Expert: Ken Alan - 1/13/2009

Question
Ken
I am a 50 year old male,no health issues except for the usual middle age spread.
Since my 20's I have been active in sports,(mostly hockey and soccer)and I run and lift weights.
As I am getting older I feel like trying something new to keep me from getting too fat and keep my muscles limber. The running is getting harder on my feet and knees,and the weights only hit certain muscle groups. I am looking for a all over body conditioner/cardio activity,either by myself or in a group.
I have tried stretching,yoga and pilates but they are not guy things and I cant get into them.
If you could recommend something I can do by myself at home or a drop in fitness class,or maybe even a sport I havent tried, I would appreciate it!

Answer
To stay limber, you need to stretch.  Yoga, Pilates, and stretch classes are the programs to get and keep you limber.  Not sure where you're at, but around here there are more men in these classes than women.  If your ego is still getting in the way, try some DVDs you can do at home.  Some people prefer home workouts for privacy and convenience, while others prefer classes for the motivation and skills of a good teacher.

For cardio, the most logical thing to do instead of run, is walk.  It's a lot less impact on your feet and knees, and you can get close to the same workout as running if you put the right effort into it.  Try Nordic Walking with poles - it's a great overall conditioner and cardio activity.  (I like it so much that when I walk without poles, I feel naked!).
Glad you're exercising.  Keep it up.  Hope this helps.