Am I too old at 50 to start exercising now?

[PurpleDisco]

Nearly everyone I know has some sort of regular exercise routine going with either running or the gym etc. I’d like to be that person but I’m wondering if I’m too old now at 50 to start and have I seriously left it too late? I worry about my health though I’m not overweight, my BMI is 23.5. I walk to and from work everyday (2 miles) but apart from that I don’t do any exercise to exert myself. I keep reading that you should exercise to the point of being out of breath! Would it be dangerous for me to suddenly start now?

Nope. I turn 50 next week and have really started exercising this year, it has made a difference already so I say go for it

You're never too old to start and you will get benefits quickly.
Start slow.
Do something you enjoy.
Set yourself mini goals.
Focus on strength training raider than aerobic activity, it's not about being out of breath as a peri-menopausal woman, is about having the strength to carry your shipping and to get back up if you fall.
Enjoy!

I would add as well as cardio strength work is really important as you get older. I find having a personal trainer has really helped me achieve things I never thought I would and gain confidence to try weights.

Never too old to start. You just begin exercise at a point that works for your age and fitness level.

No! What do you fancy doing?

No. I’d highly recommend you read unbreakable by dr vonda wright - that will get you on the right track and defo focus on strength and resistance training first

Absolutely not. It's never too late to start and starting in your 50's will give no end of health benefits moving forward

Never too old. I joined a gym at 50 after at least 10 years of no exercise. I did have weight to lose so I’m 4 stone down but I’m also stronger, fitter and healthier than I’ve ever been. My body fat percentage has halved and I feel so much better.

I used to be a runner but I sustained an injury that means I can’t run again but I do incline walking and focus on strength training and improving my flexibility.

Walking 2 miles a day is exercise. The local sports centre will have gym inductions, classes, swimming, just try a few things out.

Of course not! Download Couch to 5k and start this week - you’ll feel amazing by Christmas

Strength & balance exercise is really important to prevent falls as we get older.

I think I was probably at my fittest in my late 40s to mid 50s, then I had a significant bereavement, COVID came along and the wheel came off a bit. Now I'm retired at 62 and definitely getting fitter again. Last week I walked a couple of miles most days, did yoga and pilates classes, went swimming and climbing. So it is absolutely not too late!

I have gone from the odd walk and some mat yoga / Pilates to 4 x Reformer Pilates per week which has made a huge difference. I have better strength, balance and sleep better. Go for it.

no, it is never too late. And everybody should do physical exercise regularly.

Well I'm in my 70s OP and I find it worthwhile to exercise. If you call doing stretches, using a shake weight, dumb bells, hula hoop and arm hoops exercising.
What's more I do notice a difference. Because if , as sometimes happens, I don't do the above exercising for a period of time,it is noticeable in my body shape and posture.
I think that exercising at any age is worthwhile. And doing weight bearing exercise is very important for strengthening bones and guarding against osteoporosis.

Never too late. Although of course the sooner you start, the sooner the benefits will kick in. The outdated idea that there's no point in exercising when you are older is utter tripe. You don't have to join a Bootcamp though. Yoga or Pilates will help improve balance and core strength, and is a good way to start if you are starting from zero. Or you could try couchto5k. Or Zumba gold (lower impact than regular Zumba). Or join a gym, and book an introductory session so you know what you are doing. Some form of load bearing exercise will keep you strong and your joints more mobile. The less you do, the less you will be able to do as you get older. (I started couch to 5k when I was 60, when I was diagnosed with osteopenia in one hip. Wish I'd started when I was 50).

I used to exercise then stopped. I'm older than you and have creaky knees and an arthritic ankle but I started swimming twice a week at the start of September and am keeping it up. I need to do some weight bearing exercise too but I felt it was better to start small and sustain it than go all out and not keep it up. I'm loving the swimming, really relaxing as I pootle up and down and consciously think of nice things. 😀

www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/media/366071/The-fit-for-life-plan.pdf

You're never too old to start, and it's always going to be a good idea.

No of course not.

I started at 48 when ds was 3 and I was feeling stodgy. I hated sport at school and had done nothing since.

15 years later, I run parkrun, and 10k charity runs, cycle and practice karate.

Start slowly and persevere OP.

You’re walking is hugely beneficial so that’s a good base. At 50 strength training is important to counter loss of muscle and bone strength

When I had got out of the exercise habit I joined a gym and tried to loads of classes. That got me into yoga and spin. I love swimming now too. But that took a while

I’m post menopause and really need to exercise regularly for mental health reasons as much as anything

I used to love running but can’t really do that following a snapped ACL

You don’t have to go to a gym at all. There’s loads of stuff on line now. But you may benefit from in person guidance on how and what to lift to prevent injury and get most benefit

Good luck

I'm interested to know why you think all hope is lost at 50 with a BMI of 23.

You have seen programmes such as my 600lb life.. and how they can make changes, why would you think you cant?

Not at all! I started at the gym just before my 62nd birthday and love it! In three months I can already see changes in my body shape – I have an arse for the first time in my life 😁

Hi OP.
I am a similar age to you and have been wondering the same thing. The positive responses on here have inspired me and I'm going to start tomorrow - just gentle walking initially.

Don't suppose you fancy starting up a support group do you, for unfit women aged 50+ who want to start exercising from scratch?

I am happy to, but as it was your thread that gave me the idea, I thought I'd give you first refusal?

Thanks for your post - it's given me the focus I was lacking to do it!

I find this lady really inspiring https://www.instagram.com/jomoseley/