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Original poster

I am shocked as hell. I have properly committed to a fitness regime and I am getting fit. Who knew?

39 replies

Pagwatch · 28/02/2012 10:32

I am 50. Always assumed that fit people were a different breed and that I could never do that. Always reasonably slim too so I never fussed much.
Then I really damaged my back and tried pilates and osteopathy to try and sort it out.
Had my 50th birthday. Hit menopause. Put on over a stone in a few months. Got really low and then thought bollocks to this.

I hired a personal trainer because I didn't know how to start.

I am now training twice a week and doing other bits and pieces. I have lost about 10lbs but I am getting fit!
I feel so much more energetic and toned and my head feels more positive.I have not been incapacitated with my back problems since I started. I almost, not quite but almost, look forward to the sessions Grin

I am not really sure why I am posting this except to say to all the other people who assume that exercise is for other people and you will never be fit, if I can start at 50 and surprise myself, you never know. I know I am incredibly fortunate that I can do this with a trainer etc but I just wanted to post to anyone who was like me.
That's all really. We can do more than we think

That's a bit crap isn't it Blush Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
Pagwatch · 28/02/2012 13:32

Well done!

I am not sure I could do too much running on it's own although perhaps that means I should try._Grin

OP posts:
thestringcheesemassacre · 28/02/2012 13:23

well done Pag.

I'm 38 and just started running. I've done the c25k plan. Hammered through 5kms this morning. I'm so proud of myself too.

LapsedPacifist · 28/02/2012 11:17

Wow pag! what an inspiration!

I was 51 last week and could almost have written your post - up to the point where you started geting fit! Health issues and menopause have resulted in 2 stone weight gain in recent years, and am starting to despair. Have just had steroid injections which will hopefully improve my mobility.

We have a gym over the road. Literally 5 minutes away. THERE ARE NO MORE EXCUSES! Grin

OrmIrian · 28/02/2012 11:01

Oh well done pag! I had the same revelation as you but when I was in my 30s! It's amazing isn't it? Sadly due to various injuries and depression I have let things slide. But am on ADs now and starting to feel more positive so who knows.

BettyPerske · 28/02/2012 10:58

that
Sounds
Hard
work

Shock Smile you've done a brilliant thing. I know what you mean about never ever thinking you'd be one of 'those' people who are good at exercise etc.

and then, the little thought, 'why not?' creeps in and suddenly you have physical work to do because you can't stand not exercising any longer. Oh Goodness. This is terrible...!

Grin

(showy...seriously impressed at you too. I had No Idea.)

silverfrog · 28/02/2012 10:52

god, yes. I can't imagine the future, but know I need to start getting fit.

I had it all worked out, and was beignning to exercise towards the end of last year. slowly but one step at a time etc etc.

then I went and got pregnant, so back to hobbling crone for a bit, and no hope of anythign more strenuous than waking up for a good while.

add on a couple of years of exhaustion and I will be good and I will so need to get sorted out...

Original poster
Pagwatch · 28/02/2012 10:47

Arf at lazy runner showy. I know exactly what you mean.

I am going to buy a sports bag soon. It's part of my 'embrace the fact that you exercise' thing. I currently turn up at the gym with a handbag. How much of a twat....?

OP posts:
Original poster
Pagwatch · 28/02/2012 10:45

Thanks silver Smile
you will get more than most just how scared I was at the idea of being unfit and immobile for the next couple of decades

OP posts:
ShowOfHands · 28/02/2012 10:44

Marvellous. Well done you. I told dh for years that I'm just not sporty. Slim, active, healthy, yes. Sporty, no. Then I found out that running helped me get over ptsd in a way nothing else did and suddenly I was a runner. I own running tights and trail shoes ffs. I have a 6 pack. I am adamant I'm not sporty though. I'm a lazy runner.

Original poster
Pagwatch · 28/02/2012 10:44

Betty,

God, can I have a biscuit?

It's a she. We started in my garden so I wasn't too freaked out by the gym and we started slow. It's interval training really. A little bit of running (well a fast walk to start) with done weight based exercises - lunges and squats, sit up etc. We use a step and star jumps etc to up my heart rate then specific exercises.
But she knew I was scared and the sessions are all about pushing on as hard as I could without then dreading the next session iyswim.

OP posts:
silverfrog · 28/02/2012 10:44

oh I suffer exactly the same.

it's all to do with executive function, dontcha know Wink Grin - poor initiation skills, that's my problem!

seriously though, the fear of starting something - exercise, my next essay (already overdue Blush) whatever really, is far worse than the reality once I do start.

well done for starting, pag. and glad you are feeling the benefit - it is a big thing to have done.

Original poster
Pagwatch · 28/02/2012 10:41

Oh good! I kniw it sounds a bit self indulgent but I honestly thought for decades I just would never be able to do it so why embarrass myself.

No it's not a rubbish excuse. I think it was what I kept doing for years because somewhere in my head I thought I would never be able to succeed any way.
I think the difference came when I realised it was all about my head being the problem and worked out how to stop myself quitting. I had to figure out what excuses I made up to stop and prevent them and what obstacles happened and how to get over them.

OP posts:
BettyPerske · 28/02/2012 10:37

Well done Paggers!!! Smile

I'm really impressed. But why did you have to go and tell me anyone can do it, you've spoilt my moment sitting down with a packet of digestive biscuits and No Hope.

But that is very wonderful for you. Well done and keep going!

(what does he make you do exactly?) [fear]

serotoninbutterfly · 28/02/2012 10:35

Thats so awesome, I am so jealous!! I keep stopping and starting with exercise Sad and I need to lose at least a stone!

Just have no motivation, tried really hard with quitting smoking as a start in my healthy lifestyle, but so poorly because of it that I just can't be arsed!

I know it's a rubbish excuse, but seeing people that are succeeding really helps to prove it can be done. Thank you Smile

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