Why do some older women have pain and get tired after walking alot? Are they just sore and don't know it?
I know one 65yr old woman who had lots of pain in her hips and legs but her muscles are so atrophied from a lifetime without exercise. What is causing her pain and what can i do for her? Another woman in her sixties is walking 45mins a day since her husband died of heart complications. She want to avoid the same fate but she gets so tired after her walks. What is going on? Shouldn't walking make people feel invigorated and happy?
Any new activity, or increase in activity puts additional demands on the body. In time the body tends to adapt. With a body that has been sedentary for a long time, has chronic health conditions, or is older that adaptation can take longer, and may be more limited in some ways. This is why many trainers and exercise pros suggest starting a new program slowly and allowing the person (muscles, cardiovascular system, and so on) to work up to longer, harder workouts bit by bit.... especially if they are older. It is also helpful to remember that they probably need to take breaks when needed, hydrate regularly, stretch if the muscles get tired, and so on. And the most important thing I would say is for that person to talk to their health care provider, to make sure there is no underlaying health problem.
If there is pain that is absolutely the place to start. A fitness professional cannot diagnose a medical condition. Once a health professional can identify any underlying conditions and give the ok for a fitness program a fitness professional can help guide the person to a good program for their fitness and physical health.
On another note, a person who has suffered a great loss is to be commended for striving to put healthy positive activities in her life. I wonder if she is able to find walking partners, or a walking group. I have found with my older students that the community is as important as the activity. In any case I send my wishes that she treat herself with gentleness and kindness and hopes that she find the tiredness in time gives way to glow.
Have you had her talk to her medical professionals?
After that ask about her past experiences with fitness- if she played sports, has she had surgeries, what has she done to help the pain, etc.
Walking can be beneficial, but at some point many people have to move to recumbent bikes, elliptical, or aquatics because they are unable to work with low impact exercises.
The most important consideration, in my opinion, is that pain most often is not a good sign, especially if it's joint pain.
Good luck, take care.
Did you PAR-Q your client/s prior to training them? I agree with the prior posts as to past physical/medical history, medication, last check up with physician, nutrition, hydration, rest, etc.
Generally if a person begins exercising in their 60's they can expect to feel a certain amount of discomfort
Stay within your scope of practice and work with their doctors and Physical Therapists when needed.
You mentioned that one woman is walking 45min. While that may seem like a small duration for some clients, for others it may be too much. If they are new to exercise you may want to start with a shorter duration, low intensity and increase the frequency.
Also, as people age they need a longer warm-up and cool-down. Their thirst response also diminishes, so they may need to increase their water consumption. Even moderate dehydration can make someone feel fatigued. Water also helps with waste elimination, including lactic acid build-up. You may want to see if they're consuming enough water.
That being the case, I would say that everyone is different and responds to exercise differently.
Some will use the word "pain" when they really mean discomfort. I would not, however, be so dogmatic and say "women" when it comes to how the body responds to exercise.
The science teaches us that both men and women as far as muscle tissue is concerned respond similarly to a bout of exercise.
Thanks for your question.