Should I give up exercise?

[BigSandyBalls2015]

I’m 54 and joined a gym in September, mainly due to wfh and bring fairly sedentary without my commute, which used to be 12,000 steps a day at least.

I was lucky to never have any aches or pains prior to joining the gym. Yet I now have all sorts of aches and twinges. Did a class at the gym last night and my hip is sore, my ribs ache …. I know I’m using muscles I prob didn’t before but it’s not making me feel great. Felt better before.

Do I chuck it in and go back to a sedentary pain free life?

The pain tends to reduce over time if you keep at it and your muscles get stronger in all areas! That said take it easy if you need to.

Apologies if this is too obvious but... are you wearing the right trainers for the exercise you're doing? I did a cardio class in the 'wrong' trainers (not enough support, too flat, et ) and I had aches in all sorts of weird places after.

The way things like strength training work, the activity breaks your body down a bit - so it does ache in the days following - BUT during the rest and recovery afterwards, your body builds itself back up better - stronger, faster etc.
So that's why it aches, and that's why good exercise programs allow for rest and recovery - it's when the magic happens.

Thanks for replies, that does make sense I think. My trainers could do with updating, so good point. I'll stick at it for now hoping long term it's doing me good! I'm just a bit disappointed to be getting out of bed feeling like an old lady. I used to be slightly smug that I reached 54 without any aches or pains

I honestly think the classes at our local gym are run by people without any understanding of average ability. I think they work in such highly athletic environment they've lost touch with what normal people are capable of.

For example when dialling down the intensity of an exercise and offering slower, easier alternatives they constantly shout at you to 'push harder'. What's the point of giving an easy option if you're then going to put pressure on people to make it harder again?

I wonder if the problem might be the instructors aren't the best fit for your stage of fitness. You could try joining a walking group or swimming instead, something where you get to decide your own level of intensity.

Muscular aches (DOMS) will leave you tired for a day or two afterwards, and that's a part of building up your muscle strength.

Sharper pains or joint issues may need some attention.

In general, it's far healthier to be active and a bit tired than sedentary.

As long as it’s your muscles that hurt and not your joints it’s all good.
I am a big believer in doing the exercise that suits you. I love strength training (not while doing it though. I spend whole time wondering why I do it to myself). Afterwards I feel great and a bit of DOMS reminds me I am pushing my body.
On other hand I just hate running. Boring while doing it and I kept getting ankle niggles. I gave up running as my main exercise.
I have way more energy when I am exercising.