Are you around 50? How much exercise can you do?

ElizaDnl

Hi, I'm 47 and I notice a very distinct limit to my physical abilities. If I exercise intensely for 3 days in a row, I'm exhausted on day 4 and need to rest. Yet I see many people exercise loads every single day of the week. Is it a question of age? Or am I just unfit, and (hopefully) will improve over time?

staps065

I normally work out 5 days a week; Monday-Friday and take the wekend off, although I end up walking, doing yard work, etc... and earn exercise calories. I know many older folks who take a day off in between (I.e. workout Mon, Tues, off Wed, on again Thurs and Fir and make Sat optional and off Sun) it works for them. Do what you can without making so it is a chore and you on't want to go.... maybe go lighter on some days and heavier than others....

thunderhorse58

at age 57 i started on 5 mins a day walking steady, built up over 2 years i can now do around 2 or 3 hours a day, 5 days a week comfortable, a variety of walking, cycling, yoga, EASA sport fitness.. and lost 40 pounds this year since march

NeverGivesUp

Don't compare yourself to others and listen to your body. We are all individuals after all Happy exercising!!

neverstray

You will improve over time.

dsjohndrow

I guess it depends on the intensity. I can run 2-6 miles a day (now after well over a year of training) and I only need a rest day every few weeks. Now that I am training for a 1/2 M and the long runs and even some of the short runs are longer, I need 1 rest day a week, and a light day where I ride my bicycle at a leisurely pace. I guess it is more about the time spent. 2 miles only takes me about 20 minutes with a warm-up and cool-down. A 10 mile run takes about 90 minutes. And I would add, if you are doing a lot of strength training, that is a different sort of tired, and I suggest working different muscle groups on alternating days.

morganadk2_deleted

I'm 51 I think the more you do the fitter you will get ! I started doing body pump twice a week and now do cardio 2-3 times a week pump twice a and weights 3 times a week and rest at the weekend

ElizaDnl

I normally work out 5 days a week; Monday-Friday and take the wekend off, although I end up walking, doing yard work, etc... and earn exercise calories. I know many older folks who take a day off in between (I.e. workout Mon, Tues, off Wed, on again Thurs and Fir and make Sat optional and off Sun) it works for them. Do what you can without making so it is a chore and you on't want to go.... maybe go lighter on some days and heavier than others....

Older folks ... sigh ... well, I guess I was asking for it:bigsmile:

It's not a chore at all, never, I love it, I'm just frustrated that I can't seem to do all the things I want to do.


Thanks to everybody who's replied, seems that there's still hope for me :-)

RunXstrong

I achieved a goal to be a faster runner and stronger person at 50 than any other time and I update and achieve the same goal every year. I place 3rd overall (not only just winning my age group) in a 5K race recently. I don't find being over 50 is very limiting physically, although it probably takes more work for the same result, and you have to be more careful about warming up and stretching.

bluefish49

Every person is different. I try to use an old government trick - incrementalism. Once I feel comfortable at something, I boost the pace on the treadmill by 1/10, or increase the weights by 10 lbs., or add one exercise or machine. I also had to learn moderation - once I found myself spending 3+ hours in the gym every time I visited, and at one point I burned out on my gym enthusiasm. Now I limit it to half that.

scorpiotwinkles

I train for six days every week. Lifting heavy for about an hour. My physical limitations are immense, apart from the huge weight I used to carry, I need a new knee (bone to bone) and I think if I can do it, most people who have determination to do it can do it too. Friend me if you like.

joankpoirier

I will be 51 in December and YES when I first started to workout again I noticed an undesirably marked difference in my strength. WELL, the only one that can change that is ME.. 6 months later STRONGER every day!!!

Hi, I'm 47 and I notice a very distinct limit to my physical abilities. If I exercise intensely for 3 days in a row, I'm exhausted on day 4 and need to rest. Yet I see many people exercise loads every single day of the week. Is it a question of age? Or am I just unfit, and (hopefully) will improve over time?

mathteacher2010

I'm 59; have never been super athletic or active. But now I do TRX workouts 3x per week, and walk or work around the house other days. I knew I was losing a lot of inches, but it wasn't until I did a fundraising walk a couple of weeks ago that I realized that my general fitness is also much better. After I finished the walk I realized that I didn't have to stop on the hills to catch my breath! I also notice that I don't get nearly as winded on the stairs, etc.

It's never too late! :drinker:

Kiswinning

Don't compare yourself to others and listen to your body. We are all individuals after all Happy exercising!!

I agree with this, we are all different. I started with walk away the pounds 3x a week and worked my way up.
I just finished Jillian Michaels 30 day shred and now I'm jogging and looking into other DVD's. I'm 49.
Keep moving to your ability.

blankcanvas

I'm 54 and discovered Leslie Sansone DVDs. I like the5 mile walk one because it's broken up to 1 mile increments that I can mix and match. I usually only take off on Sunday morning. I've been doing it over a month, daily, and I'm just now, FINALLy seeing some toning and results in my body. I think as we get older it takes longer tosee results unfortunately..Good Luck!

kepete

I Workout 6-7 days per week. Three times a week I run and the balance I walk. I'll be 51 in March & hope to do a 1/2 marathon before then!

patmat

I am 52 and I train three days of weight training and four days of cardio. I use these methods for cardio; walk, treadmill, elipticle and stantionary bike, or zumba. My lower limit for cardio is 30 minutes and my pper limit is 60 minutes. If I don't lift because I incresed my weight, I will do an extra day of cardio. I usually feel well, like I had a good workout, but once in a while I feel exhausted. It takes sometime to build up endurance, but once you get there it is a good feeling.
Keep moving..thats the key to sucess...it doesn't matter how long...what matters is how good you feel and any movement is a benefit.

jimmacdonald

I am 57 just finished a 100 mile century bike ride in 7.5 hours.
Two years ago 5 miles was hard. One day at a time.

I bike 4 to 5 days a week usually 20 to 39 miles each ride at about 14 or 15 miles an hour.

So great to be fit.

Cheers
Jim

Lidenbrock

I'm 49. Walk to and from work at approx 4mph 5 days a week (5 mile round trip) and cycle at least one of the days at the weekend - journey dependent on how hectic week has been - teacher so on feet all day. Cycle trip varies between 12 miles to 36 miles.

dragonfly_em

heading towards 50, trying to make up for 10 years of very little exercise. Over the past 2 years i have built up on from nothing to aiming to do something every day and usually achieving it. i don't count regular daily activities like housework and gardening, and average about 12hrs good activity/week - but varied. A couple of days with long intense sessions, then an hour most days. A good mix of cardio, strength and core - classes, dvds and stuff on my own. I also do an hour with a PT once a week which i'd highly recommend - his feedback and guidance have been invaluable. And finally - a sport massage every 6 weeks - an expensive luxury but works miracles

Coffeeholic8

I'm 52 and exercise 5 - 6 times a week, a combination of the gym, running and cycling. Six months ago I would sweat buckets and get sore from walking round the supermarket and when I first started going to them gym there was pain, oh so much pain. Now there isn't so much, although still have days when my thighs complain and pretty much go on strike, but it's good pain. Listen to your body, make sure you have recovery days and you will build up to it.

mystikfairy61

I am 51. I started exercising the first wk of Aug. I weighed 225 and was extremely out of shape. I started out just moving LOL doing a little dance to my favorite music for about 10 mins. I then progressed to where I could do 30 mins, 4-5 times a week. I started Zumba toward the end of August, with only 10 mins to start on it. Now I usually do 30-45 mins 4-5 days a week. I have lost 15 pounds so far with 85 more to go. I also have severe osteoarthritis in my left knee and right hip, but even though I get sore muscles, I don't let it stop me. I just keep the hopping to a minimum and try to keep it as low impact as possible. This works for me. Just take your time and try different things. You will find one or several that you enjoy and that will help you reach your goal. Being able to enjoy the exercise you are doing, to me, is the key to continuing your program. Good luck.

marthathebear

I'm 54. I do a Curves 30 minute (cardio and strength training combined) workout 3 days per week. I walk two miles everyday at a fast pace. I do Zumba one day a week. I weight train at home 3 days per week. I participate in 5k walk/runs several times per year.

ElizaDnl

I achieved a goal to be a faster runner and stronger person at 50 than any other time and I update and achieve the same goal every year. I place 3rd overall (not only just winning my age group) in a 5K race recently. I don't find being over 50 is very limiting physically, although it probably takes more work for the same result, and you have to be more careful about warming up and stretching.

That's amazing, very inspiring and encouraging. If you have a minute, I'd love to know what your training looks like

annadavidson1984

I'll be 51 in April and I try to work out every day. I usually make it 5/7 or 6/7 (I work a full time job and part time job). I do Jillian Michaels' videos. Now there are some things I just can't do, but I try to do something similar to whatever she is doing. I'd say vary whatever you are doing and see if that helps. I know when I first started her videos couldn't do hardly any of it. I still have days , depending on how my fibro is acting, that I have a hard time. Just stick with it!

debk3p2

Hi: I'm 53 with terrible knees and it's true I can't exercise like I used to. Meaning I can't jog, do aerobics that require any jumping around - heck sometimes I can't even walk except at a crawl. But I can be active. I change up my exercises to give my joints a break - some days I I swim, some days I do water aerobics, and I've even become one of those old folks that mall walks (it's easier on my knee than walking on pavement). I try to stay active every day although I don't beat myself up if I have one leisurely weekend day.

I can't do Insanity or run a half marathon but I can clip on a pedometer and make sure I get my steps in every day. I'm recovering from knee surgery this week so I can't walk much or get into the pool for another week but hopefully I'll be back in stride (slow as it is) next week.

Listen to your body. I didn't at first. I stupidly tried to jog a few months back - bad move - knee surgery the result. I'm an ijit.

ElizaDnl

Ok, I can't possibly reply to every post, even though I'd love to! So many inspiring people on here - thank you all for replying. I very much appreciate it.

2hmom

I am 60! I started with 30 day shred. You can do modified versions of most of the exercises,you will be surprised how strong you get each day. Just listen to your body, if your shoulders or knees hurt stop. You do need rest days. Drink lots of water to help the muscles. I've been doing Zumba,just love it! Billy Banks DVD is next!

Jose2828

Don't compare yourself to others and listen to your body. We are all individuals after all Happy exercising!!
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Their is always someone who is stronger, faster, and fitter. So listen to your body.

sijomial

I'm 52 and work out 5 or 6 days a week.
Normally I alternate cardio and strength training to mix things up and work my whole body.
Injuries prevent me from running as far as I'd like or lifting as much as I'd like but focus on what you can do rather than what you can't.

Both your training and your nutrition for training need to be correct but age isn't the barrier. OK I'm never going to be a pro athlete but I will be slim and strong.

And it's fun showing up the youngsters sometimes

My diaries are open and happy to "friend" with positive people.

laureltn

Good advice to listen to your body and everybody is different. If you have congenital or age-related issues, you need to tailor your plan for you -- getting hurt will sideline you and that's not what you want. Also, if you haven't gotten a good physical and doctor's okay to exercise, you should do it. I actually had to get a "permission slip" from my doctor when I signed up for a boot camp four years ago since I was over 50 (yeah, made me feel old).

I'm 55 and just ran my first half marathon last weekend at my goal of under 2 hours (by a whisker). Only residual is a slight twinge in the knee (possibly ITB from being too excited and forgetting to stretch). But I do have to listen to my body and throw in biking and other activities for cross-training. Good luck and don't forget to have fun too!