r/SeniorFitness

I’m 47 and trying to get back into regular exercise, mainly cycling. I work a lot and often finish the day feeling mentally and physically exhausted. I know exercise helps both my health and my mood, but starting again is difficult. I’ve restarted several times, only to stop when work became more demanding. After a longer break, even a short workout can feel like a big mental hurdle.

If you went through something similar after 40, what helped you take the first step? What kept you going after the initial motivation disappeared?

I’m especially interested in honest, real-life experiences, including failed attempts.

n many cases, aches and pains can be a reflection of your daily routines.

Habits like sitting at a desk all day, looking down at your phone or even straining to pick your socks up off the floor can lead to a body that feels creaky, tight and sore. Making time to practice good movement habits can keep you feeling limber and strong.

Physical therapists know this all too well.

“People come in with the same problems over and over again,” said Theresa Marko, a physical therapist in New York City.

She often finds herself recommending the same exercises as solutions, she said — exercises that, for example, “counteract, you know, going to see ‘The Odyssey’ for three hours.”

We asked physical therapists to share the exercises they wish everyone incorporated into their fitness routines. Here are six that came up again and again.

I recently learned an exercise to prevent rotator cuff injuries (back flat against wall, back of hands to wall- repeatedly slide back of hands, with arms and back flat against wall, from sides to above head). Makes me wonder if there are other good stretches/exercises I could start doing to prevent aging related injuries. ​Any suggestions?

I exercise to feel less old and tired, but I usually feel old and tired from having exercised recently.

Yes, I have recovery days in there, but the schedule is usually hike, strength, jump rope, rest. 72M.

It is harder to keep in shape as we get older. I am sixty. One thing I notice is how much my maximum running speed has deteriorated.

We are told that some high-intensity exercise (HIIT) is very good for the cardiovascular system. My version of this is to do some sprint relays two or three times a week, but calling my rather feeble efforts "sprinting" is to say too much of them.  

Decades ago, when I ran fast I could feel real power in my legs and I zipped around like a greyhound. These days, I feel like an old racehorse that's due for the knacker's yard. Still, I continue. Got to keep up that battle with entropy.

Damn, I hate entropy. 😄

68, fit female, resting heart rate around 50.

Been doing cardio on with my Garmin and I have concerns re it's accuracy.

Did 15 min on bike, 10 min on stairclimber, 10 and treadmill and the watch showed the HRM off the charts.

Now, I didn't have a problem talking or breathing and I didn't feel my heart beating hard. It also freaks my trainer out on occasion even tho I feel fine.

Anyone else doubt their HRM or have insight?

I've used FitBit and Polar in the past w more accuracy.

I am 80 and for years a full energy person without exercise except when in my 40-50's with Yoga. My energy level has been like a recovery victim of Covid. I started walking and swimming. The walking is the easiest exercise on the planet for good health benefits. I changed my time frame today and began at 11:30 AM on empty stomach. It is after 5 and I am still running full speed ahead.. I walk for an hour which accounts for about 3 plus miles. Today was a game changer for me. Walking early to get ahead of my body struggles with processing daily routines. I still work part time 3 days a week. I want my body to be as strong as my mind and I believe I found the recipe! I hope that you Elders out there try it out and it doesn't matter how fast you walk.. Just do it!

Pilates classes started again after the summer break. I switched to "strength pilates" this season and did pretty well. I have been going to pilates a long time, almost 20 years and at 66, there's still progress to be made, despite surgeries and aging. I am often the only male in the class which makes me wonder why guys don't do this.

I wonder if anybody here shares my experience? I am more nimble, have better balance, and can carry stuff around with no back troubles.

76 yo here.

Going to gyms off and on for decades: more consistently since 1992.

Lately changed my routines to build/keep muscle: reps to failure: decrease weight: reps to failure, etc. SLOW and fully engaged up AND down. Seems harder, but better I believe. Muscles need to keep tension longer, not fast reps to a preset number.

My $0.02