Starting on the road to fitness after 50 (or thereabouts) Support thread.

How did it go Vanderpump? I did my first exercise class for a while tonight. Apart from the instructor saying in front of the whole class that she hadn’t seen me for a VERY long time and a malfunction with my very tight sports bra that couldn’t stand the strain and came completely undone, it wasn’t too bad. Although I’m aching already so I’m not looking forward to trying to get out of bed in the morning. I’ve rebooked already for the same class next week before my resolve wobbles as much as the rest of me. It was good though that there were lots of 50+ women in there, with a wide range of fitness levels, so easy to blend in, definitely not as intimidating as I expected.

Hello, just heading out on a long walk, I could go the easy way or the hard way which is more hilly ... I'm trying the hard way ... gulp

Can I join, please? I’m 50 and soooo unfit, thanks to a combination of home-working since lockdown and a very high-needs SEN child, meaning I’m knackered, a bit depressed and have very little free time. And everything wobbles.

I think a combination of weights, swimming and dusting down the spin bike (lockdown purchase, obvs) is what I need. I’m hoping this thread will inspire me to get off my ever-expanding arse and do it!

Well done jowly, think we both get a pat on the back today.

I walked 10k this afternoon in an hour and 25 minutes. I have no idea if that's fast by anyone else's standards but it felt it to me.

I've tried running but my knees object so I walk...

So today I thought I’d better crack on with making an effort and I managed to fit in 10,000 steps around work, which was about 9,500 more than I usually manage on a Monday and I tried a brisker stride than normal too. How are the rest of you doing?

Lose

Hello

I'm 51 and in the middle of the menopause, I used to be very fit but have really let things slide over the last couple of years

I do have weight to loose but my main aim is to get fitter and stronger and generally just feel better

This thread is a great idea, thank you

In my experience of recovering from a viral infection keep expectations low. I had "post viral syndrome" in my 2Os it was bloody awful. I began to improve when i stopped trying to be more active. I'd do something then relapse. Basically it takes time I think. And nourishment, rest, sunshine: all the early 20th century sanatorium style things. And I was going to suggest stretching and even breathing exercises. Xx

I'm 52. DH and I joined a gym this weekend, first time ever. We'll see how it goes.

Hello everyone, would love to join you

I'm heading towards 60, and luckily retired so I have time (finally) to sort myself out.

I made a good start last year and went from quite overweight, and breathless walking up the stairs, to normal BMI and walking a fair bit.

So I'm better than I was, but I don't feel 'strong' or really very fit, so I'm hoping for ideas and inspiration.

I in in! Before lockdown I was doing 5 exercise classes a week. My fitness really took a nosedive during lockdown, so long just stuck at home and just lost motivation. I'm doing a Zumba class, but that's nowhere near enough and I feel blobby and sluggish. Not good!

Can we join? 52, put on lockdown pounds and need to sort out fitness

I was thinking of similar. Just trying to improve from a low base.

Can I join, or lurk. Need the motivation! Am 58 suddenly and don’t look like the film star I thought I did. Sigh. Also out of puffvery quick.

Hello, thank you so much for this thread. I’m 53, could do with losing a bit of weight but mostly am just really aware that my fitness has really plummeted and it’s time to do something about it or accept it’s downhill from here! I used to do quite a few classes but hadn’t been since before COVID struck up until a few weeks ago when I thought I’d relaunch with a step class and nearly died with the exertion! I was bright red for hours afterwards. I’ve booked a gentler class for Tuesday evening but am nervous.

I do breaststroke and hate putting my face in the water so that’s not great for my back. Before I started swimming I walked about 3 or 4 miles about four times a week. I struggle to do that now and have no stamina.
Also just been clothes shopping and my body looks terrible. I have never looked so fat.

@FlyingGeeseAgain don’t give up the swimming it was the worst thing my mum ever did. It keeps you moving without putting any pressure on your joints and is great for stretching out.

What kind of stroke do you do? I only learned front crawl when I was in my early 40s and it’s been the best thing I ever did. I can do good distances now.

I have always walked a lot. In November I decided to swim instead but walk on days I don’t swim. Because of the weather I sometimes didn’t do either. I now struggle to walk for an hour and a half . I have to keep sitting down, am out of breath and feel the worst I’ve felt for years. The lack of light has made me feel mentally awful too. I simply don’t understand why swimming has done nothing for my fitness! I swim three times a week for half an hour.
I’m giving up swimming and going back to walking. I would like to do weights but don’t know where to start. I also need to start doing yoga again.

Oh poor thing. Recovery is horrible and you deserve support not impatience

I remember my dads slow recovery ( 10 years ago). We measured it in lampposts - first lamppost from the house was a huge milestone , as was the second lamppost. He got to mountains in time and leading ramblers in the end , but only by building very very slowly

I’ve had a lot of weight to lose but it’s coming off. My aim is to keep busy, I swim and try and do at least a pool mile a week then in the summer I do a lake mile but at the moment I do a lake dip. Then just do things like gardening, dog walking and try and find things that don’t involve sitting on the sofa scrolling through devices.

A friend I swim with is still suffering from covid after effects she is building up the swim very gradually.

OP Babdoc is wise (and very qualified). I had a chest infection and viral infection in January 2020 and was very ill. My GP cautioned me to be careful about jumping back into everyday life at 100 miles per hour. I'm glad I listened because it was a very slow recovery. Like me you are only 50 - there is plenty of time.