How long will it take me to get fit again?

[MissDallas]

I am in my fifties. Five years ago, I lived an entirely different life. My office was 10 miles from my home, so I either ran, power walked or cycled there and back. I also went to classes at the gym every lunchtime. I was really fit, healthy and happy.

Now I never walk anywhere. I have a 50 mile commute so always drive. I don't get home until 7.30 pm and then have to feed everyone and do housework, etc. And I leave too early/get home too late to exercise at home. I am about 3 stone overweight and very unfit.

However… a gym has just opened near work! I can go at lunchtimes and they offer classes, so I am very excited. I have just bought some new trainers. But I am worried how long it will take me to get fit again.

My plan is to do classes 3 times a week and run on the treadmill on the other 2 days. So can somebody give me an indication of how long it will take me to get fit again? I am worried it will be months…

Thanks.

Why does it matter?

After a week, you will be fitter than you were the previous week. You just need to make a start.

What she said.

Our local gyms only let you join after induction & then they do loads of baseline assessments & encourage you to set specific written goals. I always aim for very low goals so that they are easily met & I'm easily pleased

You probably won't get to the fitness you were before, but what's your benchmark?

I'm in same situation, ran London marathon this year! But now I've not ran for a few months and stopped my fitness classes as my life is all work work work

I found that it took 6 weeks of dedication before I felt fitter. I really have no idea how long it takes to become 'fit'.

Hard to say, but each week you will improve (plus you'll have days when it all goes to shit , but push those ones aside). Also, it'll be important that you keep pushing yourself as time goes on and do different things so your muscles don't get used to the same old exercises.