Going to start working out with my 61yr old dad.

[CaseyW]

Hey guys,

I'm going to start going to the gym with my pop. He's way out of shape so I'm going to have to take it slow. He's probably 5'8 240 and he's 61. I'm sure he's well on his way to Diabetes so I'm wanting to help him start living healthy.

I'm a bit out of shape at the moment at 36 but I've been off and on for years and can get back in the swing of things in a couple weeks and need to drop about 30lbs myself so I'm thinking this should be good for both of us.

I don't have a clue how to go about giving him a good safe training routine for his age and weight. I don't want him start doing the same stuff as me right? Or should I have him just do some low impace cardio and light cable weights that way I can mix in with him.

Any suggestions or resources?

THANKS!

[BEAST]

You hit it right on the head when you said low impact cardio, light weights and cable movements.
Start with five minutes of warm up on a stationary bike or low speed treadmill. Then move on to light weights combined with some cable stuff. Make sure to keep the weight light and the reps around 15, and make sure to ask him during the exercise that it is not hurting or stressing any of his joints. Also try to put him back on the bike for about five minutes after every couple of exercises.
For example, if have him do three sets of chest press for 15 reps then put him on seated row then put him on the bike. after the bike you continue with another opposite muscle group set.
This kind of opposite muscle group(it's not really super setting because I do the whole three sets then move on to the row) lifting then breaking it up with a light cardio works great with my older clients. This way they don't exhaust the same muscle group. But it all changes as they get in shape.
So keep an eye on him make sure he has the right form and comstantly ask him if he is feeling the exercise where he should be feeling. You'd be surprised how people won't say anything until you ask them even if they feel pain in the joint or some other strain around it.

[Mr I]

Wow great advice beast

[Bouncer]

Beast said it best!

[Scrumhalf]

To add to Beast's post, if you have time, how about just walking? It would be a great way to spend time with him (if you are so inclined) and an hour of walking would do him good, I think.

[CaseyW]

Great advice Beast,

Thanks a ton, I will definitely get us in an A.M. morning routine of walking / bike / elliptical type of movements. His knees hurt him and he gets tired when he walks for too long so I want to keep him moving for a while.

I'll report back how it goes!

[dna9488]

Agree with Beast. Couldn't have said it any better