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Bad Climber

climber

Sep 16, 2014 - 05:59am PT

It's so cool and important for me to have folks like Jim and John posting on these threads. I'm fifty two and quite healthy. For the first time in decades I've gotten a little serious about strength training. For me that means pullups and hangs, some free weights, abdominal exercises and occasional yoga. My power for sure is up, and I've reclaimed some gunnage I haven't had since my twenties. Still can't seem to manage twenty pullups, however. Personal best so far is eighteen, although the last couple weren't pretty.

One thing I've done, which, fortunately my colleagues don't seem to mind, is use a removable pullup bar in my office doorway. Mostly there aren't many or any folks in the hallway when I step up for a set, but it's kind of funny to see the prof. cranking away! Between sets of papers or emails, I'll go to the bar, do a set, do a set of pushups, a set of situps and leg lifts, then back to the work. Walking to/from the bus and during the ride, I'll do some hand squeezes. I do this now a couple of times a week to add to my other stuff, walking/hiking/a little running with the dog, and cycling.

So, like Spider and others, I'm pretty much a low/mid 10 guy, which is fine! My confidence and endurance are up. It's so easy to get out of shape. My plan, Buddha willing, is to not get out of shape. Consistency is all, as Jogill said.

Keep at it, one and all.

BAd

HandCrack

Trad climber

Joshua Tree, Cal.

Sep 16, 2014 - 08:32am PT

At 62, I feel very lucky to be able to still get out often and enjoy lots of moderate routes. A foot problem held me back for a few years but after taking care of that I've been able to be more active, lose some weight, and climb better than I have for quite some time. Just being able to see slow steady improvement is very satisfying.

Living in Joshua Tree, I have a large group of friendly, positive, motivated partners to climb with on a regular basis. (You're welcome to join us any time, Locker) Getting out consistently 2-4 days a week has gone a long way toward helping me feel more comfortable on the rock.

Everybody is different; generalizations are always dangerous. All I can do is keep on as long as it's fun for me. After that there's always birdwatching!

Brandt Allen

Brokedownclimber

Trad climber

Douglas, WY

Sep 16, 2014 - 05:56pm PT

John-

In response to your question about Ibuprofen: the really dangerous doses are those available in prescription levels around 800 mg per tablet and frequently prescribed for 3-4 times daily. Ibuprofen irreversibly damages the kidneys if that sort of dosage is continued more than a few months...say after an accident for serious pain control. I take some "Vitamin I" myself, but limit usage to 2x200 mg a dose, and usually only after a serious workload. I will also take the stuff before going climbing, again the 2x200 mg over the counter doses. I try to avoid becoming dependent on it by everyday use and too frequently.

That said, at our respective ages, it probably won't really matter "in the long run."