To Gym or Not to Gym?

I go to the gym and I have a bike. These are my two forms of exercise.

I think the key thing is to choose exercise that you enjoy doing. And I love going to the gym and going out on my bike.

Each to their own.

I don't think OP is too old to go to the gym. Many older people do it. Just be aware of your limits and listen to your body and all that jazz.

Stretching and warming up is essential.

I use machines only as less risk of any accidents and I am more likely to have better form.

It’s a definite no to the gym for me. I don’t enjoy it and do things instead that I do, like walking and Pilates. You’ll never keep up an exercise routine if you do mt find something that you don’t see as a chore.

I belong to a small gym, that caters mostly for older people (like me), but to be honest, I am coming to hate it and am considering giving it up as I am increasingly looking for excuses not to go! It is part of a much larger leisure centre. The best time to go is early in the morning or a) you can’t get a parking space and b) you find you’re queuing to get on the equipment, and early in the morning requires, from where I live, a certain amount of sitting in rush hour traffic. I might think about going back to the local swimming pool and joining an aquacise class - or just walk more.

I go to Aquafit classes three times a week. Good cardio and resistance training plus great for flexibility and protecting my joints. Occasionally, younger women join us and laugh at themselves for joining us oldies but by the end of the class they are red faced and panting and don't patronise us any more.

I joined our nearest, extremely convenient David Lloyd, purely for the pool, I don’t do the sweaty heaving stuff. I aim to go twice a week, 20 lengths. The Aquacise classes (at least 3 times a week) are evidently very popular with older ladies - I don’t do it but accidentally went once when a class was imminent, one lane left for me. It was very noisy! Loud music and the instructor shouting….

I was offered a free personal trainer session when I joined, but told them entirely truthfully that I’d run a mile!

Cautionary tale. I started to exercise after a weekend in hilly Edinburgh with all its steep steps made me realise that I was not as fit as I thought. I live in a town and no longer drive so walking is limited to pounding the uneven and boring local pavements. So, forgetting I am 75, not 45, I bought a step machine and used it with enthusiasm. I was delighted with how quickly my stamina improved. Until I felt the snap. That was at the end of September. I spent 8 miserable months housebound, waiting for my Achilles tendon to heal. Even when it started to improve I couldn't walk more than 50 yards without horrible pain. Needless to say my fitness level deteriorated further and I had to opt out of a family holiday.
Now, finally, finally my ankle is pain free, the swelling has gone and I can walk without pain. I have invested in a decent treadmill and, lesson learned, I am working my way gradually back to fitness.
So, start out gently, warm up, stretch and maybe use the online exercises others have mentioned.
Anyway, good luck.

It’s really really easy. Doesn’t put any strain on anything if you just put tai chi walking into YouTube several options will come up….😁

Shinamae

I know it’s an old thread, but obviously some people are still interested in the subject
myself I’m 73 and I’ve been going to the gym on and off for about four years,a couple of months ago. I decided to give it up. I got myself some kettle bells, dumbbells and those stretchy band thingies. (Yes, that’s my technical term for them!!😉)and I’m also doing tai chi walking and chair yoga all available for free on YouTube. 😁

What is the tai chi walking like? There are so many ads for it on You Tube?

I know it’s an old thread, but obviously some people are still interested in the subject
myself I’m 73 and I’ve been going to the gym on and off for about four years,a couple of months ago. I decided to give it up. I got myself some kettle bells, dumbbells and those stretchy band thingies. (Yes, that’s my technical term for them!!😉)and I’m also doing tai chi walking and chair yoga all available for free on YouTube. 😁

Yes you do have to be careful of injury, thats why I'd start with a trainer and/or physio if you have a pre-exiting condition. I should add that I am a retired yoga teacher and have been doing it for nearly 50 years so that gives me a lot of choice and

I would say if you go to just one class in the community start with gentle pilates as it deals with lower back and pelvic floor health.

beautybumble

Hello beauties. I've been really down in the dumps for quite a while and have been trying to decide whether or not to join something to get fitter. I thought if I can improve my physical health then I'll be happier too. I don't have much but decided to try personal training. The trainer I chose didn't have any spaces and I'm soooo disappointed. I looked elsewhere but they're all more expensive. So now I'm wondering whether or not to join the gym. Do any of you go and if so how do you get on with it? Thank you if you decide to reply.

I go to a Nuffield gym, I've been a member for 24 years of the same one: large old pool with lanes: sauna, mmm, loads of good classes for every age and stage of life, a cafe to socialise in, a cardio area Ibikes of different sorts, step machines treadmills et al: a weights room with loads of women in of all ages and shapes, aqua aerobics. To start I wouldhave a trainer for few sessions to get started.

I pay nearly £50 a month and go nearly every day, but if I work it out its less than a glass of wine each time: and of course in the winter its free showers and heating, wi fi and company: its good to go to a class as lots have coffee afterwards.

It really is all ages, I'm 75 now and there are fit 80 yr olds. There is a good physio there, and also a little hairdresser and beauty salon.
Its not for all, but its sort of my club, and living alone just right, as I can go from 6am to leaving at 9 or 10pm.

First of all, why are you down in the dumps?
Be absolutely certain you want to join a gym, paying gym membership can be expensive.
Private tuition can be expensive.
There are many ways of keeping fit without costing you a fortune.
Walking for one, swimming, the only restriction you have on these activities is one that you put to it yourself.
My husband is 80 works out at home with weights 7 days a week, this doesn’t cost him anything.
Both me and my husband have been active all our lives. I used to go straight after work to the gym five days a week, we both windsurfed, had our own gear. We both sailed.
Find something you really enjoy otherwise it will be a pain going. I had to stop going to the gym when I was 74, I injured my neck using weights.
You also need to take into account any medical conditions you have.
Think about all this very carefully before committing yourself to hundreds of pounds that’s what I would recommend. Best of luck.

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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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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

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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’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.

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.

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