so far she hasn't tried the ones I got my sister.

 

[THeMaCHinE]

Some have reported that 5-htp will help reduce carb craving, you could also try r-ALA with her. Diet is going to be fundamental -- especially if she refuses to lift.

Would you have any luck in getting her into yoga or pilates?

 

[Cowgrrl]

I would advise you to try and get your Mom to do body weight resistance type exercises- chair squats, push-ups, wall push ups, crunches, etc. Buy a Shape magazine for her- they have lots of skinny minnie models showing "weight less" exercises.

Good luck!

 

[buffedmama]

Get her a membership to Curves for Women...

I did this for my mom and she's lost a TON of weight and she refused to go to a gym to lift weights... Now you should see her!!

 

[THeMaCHinE]

Get her a membership to Curves for Women...

I did this for my mom and she's lost a TON of weight and she refused to go to a gym to lift weights... Now you should see her!!

This is an excellent thought. Worked for my mother-in-law too.

 

[FitFossil]

If she's a reader, I recommend the book Biomarkers by William Evans. (Public libraries most likely have a copy.)

Description (from http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...86/reviews/104-3664331-9860767#06717789865000)
Exciting new evidence from the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University has demonstrated that the body's decline is due not to the passing of years but to the combined effects of inactivity, poor nutrition, and illness -- much of which can be controlled. This breakthrough study shows that regardless of your age or present physical condition, the aging process can be slowed -- or even reversed! The authors have identified ten "biomarkers," the key physiological factors associated with prolonged youth and vitality:

* lean body (muscle) mass
* strength
* basal metabolic rate
* body fat percentage
* aerobic capacity
* blood pressure
* Insulin sensitivity
* cholesterol/HDL ratio
* bone density
* body temperature regulation

Providing dietary guidelines, self-tests for evaluating your physiological age, and exercise programs for every level of fitness, Biomarkers will change forever the way you think -- and what you do -- about aging.


What I liked best was how they talked about postponing your entry into the "disability zone" - where you have to depend on others because you're frail, but not necessarily sick. The authors call this "sarcopenia - an overall weakening of the body caused by a change in body composition in favor of fat and at the expense of muscle". This isn't so much about living long, but rather living well, and the principles apply to all ages.

 

[slinky]

Both of my mine and my boyfriend's moms are active; and without having to go to a gym. My mom runs a restaurant and gardens. Her and my dad live "in the middle of BFE" and also hike and go camping.

Ko's (my boyfriend) mom teaches Japanese and Japanese cooking, is active with her community and travels. She also swims. AND is recovering from cancer.

Both of these women are 63.

You know, being fit and active does not necessarily require weights or a gym. How about yoga? Tai Chi? Pilates? Go the "zen" route with your mom: rather than expound on physical benefits; emphasize such things as peace of mind, stress reducing, etc. These may be more important to her. Hope this helps!

 

[JJFigure]

I feel for you - sounds like your Mom and my Mom have a lot in common. My Mom's from the generation that strongly believes women shouldn't be physically strong; I've had to endure a lot of "that muscle looks gross" comments over the years. However, since I've had pics published in a couple of mags, she's been less critical, but she'll never ever consider weight training for herself.

She's also very resistant to making diet changes; I can coax her along until I'm blue in the face, but she will still eat things like fried tacos from burger king. But now, her cholesterol is high on top of her other issues (thyroid removed when she was young and high blood pressure), and she's on enough medication for her thyroid and blood pressure, her doctor doesn't really want to put her on cholesterol medication as well. That means her diet has to change. I'm trying to get her to switch to a low carb diet (I keep bringing up the fact my cholesterol is only 151, even though my diet is about 50% fat) - that would help alleviate both her overweight issues as well as blood cholesterol issues. I asked her to discuss this approach with her doctor, to make sure she can safely diet this way. The next step is helping her compile a list of foods she can eat and foods she needs to avoid. The problem is I live 3000 miles away from her. I'm planning on making a trip home after my comps specifically to clean out her cupboards and clean up her eating habits.

It's a battle, but you have to be straight up and say "I don't want to lose you". GUILT!! Gotta love it. At least she's making a slight effort and is starting to walk a little. Baby steps.

Is there any chance you can exercise with her? I know my Mom is more likely to go for a walk if someone else goes with her.

 

[VeggieLifterChick]

Thank you for all of those suggestions. I don't think she's into yoga or pilates, but I think maybe emphasizing the health/wellness/stress reduction thing would get her more interested in exercising in general. Its also a good point that she doesn't have to work out to be active. I don't live at home, so I can't go on walks with her.

My mom doesn't have any health problems (yet) as a result of her lifestyle, but her mother has diabetes and lots of heart problems.

My mom is a "reader" but generally her eyes glaze over when I mention reading something like this...I have the BFL book and she avoids it. I will suggest this Curves thing, she might go for that.

Thanks again for all the suggestions. Does anyone know of any exercise videos she might like?