Gym at 57? Would you?

[Fordian]

I've had a grim 7-8 years post menopause.

My mojo she upped and left. I've done 'the necessary' for the family, sons aged 20/22 (now). But I've slogged through, HCP job.

But a tiny, tiny fire has reignited within. I've begun to tackle my weight via low carb and HIITs. Only over the past 3 weeks, mind.

I am very fat and unfit, 5'6", 93 kg. (Now 89.). So BMI of I dunno, 32?

There a 'Village' gym recently opened up very convenient to us. Eldest DS has membership. DH went along for a trial day.

I am beginning to wonder whether I should gather my courage and just join that gym? It's £52 pm, which we can afford, complete with pool, sauna and steam room, which I probably won't use. And classes.

DH tells me there are plenty of non-gym bunny types who go.

Should I? Or should I continue my at-home HIITs and join a local village hall Pilates?

WWYD?

There's a few older women that go to the classes i go to (pump and attack mostly). At least one is in her 60s

Definitely give it a go if you fancy it! I’m sure you’ll be able to do a couple of trial sessions (especially if a couple of your family are members) to find out if you feel comfortable.

Everyone’s just getting on with their own stuff at the gym. If I notice someone struggling I only ever think “good for them” and it makes me want to push myself more too.

Absolutely! Go enjoy a new hobby which will make you feel great too x

Why not? If you fancy it, go and join. Enjoy.

I suspect 57 is the minimum age to attend my gym (joke, well, sort of)
You'll be grand, OP. Just do it.

Yes, do it. I’m your age, similar size. I go to a lovely gym, the personal trainers are fabulous. That’s without paying to see them, I didn’t do classes as I couldn’t keep up with even the slowest one for the first six months or so. But now I do yoga and Pilates twice a week.

I know loads of ladies that age and older. I'm friendly with a few of them. They're great.

Just do it.

Definitely. My gran is a gym member and she's in her 80s.

Our sports centre had an egym and npbody was below 55

Gosh yes, I am older than that and go 5 days a week. I am not the oldest by any means.

Go for it! Well done for making a start & prioritising you & your well-being.

Well done on your first steps. It’s not easy. If you need additional support, have a look at the Blast programme with Annie Deadman. There’s a new one starting next month. It got me started on the right path…and I haven’t looked back. Good luck.

Absolutely do it.
Suggest some personal trainer sessions to help you find your feet and confidence in the gym.
Good luck!

Do it! My mum started going at about 57 and she really enjoyed it. It kept her sane, fit and healthy.

Tbh older people seem to have most to gain from resistance training.
Give it a go and get some one to one training at the start.

Do it, OP - you will enjoy it! I have used gyms all my life and all of them have had a wide age range of users. Also, I am 40 now but even in my 20s i actively liked seeing older women at the gym. I used to go along with my mum when I was a child/teen and it reminds me of her! Also, I go to a David Lloyd now and am probably still on the younger end in some of the classes.

And also well done for the positive changes you are making - you sound fab.

Do it ! My gym has a real mix of all ages and people. Honestly nobody will be looking as they are busy getting on with their workouts. Aqua aerobics is a fun gentle class to start with. You’ll feel better getting fit as well.

More older people (40+) than younger in my gym at the times I go in the mid morning/early afternoon in a big sports centre. Nobody would give you a 2nd glance honestly, except to think it’s great you’re trying to get fit. The younger people tend to go early in the morning or at night.

I’m almost 50, started at 110 kg and extremely unfit and see plenty of people starting in the same boat. That’s what the gym is for, to get fit and into shape, and most people don’t start off like that!

I have a crosstrainer and free weights at home but I prefer going to the gym and using the better quality equipment. Feels like a proper workout. Yoga and Pilates classes are mostly older women.

I would definitely use the steam room especially, and the sauna, after a workout too. I think of it as my treat afterwards and steam room great for skin. Just take flip flops.

Definitely do it. Very good for you. Gyms are for everyone.

Plenty of people of your age and older at my gym - me included! There was a 71 year old woman at the Spin classes I went to at the gym (pre Covid). Also plenty of men in their 70's so by comparison you're a spring chicken!

Please go if you want to. I dont think 57 will be unusual - certainly not in my gym.
I'd also say that most people are too self absorbed to notice other people anyway.
It would be worth a visit and a taster session if possible.

Absolutely!! There’s a Village gym near us and I got told the average member is 47.

Completely devoid of young instagrammer gym times and just friendly and supportive ethos

Definitely don’t be put off by your age- if you fancy it, do it! Could you book in for a trial session before committing to the monthly fee?

I'm fat and a couple of weeks off 50. Unfit and did I mention fat and unfit?!! I've bumbled along to a gym for the past couple of months. I love that there are 20 somethings and 70 somethings and everyone, every size, all abilities, all just getting on and being friendly and it's just lovely! A tip though - login to the wifi, don't listen to music but stream a programme or film. The time goes so much faster as you're trying to breathe training!