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Original poster

Mad to join gym at 54?

123 replies

Josie1968 · 26/08/2023 22:46

Hi all

I told my husband today that I intend to join a gym, I’m 54 years old. He said ‘you must be mad you’re nearly 60!’ This upset me really.. I feel young in my mind and I want to get a bit fitter. I’m not overweight but feel I could do to tone up a bit. I’m hoping for some strengthening exercises, maybe weights.

Is he right, am I mad?!

Thanks!

J x

OP posts:
TheYadaYada · 26/08/2023 22:48

Yes, get in your bath chair and wait for death. 🤨

He’s an arse. Join the gym.

I was at spinning this morning and I’d say half of the class were over 50, and as fit as fleas!

Flappypants · 26/08/2023 22:49

Go to the gym…..you do you. This is your only body and your only chance at this life. Horrid thing to say!

HundredMilesAnHour · 26/08/2023 22:50

You're never too old. In fact, now is a good age to start weight training as it will help you maintain bone density - and just feel damn good about yourself. I see plenty of women (young and old) who are just starting in the gym for the first time.

(I'm 53 and go to the gym 4 times a week).

Tobermory · 26/08/2023 22:52

I joined the gym last week, a month after my 50th birthday. I was there this morning and loving it!
If YOU want to join a gym then do it!!

MrsSkylerWhite · 26/08/2023 22:53

Don’t be daft, of course you aren’t. You may have a good 40 years or more. Make them healthy.

Nichebitch · 26/08/2023 22:54

Being over 50 is one of the best reasons to join! As we age we need physical activity to keep healthy, it’s not just about looks! I just joined and I’m a 45 year old overweight arthritic woman. I joined because I want to feel stronger and do something good for myself. Your DH is being absurd - and probably trying to justify himself.

neilyoungismyhero · 26/08/2023 22:54

well I'm early 70s and off to start weight training - low level to be fair ' to help with my dodgy bones.

Allthingspeaches · 26/08/2023 22:56

My mum and her sister (50s/60s) go to the gym 3/4 times a week. They are active and would like to stay that way.

Indiacalling · 26/08/2023 22:56

also at the gym this morning, also fifty. I go several times a week, and all ages are there. Friday evenings tend to be full of teenagers going around the machines in packs so best avoided until after about 8.30 where I am. But that apart, it’s fairly mixed. I am not the oldest by quite some way.

booksandbeans · 26/08/2023 22:56

Now is an excellent time to join a gym. You should keep moving now more than ever- it is a move it or lose it situation.

BriocheForBreakfast · 26/08/2023 22:57

For a start you're closer to 50 than 60. I went to a spinning class this morning and we were all well over 50. Also there's a 76 year old who spins and is in great shape.

Ineedasitdown · 26/08/2023 22:58

No , you are in fact very sensible and you’re future self will thank you.
weight bearing exercises and improved cardiovascular fitness overall is a protective factor against a range of age related disability.

your dh would also benefit from joining.

Luna42 · 26/08/2023 22:58

My mum is 80 and goes to the gym. She did a cross fit class the other day. I am 53 and she is way fitter than me!

Tortiemiaw · 26/08/2023 22:59

I'm actually nearly 60 and go swimming at my gym about 3 times a week as well as running for at least 2 of the other days.
I'm the healthiest I've ever been and did little to no exercise before I was 50. Definitely not too late, in fact a perfect time!

MajesticWhine · 26/08/2023 22:59

I am 52. I go to the gym. It's not mad at all. Completely normal at this age to try to keep fit and strong.

JellyfishandShells · 26/08/2023 23:01

There’s an 82 year old at a circuits class I go to who can hold a side plank longer than anyone I’ve ever seen and is a demon at the squat jumps and she didn’t start going until she was over 60.

peachypudding · 26/08/2023 23:05

I was 58 when I started going to the gym. Was terrified. Now I can't imagine my life without Pilates, yoga, weight lifting etc. One of the best decisions I've ever made.

Original poster
Josie1968 · 26/08/2023 23:08

Ah thanks everyone for the reassurance, I appreciate it! Definitely going to sign up :)
xx

OP posts:
Biscuitandacuppa · 26/08/2023 23:09

My dad goes to the gym several times a week, he is 75. Just go for it!

BinkyBeaufort · 26/08/2023 23:15

Dd was trying to persuade me to join my local gym - I'm nearly 70.
I probably won't, but 10 years ago I was going at least 3 or 4 times a week.
The thing is, it's not competitive, you work at your own level, and can see your improvement week on week, and everyone else is in their own little world, concentrating on themselves. And the advantage of being just a little older than all the yummy mummies us that no-one takes a blind bit of notice of you, so no need to feel self-conscious.
Actually I may have just talked myself in to going back after all .....

Original poster
Josie1968 · 26/08/2023 23:21

@TheYadaYada Thanks for the comment.. yes I thought he was an arse too if I’m honest. Definitely going to join! 😊

OP posts:
Babyenroute · 26/08/2023 23:23

I go to a lovely gym and in my regular circuits class there is an 83 year old. She's great and often volunteers to demonstrate the exercises

Original poster
Josie1968 · 26/08/2023 23:25

@Flappypants thank you, yes I thought it was a mean thing to say.. but I’m ignoring him and joining anyway! I appreciate everyone’s lovely and encouraging comments 😊

OP posts:
WunWun · 26/08/2023 23:27

I see lots of people considerably older than you at the gym

Leafytrees · 26/08/2023 23:29

There are plenty of women in their 50s and 60s at my gym. Some are fitter than me in my late 30s and look fabulously strong and healthy. Enjoy it!