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Over 50? how do you keep fit?

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I've been a bit poorly of late. Usual school bugs.

It got me thinking how do others keep fit?

Me? Usually cycling all year round. Done well over 20,000 miles since lockdown.

I'm not as supple as I was though so probably need to do some work on flexibility.

What about you? 
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Comments

  • Ayr_Rage
    Ayr_Rage Posts: 2,713 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary Photogenic Name Dropper
    Swim, good for oldies and no chance of getting knocked off.
  • Savvy_Sue
    Savvy_Sue Posts: 47,312 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Nordic Walking twice a week - hour long class including warm up and cool down stretches.

    But I wouldn't say I was particularly fit, although probably as good as it gets.
    Signature removed for peace of mind
  • BridgetTheCat
    BridgetTheCat Posts: 129 Forumite
    100 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    edited 3 June at 6:50PM
    I’ve been disabled all my life and now can only stand or walk for a few minutes per hour. I’ve done swimming and aquafit for years, and recently added seated weight training.
  • BrilliantButScary
    BrilliantButScary Posts: 181 Forumite
    100 Posts Name Dropper
    At the gym 4 times a week, a mix of spin, yoga, pilates and strength training. Will also walk, rather than use the car, also do gardening, window cleaning and car washing etc

    Do try yoga or pilates, the classes I go to are mixed, not just women and are really good for balance, flexibility and relaxation. 

    I now go to daytime classes, rather than the evening and weekend classes I used to go to prior to retirement. Staying fit and healthy is really important to me, so that I can carry on doing what I want to do, for as long as possible. 
  • louby40
    louby40 Posts: 1,598 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    I swim for at least 30 minutes twice a week -averaging about 34 lengths. We also walk most weekends, usually local but occasionally we make a day of it. Living near the Peak District helps. 

    When I retire in the summer I'm hoping to add some classes into my week too but we shall see. 
  • helensbiggestfan
    helensbiggestfan Posts: 2,286 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I shall watch this with interest.....and hopefully pick up some tips.   

    I shall be 74 next month and I suddenly seem to be falling apart.  Lol. I definitely need to up my game and work on my fitness but I've lost my mojo.  

    Hopefully this thread will help me find it. 🤪


  • MarzipanCrumble
    MarzipanCrumble Posts: 339 Forumite
    100 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    edited 4 June at 8:10AM
    I have never been sporty or particularly keen on gym.  I try to do 12.5k paces a day quite fast walking, the majority before breakfast.  Used to do swimming (not particularly good at it) but lost the habit due to Covid and lockdown, plus restricted free swimming at inconvenient times of the day.  (Used to be free to over 60's at any time.)

    Also eat lots of fibre for the gut.
  • Sea_Shell
    Sea_Shell Posts: 10,019 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    I usually swim for 50 mins (~1500m) once a week (front crawl)
    2 x 5-6 mile runs* (11m/m pace)
    1 x Gym session (CV equipment and weights)

    *Sometimes a run gets swapped for a walk, depending on where we are and if I go with DH (as he doesn't run)

    I'll keep that going for as long as I can.   It helps keeps my weight in check too, and I'm the same size as I was at 20, albeit with a bit of a menopause tummy, and less muscle tone.   Trying to fight off the bingo wings and saggy thighs!!  

    (now 53)
    How's it going, AKA, Nutwatch? - 12 month spends to date = 2.60% of current retirement "pot" (as at end May 2025)
  • gambleruk
    gambleruk Posts: 161 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Do at least 3 runs a week, always early in the mornings around 6am, take the dogs out 4 times a day (if you need motivation then a dog is certainly a great option), still play 5 a side for an hour on Sunday mornings with the same group of lads for the past 20 years.

    Downsides is the older I get (55 now) the more injuries I tend to pick up, tried an exercise bike in the Winter when to icy to run and recovering from pulled muscles but struggled with the boredom factor.

    As much as it helps physically it's more the mental side for me and like this morning when I was plodding around in the rain thinking what the hell am I doing I just tell myself could be worse and be back working 9 til 5, now that keeps me motivated.
  • Daily stretching exercises, sit ups and wall press ups. Swim several times a week.
    Forest walk when I have the time.
    Never been in a gym and don’t intend ever to visit one.
    Fortunately, I am naturally slim and been the same weight since being a teenager.
    Determined to keep my stomach flat and so far succeeding!  :)
    Saving To Keep Ahead Of The Game — MoneySavingExpert Forum

    December 2025 Target for Annual Bills and Travel Account 2026  £9000.   Current Total £4500.
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