Really , really unfit 58 year old wanting to start getting fitter ! Where to start ?

[tigger55]

That's it really !
All the pretending to myself that I am doing a bit of exercise is no good !

Spotify play list sorted and then the plan was (which I have tried out a bit !)

Walking /bit of power speed walking /walking ...

2 or 3 jogs (🤣 need to get a new bra sorted !)

And repeat ...

And build up...

I can be quite motivated when I put my mind to it.

Don't think classes or apps are my thing at the moment.

Gave up smoking a few months ago .

Is this how others have started ?

Thanks .

Was aiming for 30/40 mins per evening...weather permitting of course .

I really recommend the NHS couch to 5k app.
And increase your walking. Walk as much as you can each day.
Definitely get a good sports bra before you start running!
Good luck.

Group classes are honestly so much better in terms of motivation. Local couch to 5k groups can be very good. If you’re waiting for the weather to permit in the UK then you won’t get much exercise in!! 😬

I know ...only I could choose Autumn for this plan !

Think mainly...it will be dark and no one will see me 🤣

Seconding Couch 2 5k BUT you really do need proper trainers or you’ll bugger your knees.

As much walking as possible and do it fast.

Strength training (weights or bodyweight) is important and less hard on your joints than running.

However. The absolute best form of exercise is always the one you will actually do. So find what you like, or at least hate the least. That might be Zumba, yoga, weights, running, swimming, boxing, tennis, fitness videos at home, whatever.

How do I choose a sports bra ?
Not big ..but definitely needed a bit more support than my normal shape and lift one !

Walking with some effort is a great way to start. C25k with a decent pair of trainers also brilliant. But I also agree with above. The absolute best exercise is one you can actually stick with. Give a few a try.
Bear in mind at our age weight bearing is important to protect our bones

You just have to try some on. Marks have quite a good sports range. I think decathlon do to. If you are anything like me you will swear while trying them on.

I’ve given up with sports bras and actually run in a normal one. I’m lucky that I am small of chest 😁

I'm a bit younger than you (36) but I'm extremely unhealthy and a heavy smoker to boot.

I've literally just started couch to 5k app this week after colleagues recommended it as a good starting point.

So far, it's brilliant so would recommend that!

You’re on the right track.
But if you’re serious about getting fitter, then weather isn’t a factor - you just wear appropriate clothes for the conditions. Otherwise you’ll always have an easy excuse to yourself as to why you’re not seeing progress.
And making healthy food choices if you don’t currently. First step is just removing sugar / salt processed junk.

Thanks all...lots to think about.

I will have a look at this c25k .
I have heard about it...

I think footwear will be my focus at the moment.
And 1 bra .

Need to introduce my cardio vascular system to actually doing anything so power walking is about my level !

Well ...it is power dancing actually...
I loved listening my Spotify and realised I was bopping along to all the tunes 🤦‍♀️.

Are walking trainers just personal choice?

I mean I do have trainers ...I live in them ...and they have good support I think ..(sketchers ?)

Go to a specialised running shop and get fitted and have your gait analysed, very important. I like Freya for sports bras.

I'm not a natural runner and am almost done with couch 2 five k, it's amazing!

Maybe start with fast walking? Check out Get Fit With Rick on Youtube, he has some good (and free!) videos to achieve different step totals within a specific time.
Also it's a good idea to do some light weights to build your muscles up - no recommendations from me, but we lose muscle mass at an alarming rate as we age, so "getting fit" should really include increasing your muscle mass too

Good luck !
I did a lot of work last year, got a lot fitter and lost 2 stone (I'll never be able to do C25K as my knees are buggered) so I need to get back into it as I've let it slip a bit over the last few months...

I’d try and get some decent walking trainers - Go Outdoors will have loads of options or try Sports Direct and you can also get your sport bras there. A reasonably big branch will have loads of choice in bras.

I went for the same brand of bra that I normally wear for sports bra. Total game changer.

They'll be comfy for walking, but unlikely to be supportive enough for running where there's more impact through the foot. You need a trainer designed for running but for beginning, general comfort is based albeit with the structure in the right places for a runner's range of motion.

It's worth being able to walk a few miles briskly before moving on to C25k. The early weeks involve blocks of walking so you want that to be a comfortable rest break between the bursts of running.

I first did C25k in the autumn into winter and just layered up. The only weathers I really avoid are sheet ice and very strong winds. Rain is fine once you're warmed up. A cap to keep it out of your eyes helps!

Don’t run in Sketchers! Sorry

Don’t bother. Have a pie and a nice glass of wine.

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I do a lot of walking and recommend Merrell trainers. I have really wide feet so I buy the men's ones.

See ...the trainers are confusing me .
I can walk but not run in walking ones.

Can I walk and run in running one ?

I am your age and walk 50 miles a week. I wear Goretex trainers and find them super comfortable. I don’t walk fast or run but have lost over 2 stone and kept it off by daily walking. I don’t think I’ve ever been fitter!

Proper trainers make all the difference - if you get running ones (go for entry level ones) they will give your foot the proper support and cushioning.

Standard (fashion) trainers will have none of this. Sketchers come into this category.

A decent sports bra is essential. M&S or bravissimo are both worth a look. you will have to try them on as sizing is a bit wild with sports bras.

Because good running shoes are expensive I tend to mind mine and keep them only for running - once they're at the end of their running life (they just feel softer and less supportive) i use them for walking.
I never run on the footpath, too hard. Hoka are good brand for older feet (I am 57 too). Try to find places to run that have trail or grass, the hardest surface I would run on is tarmacadam. Run slowly.
M&S usually have pairs of running bras, that I like because i just chuck them in the washing machine