To old to exercise?

[Carolmid]

I am 66 years old, 4 stone overweight, have a bad back, get out if breath walking 100 yards, is it to late for me to start exercising

[Burrows79 Graduate]

Never! Slow and steady, take your time and make a change that could potentially last the rest of your life

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Not at all. Just be kind to yourself and take things at your own pace. The key to success is to modify things as you need, and to keep up your activity consistently. You'll find all ages, shapes, abilities and sizes here. We've had people run the program, start with walking the program and one fellow that did it on the stationary bike. Just keep everything slow, no need to be speedy. We're here for support and encouragement along the way.

[Sue774]

Not at all. Due to a very stressful job and lack of exercise, my asthma had deteriorated so I couldn't walk up the hill to my house without needing my inhaler. I have just completed W5R3 without needing it - something I have never been able to do before. I'm so proud of myself! You never know what you can achieve until you try - give it a go!

[nikkiwabit Graduate in reply to Sue774]

That is impressive progress.

[Hannah_S36 Graduate]

It's never too late and this is a fantastic program but I would talk to your GP first. I have a dodgy back and jogging can make it tweak sometimes, you don't want to do more harm than good. Maybe walk to the 9weeks first then graduate to jogging? Best of luck x

[charthedreamer Graduate]

I am in my forties, a mummy, juggle part time work and children's endless running around. I am 7 stones overweight and frankly was heading for an early grave. A hospital trip woke my brain. I walked first everyday 30 minutes for a week. I am only onto my second week, my legs ache after but with rest and yoga in between I recover. I sleep better, I eat healthier and I must admit I feel a lot happier. Only you can decide if you want it bad enough to keep up with children/grand children.

[Pennina in reply to charthedreamer]

We'll done! I'm starting my 2nd week. Older mum, 3 stone overweight and 53 yo

[trying2persist Graduate]

No, but be careful. Make it a habit, take it slowly, walk more eat less and be positive. You will soon start to drop pounds and feel better. Maybe you can start here

50plus-fitness-walking.com/...

I am glad you are considering it. Now take a step and start practising. Go...

We'll be following you on your path to a new you!

[nikkiwabit Graduate in reply to trying2persist]

That links looks like the ideal "pre C25K" program for people in Carolmid's position.

[nikkiwabit Graduate]

Never too late. But you need to be careful. If you are out of breath walking 100 yards you need to check why (unless you already know). Talk to your GP (who should be delighted that you want to do something about your health) to check you get out of breath due to your weight and not something else. If you wheeze when out of breath, then a salbutamol inhaler is worth having (if you have one takes 2 puffs before you exercise).

Regarding your back, be careful to not "bounce" to much if your run (I agree with the others that walking the program first is a good idea), have good shoes and consider a softer surface.

The main things (after the GP chat) are slow and steady, listen to your body (know the difference between pain and discomfort) - have a goal but don't rush to it.

[Wizziewood]

Ditto all the previous replies. Remember this is all about you, take it at your own pace and be honest with yourself. Slow, slow, slow is the way to go. You'll do it, go for it!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You made the effort to post here, so you want to do something.......great. I can't add to the advice offered, just offer my encouragement that there is plenty of wonderful living to be done after the age of sixty and whether you run or walk, there is a beautiful world out there to explore.