40+ and Running?!

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.

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.

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!!!

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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???

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*

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!

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.