I only started going to the gym 3 years ago - when I was 57. How fit can I expect to be.

I have a great Personal Trainer, and go to the gym at least 3 times a week, I also aim to have an hours fast walk 3 times a week.

Should I be able to do more? What is 'normal'

Jenni

Jenni, do you think you need to do more? What does your Personal Trainer think?

I think you have a good mix of exercise there, but I'm no expert. The only thing I would say is that the older you are the harder it is. I'm 58 and I find that if I miss a couple of weeks at the gym, then I really notice it and it takes longer to get back to the same level.

I don't know whether you should be able to do more, but I don't think there is any such thing as normal.

Last November I managed to run 2K in the gym. Alright it was very, very slowly and I know it doesn't sound all that impressive, but I have NEVER been able to run that far. Ever.

After missing a few days here and there over Christmas and the New Year, then missing a couple of weeks, I went back to the gym. So now I am working may way back to that level, then I intend to do more. But it improvement is very slow.

My trainer pushes me hard, and I work hard when I go to the gym on my own. Most people I know are in their 40s, and do less than I do!! but they are not overweight.

I should do something everyday, at new year I made a short list of things I would like to do that I don't, and things I do that are just habit eg watching TV in the evening whether I care about the prog or not. This month I will replace 1 item on the second list with 1 from the first - at least that is the theory.

Who was it who said that if you think you can or you think you can't you are probably right.

Jenni

hi i have been to a gym over afew years and as you get older im 54 you recover more slowly stretching becomes vital after exercise to keep supple as is joint stuff , but 40 onward mental attitude seems to excel and if like me your over 50 and at the gym great .... think of the gen population fat and unfit so go for it ////

Hi. I do hope you are still training hard. I too am in my 50's. I training through Karate at least 3 times a week and am also about to join a gym. I think you can expect to be as fit as you want to be.

I would say that I am as fit, if not fitter than most of the classes I training in. However I also have to add that I am less flexible and considerably slower than the youngster.

As I said fitness and is different. So long as you aren't overworking your heart and your muscles and joints aren't suffering - just carry on - training harder if it causes you no stress.

ENJOY.

JENNIFER

Hello! Over the last four years, (I'm now 60)I have developed bad arthritis in my feet (hallux rigidus, to be precise) which has made it difficult/painful for me to run or do other aerobic types of exercise for too long. My GP has recommended swimming as a good general exercise and I have been having fun trying to improve my style. Unfortunately, I usually swim breast stroke with my head out of the water (don't like getting water in my eyes!) and this is bad for neck and lower back problems. I am learning to do the crawl with my face in the water - lots of spluttering but much laughter and some progress! It is lovely to get really out of breath and feel so alive.

Fantastic news about the swimming - keep it up. And I have to admit I like to keep my head out of the water cos I dont like getting my hair wet!!! But I'll watch out for a bad back/neck now you have mentioned it.

Let us know how the swimming is going - and if there any improvements.

JENNIFER

Jenni, is that a typo? You can't be 60! You only look about 30 - or is that a very old photo?

Hi Jenny
I turned 60 last summer and had those useful comments from children...old, zimmer frame,then bet you could not do the race for life;
the last one did it and I entered the 5k race. I did it in just under 40 mins and I got a medal! I felt great. At the end we all had a goody bag which had a 2 week gym trial. So I decided to take this up and with the trial came 2 sessions with one of the instructors. This was enough to make me take up full membership ( the main aim of the free voucher of course). This gave me 5 sessions with instructors to work out routines. I went for a while and I enjoyed it. However I need a challenge to keep me going when work gets a bit busy. So I entered a 10k race in October. That was great fun and I did it and I got another medal, I felt so good. I kept going to the gym but then work got a bit busy, then Christmas etc excuses galore and I was sliding back down the unfit route.

I decided that I enjoy the gym but I need something as a target. I am doing the moonwalk so lots of long walks and at an increasing pace. I do spinning classes which are brilliant as you can do the class as hard as you like by just increasing the resistance. I find the sheer enthusiasm of the teacher and really good music makes me work harder than I would just cycling on my own. I have just tried body pump( yesterday) and I ache so some muscles have been working. Legs, bums and Tums is also a great class. Body balance was good but I have no balance and spent most of the time holding the wall to stop me falling over. These classes are good as they are free with the gym membership. I worked out that just doing 4 classes a month equals my membership fee, I do 3 classes a week. Booking starts early in the morning and the classes fill up quickly so if I book I have to go otherwise I am depriving someone else of a place; this gets me there after a busy day and I know I will feel better afterwards.

I have no idea of how fit I should be but I do feel so much better. I did a 16 mile walk on Friday with no after effects, could not have done that a year ago. All I have to do is work out my next challenge.

Rosie - I am so impressed and you sound so keen. You have a few years on me - but you are leaving me feeling lazy.

16 miles sounds a hell of a hike to me - how long did it take??

JENNIFER

Hello Jenni , keep up the good work. I didnt start running until I was 45, I have done 4 half marathons since starting and I am 57 now. I would love to do a marathon some time in the next year. I completed the Coniston 14 last year ,but broke my ankle 2 weeks later ,so I am having to start again . There is only one way and thats the way that suits you, But if you do want to improve you have to get out of your comfort zone. Dont give up ,good luck

Well - I've got to tell my good news story.

I'm just back from a 3 day stint in Windsor where I successfully graded for 2nd Dan in Karate.

I am so pleased - not bad for a member of the 50+ society.

Saga rules - OK!!!

JENNIFER