Contemplating joining a gym at 60+ - am I insane??

[Faceplantagain]

I'm early 60s, relatively active and mainly get my exercise from regular walking around my hilly town. However, I don't seem to be doing that as much as I used to and my fitness is definitely going downhill - I went on a walking holiday earlier this year and struggled on the uphills. I'm also worried about potential osteoperosis which I know weight-bearing exercise would help with. So, I'm wondering about joining a gym where I could do a combination of cardio and weights a couple of times a week, but I feel strangely intimidated. I think the last time I crossed the threshold of one was 30 years ago! Some inspirational stories from people who've started gym-going later in life would be much appreciated!

Never been to a gym but am 62 and have recently started with a personal trainer and would definitely recommend!

No definitely not.... go for it! You will definitely increase muscle mass and bone density.... improve balance, feel better. As we afe, it is so so important to keep moving and active. There is no better time to start. Let us know how you get on!

Definitely start the gym for both cardio and strength.

At my local gym, on weekday mornings, it's absolutely full of retired people...in the classes, gym and pool. You might be surprised.

I just found this lady's Instagram. She's pretty inspiring, for me anyway. Got off her couch at 56 and has changed her life completely in terms of strength.

www.instagram.com/phoebe.gets.fit?igsh=NHU2ZGZldTJ1Z2hs

do it do it!

DS2 (who is very sporty and aware of what to do) has told me a couple of times that I need to be doing weights at the gym as I get (ahem) older. I am 60 and when I spent time with him this week I asked him to send me a programme. Just going to join the gym as the leisure centre where I swim - nowt fancy

My dad only joined a gym once he'd retired, he's late 70s now and still goes regularly. It's really good for him, helps him maintain balance and mobility. He goes during the day when it's quiet.

I just joined one at the age of 61, for similar reasons to you, really. Didn't feel intimated or awkward at all but that might be largely due to having a fantastic induction session with a really lovely woman trainer. I would make sure you do that and then just go for it. Don't worry about what other gym-goers think. They won't be thinking about or looking at you anyway.
Good luck!

Definitely! There’s loads of people 60+ who go to my gym.

Do it! You won't regret it.

I’m early 50s, and at both my old private/hotel gym, and the new local council gym, most people are at least 10 years older than me.

Go for it!

Yes do it, but invest in a session with a personal trainer or private physio therapist to start you off and get you onto a appropriate programme

I feel the same @Faceplantagain I'm 52 and know I need to improve my strength & stamina but feel intimidated just walking into some of these gyms. I want to find one for mid life folks where the walls aren't black & they don't pump out techno music! 😄

I joined at 50 & signed up with a personal trainer - one of the best things I’ve done for myself. And there are plenty of people there older than me!

Most gyms should offer a free induction & the PT I chose also offered a free half hour intro session.

My goodness. I'll be 60 soon and it wouldn't occur to me in a million years that I'm too old.

I went to a gym regularly, until the local one I joined closed a few months ago.I am looking to find another.I was 80 two months ago.

I have never had so much respect for 2 people in the gym as a husband and wife couple who were the other side of 90 and frequently trained together. You will likely be very surprised who you come across

This is all really positive - thank you! Now all I need to do is chose between the small female only gym nearby, the larger leisure centre slightly further away, and the large independent gym which claims to be fully inclusive but seems a bit scary...

I used to work in a gym, loads of members over 60. Strength training is great for bone strength.

I’d make a brief list of questions depending on what matters to you & see if you can get a free intro session at each of them. Good luck!

One of the things I adore about MN is the age diversity 🙂

I turned 54 this year and joined a small independent CrossFit gym this year.

Totally on track to turning my health and fitness around. Can you go along and meet them and have a taster session?

I was really intimidated before I joined in fact only set my foot through the door at the 3rd attempt. But the reviews online said it was a supportive place and it was absolutely true.

You are definitely not too old. Go for it!

Join! But check out the gyms to.find one you feel comfy with.

The one I go to has a balance of ultra fit to people on rehabilitation programmes working with their physios. And if you can afford it, get a personal trainer for a while (makes you commit and they can show vast ranges of exercises)

Absolutely do it! There will be lots of members your age! The instructors will be able to give you an induction and help you form a program to follow. Good luck!

I'm 57 and have been going to my gym for 2 or 3 years. It's a university gym so full of young people- and some university staff of all ages.
I do a range of classes and some weights- mostly machines. Just get all the help/ advice/ induction/ guidance/ training sessions/ workshops you can- it'll help you feel more confident if you've got some idea what you're doing. Go for it.