Do you exercise for health reasons?

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Equal-Train-4459@reddit

I do. I've had several severe injuries and basically have to maintain my PT schedule for the rest of my life if I want to keep walking. It takes about two hours a day.

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I had 2 stents installed in 2016 at age 72, my doctor said the stents were a 10 year deal, and exercise could help extend them (and me) the hospital had a staffed exercise/therapy facility and I got into the routine of using it about 3-4 times a week. After several years the hospital needed the space for other things and removed the whole building that housed the gym, several of us (other cardio patients) joined a commercial gym and I have just continued an every other day routine.(it was interrupted during Covid) I can't say I love it, but, I do feel better generally. I would recommend "gym shopping" a little to find the best fit. As an old guy, I really don't fit with the 25-40 yr old gym rats, except as a grandpa. Some gyms have an older clientele that may suit your needs better.

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Tess47@reddit

Yes

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allflour@reddit

Was put through physical therapy twice during two years and just decided to keep doing it (ddd in upper and lower, sciatica, arthritic hip). Takes about three months to really get a habit going. In five years I’ve only taken breaks for surgery or sickness, so only missed 10-14 days exercise in 5 years! Many days I don’t want to do it but I of course remember not being able to walk at all because of my situation so I do it daily sometimes more if I’m in pain-it helps!

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Hawkidad@reddit

Not really exercise helps with my mental health and sleep

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Much_Substance_6017@reddit

Snack workouts! 10 minutes a day will change your life! I started doing 10 minutes Pilates workouts like 3-4 times a week and walking. I’m 46. My thighs haven’t looked this good since I was 16. And your girl used to spend HOURS in the gym and didn’t look or feel this good. And my mental health is my main motivation. After two years of crippling depression and anxiety, I can’t go back! Even if it’s just a 5 minute stroll. Moving my body makes all the difference!

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Hartford0061@reddit

Motivation is an illusion. Don't wait on motivation. Just say, this is something I'm doing whether I feel like it or not. There are many days I don't want to hit the gym or go for a run. But I do anyway. I have never regretted it once I got there.

And yes, I exercise for mental and physical health.

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gt0163c@reddit

Yep. Motivation might get you started but it won't keep you going. Better to figure out something you enjoy doing or some way to make you at least not dread doing it. Personally, I pay to go to a gym I like which is clean and rarely too crowded (except Monday nights early in the year, particularly if Texas teams are not playing football that night). And I do a group fitness class a couple of times a week so that gives me some social aspects and accountability. But, mostly, I pick a tv show and ONLY watch it when I'm at the gym. It might be a bit petty or silly. But this is the hack that makes my kindergartner brain make myself go to the gym. Sometimes watching this show is the ONLY reason I make it to the gym.

Also, if you don't want to run or do burpees or lift excessively heavy things then don't do those things. Do other things that give you the same benefits. Your heart and lungs don't care what sort of cardio you're doing. Your muscles may not grow quite as big and strong if you're only lifting moderately heavy things, but you're also less likely to get injured (assuming you have good form!). Do the thing that works for you. Do it consistently.

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Much_Substance_6017@reddit

Same! I got HBO free with my phone. I told myself I’m only allowed to watch it at the gym. That was very helpful. Especially if the episode ended on a cliff hanger!

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TomatoesAreToxic@reddit

Don’t even think about it. Do it so consistently that it becomes something you just do, like breathing. I take group exercise classes at my local YMCA 6 days/week. The people in class keep me accountable and I just have to show up and do what I’m told.

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No_Zebra2692@reddit

Motivation is an illusion.

Right. I think motivation gets confused with discipline.

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WillumDafoeOnEarth@reddit

This is golden!!

P. O. T. T.

Post Of The Thread!!

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stuck_behind_a_truck@reddit

I tell the kid who’s still at home all the time that it’s not about motivation, it’s about habit.

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WhiskerWarrior2435@reddit

Great points! For me the habit is most important. Once I get in the habit of doing something at the same time every day, I can gradually increase the intensity and variety.

I started execising in my mid-20s. It took me that long (plus about 4 failed attempts at joining a gym!) to realize that I don't hate exercise, I just hate sports, and running, and the gym.

I started out doing lane swim and Aquafit like you. I always liked swimming as a child. Then one winter night I had had enough of coming home at night from the pool with wet hair and it was -20. I happened to see some fitness videos at a store and decided to give that a try. I've been doing those ever since.

Well, off and on. I've had lot of health issues and two babies since then, but I've always been able to get back into it. I always just start small and easy then gradually build. You can do a 20 minute yoga video, right? There are lots on YouTube.

I do it for my mental and physical health mainly. I sleep better and feel better if I'm exercising. And it does feel good to be able to feel my muscles! I have abs in there! Ok, there's still a layer of fat on top but they are there :D

I also *love* exercising outside. No running - walking, biking and paddleboarding when the weather is good.

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geddylee1@reddit

Pretty much the same

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SojuSeed@reddit

Yes. Workout like it’s your job.

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johninfla52@reddit

So true...if I wait for motivation I'll never leave the bed!

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Hartford0061@reddit

It took my a long time to learn this. But once I learned it and took it to heart, GAME CHANGER!

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ArtisticDegree3915@reddit

Not so much these days but I really need to.

I used to work out pretty hardcore in my early twenties. Bodybuilding as a hobby. I thought about trying to get into competitive shape and I was probably close. I probably needed about 20 lb more of muscle and then to lean down a little bit more and I could have started doing amateur competitions.

But then life happens. Now, I'm really fat. And I'm paying the price for that. So I need to be out there doing something. I have arthritis. The physical therapist said that walking would help with that. It's not necessarily my knees which I'm sure is common for people. I have a different type of arthritis that affects my spine. And she said walking could help open that up.

I'm going to have to let my cousin inspire me. She's my age and she walks 5 Mi every morning. I may have to make that a thing. I should make that a thing.

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kylesoutspace@reddit

I got diagnosed with hepC in my forties and had to go through some nasty treatment to kick it. I promised myself I was going to be an athlete when it was over. Since then I've kept a working breed dog around. You have to keep them active or they will drive you nuts 🤣 I graduated to a border Collie at 60 and I never miss a day twice a day walk, run or ride a bike. If I don't he'll keep me busy one way or another.

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jacksondreamz@reddit

My walks are my respite from the rest of the world. I miss it in winter. I have a gym in my complex but I do not like going to it at all. So I understand the motivation thing. I know I will feel better if I just do it. Although I’d like to lose weight, my goal is to get stronger after a debilitating bout with anemia. I’m just looking to be able to get up from the floor without having to tripod it in four steps.

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Gooogles_Wh0Re@reddit

Inertia is a serious problem. A body at rest tends to stay at rest and a body in motion will remain in motion.

Set some time aside, Get dressed in gym clothes, and leave the house. That's where you start. Even if you walk down the street, turn around and come back, that will help establish a routine. You can increase your time and intensity after, but the important thing is to establish habits that include exercise.

Another suggestion: When you shop, park in the back of the parking lot. When you have a choice of stairs or elevator, choose stairs. Do it every time. No excuses.

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mrspalmieri@reddit (OP)

I do already move my body, most days I aim for 10k steps, I do always park far away but that's more to do with me not trusting people who park close to me not to scratch my car 😂 I'm talking about vigorous exercise or at least a regular routine. I used to hike regularly, like several times a week and I loved it but now I have so much pain that it's not enjoyable anymore. Swimming doesn't cause me physical pain but I feel like it's such an unpleasant chore. I've always heard about the people who claim to feel a rush of endorphins after exercise but I can honestly say I've never experienced that feeling

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Gooogles_Wh0Re@reddit

Ah, pain! I missed that part, sorry. It does make it tougher. Its why we ALL slow down as we get older, not because we're lazy, but because the pain isn't imaginary and is harder to ignore. It's a disincentive to exercising. Unfortunately doctors rarely have good answers either, so it amounts to: "how much can I tolerate today?"

Swimming is so clinical, like walking on a treadmill. There's nothing interesting about the setting. I'm told that it has a meditative quality to it, but I haven't ever achieved zen doing it myself. I think the trick is to keep doing it until you begin to recognize the relaxing qualities. I never had the patience myself.

Cycling isn't quite as hard on the knees as hiking. Its seasonal in most places though. Many places have protected bike paths if you aren't comfortable riding in traffic. It also gives you a chance to see your neighborhood/community in greater detail.

Keep trying though. Don't stop. It's really hard to get your momentum back.

OH! also!!!! recruit your partner! Put up or shut-up sort of deal. Don't let this be a deal breaker though. You're doing it for yourself, but getting your partner involved has so many other benefits.

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Man-e-questions@reddit

I have been. But when my older brother died of a heart attack was my real wakeup call.

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knuckboy@reddit

My occupational therapist says heavy breathing helps get oxygen to the brain

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Wide_Breadfruit_2217@reddit

Me and your husband are twins. Don't give me a problem you don't want solved! Anyway although I don't love exercise I do it to hold off getting on higher doses bp meds, head off diabetes and keep my mobility at its best (falling particularly scares me). Thats definitely motivating enough for me. Working in a rehab facility and seeing the possible future also helped 🙂

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Kmowatski@reddit

My workouts are mostly for my mental health. I also teach spin classes (and get paid) so others are counting on me. The classes that I attend are strickly for my mental health so I do not throat-punch other humans at work.

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GypsyKaz1@reddit

I stopped looking at it as something I liked or wanted to do and started categorizing it as something that I do. Like brushing my teeth, showering, or eating. Something I don't question why I do it, I just do it. I am a person that goes to the gym. And so I went from on again/off again sporadic to 5 times a week consistently.

Now, HOW I do it is something I experiment with. But the WHAT is to be at the gym 5 times a week for 30-40 minutes.

I highly recommend the book Atomic Habits to learn some tools in how to establish these kinds of habits.

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mrspalmieri@reddit (OP)

Thanks, I'll borrow it from the library

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Fishshoot13@reddit

Yes i do.the key for me is creating a habit. My body now expects to be up at 5am and in gym at 530 or 6. The first couple weeks might be hard, but after you develop the habit it is easy. That is just what works for me. I know people have different schedules, some work out after work, some have specific group classes they attend. Just grind it out for a couple weeks and get the habit established.

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frank-sarno@reddit

I exercise three times a week but not always rigorously. I.e., I do push-ups 3 times a week, body-weight squats, grip exercises almost daily and some walking. But I do eat decently: no added sugars/sodas, drink lots water, limit processed foods, etc.. I don't look like I work out but am not overweight and it's enough to allow me to participate in moderately strenuous activities without falling apart afterwards.

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USNWoodWork@reddit

Barely. I run a lap when I drop the kid off for soccer and I play Pikmin Bloom which has me walking a ton.

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PreferenceNo7524@reddit

It's not about motivation, it's about habit. If you wait to be motivated, it'll never happen. Once I made it part of my daily routine, it got a lot easier. Then, if I had days when I couldn't exercise at all, I would feel it. I'd be grumpy with brain fog, almost like missing a day on an antidepressant. It really is that effective for me.

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kimdawn23@reddit

I worked in LTC, saw first hand the effects of not maintaining muscle mass as we age. It was eye opening. Do it so that you can get up if you fall. Do it so you can help you husband if he falls. Do it so you can get yourself off of the toilet and out of the tub. Do it so your bones don't turn into chalk and shatter at the slightest impact. You will be so grateful later in life that you pulled yourself off that couch.

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Accomplished-Resort6@reddit

Yes

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MNPS1603@reddit

48m and I workout 4x per week. I do it to keep the belly at bay and it also makes me feel better. It’s become part of my routine so I feel off if I don’t go.

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mhiaa173@reddit

My mom died from complications of Alzheimer's/dementia, and both she and my grandma had osteoporosis. I work out to try and make sure that doesn't happen to me.

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Embarrassed_Music910@reddit

I roller skate. It's fun, to me, and it's great cardio.

I started to really get into taking care of my body at 49, I've not regretted it. I bought me some skates, and I love them.

Find something you like doing, and do it consistently.

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FroToTheLow@reddit

I was given an Apple Watch about 5 years ago. First year and a half I didn’t worry about closing the rings. One day my buddy says he is on his 160th day in a row. I said I’m on my second. He responded and tomorrow will make 3.

So that’s what I did. I focused on closing the three rings on that day. And then four and five. Soon I had a streak going of 20 days! Then I became invested in the streak.

It has now been 3 1/2 years of exercising moderately everyday. All kinds of ailments are gone, and I’ve managed to stay off antidepressants despite some rough times.

So for me an Apple Watch and doing something everyday changed my life.

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nojam75@reddit

Thanks for sharing. I'm tempted to get an Apple Watch, but I still don't know if I will follow through.

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Cranberry1717@reddit

One of the smartest electronic investments I’ve made. The ring-closing habit is hard to break.

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bad-wokester@reddit

I have been doing BJJ and I have to take my watch off. I hate it

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poorkidsfreelunch@reddit

Dude if all you do is walk that’s a start. Get some good Bluetooth headphones or earbuds and play the music you like. Or podcasts. Ames a world of difference. Start slow and work your way up. You can do this.

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johndoe3471111@reddit

You don’t have to like it, just do it. Movement is medicine. I workout every morning and I have been on a streak of doing it for two years now. At 52, for me at least, that has been no small feat. While the consistency has improved my physical wellbeing, the collateral benefit of improving my mental heath was completely unexpected. That has led to more dedicated sessions and the increased motivation not to miss a workout now.

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slowlybecomingmoss@reddit

Dang, I nearly could have written this myself; I also have joint hypermobility, and was swimming for a while although I found the quiet soothing. Ultimately the gym I was going to wasn’t the cleanest and had an air of neglect that was affecting my ability to overcome my aversion to going. Apparently I have a genetic predisposition for exercise aversion. Once I found that out I was kinder to myself as it became “gotta outsmart my genes” rather than “god I’m such a lazy sloth.”

Anyhow, I acknowledge the profound affect exercise has on my mental health. Since I also am averse to medication, I gotta go this route.

I got a tiny treadmill when I learned about the “cozy cardio” trend and it has been really working for me. I keep it right in my office so it’s easy to just jump on for 30 mins and get it done. That and some 10lb weights for my arms. I find music really helps; I throw on some old club bangers or some metal or whatever and it helps make it a little more fun.

Sometimes I take my dog for a hike; being outside in nature also is a big help for my mh.

Hope you figure out what works well for you!

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No_Zebra2692@reddit

I started exercising seriously in my late 30s when P90X and Insanity infomercials were everywhere. And it turns out that I really like exercising. I love the sore feeling the next day, I like how it makes my mind sharper, and I sleep like a rock. I still do P90X and Insanity workouts (along with the others in the Beachbody platform) and I got a Peloton treadmill that I use pretty much everyday.

You really have to pick an exercise you like. I like lifting weights, I like HIIT, I like barre, I recently started to like running. I don't much like yoga or pilates or swimming or spin. Maybe you'd like dance or hiking or zoning out on an elliptical, but keep trying to find what you like.

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CatDaddyWhisper@reddit

Former US Marine, and I guess I can still hear my drill instructor's voice in my head. Even decades later, that shit sticks with me. It's a routine, and I just keep doing it. I regularly ride my bike for cardiovascular and lift weights. Semper Fi.

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dayburner@reddit

What happened to me was I started exercising enough that I started seeing the benefits in energy and general mobility. Then I started to see actual improvements in those areas from exercising more. Now when I don't exercise regularly I find I decline twice as fast as I improve. That's now my motivation, because I've pulled myself up to this level and I'm not going to sink back down without a fight.

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newwriter365@reddit

Daily. At least 10,500 steps.

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Dry-Praline-3043@reddit

I walk 3 miles on the treadmill most days. If I didn't have one in my garage, there's no way I'd make it to a gym. I'm a little hermit who loves home too much.

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wyocrz@reddit

Yes, but also for vanity reasons.

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Flimsy_Intern_4845@reddit

Yes, I go for four out of seven days if not a bit more. Since my mother passed my father and I have tried to be on our best health. It’s harder for me as I’d thought I’d have longer to eat like a raccoon, but 40 got me and I have high blood pressure. Sucks to be old and young, when ten yrs ago I’d be the dude twerking for fun in the club. As a dude

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random_agency@reddit

Well, watching friends and family die for not taking care of their is also a good motivator.

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xczechr@reddit

I use the treadmill every morning before work. I go at least a mile but often more. I am glad I started and have stuck with it consistently.

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TR3BPilot@reddit

Stop being such a baby. One of these days you are going to fall. If you exercise and keep relatively healthy, then you probably won't break a hip or something that will quickly lead to a rapid deterioration of your complete health. In 2021, nearly 40,000 people over the age of 65 died from falls in the U.S. and nearly 685,000 people died worldwide from fall-related injuries.

You will fall. Will you get back up uninjured?

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MSERRADAred@reddit

Try to find a workout buddy, someone to hold you accountable.

See if can ask someone you regularly see at the pool at the same time, start up a convo, and maybe arrange a fun post-swim coffee run with them?

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4score-7@reddit

Not anymore. I quit around late August, early September, age 49. Been active and in the gym, religiously, since I was 19.

After 30 years, man, I just don’t feel good.

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Correct-Ball9863@reddit

Not specifically for health reasons but because I enjoy it and how it makes me feel. I do/teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 3 times a week and do/teach yoga 4-5 times a week. If you need motivation I'd suggest that you haven't found the right activity yet. Also it might help if you get involved in a group rather than solo activity. Sometimes I turn up just to catch up with people.

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box_elder74@reddit

I walk just over 12km (about 8miles) everyday for mental health. I'm also fat so it helps with that too. I've been doing it for about 2 years and I don't really need any more motivation than if I don't I feel like shit and also means I don't have to be medicated.

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amberscarlett47@reddit

Gym goer and regular hiker of 7 years here who has fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis in my knees and other autoimmune issues. I still turn up even when I don’t feel like it, my body is in pain and it’s 6am on a dark winters morning before work. If you wait to be motivated you will never do it! Consistency is the key and remembering that not exercising with fibro can just make it seem worse. I know when I have pushed it too far with the exercise and have learned what my body can tolerate. Key to staying healthy is lifting weights - start off with light ones and carry on increasing the weight until you can do it. I’m stronger than I was in my 30s and I refuse to let fibro dictate my life. My rheumatologist also told me that I need to lift weights and do regular weight bearing exercise to help bone strength and keep the fibro at bay and it works for me. NGL some days it is hard and I just want to stay on the sofa but I make myself go. You got this - it’s an investment in having a better old age - good luck!

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Neat-Composer4619@reddit

Most pools have water aerobics. You might find people to talk to before/after taking classes.

Mayve waterpolo? Team sports tend to create more relationships.

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mrspalmieri@reddit (OP)

No, the pool is located at the state university located here in town. They have open swim hours open to the public but they don't have classes or anything there. The membership is only $350 a year but they don't have anything like that there. Just from 8am - 2pm Mon-Fri I can use the pool to swim laps. There's a YMCA about 20 minutes away that has that stuff but it's more than twice the price. I can't afford over $700 a year to swim

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Neat-Composer4619@reddit

I see. Well, swimming is not a team or group sports. You can hike and have a conversation, but it's harder with swimming due to needing to hold your breath.

Have you done some research to find other sports that could work with you condition and be affordable?

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Cool_Jelly_9402@reddit

I was always thin so I didn’t see a point in working out and didn’t start until I was in my late 30s. I’m now 44. Initially, I wanted to lose a bit of weight and tone up but I also have many health problems (orthopedic)so I do it mostly to improve my mobility. I also had a nervous breakdown in 2021 and afterwards I discovered doing cardio helped me burn off excess adrenaline which helped my anxiety a lot. It’s also great for brain fog and focus because it gets more blood circulating to your brain. I never got the appeal of exercising but now (and I just use a stationary bike) I actually get that “runners high” after about 15 mins and feel great afterwards. It’s still a challenge to get going some days especially if I’ve taken a break but the results are worth it

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ceopadilla@reddit

I got through periods of exercising consistently, punctuated by periods of falling off the wagon. Establishing a routine AND making it convenient is what helps the consistency. Things like- having my workout clothes clean and readily at hand, keeping a consistent wake up time so I can work out before work, etc.

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Longjumping-Egg-7940@reddit

I hate going to the gym but I pay so much I have to go to get my moneys worth. BTW, your husband’s awesome!

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mrspalmieri@reddit (OP)

He really is ❤️

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SunnyBlue8731@reddit

Old GenX here - 57F. I hate to exercise. Always have. Never felt the “runners high”. I also had a bit of a binge eating problem - it wasn’t severe or even diagnosed but I recognize it now. And because of that exercising to lose weight seemed like a losing battle as I would easily consume the calories I worked off so the exercise “didn’t work”. I’m blessed with fairly good health, but as I age I see what the extra weight and sedentary lifestyle is doing to me. Hips and knees hurt a bit. Bending down is hard. So I’ve taken up exercise solely for health reasons and wanting to stay independent. I walk, do incline treadmill to playlists, and do some light weights. My gym is attached to an assisted living center so I take the average age down by a decade or two. 😂. But those folks keep me motivated. If they can do it so can I. Some use a walker to get to the cycle or row machine and I admire that. I’ve found a few neighbors to walk with. I also do some balance exercises like stand on one leg while brushing my teeth. Calf raises when drying or curling my hair. I find it all adds up and I’m way more motivated to do it for long term health and stability and not necessarily for “fitness”. So it’s more “moving” and balance work than exercising, but I do feel better all around.

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Confusatronic@reddit

Yes, I run 2-4x/week ~5 miles per run, I do resistance exercises 2-4x week (weights and calisthenics), and I do a daily walk of 1-3 miles.

If I have some good music on and the weather's good, I can quite enjoy running. The resistance exercise is not as fun but it's fine. I find good music is key.

I really think not exercising at all is much worse for one's health than many people seem to think. And this includes long term brain health.

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SemperPutidus@reddit

I lift weights 3-5 times a week. Gym bouldering every other week (I suck, but it’s fun), trail running when I can, but at least 2 treadmill 5ks a week and freestyle swimming when I can bring myself to get in the water. (Most of summer, not much of winter). I’m pretty convinced that exercise is an outsized variable in the overall health and longevity equation, and since I like beer and doughnuts, it’s easier to delude myself into believing that health can be achieved through exercise rather than changing my poor but delicious diet.

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emilythequeen1@reddit

I hardly ever want to get out of bed and go straight to sweating, but that’s not a choice I make every day.

I simply do it. I find I do better overall being fit.

I do it if I’ve been sick recently. I do it if I was up all night-for whatever reason. I do it if I have a hangover or a headache.

I simply do it.

I’m happier, I stay off antidepressants that way. I get sick more rarely and with much less gusto.

I’m more fun in bed. I live better. I work better. I’m more careful about my choices.

It is simply better. Not to sound like a trite ad, but I just do it.

You do you, but I’m going to do it.

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phenolate@reddit

Yes, but not enough.

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Standard-Shop-3544@reddit

Like others have said, making it a habit is huge for me. Also, I never thought I'd like the group class thing, but I do crossfit and yoga classes. Making friends and seeing them regularly helps me come back. If I miss a few, they call or text making sure I'm okay and vice versa. It's a good setup.

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yerederetaliria@reddit

My husband and I have always exercised. We consider exercise to be another form of play and completely natural. We have changed our exercise but we've always participated in some way. He was a rock climber and took serious risks, now he may use a rock wall but that's it. We used to be mountain bikers and now we only bike on smooth trails and streets. I used to challenge the waves as a swimmer and now I swim in a very relaxed way. We both have arthritis but mine is more severe, I take Xeljanz for it. We danced all the time and now I really only slow dance or bachata with him. Gym memberships come and go with us. At the minimum we hike and walk a lot. We have a piso/flat/apt in Alicante Spain (I'm from Spain married to a Coloradoan) as well as our home in Colo. Our lifestyle there demands mobility and walking. In Spain I walk to the store, the cafe, the news stand, the bank, the Dr, everywhere. Every evening when we're there we go out to the plaza and socialize. When we're in Colo, we take the trails around everywhere. I could go on...

How to stay motivated? Well, he works in neurology in a hospital so he sees the effects of a sedentary lifestyle. We already have that habit. I love to meet people and this is a way to do that. Exercise feels good. "Mood Follows Action." - u/Hartford0061 is correct.

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stuck_behind_a_truck@reddit

My body is a bit of a shitshow so I do mobility exercises every morning combined with my own stretching routine I’ve worked out. The latter is all floor-based. I can get up off the floor without using my hands, and that to me is the big win. I had a whopper of a trip and fall over my dishwasher and was able to get up and avoid injury.

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violet715@reddit

Swimming is tough IMO. I’m a lifelong runner and lifter but there have been times of injury where I had to use the pool and I found it so insanely boring because I couldn’t even use headphones or watch something on the gym’s TV or whatever. Does your gym do any kind of water aerobics? Mine does and I think something like that would be helpful because you’re engaged with the instructor and also when people go to class on a regular basis you start to form camaraderie with the other people who attend that class.

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mrspalmieri@reddit (OP)

No, the pool is strictly for swimming laps. There's a Y about 30 minutes away that has a pool & offers water Zumba and other water aerobics but it's over $800 a year and my membership here is non-refundable and is paid all the way til next summer

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bad-wokester@reddit

Sorry to jump in OP. But you must be rich to buy upfront gym membership and fancy bathing suits and headphones. That money spent would be all the motivation I would need

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mrspalmieri@reddit (OP)

Not rich but we are comfortable. Headphones were under $50, wetsuit on Amazon was no more expensive than a regular bathing suit. Annual gym membership was $350 and by paying it up front it was cheaper in the long run than paying monthly. I do think that when this membership expires I'll switch to the more expensive place. That said, yes.. it should be enough to motivate me to go. I did end up going today and I do feel better that I went.

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jerrylovesbacon@reddit

I've never heard of underwater swimming headphones.

What did you buy please?

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bad-wokester@reddit

Great. Yeah. Go again.

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runnergirl3333@reddit

I’d talk to the pool management to see if they would add a class at a time when they don’t need all the lanes. Or bring a couple of friends and take up one lane to do water running?

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ZipperJJ@reddit

Swimming isn't boring when you have an underwater MP3 player! I have never swam without one. Check out H2O Audio.

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bellebbwgirl@reddit

This!! I love going to the water aerobics classes. Most people are very friendly and chatty but you can get a good workout in with some great music. And, if you find the shallow water classes too easy, participate from the deep end, or take off the float belt and try it. There are even water Zoomba classes you can try.

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Bruin9098@reddit

Been running ~20 miles / week most of my adult life. Besides making me feel better (physically and mentally), the motivation is simple: there's no effing way I'm going to end up one of the old, fat people dealing with one health issue after another until the grim reaper finally takes me out of a nursing home (and subjecting my family to this).

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jetpack324@reddit

40 years gym-free!!

Seriously though. I hate the gym so I stay active doing things I enjoy; daily walks, occasionally swimming, yard work, hiking, etc. I get my exercise but not at a gym.

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splorp_evilbastard@reddit

I (53m) run on the treadmill so I can drink Coke and eat cookies without getting exceptionally large, again. I lift weights and do sit ups so I look better.

Side effect is that I'm much healthier than most people my age (and even substantially younger). My wife is 9 years younger than me, so I want to stay healthy for her, anyway.

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bad-wokester@reddit

Like they are all saying you don’t need motivation you need discipline.

But the fact you will live without pain should be all the motivation you need.

It is completely counter productive but the more you exercise the less pain you are in. Yes even with your arthritis.

I don’t like the gym either? Do you have a dog? You could walk it up a hill. Do exercise videos on YouTube. Go to classes - barre is good. Join a karate clubs, whatever. Try different things.

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OlderNerd@reddit

I usually walk for 30 minutes a day on a treadmill and get my heart rate up to a certain percentage. It helps control my weight.

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DrippyWillyMcSchlong@reddit

For health reasons, sure, but mostly to blow off steam, and have fun.

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Superb-Damage8042@reddit

I started in my 30s and am now in my early 50s. I had been active in my teens but college, grad school, then a career took all my time away and I ballooned in size. There was a time when I worked out to look better, but nowadays I do it solely because it makes me feel better, and most of that is mental health. I grinded for a long time so I understand the motivational challenges - just schedule it into your week and stick with it. Eventually it becomes a part of your life.

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jeon2595@reddit

I exercise, first, to stay healthy now and as long into the future as possible for me. Second because I want to stay attractive to my wife.

It’s just a decision you have to make, “exercise is going to be part of my life.” It doesn’t have to be a massive time commitment. Initially commit to 20 minutes a day 5 days a week. The mental and physical benefits are undeniable. Once you get in a routine you want to exercise. Sure there are days here and there you don’t feel like it, but the overall feeling better from regular exercise keeps you doing it.

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Ok-Breadfruit-2897@reddit

Work 6-2, in the pool EVERYDAY by 3 for at least 30 minutes.....home chilling by 4

ripped at 46

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mehfinder@reddit

I started running marathons in my mid-forties. Since the pandemic restrictions lifted, I’ve been running 2 marathons a year - one in the spring and one in the fall. Essentially, I’m on a marathon training plan 32 weeks out of the year. I’ve had some running-related issues off-and-on, but my hope is to run for years to come. Motivation comes from the sense of accomplishment that comes with meeting these challenges. While it’s not possible to achieve performance gains throughout life - it is possible to find satisfaction in reaching milestones in the journey.

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Tomorrow_Wendy_13@reddit

I walk and do DDP Yoga (which is the first workout program I've ever loved).

If anyone sees me running, they should run too, because something with big sharp teeth is chasing me.

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Advanced-Power991@reddit

I have a physically demanding job so no gym needed

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6mcdonoughs@reddit

I cannot get a full night’s sleep if I don’t exercise and hour a day. That also helps my blood pressure and anxiety levels.

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whipla5her@reddit

I have worked out since I hit my 30's, some seasons more regularly than others. But I finally got into a solid groove when I heard the saying "The best workout you can do, is the one you actually do". And that helped me not overthink and stress about it. These days I get up in the morning and fire up Apple Fitness and pick a 30 minute workout, and just do it. I have a set of dumbbells and a yoga mat and I've found that's all I need. Simplicity is key for me. If I have to track stuff, or go somewhere, or join a class.... it's not gonna happen.

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topicalsatan@reddit

I'm like one of those dogs that if you don't take them on a long run every single day in the morning they're gonna chew up all your furniture.

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FunnyGarden5600@reddit

Yes and it’s fun.

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LivingEnd44@reddit

No. I work out purely for looks. The health benefits are a nice side effect. And I am definitely healthier because of it.

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DukeOkKanata@reddit

I do it to maintain not being fat.

That overlaps with health.

Purely luck.

If I could look the way I do smoking a pack a day I would smoke a pack a day. I can't, I tried.

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raf_boy@reddit

I've got a young daughter. My pop died at 66. That's my motivation.

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Illustrated-skies@reddit

I was almost killed in a car accident in 2021. (I was stopped at a red light, the crash happened on the opposite side of the road & collided into me). Seeing the X-rays and damage that happened to me really woke me up. Although my weight is the same since high school, I found out how physically weak I had become. I went through months of physical therapy & still have pain from the damage to my neck & spine.

That was enough motivation for me to get as strong as I possibly could while I’m still “young enough”. I’ve been lifting at the gym ever since. Working out has become part of my daily life.

To get me excited to go to the gym, I drink some iced espresso beforehand (which I consider a treat, & totally gives me a mood boost). I save my favorite music to listen to only while working out. That way I have something to look forward to in addition to the mental & physical benefits of working out. Only get one body, better take good care of it.

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ImmySnommis@reddit

I've gone through so many exercise cycles it's crazy.

When I left the military I slowly ballooned until I had to go on blood pressure meds and I hit "morbidly obese" which frankly scared me.

So to the gym I went. Dropped 50 lbs and packed on muscle. Looked and felt great. Then I hurt my neck and was told no exercise at all until I was fully healed. That ended up being 8 months.

I tried hard to get back to it but just couldn't. I didn't care that much though because mostly the weight stayed off, at least for a year or two, then I blew up again.

Next was a couch to 5k. Trained like 6 months. I hate running but had my goal. I did well until I did my race. Slowly tapered off then quit running.

Now I do weight training 5x a week for like 20 minutes. It's easy, quick and makes me feel good. I do it after work instead of rotting in my chair playing on my phone.

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CatelynsCorpse@reddit

I 'hate walk' about 4 times a week. I genuinely hate exercising and am a total couch potato, but I am getting old and shit was hurting me (hips, ankles, lower back, etc) and my last set of bloodwork was absolute shit so I forced myself to start walking on the treadmill (that was previously collecting dust) regularly. It's 100% been worth it. Some of my aches and pains have completely gone away. Another side effect is that my pelvic floor has improved DRASTICALLY so the "cough/pee" incidents that I was having have completely gone away. Another good side effect is that watching me walk on the treadmill has motivated my husband to start walking too.

What I have started doing in order to motivate myself is I pick out a show on Netflix that I ONLY watch while I'm walking. If I want to watch an episode and see what happens next, my ass has to get on the treadmill. I hold myself to that, too.

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doctormadvibes@reddit

that’s the whole point of exercise

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Bezimini9@reddit

Yes, but I'm less disciplined about it than I probably should be.

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whitehusky@reddit

Absolutely. I lift weights year-round. In the summer I run, hike, and bike. In the winter I ski, used to use a stationary bike, but just got a rowing machine that I think I'll like more. I see how my Dad, in his late 80's, still gets around great, can get up and down off the floor, takes the stairs, has great balance, etc. - which I attribute to the fact that he was active his whole life (still is). And my Mom, which was never very active, who has much more trouble getting around and uses a cane & walker, and is now much less mobile. So that's my "motivation" per se, but really for me it's just that I prioritize working out every day, whether I want to or whether I like it or not. It's just something I do because I know it's good for me to do. As I get older, I want to still be able to do the things I enjoy, for as long as possible.

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Old_Goat_Ninja@reddit

I workout 5-6 days a week but if you’re looking for motivation you’re going to fail every time. You just go, whether you want to or not. Most days I workout I absolutely do not want to, but I do it anyways. It’s like showering, or brushing your teeth, it’s just a part of your day.

I don’t do it to live longer, but I do it to be able to live the years I have better. Most us are going to live into ours 70’s. I prefer to be a physically capable person in my final years instead of weak and decrepit. At least do what I can to improve my chances.

My dad told me when he was in poor health and bed ridden “take care of your body now, you’re going to need it later” and that’s by far the best thing he’s ever told me. Well, it’s a toss up between that and “once every 12 years or so a man has to shit his pants to be reminded that’s always a possibility.”

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WheresAmy@reddit

Absolutely do. Found a great CrossFit gym 11 years ago when I was 39 and still go 4x a week. I scale the crap out of the workouts but I get a great workout in (that someone else programmed) and see friends I probably wouldn’t otherwise. I’d go crazy if I couldn’t do this any more. It’s not motivation but habit at this point. My body craves the energy rush I get. Find something you like and stick with it. Our bodies are meant to move!

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Certain-Range-847@reddit

Do you like swimming ? There are other activities you could try, even with your conditions. It’s hard to get motivated to do something you don’t want to do. Maybe it’s competing values? You want to swim but you like being a couch potato more?

Maybe it’s your relationship with exercise - how do you talk about it, think about it, approach it ? Can you reframe it?

Maybe it’s your relationship with you - do you feel deserving of good health, worthy to eat healthy foods and treat your body with the gift of movement?

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Expert_Habit9520@reddit

I totally agree that swimming laps in a pool is boring as hell. I genuinely do like jogging in the outdoors when I am healthy. Jogging on a treadmill just isn’t fun, but doing it out in nature on trails can be really enjoyable.

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Shoehorse13@reddit

I started exercising regularly when I turned 40 (55 now). I got deep into the Crossfit kool-aid for a few years before pursuing competitive powerlifting, and have been balancing mountain biking with bodybuilding type weight work since turning fifty

It’s a bit hard to accept that I’m losing strength and am not the beast I was 10 years ago, but I’m doing very well for my age and am still stronger and in better shape than when in my 30s

It’s never yo late to start and I can’t imagine where I would be now if I never had. Best piece of advice I can give is find something you enjoy doing and make it a habit, and when it stops being fun switch it up for something else. But above all else, keep moving.

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endlesssearch482@reddit

Well, considering I’m still a firefighter medic, I exercise because I would rather not die on the job.

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love2Bsingle@reddit

62F. Started exercising in my early 20s because I wanted to maintain my weight (I was thin). I continued to exercise throughout my 30s and 40s (running) and then I got turned on to CrossFit and that turned into a love for weightlifting/bodybuilding. I guess I mainly do it for health now but I still want to look good naked (and I do). So....vanity mainly haha. Side effect: I'm healthy and limber.

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ImpossibleAd7943@reddit

You have to get SOME kind of exercise or you’ll likely become pretty wrecked. I don’t believe it needs to be a gym. But find something that takes your mind off the fact you’re spending time exercising: swimming, taking leaves, gardening, walking a dog up a hill, etc

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lenalenore@reddit

I'm at a point where exercising kinda hurts, but not exercising (for an extended period) makes everything hurt so much more. As a fellow couch potato I would so much rather sleep in, but I do it because I guess there are rewards

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sudrewem@reddit

I have lupus so lots of joint pain. I started going to aqua aerobics at my gym because it is easy on my joints. Im the youngest one in my class. We have been doing this every Tuesday and Thursday morning for years. They are all amazing. We share recipes, talk about our kids (they all have grandchildren too), encourage one another. Sometimes we get lunch afterwards. I started going because everything hurt and it was really the only exercise I could manage and ended up finding a great group totally by accident. Having a group that you enjoy makes exercise so much better.

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space_wiener@reddit

Yep. Lift weights 5-6 times a week for around 1.5 hours and I try to cardio in the AM for 20-30 mins seven days a week followed by 15 or so mins of cardio.

I hate every moment of all it. I’d rather drink beer and play video games/watch TV. I only do it because for once in my life I want to look like I work out before it’s too late.

The only way I can do it is not think about it. Just walk out and start the workouts. If I think about it I’m going to skip.

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vampyire@reddit

I have stage IV Osteoarthiris in both knees, stage III in both hips.. all due for replacement. I exercise 8 hours a week, 6 doing aerobic work and 2 doing weight lifting. I lost a shit ton of weight that I put on during the pandemic (120 Lbs) and I just have to keep it off, even though I'm in process of scheduling the first hip replacement and my joints won't hurt anymore as Im in my later 50's I know aerobic health and general fitness is super important. While I always liked w eight lifting it was aerobic working out that was not fun, so a year ago I got a Meta Quest 3 and started playing games that made me move some.. not too much in the lower half of my body but bombing the hell out of my upper body and that really worked. the Mrs really didn't mind the 'ol mucles returning to their old form (neithere did I :) )... and it's nice to get lifting again too, been doing that for about three months., but game-afing working out was my trick for aerobic .. I hope some of that helps OP, good luck.

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vato915@reddit

We absofuckinlutely HATE exercising. But when we think about the consequences of NOT exercising, it forces our minds to keep exercising.

It helps quite a bit that my wife and I both work out together. If one is not motivated, the other one will motivate the other.

Perhaps your husband can join you?

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sharkycharming@reddit

No, I hate it. And I know I have to do it, and in many ways my life would be better if I did. But I find exercising so incredibly boring or painful or both.

The only exercise I like is swimming (can't afford it -- $70/month for the Y and that's by far the cheapest option where I live) and yoga (I should force myself to at least do chair yoga every day).

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runnergirl3333@reddit

Any group classes in your area for people in your same age group? The social aspect can be motivating. I recently found out that health insurance offers discounts at some gyms, which may be worth looking into.

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sharkycharming@reddit

Thank you for that advice -- it would probably work for most people, and I know it was sincerely offered. Unfortunately, I am autistic and I hate being around other people, because being perceived (especially while I am doing something as disgusting as jiggling and sweating) will make me so ashamed. I think that's why swimming is ok. My gross body is below the water, for the most part, and I don't get sweaty. (I do get really red because I have exercise-induced rosacea, but it's worse on land than in water.)

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runnergirl3333@reddit

Girl, you are WAY too hard on yourself! I would put it in all caps but I don’t want you to think I’m yelling at you! 😂

Can I just say that jiggling and sweating is not disgusting, and your body is not gross. But I understand we’re all self-conscious, and I’ll end this by wishing you a good day.

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Guido-thekillerpimp@reddit

I quit smoking after 44 years of a pack and a half a day (I started smoking at age 11). Started walking at 55 and running at 57. My partner says I’m running away from cigarettes and they may be right. Lol

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Any_Fish1004@reddit

Took a year off work to be with my first with my wife. Covid shut everything down half way through so I lost all my outside activities and gained weight I wasn’t comfortable with. When I went back to work I cut something out till my weight plateaued and then cut something else. As an example, I went from a 3x3 to black coffee over a year and a half. When I ran out of things to cut ,I started working out at home. Got a pull up tower and added a few other things over time to expand on it. I weigh myself every Saturday morning and that is my motivation to keep going a few years later. I’m lighter and fitter than I’ve ever been in my adult life and I’m not going back. For the first time in my life I’m content at the very least with what I see in the mirror and I’m not giving that up without being forced too. I accepted when I began that this was a change for life and I couldn’t quit or I’d lose all my work and hate myself for it. If you can’t do that to begin with then you’ve already lost. So many people around my started and quit weight loss or exercise programs and I refused to join them because I’m an old stubborn ass and this is my life now. If you want it, you can do it. Don’t quit, ever, or you’ll hate yourself even more. Sorry if I’m rambling but I’ve let my mind go while I worked on my body because ignorance is bliss and I want that too dammit lol

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CaterpillarForeign37@reddit

Yes. Plus mental health and hypertrophy.

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T1972@reddit

I’m pretty sure physical activity has kept me alive and in more than one way. I would try varying things to find the ones you enjoy and rotate them. I do some mountain biking when it’s nice out always up for a good walk or hike. I tend to hit the gym to allow other things such as hikes and bike rides which are at this point more enjoyable. I have concluded that the less I move the more it hurts to move. I then cannot enjoy the things I want to enjoy.

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Yasashii_Akuma156@reddit

Yes, daily.

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14MTH30n3@reddit

I have exercised for many years and at this point, I cannot imagine a week where I don’t go to gym or go running at least a couple of times. I am still overweight by BMI standards, and I think I will always be overweight, simply because weight management happens in the kitchen and not in the gym. I am on keto and I somewhat watch my calories, but unless I really control my diet I will never lose weight.

Mentally, I do feel accomplished when I go to gym and after running, I feel looser and slimmer, which also makes me happy

I think I’m in the best shape of my life. I have good control over my acid reflux. However, healthwise, I do think that putting my body through runs and gym exercise as well eventually catch up with me. I will probably have joint issues. But I think my heart is pretty healthy.

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WaitingitOut000@reddit

I started this past year because my A1C was at a prediabetic level. Not becoming diabetic is plenty of motivation for me. The weight loss has been a nice bonus.

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Angst500@reddit

If you have a competitive streak like me then find an event to compete in that you need to train for. That is what keeps me going is that date that I need to be ready for

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EnergyCreature@reddit

M46 here. I like do things. The things I like to do require a healthy body. Dancing, Skateboarding, Cycling, Archery, Swimming, Fucking, Throwing a partner in the air, being there for my kids when they need a extra set of hands and running helicopter kicks.

So I stay fit to keep doing what I love.

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Tri_Guy72@reddit

I'm (51) in the gym 5-6 days a week. My anxiety and depression would be far worse off if I didn't go. Granted, I've been avidly exercising for a long time but the gym is critical for me. It gives me structure, a routine and as someone that is pretty isolated, it's a big part of my social life. Additionally, I love how working out makes me feel and how I look in the mirror, so it's a nice dopamine boost on several levels. Probably TMI but I also firmly believe that my workouts play a key role in my libido as well, so that's a nice added benefit.

Once you get in a routine and you start seeing/feeling results, it's much easier to stick with it. Even better if you meet some folks and start to enjoy chatting with them. I spend most of my time on weights but I also have a couple group exercise classes I love. I get a lot of out of them for my mental and physical health but seeing the regulars is something I always look forward to. And this is coming from a pretty introverted person.

Swimming is a great option for you! It's monotonous as hell but so incredibly beneficial for your health and easy on your joints. Underwater headphones are definitely the way to go. I'll just listen to music or talk radio to help me pass the time. Consistency is the key with swimming. I find that if I start missing extended period time between swimming, I really struggle to get back into it. But if I do it regularly, I usually enjoy it more and sometimes look forward to it because it's a nice escape from the outside world. I can really get into a good headspace with it at times.

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japhydean@reddit

I exercise half for aesthetic and half for “health” which includes heart health and functional strength. It’s dumbbells and kettlebells/HIIT. Hopefully this combo sets me up decently for life as an oldie. I should prob start incorporating more flexibility tho.

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IdahoDuncan@reddit

Yes. Cardio 3x per week

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beat_u2_it@reddit

I hit the gym and do cardio and lift weights every single day. 1) to stave off depression, 2) muscles

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TinktheChi@reddit

I'm an older GenX. I swim lengths for an hour every morning before work. I actually love it. Swimming doesn't feel like exercise to me, and I leave the pool feeling great. I got a swim pass to city pools, meaning I can swim during their regular lane swims at any pool. I concentrate on three local locations to go Monday to Friday. I was going to a gym. Absolutely hated it.
Everyone needs to find something they love doing. For me it was swimming. I live in Alberta Canada and it can be brutally cold in the winter. It feels weird to come out of the indoor pool into -35C, but it still feels good.

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LoFiQ@reddit

I exercise for my health hoping that I’ll have a decent quality of life as I age (57M) I’ve been following the old P90x3 DVDs 6 days a week for 30 minutes daily on and off for years (always on now). It includes strength training, yoga, Pilates, etc. It’s very well rounded and I don’t have to think up my own routine or go to the gym. I just get up at 6am and do it. I warm up by rowing for 6 minute HIIT. My Dr. always tells me to keep doing what I’m doing, and that I have an admirably low heart rate for my age. I also (and easily can) climb indoors and ride my mountain bike. Move it or lose it. My diet is also heathy on purpose but I happily include trips to DQ occasionally.

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jbarinsd@reddit

I started going to the gym 4-5 days a week 10 years ago. I planned to travel in my later years and wanted to maintain my mobility and stamina. That was the original reason. I generally just do the elliptical for 35 minutes (I’ve just added leg weights too.) I also do yoga once a week, about 10 minutes of guided stretching 4x a week and walk my dog everyday for 15-20 minutes. I hate all of it. I’d much rather sit on my ass. I have PCOS and have been overweight my whole life. I’m 57 now and have slowly lost around 30 pounds over time. That stopped once I hit menopause now I fight like hell to keep it off. I have to move to prolong my life. I know this. My two younger sisters who also have PCOS and don’t exercise at all. Both have type two diabetes. I’m not even pre diabetic. I know I would be if I didn’t exercise. That’s my main motivation to do it. To live.

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No_Corgi272@reddit

Started in my twenties, waned off here and there due to life (adult) responsibilities but I have always done something at least 1x a week. Now that I'm more established with family life and career I work out 3x a week. For me it's cycling and weights at the gym. Whenever I miss workouts it definitely effects my mental health. Don't try to go overboard. Find something you enjoy, walking, tennis, cycling, anything that gets you moving and heart rate up. Having a friend with same interest would definitely help. It's never too late and you owe it to yourself to invest in your own health.

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Enough_Jellyfish5700@reddit

Yes and No. For now, I do a little walking and stretching because I can barely walk. My back hurts so much. That’s the yes, a little exercise.

But really, no. Not the exercise you’re talking about. I saw the numbers for how many more years I’d probably live if I exercise a certain amount. It was a study only for people who have had aortic dissections.

Regular exercise of 3-5 times a week, would increase my life expectancy from 80 to 86. I’m aware that these are probabilities and not certainties. At this time I’m not concerned with the increase in the quality and quantity of life it would bring me.

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Adaminium@reddit

Mental and physical health for sure! It won’t take but a month or so until it feels wrong to NOT go. Once you make that link, it’s a lot easier.

“I exercise for the safety of others”

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SnatchAddict@reddit

I walk approximately 5 miles a day. I lift weights 3 days a week. Throw in some Peleton rides.

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HeavyTea@reddit

Been walking /running 3km a day, 7 days a week since I was 49. Hockey once a week. All for post-50 health! I am slowly becoming most active in my group! Getting older but I am getting better. 5 years strong.

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DangerKitty555@reddit

I walk, a lot! It helps me get out of my head and actually feel my body. It’s mostly about my mental health but also physical as lately I’ve been thinking “Man, I’m so lucky to have this body and these legs and feet that let me walk around and enjoy where I live.” Perspective…I’m sure the release of endorphins from physical activity helps lift my mood also. It’s a form of a self-care and an act of self-love.

As someone who has struggled with crippling depression it’s literally my lifeline. Costs nothing to go outside and move my body and breathe.

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Bac7@reddit

I hate exercise. I hate sweating. I hate the gym.

I hate it on Mondays, when I'm on the rowing machine. I hate it on Tuesdays when I do strength training. I hate it on Wednesdays when I'm in the pool. I hate it on Thursdays when I'm doing strength training again. I hate it again on Saturdays when I'm on the recumbent bike. I hate it the whole drive there and the whole drive home. I'm still not motivated to do it. I will begrudgingly say my mental and physical health is better for it, but I still hate it. I just treat it like all the other adult things I have to do though, like paying bills and getting a colonoscopy and going to the dentist.

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StillwatersRipple987@reddit

It sounds like you are firmly in the dread stage, and finding the motivation or will to do something you dread is never easy. How does your doctor feel about resistance bands? They are great for building up the small muscles that help support joints, especially for those of us whose ligaments and tendons might not be holding up their part of the bargain.

This is something you can do at home for 20 minutes a day – maybe not from your couch, but some moves use chairs. If it helps your body feel better, it might make finding the motivation to swim a little bit easier. Does your insurance cover PT? You might be able to get your doctor to write a PT prescription to give you some help with designing a routine that is good for your body.

Otherwise, you can try finding something to like about swimming, even if it is in the form of bribery for meeting short term goals. Timing is also important, like the poster who has to exercise on the way home from work. (I have to do cardio in the morning. If I do it after work, I'm awake until 2 a.m. I have to lay out my clothes the night before, so I can get dressed before I leave the bedroom and go straight out the door.)

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Every-Cook5084@reddit

Just go walk a mile everyday. It’ll take you 20 minutes. Then from there start to gradually increase. I listen to my podcasts so I look forward to to

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Shot-Artichoke-4106@reddit

I developed a practice of exercising in my mid-to-late 30s. I was never into exercise before, but I started experiencing some negative health - weight gain and high cholesterol were the main things. So I started to get more serious about taking care of my health, and exercising was and important part of it. It helps me manage those issues as well as a bunch of others.

I don't rely on motivation to keep going - i rely on discipline. Motivation will fail you every time. Exercising is just part of what I do.

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Soft_Eggplant9132@reddit

I exercise because I like coffee . I get one when I'm done lol .

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Big-On-Mars@reddit

Yeah, motivation is bullshit. If I only worked out when I was motivated to, it wouldn't happen all that often. But once you create a habit out of it, it doesn't even become a choice. You just do it, and after a while you find that you actually enjoy it. Find something you enjoy doing on some level though. And block out all the excuses from your thinking. If you need accountability, hire a coach. Set goals for yourself. Having something to work towards and seeing progress is a great way to trick your brain into needed to workout.

I've always been active, but I took up running again, after a long hiatus, in my late 30s. It's been great. Most of my friends I've met through running, and I got somewhat competitive for my age.

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LordNitram76@reddit

some health issues run in my family. Anything I can do to keep it away from me I do.

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millersixteenth@reddit

I exercise for a bunch of reasons. I didn't start leter in life but I did rebuild myself later in life beginning at age 40. Had twins at that age and I wanted to make sure they didn't get shortchanged on things I was doing in my younger years.

I also work a physical job and don't have a ton of money for retirement, I need to stay in good shape. I also exercise due to self image issues warped by Frazetta album covers and Bama 'Doc Savage' novel covers. I expect it.

Lastly I was (and still am) looking to do personal training as a retirement job, so I'm genuinely curious about different training modalities cause and effect.

In my world, motivation is fed by success. Discipline is fed by success. I tell people to train hard and consistent esp at first. You can only 'trust the process' for so long and then you need to see and/or feel an improvement.

Have a warmup you do every time you train. It should be short and energetic enough to get some sweat on your hairline - maybe 5 minutes tops. Over time you will become conditioned to where the warmup triggers a change in attitude and you just continue on with your workout.

I highly recommend you use some isometrics along with the swimming (run it by your Dr first). It does great things for arthritis, joint pain, tendon issues.

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absherlock@reddit

I go to the gym 4-5 times each week, often at 4:30am. It took a little while getting used to, but now I get up no problem.

We (wife and I) were non-athletic and overweight, so we started in 2018 in anticipation of a trip that would require a lot of walking/hiking. We modified our diets, saw a dietician monthly (part of our company benefits!) And hit the gym 5x weekly. Once we started seeing a difference, we actually changed gyms and got trainers to keep the train rolling.

Then COVID hit, the gyms closed, and we fell back into bad habits.

This year I decided to start going back because I could remember what it was like being healthy and I wanted it again (wife is sidelined with work responsibilities and an injury). It's been a few months, but I'm starting to see that difference again.

Good luck to you. You can do it!

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texas_godfather830@reddit

Started during the COVID lockdown. Has helped with physical and mental health.

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SojuSeed@reddit

You have to decide what kind of life you want as you get older. Obviously, you have some health issues that need to be taken into account but through talking with your doctor and working with a knowledgeable trainer, you could find a program that works with your issues.

Do you want to be mobile? Do you want to be able to go out and do things? Do you want to have energy to enjoy a rich and fulfilling second half of your life? Because if you want those things, you are going to have to fight for them. Eventually, time will take all of that from you. No matter what you do, what workout you try, what pills and supplements you take, you’ll end up on the ground. But that doesn’t mean you have to go quietly and it doesn’t mean you have to spend your remaining years sitting on your couch watching other people do things while you wonder what it would help like.

I work out for my mental health, and I workout for my physical health. I watched my mother eat herself to death and it was not pretty. She ballooned to get 330lbs and she was only about 5’ 2”. She couldn’t get out of bed under her own power, she couldn’t bathe herself, she spent the last year if her life sitting in her own filth in a 3rd rate Medicaid bed in rural Missouri, in agony, and bed sores all because she refused to take care of her health. She was only 67 when she died. Her mother and her grandmother lived well into their 80s. That’s not gonna be me.

I work out when I’m tired, I work out when I’m hungry, I workout when it’s hot, I work out when it’s cold. I feel better, I look better, I have energy to get up and do the things I want to do, and the sex is fan-fucking-tastic. Sitting on the couch is easy, sure. But it wouldn’t be long until I became a person I couldn’t even stand looking at in the mirror. How long until I couldn’t get up and had to have my ass cleaned by nurses who were disgusted by the very sight of me? I won’t go out like that.

So if you value your time with your family, if you value being able to go out when you want to, of admiring your looks in the mirror, then get up and do something. Whatever it is you can do. If you can swim, get in that pool and swim like it’s your job. The best time is I start caring about your health was 25 years ago. The second best time is now. It will hurt, it will suck, it will frustrate you, it will bore you, but if you care about your family you will find a way.

Or don’t, and stay on your couch. In a few years you will have a family member that will remember you and say ‘we tried to get her to be healthy, got her the swimming membership, encouraged her to work with a trainer, got some pain management, got her, prepped her meals for her, but she just gave up. She was so young, they’ll say.

Because that’s what we all say about my mother. All she wanted to do was lay in her bed and watch your shows. Eventually she died in bed of totally preventable congestive heart failure. She spent the last year of her life in pure misery, crying, scared, depressed, addicted to her pain meds, and still eating shit because she learned about door dash. Even though the food was killing her she wouldn’t stop. Then, one day last August she had a heat attack on a Thursday, just a mild one, but she never woke up and died on Friday. She hadn’t walked on her own in over two years. She hasn’t stood up in at least at least a year.

Is that gonna be you?

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potsofjam@reddit

I’m a fat guy with severe heart failure at 53. I go to the gym almost every day and I actually like working out. I just also like to eat way too much.

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xJW1980@reddit

I just quit smoking and find myself eating lots of snacks that I don’t usually eat.

So I just put on my headphones, and I stand in front of a mirror, close all the curtains and I dance/rap/look like a complete idiot. But it’s kind of funny when I’m laughing back at myself :)

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JaguarNeat8547@reddit

\^Found Australian Break Dancer Raygun's account!

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xJW1980@reddit

OMG NOOOOOOOOOOOO

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Reasonable-Proof2299@reddit

Yes because some people can barely get out of a chair or walk a few feet without getting out of breath

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PutPuzzleheaded5337@reddit

57/male. I have always had a gym in my house. I workout every evening and I also walk a lot. I find exercise to be very boring so I tend to listen to loud music and drink wine. So far, so good. If I’m being honest, I exercise more for vanity than for health.

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ExtraAd7611@reddit

I'm no athlete but I try to stay active. I exercise about 4x a week, and have been basically since college, usually hiking, elliptical, and/or resistance. I'm fat anyway. But I do feel healthier than when I don't.

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GeneralShadowKitKat@reddit

I do yoga to maintain my flexibility and balance. My motivation is seeing elderly people who can’t bend over to pick something off the floor.

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TopspinLob@reddit

Constantly. Many times per week. Not only of physical purposes, but for mental health reasons. If I don't put some stress on my body during the day, I feel bored anxious and unfulfilled.

You have to move your body.

I especially like it when it's cold outdoors, getting outside and being active. It's one of the most satisfying things in life.

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therian_cardia@reddit

Yes.

I mainly lift weights because I do enjoy it and love the health and muscle mass from it. Going to the gym for a good hour is an excellent reboot from a frustrating day at work before I go home, 3-4 days per week.

Cardio is something I do because I need it but genuinely dislike it. It's either boring as all hell for 45 minutes straight (steady state) or it beats the shit out of me and makes me feel like I'm about to puke (HIIT for 15 to 20 minutes).

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ispongeyou@reddit

I keep telling myself, get healthy in yoru 50s so I can live my 60s and hopefully 70s. I want to see some grandkids!

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AnitaPeaDance@reddit

Just do it already. You know it's good for you! Easier said I know.

Fear motivated me the most. Results keep me going.

Diabetes runs on both side of my family. Both my grandmothers were diabetic and both parents were/are at least pre-diabetic last I heard anyway. I heard my older brother recently became diabetic too.

Not sure I can take HRT yet, but I recalled my dental hygienist telling me exercise really helped her manager her menopausal symptoms.

My skinny active neighbor, who is only 16 years older than me, recently took a fall and fractured his femur.

It's getting harder for me to get up off the floor. I need to fix that ASAP as it's likely I will be alone when I get truly elderly so I need to be as independent as possible.

Time to get up and do those low impact aerobics and dumbbells.

I think I've been at it for 3 months now doing 30min every weekday. My feet hurt. My knees hurt. My hips hurt. I tell myself it'll get better after a drop some more pounds and to just keep moving.

My hygienist was right: I sleep better and my emotions are better regulated.

I'm still waiting for all this energy I'm suppose to get from it tho. I'm not as exhausted as I was the first month so there's been progress.

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One-Dragonfruit-7833@reddit

I started working out later in life to help with my anxiety. I pick a TV show that I only watch when on the treadmill. This has actually worked really well for me.

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LaeliaCatt@reddit

I just walk briskly for 30-40 minutes a few days a week and hike whenever I can. I have to change at work and walk right after work because I know if I go home first I won't go back out. I just go to local parks and trails. I listen to podcasts and enjoy watching people and their dogs. I know I won't lose weight doing that, but I feel so good and energized when I do and it helps with mental health. It's not hard to keep up with when I do it regularly. If I stop for a while for whatever reason, it's hard to start back up again, but I push through and make myself do it and after a few times, it starts to be a pleasurable habit again. I don't enjoy other forms of exercise and I should probably be doing strength training too. Anyway, I would say, try a bunch of different activities, push yourself to really try them for enough time to see if the enjoyment kicks in. Hopefully you will find something that speaks to you and that you will be more naturally motivated to do.

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mrspalmieri@reddit (OP)

I actually used to hike a few times a week but now my knees hurt so bad that it's just not enjoyable. Especially my right knee, it has a clicking feeling and the more fatigued I get the more it clicks. Getting older sucks 😭

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BillionTonsHyperbole@reddit

I have a steel plate and screws in my left knee from just over 20 years ago; in my case, a water-filled rowing machine has been pretty effective and easy on the joints.

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LaeliaCatt@reddit

So sorry to hear that :( It's so heartbreaking that our bodies always betray us in one way or another.

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greysonhackett@reddit

I exercise (weights and cardio) at least 3X weekly to avoid the Big Sad. I hate how I feel when I don't.

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nojam75@reddit

Sorry I can't offer any helpful advice, but share your experience of disliking exercise -- and having a supportive partner who annoyingly is very disciplined about his exercise regimen.

The only exercise I enjoy is bicycling, but it's hard to do in the wet/cold seasons. I've tried walking, elliptical, weights, etc. for awhile, but end up in a guilt-hate spiral when I skip a day or just realize I hate having an unenjoyable obligation hanging over me each day.

I had sciatic pain at the beginning of the year which is the first time I've really had a chronic, painful condition. I went to physical therapy and did the exercises as prescribed, but the PT admitted that the exercises would not necessarily cure the sciatica issue and that it would probably resolve on its own after a few months. Sure enough the sciatica pain went away and my motivation to exercise went away with it.

As a GenX'r I've already tried the gym and other fitness trends in my life. I know I'll never be an athlete, so I don't have aspirations of being thin and toned. But I also know that I need to exercise for health and to maintain mobility in my senior years -- especially after seeing my sedentary Boomer parent quickly end up on walker and trapped in senior housing.

If there is an activity that I enjoyed, I could trick myself into exercise, but I hate sports and can't stand timed exercise regimens. I know these are excuses, but it's just where I am mentally.

Again, sorry I don't have any advice, but just sympathize with your predicament.

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mrspalmieri@reddit (OP)

but end up in a guilt-hate spiral when I skip a day or just realize I hate having an unenjoyable obligation hanging over me each day.

Yes!!! This!! So much guilt and that feeling of obligation hanging over me Ugh. But you're right. My dad has always been very active and he's 78 and he's still working a physical job 4 days a week. Meanwhile, my in-laws are a few years younger than my dad, they're retired and they both struggle with mobility - both had desk jobs and were never ones to exercise. I see it and that should be enough motivation to get my off my ass but here I sit. It's almost noon and I'm still in my pj's 😩

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Sweet_Priority_819@reddit

I do orange theory 4-5x/week for physical health. The older I got the more important it seemed to be fit and healthy.

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ColdKickin72@reddit

Health,clear my head,motivation,it’s all around good for you.People now look for the easy way to get healthy just put the work in. Consistency is the key.

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designocoligist@reddit

Yes at least 5 days a week.

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CrystalBlueMetallic@reddit

If you find the right exercise that you enjoy, it will improve almost every aspect of your life. Cardio done regularly drives away glumness, boosts your energy levels, improves your sleep, improves your sex life, makes you feel more alive. It will improve your blood pressure, A1c, sleep, body composition and more.

Eventually, when you’re decently fit, exercise won’t tire you out - it will give you more energy, it’s really incredible. Find out what your personal heart rate zones are all about (a watch that tracks heart rate is a big help) - the happy endorphins are released in zone 3 and 4 in my experience, so look for something that cranks you up after an easy warmup - indoor spinning, aerobics and dance are great at this and the social aspect can work for a lot of people. Sports like pickleball are great to make exercise a game. Go watch people play and see how happy they are, it’s contagious. If you hang out with active people you will be drawn to activity - and the reverse is just as true.

So many options- it doesn’t have to suck! It shouldn’t be miserable, and if it is you won’t stick with it.

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mrspalmieri@reddit (OP)

Literally the only exercises my rheumatologist has approved for me are swimming and tai chi so my options are limited. I cannot do anything that puts pressure or exertion on my joints. No bike riding, yoga, weight lifting, etc and the gym doesn't offer water classes. The pool there is strictly for lap swimming. I used to hike several times a week and I loved it, the exercise plus being in the woods in nature but now my knees hurt so much. I've looked for tai chi classes near me and I can't find anything in my county except at the local senior center they have a weekly class for old ladies lol

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boner79@reddit

Yes. I stopped going to the gym for nearly 3 years during COVID and I was turning into an old man with frozen shoulder and lack of flexibility it was ridiculous. Been back to the gym for nearly 2 years now and those specific aches and pains are gone.

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BillionTonsHyperbole@reddit

Yes. My most effective psychological strategy is to make the workout non-negotiable. I do it whether I want to or not, and I rarely regret it afterward. When life happens and i miss a workout, I feel like a total piece of shit (especially if I can't get a makeup session in).

My most effective time management/physical locations strategy has been to have converted my tiny garage into a gym in 2019.

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BottleAgreeable7981@reddit

Yes. Both physical and mental health.

Plus the added benefit of a new circle of weirdos.

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BaarsAC@reddit

48 years old here (almost 49). I have always exercised but recently I changed to 7 days of week of cardio and 3 or so days of weights. Before it was 4-5 days of work outs to include weights and cardio. The cardio is usually Supernatural on the Meta Quest. I do that every morning from 45 mins to an hour. I work from home and on my lunch break I do weights for the three days and the other two days I do more cardio. I also ballroom dance 2-3 days week. My motivation comes from my mother dying when I was 21 and my dad having all sorts of health problems but is still alive. Also, Supernatural on the meta quest is super addicting and fun. I have done Fit XR on the meta quest as well.

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Good_With_Tools@reddit

I turn 48 next week. I was a tech for my entire adult life. Then, 3 years ago, I took a desk job. But not only a desk job, but a WFH job. My body loved the break I gave it when I got out of the van, but it quickly went downhill. I gained 25 lbs.

I started going to the gym 4 months ago. I haven't lost any weight, but I'm not too worried about that. Thing is, I feel way better. And if I skip a few days, I instantly feel worse. My body needs hard, physical exertion. I've been moving heavy shit for 25 years. If I don't do it occasionally, by body revolts.

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Good_With_Tools@reddit

I turn 48 next week. I was a tech for my entire adult life. Then, 3 years ago, I took a desk job. But not only a desk job, but a WFH job. My body loved the break I gave it when I got out of the van, but it quickly went downhill. I gained 25 lbs.

I started going to the gym 4 months ago. I haven't lost any weight, but I'm not too worried about that. Thing is, I feel way better. And if I skip a few days, I instantly feel worse. My body needs hard, physical exertion. I've been moving heavy shit for 25 years. If I don't do it occasionally, by body revolts.

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guitarsean@reddit

You gotta do things you enjoy or you won’t stick with it. I’m not gonna force myself to jog. I’m still practicing my ninja moves to get moving. Now where my broomstick?

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Disastrous-Year5@reddit

I was really into exercising in my youth, but never really "enjoyed" it. Diet culture was rough back in the day and I wanted to be skinny, like heroine chic, Kate Moss skinny and I worked out hard for it ( and had accompanying EDs). Then I had 4 kids, including 2 C-sections, a stressful office job where I have to sit for 8-10 hours to get my work done, and various life events (older parents who need help, kids in college who need help, a global pandemic, etc.) My spouse loves me no matter what weight I am. I gained and lost weight so many times over the past 20 years. I had back surgery in 2021 and recovering from that was hard. That was when it really became more about mobility than weight. I still don't enjoy exercising, but I have made a commitment to myself to move more. That means intentionally walking, every day. I feel better, physically, mentally, I sleep better. The more active I am, the better I feel. I walk around my neighborhood and listen to Podcasts, I pace around while I'm on the phone, I got a walking pad. For me, it's low effort, high reward. Swimming was recommended to me as well because it's low impact, but it is too much effort (going somewhere, changing, wearing a swimsuit, the chlorine- ugh!). Maybe try to find something that doesn't feel like too much?

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h3fabio@reddit

Bike everyday. Mostly for transportation. Also do CrossFit and play soccer.

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Jimmasterjam@reddit

https://youtube.com/shorts/O4xMGf_CGQc?si=LdyQJRoNzTemnfH1

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Imap1@reddit

I'm fortunate in that my dog lives to go on walks. He's a basset hound and usually gets what he wants, which is two 45 minute walks a day.

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Judgy-Introvert@reddit

I workout almost daily. It’s just something I enjoy and being fit is a bonus.

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Commercial_Falcon_51@reddit

I do 1-2 hours of rigorous "metal" drumming and walk a minimum of 15k steps per day.

I'm much healthier than my dad was in his early 50s

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Erazzphoto@reddit

Once you stop moving is when you start to break down physically. Even if it’s just walking, or light weights, it’s better than doing nothing

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GreatGreenGobbo@reddit

I need to start too.

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Ellabee57@reddit

Yes, I dropped 30 pounds at age 42-43 and have kept most (20 lbs) of it off since then by running or walking. I used to run, early on in my weight loss period, but after a few years my knees were not happy with that so I mostly just walk now, 4 or 5 days a week, anywhere from 1 to 3 miles a day. I was doing some stretching and strength training twice a week too but I fell off that wagon (really need to get back on it). My mantra is: "I walk today so I can walk tomorrow." My 86-yo mother, who never exercised, has a hard time even walking a block, let alone a mile or more, and I REALLY don't want to end up like her. That's my motivation.

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No-Sympathy-686@reddit

Yes.

5 days a week.

I'm 47 and have just trimmed down 17 lbs and 4.5% body fat over the last 2 years.

I feel great, I look great, and my cholesterol dropped 40 points.

I changed up my diet, which helped a ton.

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WillowLantana@reddit

Yes. I have a sibling who several times ended up in the mental health ward for severe depression/suicide watch. Some of their post-hospital instructions were to take a walk outside every day & don’t watch the news/true crime. Spoiler alert: docs were right.

Seeing what a mental health ward is like & then seeing my sibling in that environment scared me the f straight. Taking a walk in nature is one of the fastest way to brighten a mood. For emotional health, it doesn’t matter how slow or fast you walk. It’s the magic of being outside.

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mike___mc@reddit

If I didn’t run I think I’d go crazy. Or drink way more.

I found the easiest way to start is to just go for a walk (if possible).

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Sintered_Monkey@reddit

I started running at the age of 13, so the year was 1980. It wasn't so much the running itself, but it started me in the direction of an active lifestyle. Since then, I've never had a phase when I wasn't running or cycling, and if I can't do either, I walk. Something ain't right if I'm not.

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Beneficial-Cow-2544@reddit

I exercise for weight loss, muscle strength and definitely health. What motivates me is seeing my 70 year old in-laws who can barely walk, have had knee replacements, heart surgeries and struggle with diabetes, gallbladder issues and a host of other health conditions and also my 78 yr old mom who has been so inactive since her 40s, she can barely lift 5 lbs or walk without pain.

I see the difference between the seniors who stayed active and made healthy choices and the ones that did not. I wanna fight to stay healthy and be active enough to travel and enjoy as many of my retired years as possible.

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brockbr@reddit

The key to motivation: You don't have to get up and run the whole 5k/10k etc. just get up with the thought "I'll at least get out the door and start... If after a while I want to shorten my run, then so be it" ... main thing is to get out there and start. Motivation will come.

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Imyourhuckl3berry@reddit

Where I am there are either budget gyms like planet fitness or very expensive options (Lifetime) or the Y which is typically crowded with older equipment

So I golf and occasionally walk but beyond that no, I wish there were more options that were inbetween a lifetime and PF

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rraattbbooyy@reddit

I started walking about a year ago. Overweight and out of shape and my doctor said I had to stop kidding myself.

It was hard to motivate myself until I found a step counting app and everything clicked. It keeps track of every step, has a GPS so I can track my route, my mph, I can compare times, I can join groups and rise in the ranks by walking more steps. Once I was able to “gamify” my exercise, it became an every day thing. I can’t want to get out of bed and get my first 1k steps in!

BTW, I’m down 25 lbs in a year since I found the app. Anyone who says motivation doesn’t exist just hasn’t found theirs yet. Good luck! 🙂

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Sintered_Monkey@reddit

Instead of making the exercise the goal, like "I'm going to exercise," I would make a goal of achieving something. Then the exercise itself just becomes a stepping stone in achieving the goal. Once you have conquered that goal, set another one. So with swimming, maybe it's that you want to be able to swim a mile or something nonstop. You will have to swim regularly to get there. Once you get there, maybe you want to be able to swim that distance faster, or maybe you want to be able to swim farther without stopping. Tracking your progress in writing helps a lot.

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VegetableCompote8843@reddit

Just started running at 51 just to be a little healthier. Have never run for distance before but it crazy how much mental and physical health has improved

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thejake1973@reddit

I exercise for mental and physical health.

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No_Difference8518@reddit

When I was young, I exercised all the time. Serious biking in the summer, and cross country skiing in the winter.

As an adult, I find it hard to get motivated. What I do is try to walk to stores as much as possible. I know this can't work for everybody, but I find that having a reason to do it makes it easier to actually get out.

I used to rely on my wife. She was good at having us go for walks pretty well every day (we both like walking, and I prefer to walk with somebody). Sadly, due to health reasons, that is not working right now. But should work again in the future.

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brookish@reddit

Yes for my dog’s health! I like to be active but I hate exercise for its own sake.

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BallardWalkSignal@reddit

Daily exercise will change your life, even just walking. There’s no getting around it, starting a new habit is extremely difficult. My advice is take it in small chunks, maybe you only motivate yourself to go on one walk a week. It’s better than zero, but not as good as 7. It’s not an insurmountable challenge unless you let it be.

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sodandy@reddit

I don’t know what it is, but if I don’t get exercise at least a few times a week I start feeling down, like mentally and physically. Good motivation to walk at least, but weights are better and nothing touches swimming for improving my mood! Think there’s a sticker that says “Just Keep Swimming” and I can’t argue with that.

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CallingDrDingle@reddit

Yes, I’ve strength trained since I was around 15. It’s seen me through a brain tumor, six brain surgeries, disc replacements, pregnancy, cancer….i truly believe that if I wasn’t in excellent shape going in to each surgery I’d have been dead a loooooong time ago.

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Successful_Load5719@reddit

I workout almost every day with scheduled exercises, lifts, cardio, etc. with that said, I absolutely hate the gym but I feel great once I’m done. Knowing I did something that only benefits me everyday is a bit of a mental and physical boost. My goal to be a dirty old man is well within grasp.

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devildoc8804hmcs@reddit

I walk every day. I noticed when I was young a lot of old guys out there taking a daily walk. Even in their 90s. I figured they must know something. I have two uncles, one is 90, the other 91. Both walk five times a week. Not only are they generally healthy, but are sharp mentally. Both still drive, with no issues. I'm going to keep walking and hope to replicate that same success.

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LeighofMar@reddit

My motivation is maintaining my shape, strength, and stamina. I have a chronic illness that when it flares saps my strength and energy so I work out every day to stay as healthy as I can. I'm also typical GenX that likes to give the middle finger to the whole concept of once you hit your 40s you might as well stop trying. Please.

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MaryBitchards@reddit

100%. Mostly for mental health reasons, really. It helps.

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FightThaFight@reddit

Absolutely. Mental and physical health. Our bodies are machines that need to be operated regularly if they are going to stay in form.

And there are clear correlations between grip and leg strength, and longevity.

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Miralalunita@reddit

For health and aesthetic reasons. I want muscles as muscles are the only thing that will change the way you look. I also exercise for the endorphins!

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Lower-Ad7562@reddit

I started BJJ when I was 47. I’m now 52.

I workout to help BJJ. I go 3 - 4 days a week. Workout about the same amount. I’ve always been an athlete so don’t really need that much motivation.

Find a physical hobby you enjoy and just do it!

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Comedywriter1@reddit

I do a lot of walking/treadmill. Great for physical and mental health.

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Meepoclock@reddit

Yes I feel like exercise keeps me sane.

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AaronTheElite007@reddit

Yup. Was a gym rat in my twenties due to the military. Worked out up until I hit 40. It was like a switch went off in my body. Now I focus on calisthenics and resistance bands. Started looking into Tai Chi. Have to stay limber

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OkCow1741@reddit

How did the stress manifest?

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AaronTheElite007@reddit

My career, I guess. Was running on caffeine for over two decades. Guess it caught up with me. Haven’t had a drop since.

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Sassberto@reddit

Yes, every day. Get up and do it. Also, I hate swimming.

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RCA2CE@reddit

I binge and purge

I go to the gym religiously for 6 months and then stop and eat ice cream and watch tv for 6 months

Usually my good routine is interrupted by like a happy hour that throws me into a couple of days of recovery and boom some cheat days follow :)

I was trying to use those glp1 drugs to lose some weight, didn’t work on me at all - I gained weight on them. So I just took it on the old fashioned way, diet and exercise.. so I’ve been going to the gym since the first week of September, I go probably 6 days a week. Down 20ish lbs and would like to lose like 15 more.

To get motivated- I drink a LOT of coffee and get my Spotify playlist out and just go

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orangeandtallcranes@reddit

Yes. I take a walk or do a yoga class every day. My oncologist says this is proven to prevent a recurring cancer.

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Sccindy@reddit

Yes. The Peloton bike and peloton mediations have been a game changer for me.

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Ready-Zombie5635@reddit

I do. I hate exercise but I run, do spinning classes, go hiking and do weights. I'd like to do yoga but can't seem to regularly fit it in. I try to do some exercise every day.

It feels like a small price to pay for having the ability to actually not get out of breath climbing a flight of stairs.

Also, as much as I hate the process, it 100% helps my mood when I finish.

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omgkelwtf@reddit

Yep. I used to be over 300 lbs. So I don't want to take that trip again, but also I want to be able to haul my own groceries and do for myself until I drop dead so I weight train and hike.

Here's the trick though: I have to do it first thing. If I don't, I'll talk myself out of it every time.

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Automatic_Fun_8958@reddit

I only run if I’m being chased. Excercise? Oh, i thought you said extra fries.

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TakeMeToThePielot@reddit

I am 50 I started on my own inclined treadmill a year ago. I go 20 minutes a day 5x a week. I’ve lost 20 pounds and it has had a lot of benefits. I set up a YouTube playlist of things I want to catch up on totaling 20 minutes and then I go. I never enjoy it, it’s always tough, in never motivated but it seems like a fair trade for getting to live longer and healthier. I wish I enjoyed it. I wish it wasn’t a struggle but it is. That being said I think it’s worth it or I wouldn’t waste my time and energy. Good luck to you and I hope you get healthier and happier as a result!

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wjbc@reddit

Make short term goals. If you can keep it up for 90 days it can be a lifelong habit like brushing your teeth or showering.

Take a swimming class for adults or hire a personal instructor. Even good swimmers can get better. And as you get better at swimming, you'll have a sense of accomplishment. Plus, signing up for classes will motivate you to practice what you learn.

Reward yourself with a massage if you can keep swimming regularly for a month.

Maybe your spouse can take the class as well. That may lower the cost and increase the pleasure.

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johnnycatsmom@reddit

Yes.

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stephenforbes@reddit

I hit the my inclined treadmil 10 minutes a day and do stretches and lift weights for another 10 minutes everyday. I also walk my dog.