Can you get fit after 40?

C1 is clearly pretty fit already, so this isn't applicable wto him, but for sedentary folk who want to start taking exercise, or shift some extra holiday-pounds, you might like to have a look at C25K - which standards for "Couch to 5K". Its a "course" that takes 9 weeks and gets you from nothing to being able to run 5K (3 miles in old money) in 30 minutes. The bit that I think stands it in good stead is that you start off walking for a bit, running for maybe a minute, and walking some more. It takes about 30 minutes, and you do it 3 times a week (a rest day in between, so to speak).

The NHS website has [free] MP3 audio podcast files which tell you what to do as you go along ... so just download, plug in your earphones, set off, and do what the lady tells you!

I'd better look up the link now ... hang on ...

http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/c25K/Pages/couch-to-5k.aspx

 

It's the equivalent of walking 5 miles per day!!!

 

It's my intention to go camping in the Lake District next month, setting off early and visiting Bow Fell in the afternoon, Scafell Pike the following day, and somewhere else the following morning. I'm not going to ask my doctor/practice nurse for permission.

 

Or, there is the 12 week plan which incorporates a strength and flex element too. So, one day C25K, next day S&F, then C25K and so on .....

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/12-week-fitness-plan.aspx

 

Camping.....in February??

 

It's nice and quite then with little risk of sunburn on the fells.

 

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/loseweight/Pages/10000stepschallenge.aspx

 

It's still 5 miles per day though

 

... and 400 calories burnt - that's a large chocolate pudding in my book

 

Blur!!!
If that's what you put in your books, Kristen, don't ever donate them to my charity shop

 

5 miles a day is nowt. I do that most days and more than that on some days. In fact today, while weak from hangover, I did about 5 miles just to clear my head a bit. I walked down to the beach (1 mile from home), then a mile or 2 over the dunes, which is harder than just walking because you're climbing and the sand slides away underfoot as you do, so progress is impeded somewhat. Then of course, about turn and walk home the same route. I wouldn't really think of that as exercise though because I think everyone should be able to do that unless they are either very old or have some physical injury.

When I talk of getting fit, I mean fitter than the baseline/bare minimum I.e. that walk I did today, I'd like to be able to run it. I could've at one time. Can't now.

 

Then you are "officially" fit! Congratulations

 

Best of luck with it and may your fells never be sunburnt!

 

My doctor once told me that when you dig your garden or allotment that is the best exercise that you can get as you use every muscle in your body. so I like to dig for 1/2 hour then see if anyone has got the kettle on,no more digging for 1 hour just sit talking sometimes the odd bottle might pop up as well.