To think I'm not 'too old' to try to get fitter?

[Wilburissomepig]

I'm 51. Lost a bit of weight recently, but I feel that I'm pretty unfit and would like to do something about it. A friend has suggested a 'boot camp for beginners' and I'd like to give it a go to at least see how I get on. Type 2 diabetes runs in my family, my DC's are still pretty young and I want to look after my health better to be around as long as I can for them, and for me. (Eating better, sleeping better etc).

MIL has just informed me that I'm too old for 'all that nonsense' and that if I was that bothered I should have done it years ago like she did. MIL is very fit and healthy (always has been) and couldn't be any less encouraging if she tried. I feel half deflated and half determined to prove her wrong. Am I too old? I'm not talking about running marathons here, I just want to gradually improve my health as much as I can and this is just part of that.

Why can't you get fitter?
Does she always belittle your hopes or plans?

It's a fantastic idea, you're never too old to improve yourself and you'll be surprised at the results, both in how you look and how you feel. Ignore MIL and go for it

Don’t pay any attention to her.

Do the boot camp.

Sounds as though your MIL wants to be the only fit one...

Better not to tell her a damn thing about what your plans are if she's going to be negative.

You a can totally do this! Go for it, you’ve got nothing to lose.

She sounds like she’s probably too old to do it and a little jealous of you.

Good luck!

Of course you're not too old.

Your mil may be fit and healthy but she is seriously lacking in common intelligence. So, feel sorry for her. Poor ignorant woman.

Of course you're not too old! I am 47 and started road cycling and running again after a pregnancy-baby-toddler break a couple of years ago. Aiming for a 100 mile ride next summer! One of the ladies I cycle with started when she retired and now seeks out long and steep hills for fun - think Lakeland Passes and the like.
A friend of mines dad took his first exercise since school when he retired. I think your MiL doesn't want her "fitness" crown knocked off!

Go for it!! Ignore ignorant people...
I'm same age as you...I play football..., cycle...and run ...
I'm not 'good' at any of those but I enjoy it and it keeps middle aged spread at bay!

No you are definitely not too old!
I’m 42 and earlier this year started working with a personal trainer. I’ve lost some weight, something like 17 inches and am in the best shape of my life. I’m going into hibernation /chocolate-stuffing mode for Christmas, but otherwise it has been pretty life changing.
There are women at my gym in their 60s and 70s, and my mother (age 67) has just hired a personal trainer to help her with strength and flexibility.

Just go for it - it won’t do you any harm and 80year old you might be very grateful for the investment you put in now. I’ll never run a marathon either, but it is very satisfying to feel so much stronger.

Go for it. You're only too old when you're dead (or hooked up to life support) And don't tell MIL. When you're losing weight and she comments just say 'I know, the weight's just coming off without me doing a thing! I must be lucky like that.' (add tinkly laugh for good measure). If necessary also go with a 'If you need any tips yourself I'd be happy to share'

You are never too old to improve your fitness. If you have any health issues you should check with your doctor first but otherwise just start gently and build up.
At 51 you are definitely not too old! You sound like you haven't got much confidence at the moment but the bonus is that your confidence in all areas will grow if you do improve your fitness
Go for it!

If she's fit she's probably enjoyed feeling smug about it when you were bigger and now feels threatened. Let that nasty remark motivate you, now way are you too old!

No your not too old. Ignore your silly MIL. I go to kickbixung and there are people in their 50s and 60s there.

Just do it! Don’t listen to someone who seems to delight in putting you down. You got nothing to lose and so much to gain. It will be probably far more fun and motivating to do it with others to get started. Sounds a great idea. Our bodies really do have an amazing ability to heal and regenerate with even minor positive changes. For a number of years, I was on the verge of diabetes. I did very sedentary work, comfort ate and just got more and more unhealthy. One day, I started eating healthy fats, proteins and cut out processed carbs, lost weight and moved a lot more. My GP was pretty shocked that 5 months later, my blood test showed me to be in the normal healthy range with no danger of diabetes. Find things that you enjoy doing, so you can stick at it. When you are fairly overweight, a lot of exercise seemed too rough on my joints and I was just too unfit. But I loved bouncing around on my little trampoline and swimming. Both are amazing for burning calories and toning up.

Do it. I'm just starting to get into shape too, after some horrible illnesses in my family, I'm determined to get into and stay into the healthiest and strongest version of me I can be.

I'm not the most toned or fittest at the gym by far but I already feel better for it.

go for it and ignore your MIL
check out the couch to 5 k programmes (the NHS has them) for an easy way in
check out his guy he started running seriously at 89
your MiL is very ignorant

Of course not too old! You go for it. Good for you trying to take charge of your health. The best exercise is the one you enjoy doing and that you will make part of your lifestyle. Your mil sounds threatened by you becoming fit and healthy .

Haha what?? what is she saying, that you’re about to croak from old age any day so why bother?? At 51, you’re only middle aged.
What a nasty thing to say

Your MIL is probably the type of person who enjoyed the fact that you're less healthy than her; the fact that you've lost weight already and decided to begin increasing your fitness means she won't be able to use you to feel good about herself, that's all.

Anyone who discourages you from becoming stronger or fitter isn't someone you need to listen to or take advice from.

I used to be pretty fit, but with having the DC's and a pretty serious bout of depression, I did let things slide massively and got in to a rut. I want to change that now and I KNOW I'll feel better for it. I usually get on really well with her but feel that she's totally pissing on my chips!

Definitely not too old

I’ve seen a study that included a group of over-90s - they still made health gains - small ones, but actual gains. There honestly isn’t an age cut off, the body will respond to appropriate exercise in the same way whatever age you are, if you give it an increased load it will gain the nerve connections and muscles needed. Basically, there is no age where you stops making gains. If your MIL wants to argue this point I can bring up peer-reviewed journals to back us up.

Just don't talk to your MIL about it OP. Negativity is contagious.

My dm is 53. At 50, she was a very unfit size 16 and fed up of being out of breath running up the stairs. She started with diet then moved on to aerobics classes, walking and tennis. Before this she has never excercised in her life!
She's now a size 10/12 and very fit. It's done wonders for her confidence too.

You're never to old to do this OP.

If it’s ‘nonsense’ why does she do it?
Never too old. And why not marathons if you fancy them?

Robin Wright is 51. She kicked ass as Antiope in Wonder Woman.