How many of you exercise regularly because it will be good for your body in old age?

[ThisIsClare]

Not counting walking (especially during lockdown) how many of you exercise at least three times a week, not counting walking? How many of you run or lift weights or do a class at least three times a day for at least half an hour? And if you do, what are your reasons for exercising regularly? Just curious to see how many people exercise regularly (besides walking) because it will make a difference to their bodies in old age. DIsclaimer - I used to work out a lot (around 12 - 15 hours a week, but hated it and now don't do any exercise as can't be bothered.

It's on my list of reasons but numero uno is mental health

Hardly been able to exercise at all since last march though, and really feeling the difference physically.

Me, main reason was to loose weight. But now work out 5 days a week, 30 min classes and try to do x2 on the days I'm not working to maintain weight and to help with joints as get older. I have bad knee and hip so want to prevent that getting worse

Also puzzled by the walking comment. I walk 40 minutes a day and lift some weights... pretty sure that’s helping stave off problems in old age!

I have started to do weights for my old age body. I didn't really bother before.

Exercise in itself is because I enjoy it, makes me feel good, and makes me look good - or at least better.

When I compare some elderly people struggling to walk straight, and videos of people the same age in the gym, I will definitively start a fitness plan at some point. But I am more into maintaining my current level (or recovering from the effect of the lockdown) for now.

@Oly4

Also puzzled by the walking comment. I walk 40 minutes a day and lift some weights... pretty sure that’s helping stave off problems in old age!

It depends I suppose.

I probably eat too much or something, but walking does absolutely nothing for me. If I just stick with walking I get very unfit very quickly.

I walk 40 minutes a day and lift some weights... pretty sure that’s helping stave off problems in old age!

Well,you lift weights! Just walking doesn't really cut it for most people (although still better than nothing). I rarely drive and walk a lot - was still really unfit though.

Yes, I’ll add my voice.
It’s not my only reason but now I’m in my 50s, it certainly is higher up there than it was in my 20s.

@riotlady

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I'm 61and my motto is 'Use it or lose it'. I cycle 2 or 3 times a week and walk 5-7 miles other days. Never drive if I can walk.
I know women my age who are barely mobile. I want to delay that as long as I can.

Agree with @FusionChefGeoff, you really should talk to someone OP. No point in worrying about staying healthy into old age when you think it’s ok to eat 450 cals in a day. You are setting yourself up for lots of health problems in the future if you don’t seek help with your mindset

Thanks Gerla.

Me. I'm 52 and run four times a week. I'm doing a half marathon in April and the London Marathon in October.

I'd like to add pilates when classes are allowed again, if I can fit it with running and working full time.

I do this because I had my son at 40 and I don't want to be an 'old' mum while he's still a child. He has no siblings and I want to stay around for him as long as I possibly can.

"Well,you lift weights! Just walking doesn't really cut it for most people (although still better than nothing). I rarely drive and walk a lot - was still really unfit though."

I agree. Unless you do hours of it or uphill, walking isn't rigorous exercise for young and middle aged people.
Before lockdown I walked a lot, but that was just life and not specifically exercise. I have trouble joining my friends on hikes as that's a different thing.

I exercise. I'm in my late fifties and I work out most days.

After seeing the state of my parents when they got older, who did absolutely nothing, I'm determined to make sure I'm fit and healthy into old age.

@Cooroo

I'm 61and my motto is 'Use it or lose it'. I cycle 2 or 3 times a week and walk 5-7 miles other days. Never drive if I can walk. I know women my age who are barely mobile. I want to delay that as long as I can.

There are ultra-marathons runners at that age, I would never consider 61 "old"!

Not pretending that ultra sport is that gentle on your body and doesn't create other kind of problems but still!

I run 3/4 times per week and cycle 2/3 times per week. I do a bit of strength and conditioning in the gym but haven’t bothered doing much more than stretches/yoga whilst the gyms have been shut. I swim too usually but pools have been closed, I’m too fat for my wetsuit (had a baby 4 months ago), and I don’t really have the inclination to drag the whole family to a cold beach.

I work out mainly because of the benefits it has to my mental health. But also because I’m competitive and like to race, it makes me feel good physically, it means I can indulge a bit more with food, it has massively improved my asthma, and because I get some time alone!

I’ve always exercised but now I’m 46, I’m more committed than ever, I keep fit for my future health more than anything, the way it makes me feel and look is a bonus.

I lift heavy weights, do a couple of hiit workouts and run twice a week (5k max, I like my knees) on top of this I walk my dogs every day, kayak, ride horses, mountain hike and mountain bike. One of my grans had osteoporosis and was quite hunched, she didn’t do any fitness, whereas my other gran was fit as a fiddle, very upright, slim and always active and lived to a ripe old age. Being strong and fit into my dotage is very important to me.

@Gwenhwyfar Unfortunately I got kicked straight through a five bar gate by a horse! (not one of mine)

me also

65

@Gwenhwyfar

"Yep, I work out every day. Mix of weights, resistance training, HIIT, yoga"

What exactly do you do Shirley?

At the moment I’m doing a challenge called growingannanas which is a YouTube 30 day one, really as a change up / boost

But usually I do:
Heavy weights 2/3 times week (supersets of compound movements and accessory work)
HIIT 2/3 times a week
Maybe a kettlebells circuit
Yoga and stretch once a week
Then I also do about an hour’s walk each day to get a clear head and get some steps in

I tend to do 3 days of intense work, one day of “active rest” then repeat, so the week is never the same

I take real satisfaction in knowing that although I am in my 40s I am getting steadily faster and stronger. My parents are quite inspirational; they're still active in their 70s and 80s because they were active when younger, and have much better quality of life as a result. They've obviously slowed down a bit over the years, but because they were starting from a good base fitness they can still do long walks and bike rides, and one of them runs 3x a week. It's really worth finding the exercise that works for you - something that you do not just for the physical and mental benefits (though these are real) but because you enjoy it.

I exercise 5 times a week for around an hour a time, mainly so I look and feel good at the age I am now (26). I find exercise fun though and feel amazing after. It did take me around a year or more to really enjoy it and to make it a lifestyle though.

Early sixties and yes I exercise, weight bearing and small weights. I keep my weight as low as well. I'm hoping it will keep me going for a couple of decades

I cycle to work as it saves me money, helps my fitness and will help me age better. That's 3/4 times a week 40 mins a day in total.

Early 50's and I exercise 6 days a week. Weights 2/3 times a week, spinning, outdoor cycling, cardio. I mainly use Les Mills on Demand.