How fit can you (realistically) be at 50?

[Alsoflamingo]

So….. Madonna may have dodgy biceps, but no one can deny the woman is fit. I am not 50 yet, but heading in that direction alarmingly fast and wondering what is achievable in terms of fitness/strength/tone etc. I have always been pretty healthy, did gymnastics as a kid, then kick boxing. Still do ballet and yoga. I suppose I'm after inspiration, really. Positive stories. Just picked up a copy of American Vogue because it has an article entitled 'Getting superfit at 46' which appealed to me. Am I in denial? Do we have to just don comfy clothing and do gentle stretching at this stage in life or can we really push it? Having slight mid-life crisis (probably pretty obvious)...

I am 53, I never exercised when I was younger, but started walking (hiking) seriously about 10 years ago. This year I walked 200 miles in 2 weeks on a trek, and will cover about 1000 miles overall in 12 months.
I also swim, dance (NIA) and do yoga. I work on the 'fit not thin' principle and love feeling strong.
It is a case of building a healthy habit and keeping moving, for as long as you are able to, I think.

I started training seriously 3 years ago, and I'm now 55. I started running 18 months or so ago (have stopped doing that now because I have a new job that gets in the way a bit!) and had got up to running 5K in 29 minutes.

I see a personal trainer twice a week.

I deadlift 50kg (amongst other exercises) and I can now hold a plank for 5 minutes and 37 seconds.

I doubt I could have done that 20 years ago!