My Over 70s Winter Training Programme

An early morning quick play in the back garden with my bulldog during Arctic temperatures.

I’ve lived in the USA for over 11 years now. Recently we moved from New York to Ohio close to the Great Lakes. Winter in New York had it’s cold temperatures and snow…but nothing like where we are now.

When we arrived in the USA to live, I was rapidly approaching 60. I knew that my training regime would have to change, especially if I was to remain injury-free for long periods. Old injuries from cold weather would always come back to haunt me. Where years ago I could get away with a couple of weeks’ rest and get straight back at it, approaching 60 was a different thing altogether.

The older we get, the wiser we have to become when it comes to remaining fit.

No more running through brick walls or sprinting through burning forests. Those days are long in the past now. Feel a wee twinge and pull up and take it seriously.

In the last 10-11 years I’ve done quite well. I’ve had my share of injuries…mainly the old ones coming back to haunt me. I’ve sucked myself into sprinting on a football field after warming up on a track. Everything’s going great…4…5…6 really good sprints. I would walk along the inside edge of the field (approx 100m), turn around and jog back, turn around and stride back, then turn around and sprint back. My aim is to complete 10 sprints. Just maybe a bridge too far…but I’ll give it a good go anyway.

I’d come home through the door all quiet. “How did the training go” my wife would ask. “Well, everything was going great until the 7th sprint when I tore my calf” I would tell her.

“Haven’t I heard that from you before?” she would say.

Well, my wife’s not wrong. Again and again and again, I thought that I was still bulletproof…back in my younger days again…running like an aging lunatic with a big broad smile…until it all unravels.

Not the first time, but having slowly learned, it was to be the last.

Now the winter has set in with a vengeance, and the fact that I’m now over 70, my training had to change…rapidly.

This winter, I would look out of my front window at the odd much younger man and woman trotting down the road through the snow and ice in freezing temperatures. Well wrapped up mind, but clearly enjoying their run.

How I wish I could be them.

But no, I’m not them…in the here and now I’m Bob the 70 year old. Therefore my routine has to be different.

We’ve had snow on the ground for over a month now, freezing temperatures every day of that period, bar maybe 2 to 3 days.

So my training has now taken place totally indoors…down in the basement.

My wee training corner down in the basement.

Most of my winter training is low impact. If I get an exceptionally mild day I’ll throw on my Bergen and go tabbing…a walk/run with 35lbs on my back. Apart from that, it’s rowing on the Concept 2 rower, weight training, and moves on the Power Plate.

Despite my age, like many other people, I’m keen to keep my strength and my endurance. The weights and the rower are great for both. But the almost magical piece of kit in my wee gym is undoubtedly the Power Plate.

It’s not cheap, but boy is it worth every penny.

For a retired soldier over 70, living with long term injuries that can return in a flash, and suffering from traumatic brain injury from too many hits to the head area over the years, the Power Plate works for me.

It’s basically a vibration plate that stimulates the muscles, increases blood flow, improves strength, and increases bone mass and flexibility.

With my physical and mental problems, this important plate allows me to remain fit while also living a far more relaxed and confident lifestyle. Anxiety was a big problem, leading to seizures. When I found out that traumatic brain injury was the problem, I was given a drug which I still take to alleviate the symptoms. There were still times when I would feel uncomfortable, concerned that I would become anxious again. However, the vibrating plate is definitely playing its part in calming me and making me feel fantastic.

I’ve heard that there are other veterans who have similar problems to myself and have found comfort in using the Power Plate too.

So, living in an area with a pretty severe winter, this is how this 70 year old gets on with his training.

So far so good!