Too old for weights?

[bosshog]

Right I turned 40 this year, and its been proper sh*t year all said and done. I've had 2 shoulder injuries (strains, leading into bursitus), hip bursitus, and a torn right knee over 10 month period. I'm still not over the knee, but its getting better - about another 4 months and I think I can be active again :-/

Anyhow I've always been an active persion, doing plenty of running, cycling, motocross, etc and eat well, and have a good BMI (15%). However I push a mouse around for my day job, and I'm basically a skinny git these days. I was not like this in my youth (grew up working on a farm).

I'm (when my knee and shouler settles down) going to start a core strengthing regime to do pretty much for the rest of my life, as pretty much most of these injuries (aside from the knee) has come from not having decent core strength. So thats that sorted long term I hope.

However the older I get the more into fitness I seem to get, so I've been motivated for quite a while now to get into doing some weights and putting on some muscle, but more importantly strength.

Anyone started at this age? I'm a bit wary as my injuries this year have basically come from over doing it, and I'm thinking I could actually end up worse off in terms of injuries as the older (we) I get the thinner those tendons get and they are f**kers when they go.

[RichS]

Well I started weight training last year and I was 37, so I'd say definitely not too old. I did it because there's a history of heart problems in my family and I needed to lose weight, get fit and do my best to not fall victim. Tends to help focus the mind a tad. Anyway, I saw a personal trainer about once a week who really helped build my confidence and show me the ropes. I'd not done anything exercise-wise for about 10 years but found big improvements very quickly. I don't think you'll be in danger of injury if you take it easy and keep it all controlled, it's when you start acting like an idiot you seem to hurt something, in my limited experience.

Now still going to the gym once or twice a week but started cycling 12k to work every day as well. Ran a 10k race last month and another this, never felt fitter!

A lot of it is what you stick in your gob, too- I'm no saint but living with a vegetarian helps...

[bosshog]

RichS said:

Well I started weight training last year and I was 37, so I'd say definitely not too old. I did it because there's a history of heart problems in my family and I needed to lose weight, get fit and do my best to not fall victim. Tends to help focus the mind a tad. Anyway, I saw a personal trainer about once a week who really helped build my confidence and show me the ropes. I'd not done anything exercise-wise for about 10 years but found big improvements very quickly. I don't think you'll be in danger of injury if you take it easy and keep it all controlled, it's when you start acting like an idiot you seem to hurt something, in my limited experience.

Now still going to the gym once or twice a week but started cycling 12k to work every day as well. Ran a 10k race last month and another this, never felt fitter!

A lot of it is what you stick in your gob, too- I'm no saint but living with a vegetarian helps...

Yeah thanks Rich, however at 37 I was invincible , but I really noticed a change in the last 18 months with my body. It could just well be me, but was wonder if anyone over say 42 start for the first time?