New to forum - however I've been reading and researching a lot of info on the site and I appreciate all of the knowledge sharing.
Here is some background on me:
I'm a 65+ year old female looking for overall body, strength and stamina improvements. I do have some limitations that I respect but I try to not allow them to prohibit me.
Within the last 10 years I've had 2 meniscectomy surgeries on one knee and one surgery on the other. Additionally, one ankle is very weak due to a 20+ year old, compound (4) fracture, which literally had my foot dangling from my leg. To the horror of my orthopedic doctor/surgeon I refused to have surgery or hardware (plates, pins, screws) placed in my ankle, for many reasons. However after 5 months in a cast in conjunction with weekly visits to the doctor, my doctor/surgeon was mortified at my recovery success and told me I would NOT HAVE RECOVERED ANY better with the surgery, perhaps even worse because I would not be able to rotate my ankle/foot. Even still I respect the condition and weakness of my ankle but continue to utilize it as if the fracture never occurred. I'm able to do EVERYTHING with the foot, that I did before the break. PRAISE GOD!!
Over the years, I've remained active on and off with dancing (ballroom/ line /Latin dancing), skating and some gym activity.
As life would have it, I've gained weight and believe additional physical activity is warranted.
My goals are:
* lose weight
* develop a lean body
* replace upper arm flabbiness with muscle definition
* reduce fat in abs and core
* strengthen knees, legs and ankles
* accomplish these goals by May 2019
I do not want or intend on competing
Since July this year I've been in the gym 2-4 times a week in group fitness classes (step, abs, Zumba), walking on the treadmill (no running due to impact on knees) and doing sets/reps on various fitness machines (horizontal and vertical calf raises, seated leg press, back, leg curls/lifts, deltoid fly, abdominal rotation, abdominal, etc.)
My dilemma and where I need guidance is I need a workout program which will help me achieve my goals taking into account the physical challenges described above. I realize it's recommended to use free weights , however, I'm not sure I'll be able to progress in weights/lifts for many of the exercises in the beginner workouts (Starting Strength, Ferocious 5, etc.) to achieve my goals. Consequently, I'm thinking the fitness machines may be the best option for me.
Any/all (constructive) suggestions, recommendations are appreciated. Thank you in advance.
by bodywurkz via Bodybuilding.com Forums - Female Bodybuilding