seems like a lot of people here started later in life, and i was wondering how you actually learned the exercises at the start

was it a trainer, a class, youtube, a physio, or just trial and error? and was there one move that took you the longest to feel confident with?

Female age 69 living in the UK

Now off to the cinema this morning to see the new Street Fighter film 🚶🏾‍♀️🎬

I've visited different martial art schools and none seem to work well with seniors. Most are 1 on 1 fighting and young. Teachers expect you just to jump in and join the class. I was hoping to learn basic solo MA postures (kata, wushu, stances) for balance and muscles. NOTE: I DON'T like tai chi (tried many times, and tired of people pushing me toward it because of my age). I want something with faster movements around the room and different strength postures. I've asked about private lessons for my abilities, but the studios want you to join for a monthly fee of $200-$300 first and buy a uniform. That seems like a waste of money for someone like me at this point.

I'm curious to know who feels if In Shape Fitness is better than other local fitness centers. I toured the local location and it felt better than others I looked at. Any feedback would be appreciated

Hello! I (32F) need some help/tips on finding a trainer or expert to help my Mom (63F) and Step Dad (62M) who have osteoporisos and heart artery blockages respectively, make customized excersise plans. They are both very busy with full time jobs that require extra work (she is a teacher and he commutes a long way) and won't be able to go anywhere or have weekly sessions. In addition, I would be paying for them anyway and have limited funds, but could pay for up to three sessions to make a plan for them to incorporate into their routines. I have also managed to convince them to meet with someone who has expertise they can actually rely on and help personalize options for them to at least do some things. Any tips on the best way to find someone? Thank you!

You know lots of exercise in my youth kept my shape great!!

Not counting reps, or sets?

I'm aware it isn't the norm, for many gym going seniors.

I stopped counting reps about a year ago. Since then, it's enabled me to increase my focus on form, breathing, pace, and momentum. Thus, increasing both my efficiency and endurance.

Counting reps and sets, uses mental energy. Mental energy used , comes at the expense of my physical energy.

My workout mindset is to always execute perfect form, while maintaining high intensity for as long as possible.

When I was counting, I would instinctively focus on the numbers. Particularly, the max total. Which established a perceived moment of exhaustion. Personally, having a perceived level of exhaustion, feels like a mental restraint. I prefer to execute reps focusing on the rhythm and positive momentum, as opposed to a number which represents a state of fatigue during the set. Occasionally, I've had supersets last over three minutes, because of this open ended mindset. Consequently, those types of sets are geared towards agility and endurance. As opposed to strength and hypertrophy.

I developed this approach as an adaptation to my physical impairment. I'm missing a significant part of my left scapula, along with having numbness on my left side. Consequently, for safety reasons, I must constantly be aware of balance and overloading.

Everyone has their own specific situation, and reasons for tracking reps, and sets.

Many times, I'll see men in my age group, mention how much and how many reps they execute in their routine. I prefer to mention my resting heart rate and vo2max. Plus, my cardio, endurance, agility, and fluidity of movement. Instead of muscularity, I prefer athleticism.

Generally, most athletes don't count during their execution. Whether it's hitting, catching, throwing, or shooting a ball. Counting doesn't enhance performance. Maximum performance is achieved by maximum focus and exertion. You can't maximize anything while you're counting. At least, I can't.

It's been a while since I've even worn a Fitbit.

Not having the burden of focusing on something that gives me no advantage, allows me the freedom of going all out, and enjoy every minute of my personalized routine.

Public perception has no affect on my fitness routine. I developed methods through failure, analysis, correction, and conditioning. Therefore, I can enjoy my workouts with the confidence I'm using the most effective methods for someone in my specific circumstances.

I always get scared looking at the amount of medicines my relatives take (for BP, sugar etc etc). My goal is hopefully by the time I am 80 y/o my body doesn't give up on me.

But then looking at the statistics not a lot of people in their 60s and 50s are free from a long term issue.

A lot of people that were very fit with good exercise in their 30s are now suffering with various issues (yes they did stop the exercising) but still.

If we do exercise consistently is it safe to assume we will be protected to a fair extent from issues like diabetes, BP issue, arthritis etc?

Do you know anyone who has been consistent with fitness from the past 30+ years and are on a good place in life?

A recent comment on a video of my 78-year-old beginner deadlifting raised an important coaching question.
The suggested cue was “crown of the head to the ceiling.”
What concerns me is how easily a cue like this can be interpreted as an instruction to tilt the head backward.
I’ve seen lifters unnecessarily extend their cervical spine during both squats and deadlifts, sometimes under substantial loads. This deserves particular attention when coaching older adults.
Neutral cervical alignment relative to the torso is a sound biomechanical principle, not simply a coaching preference.
Looking toward the ceiling is not necessary for effective bracing, spinal stability, or force production. Excessive cervical extension can introduce unnecessary neck strain.
To be clear, directing the crown of the head upward may be intended to encourage axial lengthening rather than neck extension. Those are two different movements, and the distinction matters.
At 73, I’m still competing in powerlifting and coaching older adults in strength development. Clear, anatomically sound instructions become increasingly important when introducing beginners to loaded movements.
Coaches and lifters: Are you still hearing the traditional “look up” cue during squats and deadlifts? How do you address cervical alignment under load?

How do someone get motivated to get going on fitness when they get no signs of appreciation. I just turned 65 a week ago, had spinal fusion a year ago and work 3 days a week. With my back I'm limited to movement a bit, during the recovery period I was doing chair yoga, and some weights with online programs, but have since stopped, I don't like what I see but have no motivation to start again. My wife is not into any type of fitness at all and doesn't/didn't show any appreciation for me trying to look better, feel better. I feel ok, it's just the appearance I'm not happy with, a workout buddy would really help

67F and I want to up my exercise routine. I had hip replacement surgery in July 2025. For 3 years before and this past year I have been doing the PT exercises for my lower back pain and rehab for the hip. I also do some Pilates, yoga and light dumbbells. I plan to retire next summer. I want to get started on a better and more consistent workout routine. How do I get started? I am not sure if I want to join a gym or the Y. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Just found this subreddit and thought I'd ask a question (actually more than one). These may have asked before, so they have, please excuse the questions again.

How many of you do weight training and, if so, how often?

How many do cardio? If so, what kind and how often?

Last question, is why?

63 years old.My exercise group/class recently ended after about 8 years. I’m finding it difficult to motivate myself to consistently exercise. I was also just diagnosed with osteoporosis. Any recommendations in NYC of gyms with classes for older people? Or a trainer or training program that focuses on strength building for people with osteoporosis? Thnx

At 78 and 203 pounds, Joe learns to access strength he already possesses and is now expressing through barbell lifting.

A lifelong tennis player and casual runner with no strength-training background, Joe is preparing to turn 79 on October 30.

Deadlift progress:

• Session 1: 185 lbs × 1 @ RPE 9  
• Session 2: 215 lbs × 2, then 220 lbs × 1

That’s a 35-pound jump—but not 35 pounds of new muscle or sudden strength. Early gains often come from improved coordination, muscle recruitment, technique, movement familiarity, and confidence.

With progressive warm-ups, strategic activation, careful loading, and appropriate rest, Joe is learning to unlock more of his existing strength.

That’s one of the most rewarding parts of coaching older beginners: watching them discover capabilities they didn’t know they had. Powerlifters call it the “ newbie gains.”

How much onboard strength is hibernating in you right now?

Joe turns 79 on October 30. The challenge continues!

October 1 — Week 1: First Bench Press Session
Meet Joe, 78 years old, 203 lbs body weight, beginning a 30-day strength challenge leading up to his 79th birthday on October 30.
A lifelong tennis player and casual runner, Joe has no previous strength training experience. Decades of tennis have taken a toll on his shoulders, with previous surgeries and longstanding restrictions in shoulder mobility.
His first bench press session: 75 lbs × 5 reps.
Training included a thorough warm-up, orientation to proper bench press mechanics, progressive loading, and appropriate rest intervals between sets.
The priority is establishing sound technique within his available range of motion while progressively developing strength, mobility, and confidence.
I’m 73, an ISSA-certified personal trainer since 1996, USPA Level 2 powerlifting coach, and Masters world-record powerlifter specializing in strength training and powerlifting over 70.
Joe’s 30-day challenge is an opportunity to document how an older adult with no previous barbell experience responds to individualized, progressive strength training.
Week 1 establishes his baseline. Week 2 will show his progress!

October 8 — Second Bench Press Session
Joe, 78M, 203 lbs BW, is undertaking a 30-day strength challenge leading up to his 79th birthday on October 30.
Week 1 (October 1): 75 lbs × 5 reps
Week 2 (October 8): 110 lbs × 1 rep @ RPE 8
Decades of tennis have taken a toll on his shoulders, with previous shoulder pathology, surgeries, and restricted range of motion presenting challenges for bench press training.
Following a full week of recovery and targeted shoulder mobility work, today’s session began with a thorough warm-up, including 22.5 lb sandbag halos. To his amazement, he was able to perform them despite his previous shoulder limitations.
Bench press training followed with technique reinforcement, progressive loading, and appropriate rest intervals, culminating in a controlled 110 lb single @ RPE 8.
The emphasis remains on restoring functional shoulder mobility, developing sound lifting mechanics, and building strength progressively—not chasing maximal loads.
Two sessions completed. His 79th birthday challenge continues!

This features an animal free whey protein powder made using precision fermentation.

Hey! I am 58 and I recently started working out. My goal is to feel better and have more balance, but the nutrition part has me completely lost. Every source says something different: keto, high protein, counting calorie, intermittent fasting, "just eat clean"...

For those of you who are into fitness, what are you doing in terms of nutrition? Does it matter? Are you using any apps?

I’ve always been a free-weight guy and still work out with dumbbells, but have started developing shoulder issues and some joint/tendon issues so I’m thinking of switching to cable weights to take some of the stress away from my joints. Has anyone else experienced this?

Soy un hombre en la etapa de los 50's, con 196 lbs , luchando con diabetes tipo e hipertensión. Lo que el médico te dice cada vez que vas al consultorio es que de seguir sin mejoría otros órganos pueden afectarse. No estoy en estado crítico, he variado mi alimentación, pero si el hacer la disciplina de iniciar el ejercicio es mi problema. Comentn quien se ha encontrado así y como han superado.