Almost 50, where do I start?

[Anonymous]

I'm a almost 50yr. female. 5'4" 134lbs with Pear shape body.

I've never been into exercising except for walking and Zumba classes.

I'm beginning to see my skin lose and sag a bit. What exercises should I be doing now that I'm reaching my 50s?

I read about lifting weights but I've never done weights at all.

Any tips on where to start? anything that's working for you

[Anonymous]

Yes, hire a personal trainer (a real one not the kind that works on an hourly basis at the local 24 Hour Fitness), work with them for a couple of months or until you're comfortable enough to do the workouts on your own, then check in with them every couple of months to tweak the workout. You need to be lifting 3 days a week minimum. I go 3 days and do a full body workout each time, start with legs and butt since they're our largest muscles, then work up to arms and shoulders. Focus on the push/pull movements like squatting, rowing, bench press. Also clean up your diet if you haven't already done this - eliminating sugar is your first step here.

[Anonymous]

Read books by Dr Stacy Sims

[Anonymous]

My only advice is not to be intimidated by weights/strength training or think “that’s not for me.”

It’s never too late to start and no one wouldn’t benefit from getting stronger.

[Anonymous]

I have hired a Personal Trainer 3 times for periods ranging from several weeks to months and I highly recommend it. That money was well spent b/c it taught me how to use weights to augment my exercise routine. It taught me proper form as well so I don't get injured. I still use those programs today and I workout 5 times a week at the gym.

Make sure you get a certified trainer that is experienced - I would ask around for referrals b/c you want to learn from someone that knows what they are doing.

[Anonymous]

Agree on a personal trainer. Doing weights will change your body. I am 50 with no sag

[Anonymous]

You are not that fat

[Anonymous]

Work hard

[Anonymous]

You’re not fat at all (ignore the PP). I’m the same stats, but ten years younger and I’m in amazing shape.

Agree with the advice to hire a trainer and learn how to do a workable weight routine, but also to learn a routine of exercises that you can do with your own body weight. Don’t discount yoga and calisthenics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You’re not fat at all (ignore the PP). I’m the same stats, but ten years younger and I’m in amazing shape.

Agree with the advice to hire a trainer and learn how to do a workable weight routine, but also to learn a routine of exercises that you can do with your own body weight. Don’t discount yoga and calisthenics.

DP: Who on this thread called OP "fat"? No one.

[Anonymous]

Why is a trainer so much better than just working out in your home gym with weights following the strength workouts on Peloton or something like it? I've never used one but maybe I should?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agree on a personal trainer. Doing weights will change your body. I am 50 with no sag

+1 on weights. They’re not difficult to do, and actually quite enjoyable. Results can be transformative if you’re consistent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why is a trainer so much better than just working out in your home gym with weights following the strength workouts on Peloton or something like it? I've never used one but maybe I should?

You need to know correct form or you can injure yourself. Also a trainer helps to motivate you and does work you harder than you would work yourself. I am a highly motivated person and always thought I gave it my all till I hired a trainer, then I realized I was only working at about 70% of my capacity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are not that fat

This is the post I was referring to

[Anonymous]

The more muscle, the more calories you can burn, the more leeway you have in your diet. Also the more muscle you have the better you will age. Muscle is life!!

Lift those weights. I got a pack of training at a CrossFit gym before the pandemic to learn form. I use peloton strength now in my home gym (with a barbell).