How to start exercising after 40?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

NP. I love the advice to try different things. Don't feel like you need to commit to any one program, at least not now - just commit to doing SOMEthing a couple times a week. When something clicks, it'll be easier to stick with it.

[Anonymous]

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

Agree—I’m 50 and started Orange Theory last fall and really enjoy it. I like that I can go in there and someone tells me what to do, and they’re good about modifying exercises if you’ve got any limitations.

Working out at home just isn’t something I’m going to do and I’ve finally accepted that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

NP. I love the advice to try different things. Don't feel like you need to commit to any one program, at least not now - just commit to doing SOMEthing a couple times a week. When something clicks, it'll be easier to stick with it.

Look for fitness events—in my city they had Fitness Week last August and you could try all sorts of workouts at different places around town for $5 each. Pilates, yoga, boxing, stretchlab, etc. I did something different every day for a week.

[Anonymous]

Class pass is another way to try lots of different gyms and classes. Though if you're indecisive you can waste a lot of time deciding where to go; in that case, pick the closest gym with classes and see if they have a trial.

[Anonymous]

Before anyone starts doing weights I would start with walking like you planned and body resistance exercises.

You may want to assess your joints and think about your diet and if your body is capable of any consistent exercise with weights.

There are several types of foods and minerals that can help joint health and if you are not getting them now you should start the right diet before your exercise plan.

Injury is your number one risk to setting you back other than will power.

[Anonymous]

1. Read Outlive by Peter Attia. You do not need to copy his fitness regime (most people do not have the time) but you can learn the biological realities that you need to counter. Hugely recommend investing the time.

2. Find a cardio exercise(s) you like that you can do in Zone 2 regularly. For me, brisk walking most days, spin once or twice a week.

3. Learn very basic weight lifting and do it 1 or 2x a week. Don’t go overboard. Make a plan each month that works all muscle groups: legs, upper body, core. For the first few months you can do body weight squats, lunges, core work (like dead bugs, plank, bear), and push-ups to get into a routine and to not overdo it and hurt yourself. I also like online barre workouts for this purpose.

Once you are in a good routine, start gradually adding weights and increasing the weight.

[Anonymous]

The thing is: the best exercise is the one you'll actually stick with. So you have to find something you find rewarding and don't dread.

[Anonymous]

I no longer do it but you are a perfect candidate for Orangetheory.