17 Myths You Shouldn’t Believe About Fitness After 50

It's never too late to get in shape, even if you're over 50. Here's a look at myths you should never believe about fitness at mid-life.

Make exercise a priority in mid-life

Everyone should find a workout or active hobby they enjoy to reap the benefits of exercise. This is especially true for people over 50 who might not be moving as much as they have in the past. Don’t let the following myths prevent you from staying active and healthy.

Person stretching their leg
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Myth: I haven’t exercised my whole life—it’s too late to start

The one thing to remember is that you’re never too old to start exercising. “There is no expiration date on our body’s ability to benefit from physical activity,” says Alice Bell, PT, DPT, a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy, and American Physical Therapy Association spokeswoman. “Studies show that individuals who adopt an active lifestyle at any age can demonstrate improvements in strength, endurance, balance, and cognitive performance.” Plus, you might soon come to love fitness.

Man running
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Myth: I shouldn’t run anymore

A sedentary person shouldn’t attempt a marathon overnight—or even a 5K. But regular runners don’t have to stop just because they’re getting older. Running is fantastic for cardiovascular health and mental clarity. “People say that running is too hard on your joints and should be avoided, particularly as you age, however, there are many people who run well into their older age and continue to see benefit without issues,” says Chad McCann, DPT, CSCS. “While the choice to run should be individual, there is little indication that running leads to arthritis or joint damage. Some people can continue to run successfully as they age, although their distances and intensity may change to promote health.” Wearing the right shoes is key to preventing injury—here’s how to choose the perfect pair.

Person tying sneakers
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Myth: Walking is enough

Walking is great, but your body needs more. “The greatest long-term benefits of exercise stem from working your body into overload, meaning pushing strength, flexibility, and cardio conditioning to force your body to adapt to more stressful requirements,” explains McCann. “While there is research connecting some walking to basic heart health, walking alone does not stress your heart enough to create true cardiovascular improvement.” Try building in some intervals—short bursts of fast walking or jogging—into your walks, and make time for strength training as well, he says. If you’re not a fan of running, try these 10 calorie-busting exercises instead.

Photo of dumbbells which lying on the floor in gym
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Myth: Lifting weights is bad for my joints

You don’t need to stick to two-pound weights just because you’re 50, 60, or even 70. It’s all about knowing your body and proper form. “Weight-lifting can be a very daunting form of exercise—some people are concerned that it will actually produce more harm than good. However, lifting with good form and appropriate weights has been proven to be safe and effective for strength development for all ages,” says McCann. “In addition, weight-lifting is critical for long-term bone health and general strength can be a good indicator of long-term independence. There is little evidence that weight-lifting leads to arthritis or other joint issues.” Take a look at the 8 health problems that benefit from strength training.

Couple pushing bicycles
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Myth: You can’t fix poor balance

“Balance is just like all other forms of fitness—the more you work on it, the better it gets,” says McCann. More to the point, being steady on your feet will help you avoid falls and stay healthy: “It’s another solid predictor of lifelong independence and shouldn’t be ignored in any fitness regimen.” (Here are some ways you can work on balance at home.)

Woman rolling her green mat after a yoga class
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Myth: I’m inflexible, and I have to accept that

Many people say they’re inflexible, but what they really mean is that their body is tight. Although genetics play a role in how well your body can bend and stretch, you can improve on what you’ve inherited by adding regular stretching or yoga to your routine. Need more convincing? Here’s are some more compelling reasons for stretching at least once a day.

Man wrapping hand in gauze
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Myth: I’m injured—I should wait to start working out

Doctors encourage people with hip or knee replacements to start moving as soon as possible; the reason is that keeping circulation strong and active can help speed healing. So if you have an injury, talk to your doctor or work with a trained professional to get back on your feet. “There is plenty of research that indicates a substantial pain benefit from starting a basic exercise program,” says McCann. “Improving strength and flexibility helps reduce joint irritability and improve joint lubrication.” He points to research demonstrating that exercise can reduce the psychological and emotional stress that can exacerbate pain.

stethoscope on the ECG. Symbolic close-up photo
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Myth: Always see a doctor before you start an exercise program

According to Dustin Jones, PT, DPT, creator of the Senior Rehab Project, generally healthy people don’t need to consult with a doctor. “The American College of Sports Medicine has loosened its recommendations in order to get people moving! You should see a doctor before you start a program if you have any current symptoms or a history of cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal disease. Otherwise, just consider your current activity levels and gradually progress from there,” says Jones. Learn what can cause exercise-related chest pain (besides a heart attack).

Closeup image of a kettle ball in fitness gym
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Myth: High-intensity interval training is dangerous

Time and time again, research has demonstrated that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is one of the most effective ways to get in shape. If you’re uncertain about this technique, sign up with a fitness professional to ensure success, Jones says, but remember that it’s a form of training that can be effective for people of all ages. “HIIT has even shown to be helpful for people that have heart disease and diabetes.” (Here’s why HIIT is the best anti-aging workout.)

Couple doing squats and exercise outside
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Myth: Squats will wreck my knees

There’s a reason so many trainers say their favorite exercise is a squat. “Properly performed squats will not result in knee pain or injury—they’re one of the staples of a well-rounded exercise program that can help you get a stronger lower body,” says Christina Prevett, MScPT, CSCS, PhD(c), and owner of Stave Off, a fitness facility. (Check out these easy exercises seniors can do at home.)

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Myth: I can’t exercise, I have “bone on bone” arthritis.

“We need to think of arthritis like gray hair—it’s a part of the aging process,” says Prevett. “That said, studies looking at people with no pain in their knees have found signs of ‘bone on bone’ arthritis. Many people with signs of arthritis on an X-ray report no pain in their knees. So you can exercise, even if you have arthritis. It will not accelerate the development of arthritis, especially if you exercise under the guidance of a well-trained healthcare provider or fitness professional.” It’s also worth mentioning that keeping your weight in check is one of the ways to ease arthritis symptoms.

Man in gym working out on gymnastic rings
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Myth: Strength training will make me bulky and immobile

This is something women in particular worry about—but they shouldn’t, especially since strength training is key for health and weight loss. “It’s critical not to confuse strength training with bodybuilding,” says Jonathan Sullivan, MD, PhD, and owner of Greysteel Strength & Conditioning. “Bodybuilding is a sport focused on producing an extreme hyper-muscular physique for competitive or aesthetic purposes. Strength training is directed at the cultivation of strength, fitness, and health.” For the vast majority of women, even heavy-lifting will only tone their bodies.

And they desperately need to lift: “Women lose muscle, bone, and strength faster than men, making weight training a critical part of any woman’s fitness program. Women can and should engage in training, including strength training, with the same exercises and programs that benefit men,” explains Dr. Sullivan. Check out this 15-minute strength-training routine that will work your entire body.

Black and red punching bag.
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Myth: I can’t get stronger

Not only can you maintain strength at 50-plus, but you can also be stronger than your younger self. “Too many people change their workout routine with age to include low resistance exercise under the guise that they can’t improve anyway,” says McCann. “While it might take more time, your muscles will still adapt under strength work loading to improve in strength.” The key to this, along with a healthy diet, is regular exercise.

Patient at the physiotherapy doing physical exercises with his therapist
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Myth: As I get older, I should avoid pain when exercising

“It may be true that there are certain types of pain you should avoid with exercise,” says Paul Gardner, PT, GCS, and administrator of community rehab for Hillcrest Rehab Services. Chest pain is an obvious one, for example. “However, to achieve gains in strength and endurance, your muscles must be overloaded,” he says. “A byproduct of overloading muscles at any age is muscle soreness and sometimes mild joint aches and discomfort.” And that’s a healthy type of pain.

Man exercising push ups listening to music with headphones. Male model cross-training in urban background. African guy in his twenties doing workout outdoors in the street.
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Myth: I’m skipping exercise because I want to keep my mind fit

Physical exercise has benefits that go far beyond your muscles, lungs, and heart. Plus: There’s a reason people say, healthy body, healthy mind. “Working out has significant positive effects on the brain too,” says Bell. “There’s growing evidence that being physically active benefits brain health and can help slow the decline in brain function that comes with age.”

Couple is doing fitness training at home. Doing yoga together. Healthy lifestyle concept.
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Myth: Exercise is too risky—I might fall

There’s always anxiety over trying something new but don’t let fear stop you. “A physical therapist can develop a balance-and-exercise program tailored to your individual goals and abilities, and gradually build your confidence, along with your balance, strength, and endurance,” says Greg Hartley, PT, DPT, a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy, and President of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy. “These improvements go a long way towards decreasing your falls risk.”

Fit senior man in gym working his abs, doing crunches.
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Myth: Because of my chronic health problems, I should skip exercise

Actually, staying active is a great way to improve many chronic health issues: “Research demonstrates that exercise can improve symptoms of virtually all chronic health conditions, from diabetes to heart disease to arthritis,” says Hartley. “Exercise might even reduce the need for some medications. If you have a chronic health condition, consult with a physician or physical therapist prior to beginning a new exercise program. After making a diagnosis, physical therapists create personalized treatment plans that help their patients improve mobility, manage pain and other chronic conditions, recover from injury, and prevent future injury and chronic disease.” Next, check out the reasons why working out in the morning makes your entire day better.

Sources

Sharon Feiereisen
Sharon Feiereisen is a freelance lifestyle writer based in New York City and Tel Aviv. Her work has been published in Time Out, Newsday, The Knot, Teen Vogue, Hamptons magazine, and Business Insider, and among many other print and online outlets.