To Gym or Not to Gym?

I’m just enquiring about water aerobics I’m 66 and want to keep fit but find gym a bit boring. It’s very popular with over 50s ladies

I'm a 60 year old man. I have a membership at a gym about a half mile from my home. Even though the location is very convenient I use the gym as a supplementary rather than a primary place to workout as I would rather do strength workouts outdoors at a park, as well as do my cardio outdoors by hiking or cycling. So many people think you need to have a gym membership to get fit and/or strong but it just is not so. There are hundreds of things you can find in just about any environment to workout with.

My little French town has many different choices to choose from everyday. Pilates, body stretching, balance, step, cardio etc. For about 200 euros the school year, excluding holidays, you can take part in as many courses as you can manage.

It gets me out in the morning and I meet others. I usually walk the kilometer plus to one of the towns two gyms nearly everyday. There can be any number of people present, 3/30 depending on the class. They are held in a large enough space for the people who wish to participate. The larger rooms are used for the town’s school classes, maternal through to secondary.
Mats, small weights, elastics, steps and balls are provided but there are no showers.

Aged 72

I think BeatyBumble might have sorted her gym / no gym out by now. She posted 8 months ago

😂😂😂

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I've rejoined a gym. I go most days, half of the time just to swim. I feel significantly fitter and also have a lot more energy.

I'm building up my cardio fitness (recommended by my surgeon after recent surgery) and also trying to build up my muscles in my legs, to support my joints (hips and knees) because in the past I've had hip pain which was overcome by making my muscles stronger.

I’ve joined various gyms in the past, but honestly they are not for me. But it is of course purely personal choice.

My exercise is got from walking every day in the great outdoors. Take note of luckygirls advice, to my mind that is exactly right.

beautybumble I'm also 72 and has been going to my gym for over 20 years.

It has a studio, a good size pool, sauna, cafe, lots of different classes, and all the usual weights, cycling, and treadmills and step equipment.

Classes include yoga, tai chi, pilates, senior dance and exercise classes as well as the hard suff for younger members. Above all, its very friendly, especially in the mornings.

I have long term aquintances there and I couldn't imagine life without it. changing rooms are large and comfy. It's part of the lower grade of Nuffield gyms. Once you pay the monthly rate everything is free.

People who come new get one free intro session, but it's not a bad idea just to have a course of 3 to 5 training sessions.

There are a large number of oldies there. One of the trainers is a physio and can help with specific problems. I go for same reasons as Gagajo - to keep mobile, flexible, tone everywhere as much as possible (I have CFS atm). as we age its use it or lose it.

Walking is lovely, but what about upper body and arms? Do you address pelvic floor problems (leaking wee or possibility of, as we age). Do we do twists, do we address core strength for back health?

but them, I've always loved exercise

I joined the gym 4 weeks ago. I will be 72 next week. My gym has an egym which adjusts each of the eight pieces of equipment to your height and weight. Strength tests on each adjusts the way you use it within your capabilities. Strength tests are done every six uses. My back is pain free now. One piece of equipment is specifically for strengthening back. I also go on the treadmill. I am up to two kilometres walking on that. Staff are brilliant and instruction given on all equipment as part of membership. I love going

It's completely understandable to feel disappointed, but there are many ways to get moving without needing a personal trainer! Joining a gym can be a great option, but it's not the only way.

Consider trying free online fitness classes, joining a group fitness class offered at a community center or park, or even finding a walking buddy. There are also many resources specifically designed for seniors, like low-impact aerobics or chair yoga classes.

Remember, the most important thing is to find something you enjoy and can stick with. Start slow, listen to your body, and focus on celebrating your progress, not just the destination. Also try Wellness Programs like daily yoga for mental health. You've got this!

My mental peace of mind comes from walking outdoors. My advice is to not put any expectations on yourself except to go for a walk outside everyday, either listening to a podcast you like, or music. If you aren’t used to walking start slow and only do a pace u enjoy. Go a bit farther every day. You will start to feel better, the activity outside plus the seratonin boost is just wonderful. I wouldn’t bother with a personal trainer. Everything can be done on your own without any pressure or money. I do my strength training at home with little weights after walking.

Private trainers will always be expensive if money is no problem then try and get someone who is recommended to you.
I've trained for many years from mid forties to early 70s, I went straight from work 5 days a week.
Weight training to prevent osteoporosis ( still have it).
I was a windsurfer most weekends and learned to sail when I retired at 62. So I have had an active life.
What I would say is be very careful,
Pilates for example if you have high blood pressure there are many positions it is not wise to do. If your instructor isn't aware of this do not go to that instructor.
Yoga is another class you should be aware of if you have health issues. Speak to the instructor before starting any classes.
In the gym be very careful with weights in the pulling down to a lower position, I injured my neck creating damaged nerve cells.
If you are a first timer to weight and gym work always take instructions from the professionals before using equipment.
I have a problem with one of my heart valves and use a heart rate monitor to make sure I don't go any higher than 130.
Even just warming up I can reach this very easily.
In my 80th year I no longer go to the gym but I garden and walk,
I Use my laptop stood up always and do not sit down for hours.
Try not to push off from getting out of the car seat or settee when you are at home
Balance can also be a problem when you get older so try just standing on one leg and alternating you will be surprised what a difference this makes.
Join a walking group, time passes when you are chatting and it is very enjoyable.
U3A have walking groups and many other interest groups check them out locally.
Best of luck

Depending on circumstances and fitness levels, a high percentage of older people with time on their hand don't need to go to a gym. Walking and cycling - even a spot of gentle jogging - will more than suffice. Ebikes in particular, while initially more costly than some of the eye-watering gym fees cited in this thread, will reap dividends over the longer haul. It's a case of £££ divided by time. Also, despite occasional road traffic issues, I can state, hand on heart, that cycling in the open air is a whole lot more pleasant than peddling sweatily on a gym bike. This I know from personal experience, though running on a treadmill was my thing - that and using our health centre's blessedly wonderful swimming pool, which I still make full use of to this day.

Another point: I do stretching exercises at home twice a day, every day. As brief as they are - 5 to 10 mins tops - they really make a big difference. . . again over the long haul.

Final point: I fell down the stairs last summer and wound up in casualty with torn ligaments to my right knee, which for a time left me partially crippled. It has taken the best part of a year, involving lots of physiotherapy (and, yes, painstaking gym workouts) to fight my way back to my previous levels of fitness. . . and I'm no spring chicken, believe me. So I do understand what it's like having to start over from ground zero and only seeing a blank wall in front of you. A gym can help you on your way, as it did for me. No question about it. But there are other ways too. It's not an either or. . . you do have choices.

I never go the gym....I walk and thats it....sometimes u walk a lot ....eg snowdonia, hill walking in the lakes....sometime just round the park with the dog ....I'm 59 ....I'm not really that fit...but have a normal BP....normal blood work and a bmi of 20 .....eat healthily.....so that does for me ....on holiday I will go swimming....never at home ....can't be doing with the undressing and dressing malarkey

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I go to a ladies only gym called 'Gymophobics' It takes around 35 mins per session and the exercises are tailored to your needs. The ages range from mid 30's to 85. They suggest 2-3 times per week but you can go more or less.

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