40+ and Running?!

charliebird
charliebird Posts: 168 Member
edited October 2 in Fitness and Exercise
So my hubby had a personal training session - some young buff whipper snapper :wink:

However this PT said to my husband that he shouldn't run! Basically he said that if you are overweight it does terrible damage to your joints and that even when you lose weight you still shouldn't run - especially if you are over 40 years old!!!!!! In fact he went as far to say he should only do low impact exercises?! He has told my hubby that he should focus on the cross trainer and cycling!

So hubbys come home with this advice! Which I kinda have an issue with! I am over 40 and I run (OK jog!!) I'm not intending to stop as it really aids my weight loss! I am certainly not stopping impact exercises - two reasons 1. I enjoy them, 2. It helps prevent osteoporosis!!

So folks your views please!

As a 40+ Fat Women - should I stop??!! Am I limited to low impact and cross trainers in the gym???!!! Or should I run up to this trainer and high kick him into touch??? :wink:
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Replies

  • lcnelson
    lcnelson Posts: 279 Member
    I happen to think PT's are highly underquaified to be giving out advice. You are better off to talk to your personal physician.
    I would imagine this will get loads of responses like mine that say....WTH???
    I am 42 and started out in the 'obese' catagory. I started running in March and have lost almost 40 pounds and am officially 'overwieght!" I am up to 20-25 miles a week running and am smart about days off. You have to listen to your body and definitely read, read, read about running in regards to your health. Shoes and stretching are key components here.
    There are MANY people on here in the mid 200's+ who run and I am in sheer admiration. My biggest inspiration was a girl who ran her first marathon and she was 230 pounds. Unbelievable.
    Good Luck
  • bexp2
    bexp2 Posts: 41
    Don't stop running until YOUR body tells you to! That personal trainer is full of it; don't believe any blanket statement like that.
  • ddrake3934
    ddrake3934 Posts: 1 Member
    Hello,

    I am just over 40-years-old and I run daily. The key is to "learn" how to run properly. Fore foot running, as opposed to heel-to-toe running, limits impact. A slight bend in the knees allow your legs to become shock absorbers. Thus, if done properly, there is no high impact forces acting on your joints. I had to learn the proper way to run due to back surgery. I used to hate running until now. And running, as you know, is probably the best exercise for weight loss. So, tell your husband to keep running but do so with proper form. There are a lot of videos online that demonstrate this technique. Search "Pose Running." Good luck.
  • Jemmuno
    Jemmuno Posts: 413 Member
    Well my PT told me to be careful with running as well and I'm 21. The reason is because just like you said its really hard on the joints. Usually my knees starts hurting by the end of the week then I have my two rest days and I'm good to go for the next week. I wouldn't totally disregard this advice but definitely be aware of how your knees and joints feel after a week of running and don't over do yourself.
  • mmuzzatti
    mmuzzatti Posts: 704 Member
    I did not start running till I was 40! I had a life changing event that made me think about everything. Then right after I started running...I was overweight...my back went out from a previous injury. So I had it operated on and the doctor told me that if I did not lose weight I would never get my back in shape. I lost the weight then started running after some weight lose I found that my time got better as I lost the weight so I lost more weight and so on. Since that I have run or job 3 marathons and to this day I can still run, only slower now due to weight gain.

    If the kid said not to run and you want to run....find another trainer! Today is the first day for the rest of your life! Enjoy it!

    (Hey think of it as sex...if he told you that you should not have sex after 40 would you stop?)
  • TNGirlyGirl
    TNGirlyGirl Posts: 337 Member
    I'm 44, and started running at 190+ lbs this summer. What worked for me was starting slow, doing interval training (I had to modify the C25K program) and always taking at least a day's rest between runs. The other key is having the right shoes for my running style -- it's made all the difference in the world!!

    I'm not "trained" in anything related to fitness, but if your doctor says you're healthy enough for exercise, then I'd say...run!!!
  • maemiller
    maemiller Posts: 439 Member
    im an over 40 runner. No, you arent limited to low impact & XT in the gym. The more variety the better and I would never give up running unless a doctor told me so for medical reasons. If it wasnt for running, i wouldnt have lost 30 pounds and now im training for my first marathon

    My PT told me to take it easy at first, do the XT and other types of exercises and slowly move into jogging and running. Basically he wanted me to build up a good foundation before going full blown running. And here I am today!

    I would dump this PT and get an older more experienced one. Obviously this guy just doesnt know what he's talking about
  • beccarockslife
    beccarockslife Posts: 816 Member
    Running is just the cardio with the most impact on your joints, either you can hack that or you can't.

    I have a damaged hip and so don't run, I cycle, elliptical, row and swim which more than makes up for it :)
  • Tonilynn70
    Tonilynn70 Posts: 59 Member
    Success stories everywhere (including here) involved people over 40 and overweight, losing weight and running 5ks. That guy has no idea what he's talking about.

    I agree see your GP and if they have no issues with it, go for it.
  • wadesha
    wadesha Posts: 351 Member
    My teacher is 65 and he was around 195 lbs. He ran everyday for 30 minutes and started cutting his calories. Every time he weighed himself he would write it on the board so we could catch him slipping up on his diet. But almost 3 months later he was 170 lbs. Everyone is different and i think if you feel comfortable running you should keep doing it :)
  • What Icnelson said. I started jogging in January and I was 42 and weighed 177 lbs. I stopped in February and restarted in July. My knees are fine! I find it really helps my weight-loss too.

    And I like to bike, but if I use the stationary bikes in the gym, I get charley-horses all the time (and it doesn't happen on my road bike). Plus I've heard some people say that the elliptical machines are harder on the joints of petite women (?).
  • lynheff
    lynheff Posts: 393 Member
    The only person qualified to tell you that you shouldn't run is your doc. If he/she has cleared you, go for it!! Congrats on the weight loss and the commitment to your health Good luck.
  • sweetheart03622
    sweetheart03622 Posts: 928 Member
    If your hubby doesn't already have joint issues he should be clear to go. Start slowly to build up the ligaments and muscles that support the joints (some soreness in the joints will happen) and go from there. Make sure that both you and him are listening to your body. There's no reason why you shouldn't be able to run. Like many others have said, most PTs are seriously underqualified. For example, I was approached at my old gym and asked if I wanted to apply for a position as a PT... "We see you here a lot..."
  • mandyw30
    mandyw30 Posts: 73 Member
    Running does put a lot of stress on joints, especially the knees, this is proven. It is, therefore, logical that the more weight you carry the more stress that is going to be put on the joints. There are obviously lots of factors that reduce/increase the strain on the joints, for example right shoes, warming up and what surface you are running on.
    I think to have a cut off of age is ridiculous cos there are some 40 year old who will have knackered joints and others whose joints are fine! This may be down to genetics, wear and tear, overall health.
    I think an over weight person of any age needs to be careful when starting any exercise, including running. I think its important to build up slowly and to really listen to your body.
    So I don't think fat people shouldn't run and no I don't think people over 40 shouldn't run but I do think care needs to be taken.
  • Jemmuno
    Jemmuno Posts: 413 Member
    Hello,

    I am just over 40-years-old and I run daily. The key is to "learn" how to run properly. Fore foot running, as opposed to heel-to-toe running, limits impact. A slight bend in the knees allow your legs to become shock absorbers. Thus, if done properly, there is no high impact forces acting on your joints. I had to learn the proper way to run due to back surgery. I used to hate running until now. And running, as you know, is probably the best exercise for weight loss. So, tell your husband to keep running but do so with proper form. There are a lot of videos online that demonstrate this technique. Search "Pose Running." Good luck.

    Very interesting thanks for sharing. I think this is definitly something that is ignored by a lot of people which is sad becasue I've never had one of my coaches in high school explain how to run. I think this is a big problem in high school sports and why so many kids get really bad knee injuries and have to have surgery and their only in high school.
  • sjtreely
    sjtreely Posts: 1,014 Member
    Well, I certainly don't have the credentials to disagree with a PT, but I will offer my opinion and experiences. Currently, I'm fat and 50. In the past I've been younger and skinny and younger and fat. I've found that running (and you do run ... humans have two gaits - walking and running) helps control my weight. I've completed several half marathons. When I was younger (in my 40's) and thinner, they were easier. Now that I'm 50 and need to lose weight they are more difficult. They take me longer and I have more aches and pains. I attribute the aches and pains to age and obesity. But I will continue to have running as a part of my weight management. It's too cheap of an exercise to not include.

    I think cross training is a good idea at any age. It helps with boredom and different muscle groups.

    Take a look at the results of some races. Many participants are over 40. Many are over 50. And many are ... GASP ... over 60! Some are even in the 70+ age division. We all can't be wrong.

    Maybe your husband could use a second opinion from someone not quite so young and buff. :)
  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    Check with your doc, and as long as there is no medical reason not to, go for it!!
    I'm 44 and started running in January at 202 pounds.
    Now I'm 46 pounds lighter and loving running.
    I think you should tell that young pup to stop bagging 40 year olds!
  • Strive2BLean
    Strive2BLean Posts: 300 Member
    I'm 51 and only run (jog really) on the treadmill. I also use an elliptical which is much easier on the joints. Everyone is different and you just have to know your own body and pay attention to it when it talks to you. Just like I know that I can only run o a treadmill.
  • pverbarg
    pverbarg Posts: 490 Member
    I'm 43 and just started running at the end of March at almost 230 and completed running my 1st half Saturday. The PT I work out with actually says running is terrific, even going for distance as quickly as I have as long as 1) no signficant health issues, 2) pay attention to your body as you go, 3) do strength training too in order to build a strong core and don't be afraid to go to low impact cardio if anything seems to be aching on run days, 4) be sure to stretch and stretch well!

    I have had plantar faschiitis in the past but have been able to train this time with no injuries. When I had aches and pains, I was able to substitute biking or elliptical for a few days.

    there's lots of information out there about the health benefits of running over 40 and some features on women who've lost significant amounts of weight while running who are now very strong distance (half and full marathon and even ultra) runners.
  • I am a 57 year old personal trainer with an arthritic knee and I run. Not as fast, and not as far as I used to but I still run. I was at a track and field meet earlier this summer where I met an athlete of 86 competing in the long jump, high jump, and several running events. I was at another meet recently where a 70 year old was attempting a world record for his age group in pole vaulting!

    So I have to say I think your husband's PT is full of it. Age is never a factor in what you can or can not do. Aging is inevitable, but growing old is optional. Exercise helps keep us from growing old. Most of what we experience and associate with the "normal" aging process is really decay from disuse. The old "use it or lose it" saying is really true and who wants to start losing it at 40?

    As the others have said there are ways to ease into running and with proper shoes and form to make it less stressful on your body. Cross training is a wonderful way to relieve boredom, change the stressors, and to give parts of your body rest while exercising others. Listen to your own body and find out what works for you.
  • charliebird
    charliebird Posts: 168 Member
    Thank you Guys - You are all very sensible people!

    I agree with you all ! My husband has no reason not to run providing he listens to his body and wears the right shoes. Its a shame that this young lad has nearly convinced him of giving up something that sometimes he enjoys!

    As for me I always listen to my body (providing its not telling me to eat a Big Mac and Fries !!!)

    So I guess in summary:

    You can run over 40 !!
    You can run when your fat!!
    You must check with your doctor.
    You should check out your technique
    You should invest in running shoes
    You should vary your workout
    and finally You absolutely MUST listen to your body!

    Thanks Everyone :flowerforyou:
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    What a load of old rubbish from that PT. I ran a marathon when I was tipping over into the obese category - albeit not a fast one!

    My running coach didn't start until she was 40, then brought home two marathon gold medals from the veteran's world championships! She's still training beginners to competitive athletes aged 63.

    A good running friend of mine is the same age as me (43) and competes in Ironman triathlons.

    Far from causing arthritis, there is evidence that fewer runners have arthritis than sedentary people.

    Yes, give the trainer a good kick then boot your husband out the door!
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    I'm 39, just started running 9 months ago, and run with my 25 year old niece and 54 year old brother.
  • AtticusFinch
    AtticusFinch Posts: 1,262 Member
    Bollocks - he's not qualified to make such a universal statement.

    Just imagine - if you had an IQ of 148 you'd be as smart as 148 PE teachers
  • vanessaclarkgbr
    vanessaclarkgbr Posts: 731 Member
    We had a retired Driving Instructor around where I used to live running 10 miles most days. Every year he did the London Marathon, and at the time I moved house he was in his 80's. B*lls to him, he's got no idea. It it feels good, do it (unless it's drugs of course :-))
  • SavCal71
    SavCal71 Posts: 350 Member
    So folks your views please!

    As a 40+ Fat Women - should I stop??!! Am I limited to low impact and cross trainers in the gym???!!! Or should I run up to this trainer and high kick him into touch??? :wink:

    If *you* haven't experienced any problems (joint pain for example) then don't stop. You'll know when it's time to stop; your body will tell you.


    *says the 40-year old that ran 7 miles this morning*
  • I started C25K in Feb never run before in my life.. Now I run 6klm ... I'm 46 ... It is about landing and technique.. I like chi running.. Google it...

    On the news tonight there was a 90yo man running 1/2 marathons ...
  • goron59
    goron59 Posts: 890 Member
    Utter bollocks. He needs a new personal trainer.

    On the other hand, I'm 43, slightly overweight and having trouble with my legs/knees, but that's got bugger all to do with my age or weight.

    Apologies for the language, but I do get frustrated with the serious crap some professionals come out with from time to time!
  • JENIFER_AZ
    JENIFER_AZ Posts: 235 Member
    So basically when you turn 40, your life is over and you shouldn't do anything. Hmm. Time to talk to your Dr.
  • chuckyp
    chuckyp Posts: 693 Member
    I call BS on that one. I wonder if that personal trainer runs at all. And if he does, ask him if he plans to stop when he turns 40.
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