What did you change as you hit middle age?
Discussion
So very soon I'll be hitting the big 4-0 and its certainly got me thinking, my overall health is poorer than I would like for this time of life. Some people tell me that this is what to expect and get used to it, but surely I should probably feel better than I do most of the time. Specifically, I have quite fragile guts (a problem I've had on and off since teenage years), my energy and motivation could be better and overall I never feel energised or otherwise any better than 'meh'.
Overall, at this point in time, I'd say my diet is quite good, I walk a lot and lift weights a couple of times a week, and generally I get enough sleep (7.5-8 hrs). However, I think my fitness could be better, and I know I need to cut down on the alcohol which I've started doing now. I'm not fat but I could lose a couple of stone probably (which would probably see me almost ripped).
It's got me wondering, did you change anything when you hit middle age to improve your health, and how did it go?
Overall, at this point in time, I'd say my diet is quite good, I walk a lot and lift weights a couple of times a week, and generally I get enough sleep (7.5-8 hrs). However, I think my fitness could be better, and I know I need to cut down on the alcohol which I've started doing now. I'm not fat but I could lose a couple of stone probably (which would probably see me almost ripped).
It's got me wondering, did you change anything when you hit middle age to improve your health, and how did it go?
Edited by TameRacingDriver on Friday 5th April 10:21
I did stuff similar to you, tried to do more exercise etc. then developed psoriatic arthritis which crippled me and put me on crutches! Fortunately the medication I take has got me back to around 90% mobility but it made me more aware than ever how important exercise and especially diet is. I gym 3-4 times a week including the occasional personal training session plus play 5 a side football once a week. I eat a lot more fish and get my fibre intake etc. But definitely never take for granted being able to move without pain, the longer you can stave it off with healthy living the better because I can say from experience it is horrendous!
I also bought a succession of impractical fast cars
I also bought a succession of impractical fast cars
I was a social smoker and drank far too much, did no exercise and was 25kgs overweight. Between my wife and I we drank 10 bottles of wine odd a week plus pub visits.
Turning 40 coincided with my daughter being born so changed everything as it felt right. Not one ciggie more, no drinking at home or really at all apart from customer entertaining which can`t be helped. Found cycling again after a 25 year hiatus! Lift weights 1-2 times per week. Cut RIGHT back to almost zero intake on pork and red meat. Sounds very parsimonious but somehow doesn`t feel it.
Basically alcohol is a poison and once you realise that, all the work you put into getting fit, healthy and strong, you don`t want to take steps backwards by over doing it. Thaaaaaat being said when I find myself in Pattaya with work I go mad occasionally because I`m not a priest.
Turning 40 coincided with my daughter being born so changed everything as it felt right. Not one ciggie more, no drinking at home or really at all apart from customer entertaining which can`t be helped. Found cycling again after a 25 year hiatus! Lift weights 1-2 times per week. Cut RIGHT back to almost zero intake on pork and red meat. Sounds very parsimonious but somehow doesn`t feel it.
Basically alcohol is a poison and once you realise that, all the work you put into getting fit, healthy and strong, you don`t want to take steps backwards by over doing it. Thaaaaaat being said when I find myself in Pattaya with work I go mad occasionally because I`m not a priest.
I did nothing different, though at the time, my job was such that half the day was spent "on my feet" so releatively active.
2 years ago, i pretty much became desk bound. Thats definitely had a negative effect. Though i cant say ive done much about it.
But i know i should.
I too bought some fast/interesting cars
2 years ago, i pretty much became desk bound. Thats definitely had a negative effect. Though i cant say ive done much about it.
But i know i should.
I too bought some fast/interesting cars
The booze does seem to be a common theme. I've been a daily drinker for years, already gave up red wine last year and switched to beer in an effort to reduce units, which it has, considerably, but i still feel like its causing me problems - gut problems, and depression, so I'll be knocking that on the head and just drinking when i go out, just wish I hadn't discovered craft beer as it tastes so damn good (any suggestions welcomed).
I am certainly not as consistent as I would like to be with the weights, I aim for twice a week but in reality its more like 1.5x a week as I'm often feeling a bit too crap to be bothered, but i must make more effort. Also the walking is good but I dont get enough vigorous cardio. I've switched my routine to lighter weight sets and much short rests to try and counter this for now, but I want a bike or exercise bike to try and get more cardio in.
Thanks for the replies so far, very interesting.
I am certainly not as consistent as I would like to be with the weights, I aim for twice a week but in reality its more like 1.5x a week as I'm often feeling a bit too crap to be bothered, but i must make more effort. Also the walking is good but I dont get enough vigorous cardio. I've switched my routine to lighter weight sets and much short rests to try and counter this for now, but I want a bike or exercise bike to try and get more cardio in.
Thanks for the replies so far, very interesting.
I certainly felt I was in the heart attack bracket (40-54) when I hit 40.
I got into mountain biking and now running, lost 3 stone and now 5 years on I ride twice a week and run a couple of times too. Park runs, mtb events and riding abroad on holiday are now a big part of my life.
Simple motto got me through - eat less,drink less, ride more - simple buts it’s worked.
I got into mountain biking and now running, lost 3 stone and now 5 years on I ride twice a week and run a couple of times too. Park runs, mtb events and riding abroad on holiday are now a big part of my life.
Simple motto got me through - eat less,drink less, ride more - simple buts it’s worked.
Interesting thread. I'm 47 next week and have managed to go to the gym at least 3/4 times a week to do weights since the new year. I have been to the gym prior to that but only ever lasted a few weeks. I am starting to see the difference in my physique and strength.
I try and log my food in MFP every day and keep to my calorie and macro allowances. I have found it quite interesting learning about nutrition and exercise.
I try and log my food in MFP every day and keep to my calorie and macro allowances. I have found it quite interesting learning about nutrition and exercise.
Now 42. Started running, can do 10k now. Resting heartrate is 56bpm, normal blood presure.
Just cant get and lighter/thinner. Its like my body has said it doesnt matter how fit I get, I will always be this weight. 102kg, so not happh about my bodies decision but not overly worried either.
Its the lack of real friendhsips thats noticeablde. I have lots of poeple I talk to, but nobody I can share **anything** with anymore
Just cant get and lighter/thinner. Its like my body has said it doesnt matter how fit I get, I will always be this weight. 102kg, so not happh about my bodies decision but not overly worried either.
Its the lack of real friendhsips thats noticeablde. I have lots of poeple I talk to, but nobody I can share **anything** with anymore
Being realistic about what you're like is important.
I'm probably at the upper end of a healthy BMI but am pretty active. If I lost a couple of stone I'd look like I was dying.
TameRacingDriver said:
I'm not fat but I could lose a couple of stone probably (which would probably see me almost ripped).
If you could lose a couple of stone, I'd say you were fat. Soz. I'm probably at the upper end of a healthy BMI but am pretty active. If I lost a couple of stone I'd look like I was dying.
Will be 43 in November and know the 'Meh' feeling.
Pulled out the 2013 Tough Mudder t-shirt recently and reminded me that peak fitness was around 36-38 years old.
Since ticking over to 40 injuries have been more frequent, ability to exercise has declined, and generally feeling great is a rarer thing. Certainly spent most of this year so far feeling flat with a kind of lurgie feeling hanging around that doesn't seem to want to leave.
I'm very aware there are people I exercise with 10 plus years older doing better, so I too need to ask and force myself "what am I going to do about it". I know how overing boozing makes me feel, so that's an easy one. Will be keeping an eye on this thread for inspiration.
Pulled out the 2013 Tough Mudder t-shirt recently and reminded me that peak fitness was around 36-38 years old.
Since ticking over to 40 injuries have been more frequent, ability to exercise has declined, and generally feeling great is a rarer thing. Certainly spent most of this year so far feeling flat with a kind of lurgie feeling hanging around that doesn't seem to want to leave.
I'm very aware there are people I exercise with 10 plus years older doing better, so I too need to ask and force myself "what am I going to do about it". I know how overing boozing makes me feel, so that's an easy one. Will be keeping an eye on this thread for inspiration.
TameRacingDriver said:
Specifically, I have quite fragile guts (a problem I've had on and off since teenage years), my energy and motivation could be better and overall I never feel energised or otherwise any better than 'meh'.
I found giving up dairy helped hugely for me. I used to drink pints and pints of milk daily, then started getting all the symptoms you describe in my late 30s. Gave up milk - still eat cheese, huge improvement. After a brief period of minor taste adjustment, almond milk works in everything except tea.Martin.
mcelliott said:
Nothing really, if anything I upped the ante, no reason not to reach even higher levels of fitness in your forties
Well said - I'll be 40 towards the end of this year which means that next year I'll be in the SEN40 category for fell racing. If it isn't my best season yet I'll be disappointed, and I haven't exactly done badly in previous years. Like others I have cut down on the booze in recent years though - not so much out of health concerns but just because most of the time - especially in the week - it just seemed pointless.Edited by mcelliott on Friday 5th April 10:49
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