Is it harder to start being active at 50?

naonah

I have been fighting my weight all my life. In my 30s I hit a sweet spot of healthy eating and exercising for a few years.

The weight and bad habits creeped back and here I am still struggling with weight as I’m about to enter my 50s.

I’m exercising again and am finding it difficult to keep up with my 10-years-younger sister. I’ve been working out with a trainer for 1 year now and I get more sore and hurt myself more easily (pull muscles, delicate knee). Then there’s the pre-menopause symptoms 😒

Does my “aging” body have ANYTHING to do with finding exercising harder? Or is it just a matter of losing weight so I can be more agile? I know I’m not “old” to some, and I’ve read many posts of older people being super fit. I guess my question is more, is it harder to START at this age?

What are your thoughts? (No mean responses please)

cmriverside

All of that.

I mean, yeah - aging body, out of shape, too much weight making it harder, trying to keep up with the young'uns.

I don't compare myself to 40 years olds when it comes to exercise, but I'm also a lot more fit than I was at 40 and I'm waaaay more fit than a lot of other 65 year olds. So, I'm just grateful for what my aging body is still able to do.

Barfly57

Yes and no.
I can still do everything I've ever done, exercise-wise, I've just had to modify some things to accommodate my aging corpse.
Running and lifting programs tend to be aimed at a younger set; people our age won't be able to progress as fast as they call for.
Slow down, take smaller steps, and take more recovery time.

Edit: I'm 61, started working out at 42.

GottaBurnEmAll

I'm agreeing with everything everyone else said. Especially about most things being geared towards a younger set.

Progress when we're older isn't as fast and recovery is slower. A more moderate approach is usually a sustainable one.

robthephotog

My uncle is pushing 60, he lost 40 lbs, bikes 10-15 miles a day, works full time and runs a vineyard. If your mind is in the right place age is often just a number. I have a 96 y/o cliemt who swims 10 laps in the morning and can out yoga me any day

amyepdx

I’ve done all kinds of activity over the years (especially when losing weight) so I’m not new to exercise but age does have its effects, especially after periods of inactivity. My latest is Orangetheory- I started in August a month before I turned 60. The majority of “kids” in the classes probably under 35. I just do what I can do and don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. The coaches know I don’t do burpees and have to modify push-ups but always encourage me. I get faster on the tread & rower with every class too!

CarvedTones

About to turn 60; didn't get serious about losing weight and getting in shape until I was 58 this time. I had a year about 4-5 years ago where I ran a lot and got down to a BMI of 27 but that didn't last as long as this has - at a BMI below 25 over 8 months taking long walks, SUP/kayak paddling and going to the gym multiple times a week. I think being "set in your ways" with many of those "ways" being unhealthy habits, or at least not leaving room in the time/money budgets for healthier alternatives, is as hard to overcome as any physical limitations.

amyepdx

robthephotog wrote: »

My uncle is pushing 60, he lost 40 lbs, bikes 10-15 miles a day, works full time and runs a vineyard. If your mind is in the right place age is often just a number. I have a 96 y/o cliemt who swims 10 laps in the morning and can out yoga me any day

Two questions - where does he live and is he single?

spiriteagle99

At 50, it is harder to get in shape because recovery takes longer. You need to be more careful not to do too much too soon, since it is easy to get injured by ignoring rest and recovery. You may also be experiencing the onset of issues like anemia and low thyroid, which can cause low energy, and some women have problems with the onset of menopause. I found that exercise helped me there, but that isn't always the case. That said, you can get into better shape, if you take your time building strength and endurance. Listen to your body. Rest when you need to, but try to be as active as you can. Low impact exercise is easier to adapt to than high impact, but if you want, you don't have to limit yourself. I started running at 54, but I had been a hiker for 25 years, so it wasn't that big a jump to go from walking every day to running several days a week, while continuing to walk. Some days, energy is a big issue for me. (I sleep a lot when I am more active.) Others, it's flexibility that causes me problems. I've had to deal with some injuries - a pelvic sfx, rotator cuff injury, a couple of falls that did some damage - but I'm also the healthiest I've been in my life. I ran my first marathon at 58 and am currently training for my 5th.

mmapags

GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »

I'm agreeing with everything everyone else said. Especially about most things being geared towards a younger set.

Progress when we're older isn't as fast and recovery is slower. A more moderate approach is usually a sustainable one.

All of this is true. But my question to the OP is, so what? Moving and get more active leads to better health and quality of life. What's the alternative? Worse health and worse quality of life.

I am 67. I do workouts similar to what I did when I was younger. I don't push as much weight and my recovery takes a little longer so, my workouts are quite as frequent. But, I am in very good shape, at a healthy weight and my quality of life and functionality is great! It took my slow progress over 5 years to get here but it beats the alternative.

Trina2040

Aging is a factor however losing weight when you're older is certainly achievable. I started when I was 64, took 15 months to lose 50lbs and in maintenance for close to 4 years now. Don't even try to keep up with your sister -- your needs are different from hers. Find an exercise program that enhances your chances to stay healthy into your 50s, 60s, and beyond. That doesn't mean you have to go full tilt with high impact exercising. "Keeping up" opens you up to injuries that will derail your overall health.

I try to think of my changed lifestyle as a balance between mind and body working in harmony. I look for sustainable exercise and for me that means walking, low impact cardio, Tai Chi, Yoga stretching, and some weights added in (though I can no longer do heavy lifting). I use a Fitbit and still log everything to measure my calories in/calories out which I have to do for the rest of my life since I suck as guestimating portions. My goal is 20-21k steps per day, so far that's working for me.

You have to find what works for you. If you lose the weight you will become more active and agile, but let's face it we aren't 20 years old any longer and can't/shouldn't(?) exercise at those levels.

Gisel2015

robthephotog wrote: »

My uncle is pushing 60, he lost 40 lbs, bikes 10-15 miles a day, works full time and runs a vineyard. If your mind is in the right place age is often just a number. I have a 96 y/o cliemt who swims 10 laps in the morning and can out yoga me any day

My mind is always in the right place, but I need my body (muscle, tendons, ligaments, bones) to exercise, and some time they are nowhere to be found. Happy that your uncle is doing so well, and I hope that he continues that way and that OA doesn't take over. I know that there are a lot of people like him; I was one of them when I was his age.

I am 74 years old (75 in few weeks) and I have been active all my life and without major weight problems. Been maintaining my 100lb small frame for almost 9 years. I played tennis, took and taught dance classes, did kick boxing, aerobics, strength training, Yoga, Pilates, and whatever I wanted to do. Not so much now.

After surgeries in both shoulders, a knee replacement and OA in my spine, specially neck and lumbar area, I had to reduce my activities. I still do strength training but can't and shouldn’t lift as much weight as I used to. I take chair yoga instead of mat yoga, and I had to say good bye to my ballet shoes and tennis racket. Very sad for me. But I clean, cook and do house work, work in the garden, walk very straight and without the need of assistance, and take care of myself, drive everywhere and take long vacations with my husband.

Like others already said, moderate exercise and knowing our limitations is the way to go. As we age, abilities, progress, and recovery are diminished, and we must accept, live and work around them. The key is never to give up and to keep moving.

I agree that changing our frame of mind is a must and making "aging" a handicap is not the way to go. A little bit of understanding and consideration for the older generation is also highly recommended. Just remember that we all get older eventually. The alternative is worse.

L1zardQueen

Use it or lose it!

naonah

Thanks everyone. I try to keep up with my sister simply because we share a personal trainer (who’s under 30!!). I tend to go slower than her, my reps take a bit longer to complete but I do them at my pace 😊. I will not let OA be my excuse, just need to recognize that it can affect things. Like someone here said, what’s the alternative? Must keep going....at my pace.

AnnPT77

spiriteagle99 wrote: »

At 50, it is harder to get in shape because recovery takes longer. You need to be more careful not to do too much too soon, since it is easy to get injured by ignoring rest and recovery. You may also be experiencing the onset of issues like anemia and low thyroid, which can cause low energy, and some women have problems with the onset of menopause. I found that exercise helped me there, but that isn't always the case. That said, you can get into better shape, if you take your time building strength and endurance. Listen to your body. Rest when you need to, but try to be as active as you can. Low impact exercise is easier to adapt to than high impact, but if you want, you don't have to limit yourself. I started running at 54, but I had been a hiker for 25 years, so it wasn't that big a jump to go from walking every day to running several days a week, while continuing to walk. Some days, energy is a big issue for me. (I sleep a lot when I am more active.) Others, it's flexibility that causes me problems. I've had to deal with some injuries - a pelvic sfx, rotator cuff injury, a couple of falls that did some damage - but I'm also the healthiest I've been in my life. I ran my first marathon at 58 and am currently training for my 5th.

I pretty much agree with this. I started being regularly active in my mid-40s, when lots of people are willing to say they're "too old"; and it was right after cancer treatment (surgery, chemo, radiation, drugs) besides. Aging is a wonderful gift: As a cancer survivor and cancer widow (he was 45, BTW), I know viscerally what the actual alternative is, and it's not youth.

I'll be 63 next week. My joints are worse (OA, torn meniscus), my thyroid is kaput, among other things. Progress is slower, injury happens more easily, recovery takes longer, de-training happens faster, I pay bigger if I overdo, and more. So what?

I think the wisest sign in the world is one you see everywhere. It says "You Are Here". I may not be where I want to be, I may not be where I want or think I deserve to be, but this right here is the exact spot from which I have to take my next step, no alternative. Even if constrained, I always get to choose that step's direction.

Is it harder to start at 50? Probably, but so what? It's the one place you can start from, no other choices on offer. You can improve and progress. There's no point in comparing yourself to others. That's a waste of emotional energy. Compare yourself to you last month or last year - whenever you started working on it - instead, if you must.

P.S. Look up Ernestine Shepard and Madonna Buder (to name just 2 of many). They started around your age, and seem to be doing OK.

jdog022

Maybe you need a need trainer? What kinda qualifications and experience does this person have.

rsclause

50 + and my biggest problem is that I can get an injury very easy now. On the other hand my older sister 60+ has done four full ironmans. Her husband and two daughters have done them with her too. Her favorite part is when a young guy with a $10,000 bike asked this gray haired sister of mine if she finished and it yes. She asks about him and he reluctantly admits he got pulled on the bike portion. I think you are only as old as you want to be.

jmf286

OP - I have a similar story in terms of having gotten fit for a few sweet spots of 5 years at a time in my late 20s and 30s but now at 44 find myself as overweight as I have ever been. The big difference for me now (and I love working out) is that my body can no longer seem to tolerate my weight and exercising like it did in my 20s and 30s. Some days even a 30 min walk stirs up my plantar fascititis (both feet). And I have various other knee and hip issues.

I have reached the conclusion that I need to use diet to lose a good 10 or 20 kgs whilst doing a modified weights program before trying to do more impactful exercises, which are the ones I prefer. I hope that that will help by taking the load off my joints and feet. I have also found a trainer who has been through this process herself and is 50 ish and I train by myself or by myself with her so that I am not comparing myself with anyone else (I already have an internal dialogue that berates myself for letting my weight get out of hand and the damage it has done to my body).

I agree with working out in a way that challenges you but also taking it at a pace that doesn't cause injuries, It just take a little longer than we want.

sijomial

jdog022 wrote: »

Maybe you need a need trainer? What kinda qualifications and experience does this person have.

Agree - if you are constantly getting hurt then your trainer isn't doing their job very well.

Getting fit was a bit different in my 50's but overall I found it easier just because I had more time to invest in myself. Recovery is slower, progress is slower and I have to be a bit more sensible than I used to be (probably a good thing as I was a menace to myself!).

But at 58 I'm in the same size jeans as I was in my 20's, decent amount of strength, lowest ever resting HR, got loads of energy and still pushing myself to improve, will cycle further this year than ever before for example. Crucially I'm still enjoying my exercise as well as enjoying the results of my exercise.

Djproulx

Agree with the comments about recovery taking longer as we age.

As far as "being harder to start", I don't think so. For me, it was a matter of finally making a decision at 54 years old that I was going to change, then following through on that decision every day. As I lost weight and began a regular exercise program, the process got easier and exercise became a habit. During that time, I rekindled my interest in running and moved into triathlon.

Over the last 5 years, endurance training has become an important part of my social life as well as a healthy habit. I've been lucky enough to travel with my triathlon friends to participate in quite a few races around North America. This past summer's biggest trip was a "racing vacation" to Quebec to compete in Ironman Mont Tremblant. We had 12 participant among our group and every one finished the race.

I'll turn 61 this month and plan to start training for a second full distance Ironman race in January.

Finally, if you want some inspiration, just check out the participant list at any IM 70.3 or 140.6 race and notice the many competitors in the 65-69, 70-74, and even older age groups.

Lillymoo01

Our bodies are typically fully developed physically when we hit 20. Most athletes will peak in their mid 20's and there will be gradual deterioration after this. This, however, does not mean that you can not continue to be fit and healthy into old age, or can not become fitter if we are sedentary. It just means that it may not be quite as easy as it was when we were younger. In my case, I am fitter in my 40's than I ever was as a teen.

There are many in their old age that can achieve amazing things and I love seeing those in their 60's and above out jogging, rowing, swimming, cycling etc. They are inspiring (and I am a tad jealous because I know injury means I will never run).

CarvedTones

Lillymoo01 wrote: »

Our bodies are typically fully developed physically when we hit 20. Most athletes will peak in their mid 20's and there will be gradual deterioration after this. This, however, does not mean that you can not continue to be fit and healthy into old age, or can not become fitter if we are sedentary. It just means that it may not be quite as easy as it was when we were younger. In my case, I am fitter in my 40's than I ever was as a teen.

There are many in their old age that can achieve amazing things and I love seeing those in their 60's and above out jogging, rowing, swimming, cycling etc. They are inspiring (and I am a tad jealous because I know injury means I will never run).

That was an excuse I used the last time I got healthy and then let myself go again.

Shortly after my 54th birthday, I was disgusted with myself when I had to stop at the top of two flights of stairs to catch my breath. I was overweight and out of shape and decided to work on it. I decided to start dieting with the plan of losing "55 by 55", meaning I would lose 55 pounds, from 230 to 175, by my 55th birthday.

My birthday is late December, so the 55 by 55 was a New Year's resolution; those usually fail pretty quickly. Mine didn't. I did C25K thinking running a little would get me in better shape. I ran a 5k in April and by that point was starting to actually enjoy getting out and jogging a couple of miles a couple of times a week. Really enjoying it. I stepped it up and up. In October of that year I ran a half marathon in 2:08:25 , which is a respectable time for a mid 50s casual athlete. I was in the low 170s for my birthday, but most of the time weighed in the low 180s, which is a BMI of around 28. Still, I felt pretty good about where I was at and figured I would be one of those reasonably healthy old guys you see out running.

Early the next year I started pulling up lame after about 5 miles. I backed off on distances but it just became 4 miles, then 3, then 2... In the spring I ended up with one knee scoped and the other a candidate for it. The doctor told me that running was a really bad idea for me from then out. My joints really can't take it. My meniscus was torn in a few places and my patella was frayed. It wasn't from abuse; they just weren't up to heavy use and never will be.

I got out of shape and overweight again until last year when I decided to stop feeling sorry for myself and work within the limitations. I paddle a lot now. With proper form that's mostly core and involves some of the largest muscles around the shoulder without much stress on the joint. Standing up, moving around on the board and balancing does involve the legs but with about the lowest impact possible. At the gym, I could use exercises from PT and I got with a trainer and had him help me find what worked within the limitations so I have been able to get in even better shape and stayed below 160 for several months so far.

A lot of it is attitude.

TonyB0588

I'm exercising more in my 50s than back in my 30s or 40s, so maybe you just need to get started and keep on going.

PowerliftingMom

naonah wrote: »

Thanks everyone. I try to keep up with my sister simply because we share a personal trainer (who’s under 30!!). I tend to go slower than her, my reps take a bit longer to complete but I do them at my pace 😊. I will not let OA be my excuse, just need to recognize that it can affect things. Like someone here said, what’s the alternative? Must keep going....at my pace.

Never compare yourself to others! Just take it slow and don't rush anything. I went from being completely sedentary, gaining 75 lbs. in 12 years to almost all cardio 7 days/week, going to the gym 2x/day, then becoming a competitive powerlifter. I really wish I would have slowed down and gone at a much slower pace because I'm paying the price right now with multiple injuries and now extremely slow recovery.

Lounmoun

I think some things are harder but others are easier.
When I was 20 I would not even bother trying to regularly exercise. I was thin and I didn't like exercise. I didn't have health problems or worries about remaining active as I aged. Physically I probably could have done a lot more but mentally I just did not see the point.
In my 40's I have more physical and heath challenges. I can't go back in time. It doesn't matter if it would have been easier 10 or 20 years ago. This is where my body and fitness level are now. Mentally I am much more focused on taking care of myself and developing a sustainable plan. I am more patient.

LeanButNotMean44

I lost weight and became fit when I was in my mid-20’s. I’m 50 now and despite being healthy for half of my life, recovery is harder/takes longer. Running long distances on pavement has taken its toll because I didn’t lift weights or crosstrain until 10 years ago. My right foot is pretty arthritic. Knees pop/crack. Lower back aches. And YES, hormones! I cry at the drop of a hat.

All of that said, it’s better to get older than to NOT get older. Kudos to you for all that you are doing to get/be healthy!

Lillymoo01

CarvedTones wrote: »

Lillymoo01 wrote: »

Our bodies are typically fully developed physically when we hit 20. Most athletes will peak in their mid 20's and there will be gradual deterioration after this. This, however, does not mean that you can not continue to be fit and healthy into old age, or can not become fitter if we are sedentary. It just means that it may not be quite as easy as it was when we were younger. In my case, I am fitter in my 40's than I ever was as a teen.

There are many in their old age that can achieve amazing things and I love seeing those in their 60's and above out jogging, rowing, swimming, cycling etc. They are inspiring (and I am a tad jealous because I know injury means I will never run).

That was an excuse I used the last time I got healthy and then let myself go again.

Shortly after my 54th birthday, I was disgusted with myself when I had to stop at the top of two flights of stairs to catch my breath. I was overweight and out of shape and decided to work on it. I decided to start dieting with the plan of losing "55 by 55", meaning I would lose 55 pounds, from 230 to 175, by my 55th birthday.

My birthday is late December, so the 55 by 55 was a New Year's resolution; those usually fail pretty quickly. Mine didn't. I did C25K thinking running a little would get me in better shape. I ran a 5k in April and by that point was starting to actually enjoy getting out and jogging a couple of miles a couple of times a week. Really enjoying it. I stepped it up and up. In October of that year I ran a half marathon in 2:08:25 , which is a respectable time for a mid 50s casual athlete. I was in the low 170s for my birthday, but most of the time weighed in the low 180s, which is a BMI of around 28. Still, I felt pretty good about where I was at and figured I would be one of those reasonably healthy old guys you see out running.

Early the next year I started pulling up lame after about 5 miles. I backed off on distances but it just became 4 miles, then 3, then 2... In the spring I ended up with one knee scoped and the other a candidate for it. The doctor told me that running was a really bad idea for me from then out. My joints really can't take it. My meniscus was torn in a few places and my patella was frayed. It wasn't from abuse; they just weren't up to heavy use and never will be.

I got out of shape and overweight again until last year when I decided to stop feeling sorry for myself and work within the limitations. I paddle a lot now. With proper form that's mostly core and involves some of the largest muscles around the shoulder without much stress on the joint. Standing up, moving around on the board and balancing does involve the legs but with about the lowest impact possible. At the gym, I could use exercises from PT and I got with a trainer and had him help me find what worked within the limitations so I have been able to get in even better shape and stayed below 160 for several months so far.

A lot of it is attitude.

Having repairable injuries is so limiting. You just have to find what your body will allow you to do and what you enjoy doing to maintain a decent level of fitness. I do find it very hard accepting my limitations at times though because I would really love to be able to run.

OldAssDude

naonah wrote: »

I have been fighting my weight all my life. In my 30s I hit a sweet spot of healthy eating and exercising for a few years.

The weight and bad habits creeped back and here I am still struggling with weight as I’m about to enter my 50s.

I’m exercising again and am finding it difficult to keep up with my 10-years-younger sister. I’ve been working out with a trainer for 1 year now and I get more sore and hurt myself more easily (pull muscles, delicate knee). Then there’s the pre-menopause symptoms 😒

Does my “aging” body have ANYTHING to do with finding exercising harder? Or is it just a matter of losing weight so I can be more agile? I know I’m not “old” to some, and I’ve read many posts of older people being super fit. I guess my question is more, is it harder to START at this age?

What are your thoughts? (No mean responses please)

I would say it's harder to start if you're trying to compete with a sister who is a decade younger than you, and you are trying to compete with her right out of the gate.

Even at a younger age you can injure yourself by going too hard too fast.

for example... muscles, joints, bones, tendons, etc... take much longer to develop then heart and lungs, so many people who start running tend to start going too fast too soon because their heart and lungs feel good enough to pick up the pace. Then they wind up injuring themselves because their joints aren't developed enough at that point.

I started when i was 57 just walking. Then started power walking. This year i started running, and currently can run up to 5 miles at a slow pace. I'm 61 now. Power walking has now become my recovery workout.

Take it slow. Push yourself but not too much too fast. Listen to your body, and make sure you get the right nutrients so your body can rebuild what it needs to. Get enough sleep, and enough recovery time. Recovery does not have to be just resting. It can be just a few miles of walking or a bike ride.

It's especially important to be at a good fitness level when your older. IMO.

lorrpb

I started at age 59, lost 150 lbs, bern maintaining for 2 years. I never accomplished this when I was younger. At 63 I’m in the best shape of my life, doing activities I never dreamed of.

If you feel it’s harder for you than at a different time in life, that’s ok, but it’s still possible. In my book, that’s all that matters.

GottaBurnEmAll

Lillymoo01 wrote: »

CarvedTones wrote: »

Lillymoo01 wrote: »

Our bodies are typically fully developed physically when we hit 20. Most athletes will peak in their mid 20's and there will be gradual deterioration after this. This, however, does not mean that you can not continue to be fit and healthy into old age, or can not become fitter if we are sedentary. It just means that it may not be quite as easy as it was when we were younger. In my case, I am fitter in my 40's than I ever was as a teen.

There are many in their old age that can achieve amazing things and I love seeing those in their 60's and above out jogging, rowing, swimming, cycling etc. They are inspiring (and I am a tad jealous because I know injury means I will never run).

That was an excuse I used the last time I got healthy and then let myself go again.

Shortly after my 54th birthday, I was disgusted with myself when I had to stop at the top of two flights of stairs to catch my breath. I was overweight and out of shape and decided to work on it. I decided to start dieting with the plan of losing "55 by 55", meaning I would lose 55 pounds, from 230 to 175, by my 55th birthday.

My birthday is late December, so the 55 by 55 was a New Year's resolution; those usually fail pretty quickly. Mine didn't. I did C25K thinking running a little would get me in better shape. I ran a 5k in April and by that point was starting to actually enjoy getting out and jogging a couple of miles a couple of times a week. Really enjoying it. I stepped it up and up. In October of that year I ran a half marathon in 2:08:25 , which is a respectable time for a mid 50s casual athlete. I was in the low 170s for my birthday, but most of the time weighed in the low 180s, which is a BMI of around 28. Still, I felt pretty good about where I was at and figured I would be one of those reasonably healthy old guys you see out running.

Early the next year I started pulling up lame after about 5 miles. I backed off on distances but it just became 4 miles, then 3, then 2... In the spring I ended up with one knee scoped and the other a candidate for it. The doctor told me that running was a really bad idea for me from then out. My joints really can't take it. My meniscus was torn in a few places and my patella was frayed. It wasn't from abuse; they just weren't up to heavy use and never will be.

I got out of shape and overweight again until last year when I decided to stop feeling sorry for myself and work within the limitations. I paddle a lot now. With proper form that's mostly core and involves some of the largest muscles around the shoulder without much stress on the joint. Standing up, moving around on the board and balancing does involve the legs but with about the lowest impact possible. At the gym, I could use exercises from PT and I got with a trainer and had him help me find what worked within the limitations so I have been able to get in even better shape and stayed below 160 for several months so far.

A lot of it is attitude.

Having repairable injuries is so limiting. You just have to find what your body will allow you to do and what you enjoy doing to maintain a decent level of fitness. I do find it very hard accepting my limitations at times though because I would really love to be able to run.

This is me. It's not injury, it's my arthritis. I never was great shakes as a runner and never aspired to be one, but it made me happy to be a slow plodding runner. But man, the toll on my joints.

I have plenty of time in my day to do a lot of brisk walking, though. That will do. And I can still lift weights. I just can't go too heavy, and that's okay as well.

I am thinking of starting to do yoga to work on stability, because I really have none.

anothermfpuser

Is it harder after 50? I wouldn't say that necessarily, but I would say it is extremely different than being in our 20's, 30's and 40's. Also - I think it depends on the physical condition at the starting line. Previous injuries, medical conditions, etc... that need to be kept in mind.

I began my 'fitness' routine at 48.. Now 52. It is noticeably a little more taxing on my body now than it was just 4 years ago. That said I'd like to think I am a little wiser than I was then after all of the injuries I've sustained trying to workout.

Have never been a great runner but by reducing my mileage and not trying to push the speed, I can still enjoy doing it. I've learned - for me - it's not worth risking slipping and falling on ice so I cease it completely during the crappy winter month's I live through. I have replaces winter running 4-6 mile long winter walks. This way I am still getting out there and not held inside.

I've also learned daily life is easier since I began lifting weights and doing Pilates. Functional day-to-day activities are easier due to better flexibility, mobility and strength. I do not lift heavy but have found working on total body routines with dumbbells has been most helpful. My Pilates Reformer helps me in every way imaginable.

Everyone is different. Using age as an excuse and doing nothing however, is just a self-imposed limitation/excuse.