How to start exercising after 40?

[Anonymous]

I am almost 42 and haven’t worked out in over a decade. I know I need to start walking more and weight lifting and what have you but it’s been so long I honestly don’t know HOW and Where to start. I want to build muscle and stamina not looking to lose weight (thanks genes). I get ads for 30 day workouts on Instagram but it’s all so overwhelming. Please point me to concrete resources where I can follow a program to get started that you like. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Noom!

[Anonymous]

What have you enjoyed doing in the past? I would start there and do that.

[Anonymous]

Op I’m in same boat. I’ve had some false starts because I was too ambitious. Now I plan to go on long walks two days a week. I will aim to build from there, but being so out of shape and not liking to exercise I think it’s easy to fail by taking too much on. So my advice is start off in bite sized efforts.

[Anonymous]

I would do a couch to 5K program to get started and build basic fitness slowly and safely. Then add weights and other things.

[Anonymous]

Join a gym and start taking classes. Not difficult. You will just start slow and gradually improve, if you have the willpower to stick with it. Otherwise, get ready to join the overweight crones club.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Noom!

WTF? Noom is for weigh loss and pretty terrible, OP is not looing to lose weight.

[Anonymous]

Something like Orangetheroy is a great place to start. You don't need to run, you can power walk on the treadmill.

[Anonymous]

If you can afford it personal trainer.
Get much better instruction and form and won’t hurt yourself lifting!

A gym with classes?
Dance class?
Hiking?
Sports?
What did you like to do previously?

Where are you located?

The best gym is always the one closest to your home or work. That way there is no excuse not to go….

[Anonymous]

Couch to 5K can be great, especially if you can find a friend to do it with.

You could also look into the Peloton app. There are lots of great options on there and curated 'beginner' programs. Basically, those are a curated set of classes that you do in order. Plus, you can also just try things a la carte on the app and see what you like.

I think there are both beginner strength and beginner yoga programs on the app. There are coached outdoor walks and walk/runs. It's easy to filter the strength classes for beginner options and lengths anywhere from 5-60 minutes.

I'd start by getting the app and committing to doing at least 5 minutes of ANYTHING on it 5 days a week, even if it's just a stretch, walk, or meditation. Once you're dressed to work out it's easy to add in more. See what you like then try one of the programs.

I'm personally most motivated by goals, and friends, and external committments, so I'd also look into finding a workout buddy (even just a walking buddy) or finding something to train for (e.g. 5k or charity walk, etc).

[Anonymous]

Figure out what you like to do. Join a gym that has those classes. If you don’t like it and are forcing yourself to do it you’ll never stick to it.

[Anonymous]

Good luck!!

Some good advice above.

A goal or two. Some small wins and a plan that keeps you on track.

My goal was work out five days a week for 5-10 mins. As someone said above, once I dress for five, it’s easy to add another five.

I started with the Apple Fitness free trial and kept it up.

I am now up to about an hour a 3-4 days a week.

[Anonymous]

Start by walking more, taking the stare more, cleaning the house more, carrying more things with your hands more, and just generally being more active in daily life.

Don't do 30 day workout schemes - they're not built for long term success.

Maybe try Couch to 5k if you're ok with trying to run. Otherwise just try different things. Pretend you're Goldilocks, and focus on trying all kinds of different things to see if there's something you like, and can perhaps do often. Try classes, equipment, and just make it a point to explore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Couch to 5K can be great, especially if you can find a friend to do it with.

You could also look into the Peloton app. There are lots of great options on there and curated 'beginner' programs. Basically, those are a curated set of classes that you do in order. Plus, you can also just try things a la carte on the app and see what you like.

I think there are both beginner strength and beginner yoga programs on the app. There are coached outdoor walks and walk/runs. It's easy to filter the strength classes for beginner options and lengths anywhere from 5-60 minutes.

I'd start by getting the app and committing to doing at least 5 minutes of ANYTHING on it 5 days a week, even if it's just a stretch, walk, or meditation. Once you're dressed to work out it's easy to add in more. See what you like then try one of the programs.

I'm personally most motivated by goals, and friends, and external committments, so I'd also look into finding a workout buddy (even just a walking buddy) or finding something to train for (e.g. 5k or charity walk, etc).

I came here to recommend peloton as well!

[Anonymous]

It definitely just depends on what you like to do. With weightlifting, I would recommend booking at least one session with a personal trainer. You can hurt yourself just launching in and not knowing your limits.

For cardio, it depends on what you like to do. I've personally always liked the social aspect of classes so I like doing group spin classes and dance exercise stuff although stuff like that really depends on the instructor. A lot of places offer you a first class for free but they will.then send you a million emails.