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

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.

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.

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!

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.

Like the others, I am fast approaching 50 and am in better shape now than when I was 30.
I run 4-5 days a week, totaling 25 or so miles, and try to lift twice. Weather permitting, 20-30 miles of biking is not unusual.

Like you, I hit a point where I just feel like to go for a run would be volunteering for a face-plant on the pavement.
Listen to your body. It will not lie to you.

I am 53 and try to workout 4 to 5 days a week. Check the intensity of what you are doing. Work up to it slowly and don;t try to do too much.

Maybe see your doctor to see if there is something sapping your energy.

I would look more to your nutrition. Sounds to me like you are running out of fuel. I work out intensely 6 days a week (P90X). I find if I play golf that day and also do P90X, I really struggle unless I have had a complex carbohydrate earlier in the day. Take a look at what you are eating. There is no reason you should not be able to work out everyday. I am 48 and still bringing it!

I'll be 50 in a month and I'm finishing up and intense cardio program called Turbo Fire. However, I did that cardio 3x's a week and strength 2x's week. I'm starting Insanity in two weeks. However, when I started Turbo back in May, I only could do 3 days a week and kept it low impact. So I think you really need to work up to whatever workout you choose. But I find that if schedule your workouts and stick to it, you will find your conditioning starting to improve. When you start a workout program, realistically ask yourself "what kind of shape am I in NOW?" I find many people choose workout programs they are not ready for, and sadly, that's how you set yourself up for discouragement.

My husband is 57 and I'm 53 and we both started exercising in May. My husband was an ultimate couch potato, longest walk during the day was to the restroom (He works at home). At first he could not even walk around the block without feeling like he was dying. Now about 5 months later he is mostly doing bike rides. Just about everyday and 20-25 miles a day. (He has lost over 100 pounds since May). My biggest worry is that he will 'burn out' and go back to his old sedentary life and give up on being healthy. I am sticking to my treadmill, water aerobics and the occasional bike ride with hubby or jog with daughter. For me this is a lifestyle change and I don't want to start something I won't be able to maintain for the future.

I suggest you listen to your body and take breaks as needed. If you overdo it too much you might end up with an injury that holds you back even more than a rest day. Good Luck!!