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Original poster

Does running age you?

29 replies

JohnSnowsTie · 09/05/2014 14:20

Was about to do a Google search for "does running tone your legs" and as I was typing the first thing that came up was "does running give you wrinkles?"

Cue lots of articles (ignored the DM ones Smile) about the high impact of running sagging the jaw and causing premature ageing... should I stick to power walking?!

OP posts:
madwomanbackintheattic · 09/05/2014 14:24

Why are you running?

To be fit and healthy, or for vanity?

To be honest, I'm not sure I understand people that choose a sport based on what might happen to their jawline...

Exercise can make you thinner, which can make you look older once you get to a certain age (the loss of fat gives a bonier appearance).

But you'll be healthier, and fitter, and stronger.

It all depends what's more important to you, really.

Original poster
JohnSnowsTie · 09/05/2014 14:38

Sorry, did sound really vain I know. Was just interested really as I'd never thought about it from that POV before. I don't run yet but am hoping to get into it later in the year.

OP posts:
Morrigu · 09/05/2014 15:05

I would say running probably exposes you more to the outside elements and that can be damaging on the skin which can make you look older. I'd never worn sunblock in my life until I started running. I think my one year old dd has aged me more in the last year than running ever would Grin

EauRouge · 09/05/2014 17:39

Yes, I've read that running gives you wrinkles. It pisses me off that nearly all articles about women and exercise assume that it's always about looks.

The thing that ages you most is time, and there's not a damn thing any of us can do about that Grin

Joules68 · 09/05/2014 17:52

Oh I don't know! I'm 46 and been running a few years now

I did a Half marathon on Monday and when I got the results and marathon photos emailed there was also a short video of me crossing the finishing line...

I was shocked!

I looked fresh, young and so happy. With the obligatory swishy ponytail. I have no wrinkles or sagging even with a dramatic weight loss. Think it's very individual

IdkickJilliansAss · 09/05/2014 18:56

I read that is was from the impact of it and you can get a special face bra! Shock

Delphiniumsblue · 09/05/2014 19:06

I can't see why it should give wrinkles and I haven't noticed. I think it keeps you young.

CMOTDibbler · 09/05/2014 19:09

I think wearing sunscreen, not smoking, and not drinking too much booze makes far more difference to your skin.

As for toning your legs, a mix of running and cycling has given me amazing legs. I looked good on just running, but since I've been triathlon training its fabulous (and I feel fab too)

Suzannewithaplan · 10/05/2014 10:59

Excessive running can damage heart muscles and wear out your joints.

May cause the ligaments in the breasts to sag without good support but I don't imagine it would over stress facial ligaments unless you're a basset hound?

But anything done to extremes can cause problems.

bigbuttons · 10/05/2014 15:51

I buggered my knees hill running over the downs. Haven''t run for at least 2 years now.

Suzannewithaplan · 10/05/2014 17:06

I've heard that running downhill can be especially bad for your knee's?

Pipbin · 12/05/2014 22:45

Mother is now over 60. She runs every day and looks about 50.

BindiBach · 13/05/2014 10:20

Depends upon the individual. It does cause a lot of problems with ligaments in some especially the pelvic floor. The ligaments that hold up the whole of the pelvic floor can be hugely affected by running especially around the menopause. A lot of athletes do suffer with leaking and prolapses as do us normal folk. I used to run but had to stop when I had a slight prolapse as I don't want it to get worse. I did my pelvic floors like mad nearly every hour to strengthen the muscles which worked but unfortunately running is now out. Sad

Suzannewithaplan · 13/05/2014 10:41

There are loads of other ways to exercise, and exercise, broadly speaking, will promote youthfulness!

BindiBach · 13/05/2014 11:20

Very true. I just really wanted to be able to get to a place with running where I could feel that I could almost "fly" and be light. Do you know what I mean?

Anyway I walk a lot now as I live in a very rural mountainous area and I use the exercise bike and I have a shed in the garden that is a gym. Do I use that.

Suzannewithaplan · 13/05/2014 11:24

Walking uphill is good exercise very!

Only in dreams do I fly when running, in waking life I plod with the weight of a shire horse

BindiBach · 13/05/2014 12:14

ha ha!. Yep that was what I was like too.

holmessweetholmes · 13/05/2014 12:24

I've been running for a few years now (I'm 42) and I don't think it has aged me. It has certainly toned me up, helped me lose weight, made me feel younger and fitter, increased my self-confidence, got me out in the fresh air and reduced my high blood pressure though - which is not a bad list of positives!

shoppingfrenzy · 13/05/2014 12:31

Agree with CMOT. I think too much booze probably does much worse things to your skin that a regular run.

Suzannewithaplan · 13/05/2014 12:36

I really don't think there's any 'probably' when it comes to the detrimental effects of booze!

Suzannewithaplan · 13/05/2014 12:37

Ditto smoking and sun exposure

Mitchy1nge · 13/05/2014 14:14

I don't think it gives you wrinkles, it's just the loss of subcutaneous fat makes them more visible?

BreakingDad77 · 13/05/2014 15:08

Get a good pair of trainers! I thought same as suzanna - excessive exercise can cause damage and also if you have a disposition to joint /shin splints etc then you would have to think about it.

Suzannewithaplan · 13/05/2014 16:53

good point Mitchy!

KristinaM · 13/05/2014 19:39

I would like to know how to look young and fresh while crossing the finishing line at a half marathon.

And no, exercise does not age you. There is plenty serious research to show that it makes you healthier.