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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:
Original poster
Josie1968 · 03/09/2023 06:23

@EmpressaurusOfCats I’m glad I started this post too! It’s been great reading all the comments. I went to the gym on Friday, did Pilates yesterday and also had time in the gym. Got home at 10am just as my son was rolling out of bed 🤣 I felt achy but amazing!! Have a great time in Italy :)

OP posts:
Original poster
Josie1968 · 03/09/2023 06:26

@Sillysausage2 wow that’s amazing, definitely something for me to aim for! Love it :)

OP posts:
Original poster
Josie1968 · 03/09/2023 06:31

@43ontherocksporfavor I’ll check out the podcast thanks! 😊

OP posts:
Original poster
Josie1968 · 03/09/2023 06:33

RayKray · 29/08/2023 15:34

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.

Show quote history

Aww love this @RayKray thanks. I started the gym on Friday! Felt amazing. 😊

OP posts:
Words · 03/09/2023 07:08

It's a great decision. I am late 50s and fitter than I was in my 30s. There are ladies in their 70s and 80s at Pilates, and quite a few 70 odd year olds doing weights/ resistance work in the gym. I hope to be one of them!

So important to help to preserve bone density post menopause as pps have said.

Words · 03/09/2023 07:10

Also great for mental wellbeing and strength for lifting and carrying stuff.

Words · 03/09/2023 07:11

Welll done @Josie1968 !!

Belshels · 03/09/2023 07:12

Ridiculous!! I go with my 15 year old and also 54. Totally fine.

Original poster
Josie1968 · 03/09/2023 07:13

Thank you @Words ! :)

OP posts:
RayKray · 03/09/2023 08:01

@Josie1968 pleased you enjoyed it!it is the best feeling. I often get back when the family are still getting up too.

TheClitterati · 03/09/2023 08:21

I'd say at least half the people at my gym are 50+

Enjoy op.

CapEBarra · 03/09/2023 21:02

I go to the gym 5 times a week and swim a kilometre and a bit each time. It’s not fast and it’s not pretty, but my arms and legs are beautiful (even if the rest of me looks like a Weeble) and it works wonders for my mental health. After 15-20 years of rearing kids this is my time - time to do something for me, and it is brilliant for my brain, thinking space, and also calming ‘the noise’. Everything feels a lot more manageable after a good workout, and maybe a sauna after. Sometimes I even go to a class. Go and enjoy the gym. It doesn’t matter what you do - it’s still better for than sitting on the sofa. I’m 55, I’m fatter than I’d like to be, but I’m strong, my blood pressure and heart rate are the envy of people 20 years younger, and I feel well and healthy.

Original poster
Josie1968 · 04/09/2023 06:09

CapEBarra · 03/09/2023 21:02

I go to the gym 5 times a week and swim a kilometre and a bit each time. It’s not fast and it’s not pretty, but my arms and legs are beautiful (even if the rest of me looks like a Weeble) and it works wonders for my mental health. After 15-20 years of rearing kids this is my time - time to do something for me, and it is brilliant for my brain, thinking space, and also calming ‘the noise’. Everything feels a lot more manageable after a good workout, and maybe a sauna after. Sometimes I even go to a class. Go and enjoy the gym. It doesn’t matter what you do - it’s still better for than sitting on the sofa. I’m 55, I’m fatter than I’d like to be, but I’m strong, my blood pressure and heart rate are the envy of people 20 years younger, and I feel well and healthy.

Love this .. :) yes I’m looking forward to some ‘me time’ too. Thank you!

OP posts:
EmpressaurusOfCats · 12/09/2023 11:09

I’ve just got back from my induction and it was brilliant. I tried out the weights machines, the treadmill and the cross trainer, then did a Zumba class to round it off. Feeling really good about this - people were really friendly and there were plenty of women around my age & older 😀

RayKray · 12/09/2023 13:08

Enjoy @EmpressaurusOfCats 😍

EmpressaurusOfCats · 12/09/2023 14:09

😀

margegunderson · 12/09/2023 23:18

I joined at over 60 and do about 5-6 energetic classes a week plus a couple of gym sessions. At best your husband is unimaginative.

RayKray · 14/10/2023 16:01

Just thinking back to this and wondering how you're getting on @Josie1968 and others?

EmpressaurusOfCats · 14/10/2023 16:32

I’m going about 4 days a week at the moment, alternating arm machines & leg machines, think it’s going well so far 😀

RayKray · 14/10/2023 17:21

EmpressaurusOfCats · 14/10/2023 16:32

I’m going about 4 days a week at the moment, alternating arm machines & leg machines, think it’s going well so far 😀

That's great news! And over a month now!

Original poster
Josie1968 · 14/10/2023 20:33

@RayKray I’ve been going since beginning of September - 3 or 4 times a week. I’m really enjoying it especially as I’m working full time from home now .. it really helps to get out and see people. I push myself to go even if I’m lacking motivation because I know I’ll feel so much better when I’ve been!! It was the best decision to join up, thanks for asking! How are you getting on? 😊

OP posts:
EmpressaurusOfCats · 14/10/2023 21:04

That’s great, @Josie1968. And thanks, @RayKray! How about you?

RayKray · 14/10/2023 21:14

Josie1968 · 14/10/2023 20:33

@RayKray I’ve been going since beginning of September - 3 or 4 times a week. I’m really enjoying it especially as I’m working full time from home now .. it really helps to get out and see people. I push myself to go even if I’m lacking motivation because I know I’ll feel so much better when I’ve been!! It was the best decision to join up, thanks for asking! How are you getting on? 😊

I'm so pleased! 😍 it's the best when women find strength 💪

I'm still as obsessed, 18 months now, 4 times a week, I love every single session. I'm a powerlifter and between competitions at the moment so lots of working on technique and getting even stronger.

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