Keep Exercising

Exercise is undeniably good for you. If you have always been active, continuing to be so after your 50th birthday will probably be a way of life, but it is never too late to start.

Exercise keeps you feeling younger, looking good, moving well and more able to maintain a healthy weight. It helps reduce stress, strengthens your bones, muscles and heart and can reduce the need to for cholesterol, heart and blood pressure medication.

Exercise is also social. If you train with a group or a friend, you are more likely to stick to it and have a great time in the process.

Where to start

Be realistic. It is great to set goals, but ensure they are reasonable. If you are taking up walking or jogging over 50, there is no need to aim to run a marathon. It isn't the marathon that is a problem, it is the hours and hours of training that you have to do to achieve it. On an untrained body, that may be too much.

Choose an activity that you truly enjoy (try a few until you find one that is enjoyable) and then it will become an enjoyable part of your weekly routine.

Learn how

Ladies and gentlemen alike, you are never too old to learn new skills. There are any number of coaches and personal trainers available who can teach you the basics of tennis, golf, cycling, boxing, bowling, squash, running, pilates, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding or whatever takes your fancy.

The downside of exercising over 50 can be that you have old injuries or muscle weaknesses. It is crucial to warm up and cool down and perform activities correctly.

Take time to maintain your flexibility and core strength, it will prevent injuries and enhance your performance.

Make an occasion of it

If you join a walking group, investigate walks within an hour's drive and seek out new routes. Join interclub competitions, plan weekend breaks that include your favourite activity or learn about the history of it.

Try before you buy

Most exercise activities have an option to borrow or hire equipment for a short period. Give a new activity three months before you race out and buy everything brand new. Ensure it is something you are interested in long term.

Lose your inhibitions and excuses

When you first stood up, you fell many times before you learned to walk. When you first drove a car, you stalled and bunny-hopped. Expect to be challenged. It's all part of the process. Expect a few aches and pains. On the other hand, expect to be inspired, be fitter stronger, and more capable as time goes by.

On your marks, get set, go!