Starting at 40

Thespoofer

As the title states I would like any opinion on beginning to train at the ripe age of 40.
I have a question about fitness, I work in a very hardworking and physically demanding job in which I am basically wiped out by the time I get home. If I became fitter than what I am now, would I not feel so tired after work and would this make me last longer, so to speak.
I know this may seem like a silly question but even for me to go to a gym regularly in the evenings would I make matters worse or is there a chance to break this cycle.
I am 6' 0,5" tall male, 102 kg, quite strong and active. Not too bad diet, normally 3-4 beers on a Friday and Saturday night at home.
I would like to lose some weight, get defined and pump up my not so great legs !


Has anyone been through similar ? Grateful for any replies.

davyjose

Nothing wrong with starting at 40. Remove any limiting beliefs you might have. Yes being fitter will make a huge difference to you in work. You'l be less wiped out after work, and what you do won't be nearly as physically demanding. It certainly won't make matters worse, though it might feel tough at first.

My biggest piece of advice when starting, is to leave your ego at the door. You might be a strong, physical guy, but lifting weights takes a certain level of technique and will use muscles that you probably don't use very often, so you will need to start at a safe weight, where you can perform a full set of reps with proper technique, but still obviously feel like you got a workout from it. This could mean using light weights at first, but as your technique improves, and stabiliser muscles strengthen, the weights will go up relatively quickly.

Please Kill Me

I turn 41 today, I started training in January! It was difficult at first, I'm not gonna lie to you, it was about 23 years since I did anything physical (exercise wise) but I got into it. Running, boxing, kick-boxing, weights etc. etc. and I still do it. I love it. Don't let your age be a reason to not do it. Go for it!!!

daenerysstormborn3

Thespoofer wrote: »

As the title states I would like any opinion on beginning to train at the ripe age of 40.
I have a question about fitness, I work in a very hardworking and physically demanding job in which I am basically wiped out by the time I get home. If I became fitter than what I am now, would I not feel so tired after work and would this make me last longer, so to speak.
I know this may seem like a silly question but even for me to go to a gym regularly in the evenings would I make matters worse or is there a chance to break this cycle.
I am 6' 0,5" tall male, 102 kg, quite strong and active. Not too bad diet, normally 3-4 beers on a Friday and Saturday night at home.
I would like to lose some weight, get defined and pump up my not so great legs !

Has anyone been through similar ? Grateful for any replies.

In my old gym I used to see people of all ages working out. The only advice I have ever heard given to older people is to get checked out by their doctor before undertaking strenuous activity, in case there are any underlying problems.

Yes, if you start working out you will find you have more energy. I know it sounds a bit strange, exerting yourself more results in more energy but it is true, at least I have found it to be true. I also sleep better when I work out and overall my general health is improved as my diet is better (I cannot go to the gym and then eat crap, I just can't, it seems pointless), I'm drinking more water etc.

Starting out is tough on everybody, regardless of age, so don't let that define you. The first few times you go to the gym it will be tough but you'll be surprised how quickly it becomes part of your routine and you'll miss it if you have to skip a day due to other commitments.

If you are looking for diet and fitness advice, read the stickies. There is a lot of information in them but it's all relevant and it's all free.

Methven

It's never too late! I'll be 43 in a couple of weeks and feel fitter than ever. Of course its a bit harder as you get older but definitely worth putting the work in.

The Guvnor

Read ages ago about a man who retired from IBM or similar at the age of 65 and promptly took up triathlons - he was according to the article still making progress and setting pb's when he was 72 or 73 iirc - jist of article was that the body is quite adapatable and if you put the work in no matter (within reason) the age you can make progress.

Thespoofer

Going tonight for the assessment and to get the ball rolling so looking forward to that.
Went last night to pay the fee and have a look around. Everyone there seemed 'normal' so looking forward to it.
Hopefully I'll get bitten by the bug and keep it up.
Thanks for the comments.

Jiveartist

I only started training again two years ago at age 38 I'm now in great shape and still lift and do cardio four times a week. You will settle into it, and it will become a way of life for you. I wish you all the encouragement and best of luck mate.

AntiVirus

It's never to late to start. I'm 39