How much exercise do you do? Am I doing enough at my age?

[RedorangeyellowBLACK]

I have always exercised in some way or form.

I have never liked going to the gym or exercise classes so tend to do things myself.

Currently (and for around 10 years) my routine has been walking the dog 2-3 times a day which equates to around 60-90 mins a day (I walk quite fast and over fields and woods) and I also have an exercise bike which I pop on a few evenings a week for around 20-30 mins.

I have joint hyper mobility so have to be careful with the amount of stretching and weights I do but my friend, who goes every day to a circuit training type gym (my idea of hell but she loves it) says that I need to incorporate lots more weight bearing exercises now I am 50.

What exercises you do and how can I incorporate some weights without hurting my joints/muscles? I am small framed, am 5’5” and weigh around 57kg so not looking to lose weight, it is more to keep fit and strong into older age.

I would agree for bone density and muscle mass that some strength training would be beneficial. Try resistance band workouts if weights are a bit scary, it's harder to overextend with resistance work I believe.

I do circuits 3 times a week, generally plus yoga and one or two 3-4 mile walks a week. Circuits is hiit cardio and includes lots of strength work (barbell squats/weighted lunges, shoulder press/ press ups) plus core work. I'm 47 and overweight but my fitness, strength and flexibility are fairly good. Trying to stay healthy and strong as I age (as opposed to being slim). I used to run but my knees object these days.

Can you book some sessions with a personal trainer? I’ve always exercised but when I wanted to do more, that’s what I did. I occasionally book more sessions if I want to make a change and I’ve also asked for advice on what’s best for my age.

Get professional advice, if you have hypermobility. Most people on here won't even understand properly what that means, so lots of the advice will be dangerous for you to follow.

I habe hyper mobility too and agree that you need to avoid stretching. I've seen à proper pt who specialises in disability and adaptive fitness who gave me fantastic advice. Strength training is vital (done properly) and has reduced by problems and constant injuries from hyper mobility