Working out and aging limbs

[mrsukyankee]

As someone who always played sports (at a high-ish level), I'm finding my aging body to be annoying. I have gotten a lot of injuries over the years, from ACL tear (and reconstruction) to multiple broken bones and sprains. These are now coming back to bite me in the ass. My knee definitely has some arthritis and I injured it a bit more while playing sport in my late 40s/early 50s). My wrist/palm area that I broke when I was 12 and have injured a few more times is now giving me issues. Etc, etc. And on top of that, I developed some issues after Covid (not sure if I truly have long Covid or if it's that my heart/lungs developed some issues) which means that I get fatigued more easily.  Along with peri, my body doesn't feel like me - I'm far bigger, have fat in places I never have before and I get winded going up two flights of stairs. Ugh.

I am now trying to get back in shape. So, I'm going to put this out here in this safer space - I am starting to lift at a very low level. I'm trying to walk more. I don't want to end up with fatigue, which knocks me out for days, so I'm hoping to slowly build. I'm finding it annoying and frustrating that I have to do this as it used to be so easy. 

Anyway - anyone else with me on dealing with the body not being the way it used to? I don't care as much about my looks as my ability to do some of the things I loved. (I wouldn't mind losing some of my belly though - I can't wear a lot of clothing that I used to and that stinks - always had a bit of belly but not this much!). 

I'll be posting on here regularly to try to keep myself going as frustration tends to shut me down.

[artichokie]

Try pilates.  There's a husband/wife team of physical therapists and personal trainers on fitnessblender.com.  You can find your level, duration of time.

Do you walk?  I'd start walking, then gradually increase the pace. 

I alternate between pilates, power walking and Caroline Girvan strength-training Fuel and Iron series. 

[laterz]

:: raises hand ::

I just turned 49. I've been running for 2 years now, which is amazing - but in the last year i've noticed my mobility change. I feel less... fluid? Once i finish this training cycle (trying to run a half in Sept), I am going to start focusing more on strength and mobility. I need to get that habit built in.

And I would also like some of my belly fat to go away. It certainly wouldn't hurt things for me to lose about 25lbs. I gained weight when I started Lexapro - but my brain is SOOOOO much better on it.