Age is just a number, but when it comes to exercise, too many of us over 55s seem to take that number a bit too seriously, thinking it’s a sign to slow down. Not so, says Stephen Macconville, Nuffield Health’s Fitness Lead, who is passionately debunking myths and soothing fears about fitness in our golden years.
From a revealing survey conducted by Nuffield Health, which took the pulse of 2,000 Brits aged 55 and up, we learn that a worrying 10% shy away from the gym, haunted by the fear of injury. This figure is just the tip of the iceberg.
Nearly half of this demographic underestimates the power of a good workout, not realising how crucial it is for maintaining not just the body, but also the mind as we age.
“Let’s clear the air,” Stephen urges. “Skipping exercise isn’t doing your body any favors, especially not as you get older.”
He’s keen to point out that while 52% of seniors recognise the importance of keeping active to maintain bone density, an almost equal portion doesn’t see exercise as necessary.
This, according to Stephen, is a big miss, given that staying active can slash the risk of falls—a major hazard for older adults—by a whopping 76%.
Stephen is particularly vocal about the benefits of resistance training, a topic surrounded by misconceptions.
“It’s disheartening to see that 19% of our seniors mistakenly believe they should avoid lifting weights or doing resistance work as they grow older.
The reality? These activities are key to preserving muscle mass and preventing osteoporosis.”
The confusion doesn’t stop at weights. The survey also uncovered that joint pain is a big red flag for many, with a significant chunk of older adults unsure about which exercises are safe for them, and one in four completely avoiding resistance exercises due to joint issues.
“This is where guidance comes into play,” explains Stephen. “Working with a trainer to tailor your workout can help manage, and even alleviate, joint pain rather than exacerbate it.”
For those who feel intimidated by the gym environment—perhaps put off by past injuries or the bustling gym culture—Stephen emphasises the supportive resources available at Nuffield Health.
“We’re here to help everyone, regardless of age, get past those mental and physical roadblocks. Our Health MOTs and personalised training sessions are designed to give you the confidence to work out safely and effectively.”
To make it easier to take that first step, Nuffield Health offers a 1-day trial voucher at their clubs across the UK, complete with a free, comprehensive Health MOT every three months for members.
For those who have experienced joint pain, you can find a clinically devised workout plan here: https://www.nuffieldhealth.com
“We want you to feel at home in our gyms,” Stephen adds, “and to see firsthand how much good a well-rounded fitness regimen can do for you at any age.”
Stephen’s message is clear: It’s never too late to embrace fitness, and at Nuffield Health, they’re ready to help you overcome those barriers and get moving towards a healthier, more vibrant life.
The survey was carried out on behalf of Nuffield Health by OnePoll. 2,000 Brits aged 55+ were surveyed online between 6th December and 12th December 2018.