Mad to join gym at 54?

[Josie1968]

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

I had a horse accident a couple of year ago and damaged my knee. Since going to the gym, it is at least 70% better and stronger than it was before. (I'm double jointed as well - which doesn't help lol). I feel it's getting stronger and stronger by the week 🙂👍

You're exactly right. Getting your body stronger will help your knee and everything else. It won't get better with inactivity. My body is so much more resilient since I got strong. You could also do mobility. I (and others on here) use Tom Morrison's Simplistic Mobility Method.

Might be worth seeing a physio. Mine advised on adapting some exercises but yes, overall it will be beneficial to build up the strength around your knee

Just do it OP!

Mad not to.

Google sarcopenia.

Oh my god do it! You could be alive for another 30 years, make sure they are quality ones!

What? That's ridiculous.

I run a yoga studio and we have about 50-75 women over the age of 60 who practice 3-5 times a week. Energising classes.

Also... 54 instead nearly 60. 🙄

54 isn’t ‘nearly 60’ and even if you were 60 is not too late to join the gym!

God, what a horribly insensitive thing to say. 54 is nothing these days (and how is 54 nearly 60?? 59 is nearly 60). People in their 80s can gain muscle mass ffs.

As the Chinese proverb very nearly goes, the best time to start a gym habit is twenty years ago. The second best time is today. Never, ever too late to get fitter and healthier.

Strengthening your muscles will definitely help your knees. I joined a gym last year for the first time at 52. I've gone from constant pain in one knee to the odd twinge. I feel better than I have for years. My husband is not a gym goer but has been totally supportive as he's seen the benefits to me. Go for it- you won't regret it!

Love this comment.😊

Women of 50+ are the biggist growth group in gyms.

He’s an idiot

However if you have dodgy knees please see a physio first -

exercise is really good for strengthening your knees, but it needs to be the right exercise - so the physio should right some basic notes for the trainer who gives you a programme - like you need exercises to strengthen glutes, but don’t do squats until you’ve build up more strength.

I screwed up my knees through crap exercise - now being fixed through good exercise.

Follow train with Joan or fifty fitness journey on insta. Inspirational!

Mad not to join the gym! Start training for your 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s! Being fit and strong is the best way to reduce the risk of falling and live a healthy independent life for as long as possible.

Absolutely join! And seek advice on doing strength training - WHEN you're older (you're not old yet) your body will thank you for preparing it for old age

I joined a gym last week! I'm 53 and haven't lifted weights consistently for around 20 years and I'm also 4 st overweight due to poor diet and very little exercise. I'm making an appointment with the gym instructors for a program that is checked over every six weeks.

I'm so excited to start! 🏋️‍♀️ 💪

I'm 59, joined 6 months ago. I do weight and cardio and love it. Wish I'd done it at 54!!

What did you ask for, @dontletsaskforthemoon?

@EmpressaurusOfCats ? What did I ask for? Don't know what you mean.

Sorry - I’m going to be joining my local gym soon and I was thinking about what to say I want. I think it’s just building muscle & getting fit but it’s helpful to see what other women on it this thread have been saying.

I first joined a gym in my mid 50s, why not? I went three or four times a week and did half an hour of fairly gentle exercise (cross trainer, treadmill) plus a swim once a week, which kept me fitter than I woud have been if I didn't do it, and went along to some exercise classes at the gym with a friend too. Stopped because of Covid and then recovering from an accident, I may go back later this year, now in my 60s. You don't have to be especially fit to go along. I haven't done strength exercises but they're meant to be espeically good for maintaining bone density and avoiding osteoporesis so maybe I should start some.

What's your DH's problem? Is he feeling a bit past it himself?

Tell him he’s mad not to.

Old age when you have no core strength, low bone density and poor cardio-vascular health is beyond grim.

Ta for prompting me to think about this. Same age as you, will join on the 1st September. 😁

He feels threatened OP - ignore him.