Fit in your 50s

[BigDahliaFan]

Anyone else out there trying to be fit in their 50s? Just thinking some support and tips might be nice.

I'd let myself go, stopped exercising, was flabby and put on 3 stone. Since last August I've been doing weight training aiming for 3 times a week. Not particularly heavy, but heavier weights than at the beginning.

I'm walking more and pondering C25K...

Also do Pilates once a week.

I've dropped a dress size, I'm stronger, I'm less out of puff...

And my diet is better!

Definitely do C25K!!! Mu mum completed it aged 62! She is now on 5K maintenance and is considering a 10K. You can do it!!!

Good for you for the positive diet changes too!

Me! I put in a big effort this year. I started CrossFit in January, downloaded the couch to 10k app in March, ran a 10k in July and lost 3st this year too.

I had got super unfit and up to a BMI of 30.

Aiming to keep the weight up and keep more active and get stronger from now on.

I would also like to start a Pilates class so looking to fit that in around work and other exercise!

Me! I did next to no exercise since my first child was born- he’s almost 20 now. Started small group PT at 52 then after almost a year of that did c25k and now run 3-4x week as well. I feel amazing now. So delighted I have done all this - I’m now one of the fit people I used to be jealous of - for some reason I just didn’t think it was possible for me, in particular, to run, lift etc. but I was wrong- I’d really encourage anyone to give it a go, it’s absolutely never too late to start getting into exercising.

I've been a regular jogger for a while then on a whim went to Dance Yourself Fit and loving it. Also played squash for the first time in a million years and that was great, sadly don't have a regular partner to play with but felt the benefit that one month.

I know I need some weights somewhere in the week.

Started Boxercise at 51 - absolutely love it!

Wow, you all sound like youre doing really well, well done! I'm right at the start - 52, put on 2 stone in recent years and I feel sluggish. Really need to get fitter. @BigDahliaFan can I ask how you got started with weight training please? I want to do it at home if possible, but no idea which weights to buy / start with. Is it a good idea to weight train before starting couch to 5k? Sorry for the questions! I'm really keen to get started but I've no idea about any of it really.

I don’t think it matters really what you do as long as you’re consistent. I never considered trying to run until I realised I was actually fit from the weights/pt. I didn’t want to spend more money on cardio so thought I could do it on the cheap by taking up running… now I have all the shoes, the watch, heart rate monitor etc so possibly not that cheap after all!
Having said that I think lifting/strength training is really good for runners, especially older ones. The stronger you are the less likely you are to get injured. Even then- I got shin splints in the beginning of c25k because I was clueless and really went for it- easing yourself into running is the best way- you might be aerobically fit but your bones/tendons need time to adapt- that’s why there is so much talk about going really slowly in the beginning- absolutely nothing wrong with 7/8/9/10+ min/km pace in the beginning. It’s about being able to run for 30 mins by the end of c25k - most of us won’t hit 5k in 30 mins for a good while - especially if you’re starting running from scratch in your 50s.

@Thmssngvwlsrnd I knew I wouldn't do it at home. I go to a gym group weights session as there is accountability, a greater range of weights and they keep an eye on your form. I signed up for the 8 week induction and just kept going.

It's 40 minute 3 times a week and the gym is 5 min drive from my house.

There are on line videos showing weight and resistance exercises, my husband does those at home and planking and press ups and that suits him. He's got a 25 minute routine that he does every weekday in the morning. It's made a big difference.

I want to do the c25k as I feel (much) stronger now but want to be more cardio fit as well. I'm also increasing the amount of hill walking I'm doing..but meeting some resistance from DH as him and the dog prefer walks with rivers...

Thank you @Earbuddy and @BigDahliaFan I think I will start with some exercises at home, using YouTube. I have zero confidence so the thought of going to a gym fills me with horror at the moment. Thank you both for your advice. I'm going to invest in some good trainers - I have just downloaded C25k.

I run (and do parkrun every Saturday as the username suggests!)

I also have a few pilates/mobillty app subscriptions so follow a few videos each week and also do one outdoor fitness/strength training session a week.

On the apps I can recommend

Pilates For Runner (you don't have to be a runner)
Fluidform
Dynamic Runner (you don't have to be a runner)
Deliciously Ella is cheap and has a lot of good routines on it

Sometimes I go for a swim as well and I try to get the 10,000 steps in each day or at least average 70,000 over the week. Generally I get closer to 100,000 steps a week.

I'm not a subscriber because I have lots of others but Pilates with Chloe and Live Brave look good as well. I do strength pilates rather than just stretching out, although that's nice as well!

I want to to be fit but waiting for life to get calmer around me to be able to find the time to properly go for it. Typical sandwich generation with children still at home/uni and running my mother's care needs as she has dementia.

This time next year ...

Don't put it off blueshoes - your life is demanding and looking after yourself is very important. Start very small eg 10 minutes a day on getting up, and build from there. You'll benefit mentally too.