Am I too old to go to the gym?

I’ve heard this question a lot in my years as a PT; older clients unsure whether they are physically or mentally too old to start going to the gym.

The fear of embarrassment takes over. Not knowing what to actually do in the gym, technophobes worrying about how to turn the screen on, how the machine works, how to get on, and more importantly how to get off?! Regardless of age, we’ve all been there.

Fear and embarrassment aside, physical exercise is extremely important for us, whatever age we are. The Department of Health recommends that older adults in particular, should be active daily, aiming to complete at least 2 and a half hours of moderate intensity activity per week.

Benefits of exercise

I’m not suggesting you have to run a marathon, but as long as you’re active, you’ll be helping to improve your health physically and mentally. Some of the key things your health will benefit from:

Reduce the risk of heart failure and some cancers

Lower cholesterol

Prevent muscle loss

Improve physical function

Prevent and treats type 2 diabetes

Joining the gym can also help benefit those who already suffer from medical conditions. For example, physical activity is the best non-drug treatment for improving pain and function of individuals who have osteoarthritis. There are three types of recommended exercise to help maintain and improve the ability to move and function; flexibility, endurance and aerobic and strengthening exercises.

We’ve recently added a new piece of equipment to Peake Fitness called the SKILLMILL; this is designed to improve power, speed, stamina and agility for levels of fitness and skill. This particular piece of equipment can do all three of the recommended types of exercise for those suffering from osteoarthritis, in one machine.

So, if you’re of the slightly older generation and looking to join a gym and improve your physical and mental well-being, then give us a shout. At Peake Fitness, we encourage people of all shapes, sizes and ages to get in the gym and get active, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. It’s never too late to start.