u/happyjazzycook

68 here, and used to be so healthy. For years and years my only doctor appointments were for yearly "maintenance". Some back issues, but I got through them. I've always been active, kind of a loner who likes to garden and work outdoors (not in our midwest winters, haha) and do house projects. No kids, but a few friends to socialize with occasionally and I enjoyed planning menus, making meals for them very much.

I used to fit in weight training and running, along with my activity-filled days with no problem. About 5 years ago, it was suggested that I stop running because of my back issues so I did and I took up yoga. Two years ago, I needed to have rotator cuff surgery (my first surgery since having my tonsils out at 7) because I was helping take care of my Dad and tore some ligaments with repeated lifting. The weights were put in a corner, then in a box in a closet. Immediately after I started to heal from that, then came breast cancer. Lumpectomy and radiation and an estrogen-blocker for the next few years. Last year we moved. This year I had bunion surgery and am pretty much recovered by now, but wtf. I've never felt so old and tired, and my 60yo self would be horrified.

It's spring and I've been planting at our new house. My husband built and filled raised beds to make it easier for me. The house needs some work, so I'm painting and repairing. I was finally cleared for exercise a couple of weeks ago and I've set up a schedule but this is SO difficult. I will do a couple of days but, for example, yesterday I worked outside in 90 degrees. Hydrated, wore a hat etc. but it wiped me out. Today, 7am exercise/yoga time arrived and a half hour later I'm still in a comfy living room chair with coffee. I just can't do it.

Sorry for the rambling. I used to love to exercise. I took care of an old house and landscaping and would also run and exercise without a problem as little as 7 years ago and felt fine. Yes, the estrogen blocker is hell. I've gained weight and have other side effects, but I want to push through them. I just can't feel any motivation any longer. I'm tired. My husband helps with the work around the house a lot, but he's 74. And, to be honest, incredibly frugal. Cheap. Hiring someone to do any work is impossible so it falls on us. And that won't change any time soon because he is stubborn.

HOW do I get through this? How do I motivate myself to exercise, to do weights, when every part of my body is screaming NO! Has anyone else experienced this? My body looks horrible, I've started hiding my size small clothes and buying mediums and I hate that. I always thought that I would age gracefully but it's simply not happening.

Vent over, sorry for the super-long post but I'm avoiding exercise hour... 🙄

TL,DR: I'm stuck. I need motivation to exercise and get back into shape after a few years of doing the basic minimum, but just can't figure out how to do it and KEEP doing it. I'm tired and sore from working outdoors, which I so used to love but now not so much. Any advice?

EDIT: Wow, I never expected so many responses! I have read them all and there are so many options for me to try. I guess it was silly of me to expect that I could just jump back into my previous exercise routine without any modifications, so I will be doing that. I do have a dog and an exercise area with equipment, so they will all be getting some time with me in the coming months. We just moved, so I need to research nearby exercise classes, maybe that will help me socially as well. So absolutely uplifting to have this information and to be able to make a plan! Thank you, all 🙏🏻

Help if you can, all suggestions are welcome because this is driving us nuts.

My niece is getting married at the end of August (midwest US). My Mom, 90 years old and petite, wants to buy a new outfit but we can't find anything. Will have to buy online because all she has in her little town are TJ Maxx and JC Penney, would have to travel for even Kohls or Macys. Are there any online clothing companies that would have a nice, dressy outfit for an elderly size 10P woman?