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~Beth~ wrote:Well, it's been awhile
Today I did 8 sets of 5
Gershon wrote:I came over here from the other thread about 10 pushups being a good indicator of healthy aging. You have all made wonderful progress since the beginning of this thread. I decided to accept that statement as true for me and begin the push-up challenge. I'm 60 years old, in good health, and a "normal" weight of 176 lbs down from a high of 203 lbs with a current BMI of 23.9. I'm targeting 162 lbs which was my weight when I graduated from the Air Force Academy.
As I got to thinking about it, I realized there is never a reason to be unable to meet the minimum standards for a military physical fitness test. The requirements back then were 7 pull-ups, a 7 foot standing broad jump, 30 pushups in a continuous motion, 50 sit ups in 20 minutes and completing the 600 yard run in 2 minutes. The person testing had to do an extra rep in one category to pass the test. These are minimal standards which I believe a person can maintain well into old age. The longer they can maintain them, the longer they can delay the onset of physical debilitation. So, my goal is to be able to pass the test again with the exception of the 600 yard run. Since I like to walk, I'm substituting walking 5 miles at 3.5 mph.
Right now, I believe a person could do one set of each activity a day and gradually work up to the minimum standard. Since I can only do 10 pushups at a time now, I'll do three sets during the day to get my 30 with the first set being as many as I can comfortably do. I'll do the same with situps. I don't have a pull up bar, but I plan to get one. I suppose I could jog a little each day and work up to the 600 yard run, but that's a fast pace for a person my age.
Why choose to meet the military standards? I figure the military spent many years developing them, and they must have a good reason. Since none of the standards seem dangerous in any way, with the possible exception of the run for some, I don't see any good reason why not to choose them, even if it may only be for fun and not the only way to demonstrate strength and some endurance. It can be a platform from which I can jump to higher heights.
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