How much exercise??

[wonderingwhatsnext]

I've never been much for at sport, put off for life after school experiences!
I'm mid 40s and have been making an effort to improve my fitness for the last 18 months. Now I run 5k in under 30 twice a week, one Pilates class and some time on the machines in the gym don't various strength training.
I'm now at the point where I can do it all fairly easily. My friends are all dating things like, run further, run faster, run more often but I don't actually enjoy it. I only do it for future me. Well, I like pilates.
My question is, can I just maintain this and enjoy the benefits of do I always have to be trying to improve/conquer the next challenge to really benefit from it? Sorry if it's a stupid question, I'm relatively new to all this

I went from one to four Pilates sessions a week - made a big difference. If you enjoy it, is this a possibility for you? You should be able to make good progress.

I would maintain the same running and Pilates, and just increase the weights/resistance of the machines at the gym whenever you are able to. You don’t need to be running longer or faster.

2 to 4/5 Pilates and added in weights or band for some of the sessions - I've noticed a huge difference but also cleaned up eating etc

Sounds like a practical routine for a healthy life.

Constantly pushing more and harder is fine if it brings you some kind of reward, but it's not essential.

Thanks for all the replies. That's what I was hoping for. I might try to add another Pilates class, I do enjoy it and have a brilliant sleep that night.

have you tried reformer pilates or yoga? to see if you enjoy them?

No. It's not something offered by my gym so I hadn't considered it. Would you recommend it particularly?

I’d definitely be looking to similar stuff that you enjoy and the reformer Pilates is similar but harder and you might enjoy yoga - but there are many types to try

The thing is, you can always do more but as you say you are happy with what you’re doing (and let’s be honest it’s far more than the vast majority of people!) then why change it?

Also as we get older it should be as much about avoiding injury as anything so I think what you do is very balanced and good for that.

If you're enjoying doing these things right now I wouldn't be too caught up with trying to do more - it sounds like you've got a nice routine worked out and you're feeling good after it and really, that's all that matters. I think we get so caught up in the short-term trying to do more in a short time when exercise and working out is really better in the long-term, and you do get fitter and stronger over time too. Consistency does really make more of a difference as opposed to doing too much and then stopping/starting. Do whatever works for you, as long as there is longevity in your approach - you sound like you're doing really well I wouldn't worry about it!

Thanks for all the replies. It's reassuring to hear I'm doing enough. I do feel like I've managed to fit it nicely into daily life without it being a struggle and so it's sustainable long term.