You might have heard of this saying: When is the best time to plant a tree, 20 years ago, when is the next best time …. Now! This also applies very well to exercise, in any form. I’ve heard many people say they wish they had carried on exercising past their youth, the unsaid message is that they think it is too late to start now. This is not true though.
Research is very clear, the human body remains adaptable well into old age. People in their 60s, 70s and even 80s can build strength, improve fitness, increase bone density and move better than they have in years. In fact, some of the most dramatic improvements in health often come from people who start later, because they have so much to gain, and I have seen this with my clients.
Part of the problem is how we think of exercise. Often we think of gruelling gym sessions, long runs, or being shouted at by a personal trainer (definitely not my style!). The reality though is that starting small is not only acceptable, but the best approach. Walking regularly, learning to lift light weights, swimming, cycling, or doing simple balance exercises can transform how you feel and function. And you can do this from your own home or a private gym.
Another barrier is fear, fear of injury, embarrassment, or simply not knowing where to begin. But doing nothing is the bigger risk. Loss of muscle, weaker bones, reduced balance and mobility don’t happen because people are ageing; they happen because you stop challenging your body. This gradual decline can be slowed, stopped, and reversed with the right guidance.
I’ve worked with clients who began strength training in their 70s and 80s and were pleased by how quickly they saw changes. Everyday activities that they were struggling with became easier.
There’s also another benefit that happens when you start later in life. Your confidence grows, your mood improves. There’s a sense of control that returns, the feeling that ageing is something you can influence, not just endure.
The idea that you should have started earlier may be true, but it’s also irrelevant. The only thing that matters is what you do next. You don’t need to chase personal bests or compete with anyone else. You just need to start from where you are.
So if you’ve ever thought you’re too old to begin, remember this: the best time to start may have been years ago, but the second-best time is today. Plant your fitness tree today!