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Original poster

Age 45. Want to get fitter and stronger. Recommend me a programme

36 replies

CatInAShoebox · 28/05/2022 21:06

I'm 45. Not overweight but am watching my calorie intake as losing a few lbs would do me good (I'm at the top end of normal for my height on the bmi chart).

I'm also perimenopausal and want to get stronger. I tried Caroline Girvan's beginners' programme and am really cross because in doing session 2 I hurt my elbows to such an extent that I am now out of action arm-wise and have been prescribed naproxen for post-injury swelling (nb I've tried various programmes over the years and this has never happened to me before!) I don't know what I did wrong but there we go.

I did couch to 5k last year but am trying to avoid running while I wait for an appointment with a women's physio as my pf is knackered. As you can see, I'm basically falling to bits and have been a couch potato for about a year.

Ideally I want something either free or not too £££ that I can do from home.

Any recommendations? Thanks in advance, mumsnetters :)

OP posts:
BillMasheen · 28/05/2022 21:35

If you do sign up to Les Mills. Look for the ‘no gear, no problem‘ video. Shows you how to do a lot of the routines without needing to buy anything. (They did it during COVID when no one could buy anything anyway)

the weights one, it shows them using a barbell, but you don’t need it. Hand weights are fine. And I use a sock for some of the stretches where it says to use a band.

Original poster
CatInAShoebox · 28/05/2022 21:33

purplesequins · 28/05/2022 21:32

@CatInAShoebox look up 'core strength for runners' on youtube
there are some great ones (I like holly from runner's world). you only need a mat and use your own weight as resistance, similar to pilates.

Thanks, v useful - I'll look this up.

OP posts:
purplesequins · 28/05/2022 21:32

@CatInAShoebox look up 'core strength for runners' on youtube
there are some great ones (I like holly from runner's world). you only need a mat and use your own weight as resistance, similar to pilates.

Original poster
CatInAShoebox · 28/05/2022 21:27

And indoor climbing sounds fun too. We've got one nearby - my kids have been but it's never occurred to me to have a try myself!

OP posts:
Original poster
CatInAShoebox · 28/05/2022 21:26

Thanks, loads of ideas here - much appreciated! I will investigate Les Mills, looks good. I've got hand weights already.

And you've reminded me that I actually have Joe Wicks dvd somewhere probably under a layer of dust I'll look for it tomorrow.

OP posts:
JessicaBrassica · 28/05/2022 21:20

I've just started indoor climbing for strength training. Also kayaking. Not a fan of gyms (annd out with my budget). I run a couple of times a week too. Late 40s. Getting stronger, fitter and lighter!

BillMasheen · 28/05/2022 21:19

I love the Les Mills+. (Was Les Mills on demand)

about £7 PCM. There’s yoga, weights, cardio, core training, ballet workouts, martial arts stuff. Plus a load of programs to follow to get you up and running, and a load of tutorial videos.

you absolutely DO NOT need the £££ equipment they sell though. I started doing the weights program with tins of soup and bags of rice.

you should be able to blag a cheap introductory offer. I got a free first couple of months.

www.lesmills.com/uk/ondemand/

Gherkingreen · 28/05/2022 21:17

I'm a little older than you, perimenopausal too, not overweight either and want to keep it that way. Have to watch what I eat these days, too much sugar and bread really makes a difference in how I feel.
I walk a lot with my dog/DH, at least 60 mins brisk walking a day and more at the weekends.
I do a couple of 30 minute high impact workouts at home a week and a couple of weights workouts, using hand weights and kettle bells.
I don't stick to a routine/programme, I just do whatever I fancy at the time dependent on my mood. I really like a YouTube couple called Juice and Toya, Joe Wicks is another favourite.

Original poster
CatInAShoebox · 28/05/2022 21:15

@AnElegantChaos yes definitely to walking - I'm trying to do more of this.

@purplesequins can you say more about strength training? What should I be looking for (that won't injure me again!)

OP posts:
purplesequins · 28/05/2022 21:12

c25k
plus some strength training

AnElegantChaos · 28/05/2022 21:10

Similar age and also perimenopausal. I find walking really effective and makes a HUGE difference but obv much gentler on your joints than couch to 5k.