6-Minute Fitness at 60+: Simple Home Exercises to Reclaim Strength, Balance, and Energy in 15 Days

I highly recommend this book to anyone, regardless of their age! I am 35 and my mom is 68. We are both active and regularly find ourselves going on hikes and traveling the world, however, we had been searching for guidance on incorporating a new routine for preventative maintenance. This book has it all! It is quick and easy to follow and lays out useful strategies and takeaway points for getting the most out of strength training. This is a MUST for 60+ but anyone younger would gain just as much. I know I’m not alone when I feel like I don’t have enough time to work out or feel overwhelmed at times, so it’s easy to get sucked into a somewhat sedentary lifestyle, but this low-impact, high intensity twice a day 6-minute routine has been working perfectly! I make it a point to do the workouts before I shower in the morning and evening and just feel so refreshed after. The illustrations of each position mentioned are easy to see with clear instructions, and the different levels of workout plans cater to various levels of strength and ability taking the guess work out of it. Even though I have some base knowledge for exercising, I took away a lot of new techniques to incorporate into my every day healthy life. I want to feel my best and have the energy, flexibility, and strength that my two-year-old son needs me to have. In the last ten years, I have noticed how aging has taken a toll on me and it will be increasingly more important to have healthy habits of diet and exercise while being gentle on joints incorporated into my life. After reading 6 Minute Fitness at 60+, my mindset has changed, and I feel so motivated to create the best version of myself. After a couple weeks utilizing what I learned about working harder and not longer, I noticed I was quicker to stand up, my balance improved, back pain had loosened up, and I have more energy. My workout buddy (Mom) could not be happier with her results as well. This is a program we can see sticking to for years to come.

Basic Physical Rehabilitation exercise make great sense. After my initial two weeks will reevaluate to determine if weight training will make bigger gains for my continued health improvement.

I own both the Kindle and paperback versions of this book. I've started doing these exercises each day as a prerequisite to getting my coffee. Some have said the book is wordy and at first glance I thought so - until I took a closer look and for myself arrived at the opinion that it does not have excess words but rather is precise. You won't wonder whether you are doing the exercises correctly. And you will know exactly where you should 'feel' each movement. This author is a doctor and has his doctorate in physical therapy, which means he is especially qualified to write this book. He does not use technical terms but rather discusses the body in ways that you will understand what he means. The illustrations are what are called 'line drawings,' meaning the kind you could do with a paper and pen/pencil. While some books have illustrations that consist of small photos or cartoon-like drawings of people in baggy clothing or whose exact movement are otherwise hard to discern, these drawings make clear what the movement should look like. It is IMPORTANT to read (and probably review) the written description thoughtfully so as to be clear about what the movement is to be. The movements are not at all complicated but if they are not done with attention to instructions, the benefit will likely be lost. These are not hard or multi step movements, nor do they require twisting or forward bends (both of which, to my understanding, are unwise for osteoporotic persons). Completing all of them would require the ability to lie on the floor. A sturdy (i.e. dining table) chair is needed. A step or stair step is needed for one or two, but the value of the book remains even in the absence of a step. There are three 'bonus' exercises that are to be completed with dumbbells (i.e. three pounds) or an object that has a bit of weight to it, though I think the best way is simply to obtain a couple of dumbbells, which could be purchased for a few dollars at a big box store. There is a daily exercise plan in the back of the book and while this was not relevant to my needs (I simply do all the exercises every morning), it may be of help to some. There are a few pages of dietary information (i.e. protein related) in the beginning of the book. While it didn't seem inaccurate to me, I would prefer this information to come from a registered dietitian. In the case of vegans or vegetarians, Vesanto Melina and Brenda Davis are longtime respected sources for this. At the beginning of the book, there is some information on motivation as well as benefits of exercise. This was an 'ok' but not particularly essential review in my case. It does contribute to understanding the rationale for the exercise and in that sense is somewhat motivating. The book has the title of six minute exercises, though in my case, it takes me closer to eight minutes. No big deal. This is not, in any way, a flashy or (thankfully) hyper-cheerful book. The text is black and white (and thankfully is typeset in a way that it is easy to read without glasses when holding the book and trying to do the exercise). The book is solid. The exercises do seem to work. Unlike weight training, which in my understanding is best done with a rest day, these exercises can be done every day. In my opinion, it is best to have a certain time of day, or to have them placed in one's regular routine, so that they are completed each day as a matter of course and one doesn't get into a mental debate about 'not feeling like it' on a given day. I had that sort of conversation going on in my mind today, but my little bit of coffee is dependent on my doing the exercises. I hope you find this review of help and now that I have done the exercises and written this review, it's time for my coffee. The author has a second book about core exercises that I have just ordered a paperback copy of. I hope he writes a third book in the series that is specific to balance exercises, such as one that I happen to know of called 'tandem walking,' which means in a straight line, heel-to-toe, and is something I do while waiting on the microwave or kitchen appliances.

I'm a big fan of Dr. Su's approach to progressive fitness and ordered a copy of his book for my father. Here's Dad's review: At age 89 I lifted too heavy a box while moving, suffering a disabling back injury. The 6-minute Fitness program has made a huge difference in my life. After five weeks using Level 1 and Level 2 workouts I was walking faster, longer and was doing household chores with ease. For the first time in years, I was able to get up off the floor independently without struggling to grab the arm of a chair to lift myself up. If I fall while outside, I will be able to get up without calling for help. I am now able to continue doing my guitar and 5 string banjo programs for Nursing Homes and Senior Centers to entertain the elderly. This book has been and will continue to be a life changer as I close in on my 90th birthday next year. I highly recommend this program for seniors of all ages. This book provides an excellent on-ramp for adults of all ages who have never been fit or have become deconditioned. Fitness requires a safe starting point and a strategy to progress. This program offers both. Well-written, medically accurate, with clear instructions and illustrations.

Het is goed geschreven qua uitleg. Ik heb er van geleerd. Als ik nog 60 was zou ik nog de spierkracht en de flexibiliteit hebben om deze in stand te houden. Voor 60+ prima.

El libro no muestra con claridad los ejercicios. Le faltan más figuras para hacerlos correctamente. Pero ofrecen algunas ligas sin y con costo….

First, it is written by a man who bothered to get a doctorate in physio therapy. Second, you get to choose which level you are comfortable with, pictures clearly show positioning. Third, there is internet connection to the author and you have access to him for all your questions and concerns. Best money I ever spent! Highly recommended no matter what your current physical level is, this will get you moving.

As I hit 65, I'm aware that I've neglected myself over the years and it seems sensible to start some sort of strength exercising, but most books and YouTube videos are aimed at those who already have some strength. Couch to 5K? Don't make me laugh! I can hardly get off the couch some days. 40 odd years of sitting at a desk have left me weaker than most of the 75-year-olds I know. This book is aimed at anyone 60 - 100, even those who have really lost a huge amount of muscle, inevitable as we get older if we don't work to keep it. The Author, Dr Jonathan Su, knows his stuff. Not only is he qualified and experienced, but he has brought the exercises needed to really change your body down to 6 minutes, twice a day. I know - I was surprised too. Although Jonathan claims you will see results in 15 days, this is an 8-week programme. There are three levels, starting with those who can't stand for 6 minutes, so the exercises are done lying down. Stage 2 is for people who can stand but not walk vigorously for 6 minutes, or for whom stairs are an issue. These are done standing with a chair for support. Level 3 involves using a step - this is for people who can walk at a vigorous pace for 6 minutes or climb several sets of stairs easily. The exercises are well illustrated and if anything, Dr Su goes overboard in his explanations, but I guess the potential audience is vulnerable to injury therefore it’s probably sensible. After the initial 8 weeks, you are free to add in the upper body work, which is also included. Dr Su includes a couple of stories of quite remarkable changes in the bodies of people who have used his exercises, including an 87-year-old who transformed his body so much that he started running for the first time. So, there is potentially hope for us all. There are links in the book to free additional material which includes a printable 8-week schedule which can be pinned up, though once reduced to A4 size it’s not very readable for those of us with age related macular problems. There are also videos showing Jonathan doing the exercises. As they are simple exercises, it's important that they are done correctly. There is also a membership/community which is around £5 per month. Though I couldn’t personally see the benefit, perhaps those living alone or in care might benefit from the community and the ability to ask questions. Someone gave a review stating that they thought the book was a waste of time as it only includes three exercises and was based on the work of dozens of others (Dr Su includes references). The book contains a lot of information and those three exercises are absolutely worth their weight in gold. The references allow you to go off and do your own research if you want and let’s face it – we all stand on the shoulders of giants. By the way, there are nine exercises so you choose the three that suit you according to your fitness level and work up. I don't normally take the time to write this length of review but I think this book deserves it. It’s thorough, non-gimmicky, authentic in its content and really accessible to people of low fitness levels, I've only had the book a few days but already I am feeling some benefits. After just two, I could physically feel the difference in my leg muscles. Here's hoping!

Great item thank, as described