Early 40s & ache - is this usual?

[donkeysandzebras]

I feel as though I have got very old this summer. I have suddenly noticed that I am really stiff and have a lot of aches. Getting out of bed in the morning or out of the car after a long journey is not a swift movement but seems to be done in stages, thought has to be put into getting up off the floor and that sort of thing. Worst of all, wearing trainers rather than flip flops or sandals for the first time this weekend and I found myself looking for a step to raise my foot onto so I could do up my shoe laces as my feet seemed a long way away.
Is this normal or not? I've never been that flexible but this is restrictive. I've put half a stone on in the past 6 months which I'm trying unsuccessfully so far to do something about but no other lifestyle changes.

I'm 45 and have experienced joint stiffness since my late 30s. I have intermittent pains in my back and hips. I am overweight and not fit, so I guess that doesn't help. I think unless you are very fit, this is normal in middle - age.

I have this and I’m 36

I think it’s normal, but yoga would really help. I love it and am a lot more flexible than I was two years ago. I’m 41. It sorts out my aches and pains and when I haven’t done it for a while I get stuff joints.

Yoga and Pilates!

Yup, yoga and pilates is the answer now I'm afraid!

At least it sounds as though there is hope! Every Pilates class in the town where we live clashes with some other commitment but I'll look further afield. There must be one I can do somewhere.

I was feeling a bit like this and very tired.

Started taking Vitamin D and feel a lot better within a matter of days!

Not sure if that is your solution but thought I should mention it.