Is 43 too old to start exercising?

[KayScarpettaFan]

Hi all....I have not exercised in a lot of years ( maybe 10 LOL) but I really need to start again...apart from the weight gain, I really would like to be able to move with less difficulties. I have a bit of cervical arthrosis, what kind of activity could I start...without breaking my back?

 

[bobbyking]

Hi,

I am 47 this year. And from my experience, picking up a sports may be more fun and less monotonous. (just my opinion).

I used to swim a lot (doing freestyle laps) on my condo pool. It was really monotonous and I was really bored. I could do countless laps but after a while, I stopped.

I took up golf for many years but where I live, it is scorching hot and humid and I gave up, though if you walk a 18-hole (pulling your golf bag along), it is pretty good exercise (estimate distance cover around 7-8km)

Finally, I took up tennis. With help from an avid tennis lover friend, I managed to pick up the game (topspin swing, leg work etc). And I brought in a coach to provide lessons for my wife and 3 daughters to learn the game as well.

Today, I mean every Sunday 3-6pm if the weather permits, the five of us will spend our time at the tennis court (a.k.a family time). I make an effort to run and chase for the ball. Sometimes we play on Saturday too, depending on court availability.

And I have two degenerated disc on my lower lumbar. I have to wear a girdle to play tennis though. I injured it during my 3 years serving in the military service when I was 21 years old. And yes, if I overly exert, it is painful.

Sports like basketball, tennis, badminton are great avenues to consider. Squash is not bad but can be tough on the knees.

Hope this helps.

 

[James127]

As a fellow 43-er, I can tell you it's never too late to start exercising. Last year, I started walking on a regular basis after many, many years of inactivity. I tried to walk every day in the morning, for about an hour. There were days that I missed for various reasons, but I tried very hard to develop the habit. I was proud to have walked over 100 miles total in the month of July (really just over three weeks in July)!

The main advice I would offer is that it took a long time to get a body out of shape, and it will take a long time to get it back into shape. Also, it is a discipline and habit that has to be developed, and that involves ups and downs. Stay motivated and celebrate every victory, no matter how small!

Wow, first post for me!

 

[Kaitlyn]

Gentle walking may be a simple way to start.

 

[KayScarpettaFan]

Thank you all. I think that gentle walking is the answer. I will start just like James did. I hope to have the same discipline he had and keep doing it.

Thank you very much

 

[James127]

Good to hear you'll be trying some walking. Don't concern yourself with distance as you start out. Aim to walk a certain amount of time each walk. Once you get up to 30 minute walks, I think that would be a good time to start keeping track of distance.

I don't know if you have a smartphone, but I love the Endomondo app, which tracks time, mileage, and (thanks to GPS) even the path you walk. It then updates my Facebook with the information for my walks. That gives me accountability, and it also allows my FB friends to offer words of encouragement.

Along those lines: get yourself some sort of accountability for your exercise routine, especially since you're just starting back up. Having to explain why you didn't work out is a lot harder than just justifying it in your head. This board, FB, or friends/coworkers are great accountability tools.

Just keep a positive attitude, and you'll get it done - one day at a time! May God give you encouragement and strength to get yourself back into shape!

 

[KayScarpettaFan]

Very good advice!!!! I have just downloaded the Endo mondo applet. I will start tomorrow afternoon. I am looking forward to start. Thank you very much and may God bless you.

 

[Bridgit]

It's never too late. In fact, it's better late than never. Just start easy then gradually step it up. Of course, check with your doctor too.

 

[yanno the meek]

They're right, it's never too late to exercise. However if you start after your mid forties it is very difficult to make it a lifestyle. It's a psychological thing. I'm 47 and sure enough I'm having a devil of a time shoehorning it into my busy life.

 

[country woman]

Its never to late to start exercising

 

[FrozenOne]

Well I'm forty and I still run/jog. I've always enjoyed that, though at times if I stop for a period too long, it is hard on the legs when getting back into it. It is never too late to start excercise of course.

 

[SLTMLO]

I'm in my late 40's and do a lot of walking and some hiking - I like to bring the dog. I also ride my bicycle. Sometimes I pull up exercise/dance videos on NetFlix or do the the Wii Fit. Variety is the name of the game so I don't get bored

 

[KayScarpettaFan]

Ok I did it. I joined a yoga class. My teacher just climbs on my back and she pulls....it is a pain, but my back is happy. I am confident that in 6 months or so I will be even able to do the exercises, LOL

 

[sjam]

if u cant move to much right now ... there siting exercises u can do . .. . at walmart they have all kinds of things to use . . . walking or biking . . . its realy up to u . . . .

 

[jsimms615]

hope the yoga works for you. I am 45 and started jogging in March. Have already completed my first 5k and thinking about doing a 10k in a few months

 

[WayTooManyDaves]

Hi all....I have not exercised in a lot of years ( maybe 10 LOL) but I really need to start again...apart from the weight gain, I really would like to be able to move with less difficulties. I have a bit of cervical arthrosis, what kind of activity could I start...without breaking my back?

Instead of thinking that 43 might be too old to start exercising, realize that 43 is too young to stop.

 

[Pamelav]

I do stretching excersizes about 1 to 2 times a week. Feels really good, and one gets limber quite quickly. Also helps prevent injuries.

 

[sjam]

hello sorry i havevnt text u back in a wild . couldnt log in . . u can email me if u want to . .dont get on here much . . should post more things on here i got alot of ?s . . need advice . . ..talk to u later . . hey my name is matt . . .

 

[OnwardChristianSoldier]

At your age it is MORE important that you start exercising even if that means just walking!!!!

 

[Comic Carol]

I say walking to the best thing to start with. That's what I try to do. Its actually something I am trying to get back into. I am walking to Bible Study tonight. ( The church is about a 1/4 of a mile)