Need help for my Mom: battling muscle loss

My mother is only 62, but is beginning to shrivel up rapidly. Recently, she got The Firm step set, and so far she seems to have stabilized. Working out is helping (she uses very light weights) but she's beyond frustrated now. And scared.

A few things that happen to her:

During moderate exercise, her blood pressure dips and she gets dizzy

She's a type-O, and has to eat a diet rich in beef and high protien meats, veggies and fruit. So she's getting plenty of nurishment.

We're not sure what type of doctor to talk to, as if we could afford one. The ones she's spoken with all seem to just want to see if she has breast cancer, they won't even listen! -- the problem is atrophy, not cancer! She's clean.

But one thing we do know: weights, even the measly 5lb ones she's been able to lift have made a difference. But she's too weak to go up to anything heavier yet.

Any girls here know what's going on?

Hey sweetie...

Your mom is on the right step!!! Basically like anything else, if you don't use it, you lose it! Atrophy is probably right.. as we get older, everything declines.. our energy, muscles etc, so we have to keep our bodies strong and healthy!

Her diet seems on track and if you are looking out for her, make sure she is getting enough FIBER with all the protein! Especially in an older woman, fiber is crucial! This will also help with energy... Carbs, make sure she is getting complex carbs for sufficient energy.

Basically, it is going to be a slow process! She did not get weak overnight, so getting strong again is gonna take time, BUT she is on the right track! Lifting weights and light cardio 3-4 or 4-5 times per day is good! In time her body will become stronger if she stays on a good weight/cardio program and eats a balanced diet.

The dizziness; why do you feel it is from a drop in blood pressure? When doing exercise, her blood pressure will rise... Is she breathing accurately?? Alot of women hold there breath when they weight train... Make sure she is breathing right.. How is her pulse? Does she drink enough water and does she have enough sugar?? She should eat about an hour before exercising or even have some fruit prior to weight training (ie: an apple) to help give her energy to train... Several factors need to be looked at..
After feeling dizzy, does it go away quickly? happen again? has she fainted? had her blood pressure checked??

Super

You did not say it, but if she has not had a physical, she needs one. You need to know what her baseline values are, especially blood chemistry. Otherwise, only guessing as to the problems. Also, need to look at blood sugar. Hypoglycemia can cause low BP and dizzyness. Oh yeah, I am not a girl, but I am married to a great one! Hope that counts.