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

There's a theead running at the minute about hassle women get when exercising (or even just existing) outside. Gyms, on the other hand, have always been judgement free in my experience. All sorts of people go, and most are just in their own little bubble with headphones on.

I'm nearly 53. Joined the gym 3 months ago. Been going to a free weights and cardio class 3 x week for 3 months. Feel great, constantly surprise myself with what I can do, and I've lost a bit of chub. I feel about 26 in my head, and have two teens to argue with keep me on my toes. Nearly 60?!! Pah!

Your husband is a knobhead

You're a long way from 60 and strength training is absolutely the best thing you can do!

At my gym there were loads of older people, way way older than 54! Christ on a bike! Get on and do it, it's great fun!

@Spottywombat yay! Glad it’s spurred you on to join! :)

51 and I have joined a gym! A mix of cardio and strength training 4 days a week. I love it

personal trainer starts next week

Go for it! I'm 63, do 3 spin classes and 2 strength training sessions a week, plus a PT once a week.
Started 10 years ago.
I'm so much stronger and fitter...I go hiking and can outwalk younger people.

Increasingly important to do as we age. Make sure you do some strength training as part of your (exciting) new routine OP. Also, you are closer to 50 than 60 and I'm afraid your DH was being a jerk.

Of course you're not mad.

I'm 35 and go to the local leisure centre gym (not a fancy one as it's quite rural) about 4-6 times a week; very few people there are younger than me and a significant proportion are considerably older.

I've joined in my 60's. At our ages we have to keep our muscle strength up or we just lose it. Its actually essential for our ageing health.
Your H is being ridiculous.

Join the gym
I'm nearer 60than 50 and I'm in the best shape I have ever been
I don't know about your knees but the best thing for joints in general is to build muscle to support their function
It's the most relaxing and calming single thing that I do. It's great for confidence too imo

Definitely go!! My mam only started at that age, she’s 68 now and mad into yoga, does headstands and cartwheels
with her grandkids

oh I see! I have yet to have that discussion with the gym person but in my head I'm thinking that I don't want to sleep walk into the myriad of chronic illness' i.e. diabetes, heart disease, obesity and all that that will bring, so priority will be to try and bring down blood pressure/cholesterol (as they are edging up slightly), to try and build some muscle (at least be counter productive to the natural muscle loss we all experience each year as we get older) and to raise my basal metabolic rate so I burn more calories naturally every day than I do now.

Weight loss and reduction in inches would be an absolute bonus! :)

Thank you - that’s really helpful! I hadn’t thought of metabolic rate.

Also thanks to @Josie1968 for starting what’s turned into an absolutely great thread.

Wow! I go to the gym now but I couldn’t do that at 21! SillySausage Mam is mam goals 🥰

I was thinking about this thread this morning while I was lifting, feeling excited for all the women who might be starting the gym after reading this! Made me feel so happy. It's life changing for women of all ages, but I think so much so as we get older.

I’ll be thinking about this thread when I start too! Off to Italy for a holiday on Sunday, it’s my 50th birthday present to myself. Joining the gym is at the top of my list of things to do when I get back.

Listen to Michael Mosely’s just one thing podcasts. Your DH is wrong and unkind and probably jealous. Anyway, you’re closer to 50 than 60. I went for a run last night and haven’t been for years. Felt great afterwards and I’m 52. Go for it!

Also have a 55 yr old friends that run marathons, another that started weightlifting last year and has lost 2 stone and is fitter than ever.

Just read through and oh my god I love the sound of all of you! 😍

Definitely not mad. I'm 55 disabled and go to the gym. It will do you no end of good.

Most gyms will do you an induction and give you a programme to do based on your needs. They will show you how to use the machines etc

I'm 54 - went to the gym last night, ache today, but I'm glad I went....

Good for you @BarrelOfOtters!