Nearly 40 and my body is falling apart - what to do??? - Page 3

Unless he has a penis.

So many people find reasons not to lift weights-most of them flawed. Weight lifting is resistance (as are push ups and pull ups) and  burns calories and body fat, increases metabolism, increases testosterone levels, circulation, bone density, etc. A well-rounded fitness regimen should include weights.  There is a different regimen for weight lifting for tone, strength and endurance from that of body-building- even some male ballet dancers lift weights. No one regimen is superior to the other. Body builders have discovered yoga for recovery and flexibility. One of the arguments against weight lifting for certain athletes is that it adds weight-a negative for runners, bikers,etc. but a free-weight regimen designed for strength and tone and  fast-twitch fibers (sprinting, racquet sports) should not be discounted.

Many supposed age-related maladies ( usually a result of loss of muscle tone and actual loss of muscle mass) can be avoided if a balanced aerobic/resistance regimen is maintained. Use it or lose.( including the penis)

 

 

I think the issue is finding weight bearing exercises that won't put too much stress on the OP's joints, which have been damaged through contact sports.

Yes. OP should avoid any weight that causes joint pain. Presses, arm curls and other upper body can be done sitting to not affect the hips and knees, Bench press is an obvious choice. Pull ups with a weighted belt, etc. If joint damage and resulting pain is chronic, he should consult with an orthopedist or sports medicine MD before any excercise program. Note as well that stretching could tear inflamed tendons, ligaments, etc. Bicycle/rowing would be a good choice, but I would seek a medical professional, at least a certified trainer.
 

 

Can't really bench press effectively without straining the lower back.

Try figuring out exactly what your problems are and why you are having pain. Get to the root of the problem.

Rhetorically ask, can I successfully judge good advice from bad from a clothes forum of armchair exercise enthusiasts (no hate, I'm here too! ) without any of them ever physically seeing you?.. Probably not.

Then ask, do I have the expertise to self-diagnose myself compared those individuals who spend years formally study these topics?.. Again, probably not.
Same reason you wouldn't probably hire the stay-at-home mom neighbor to file your complex taxes.

My point being, while some good advice can be found on the internet, how good do you trust your own ability to cut through all the bull and get real help (if it's possible for your conditions)? See people who know their shit and are capable of physically examining your problem. Feeling better physically can drastically change how you go about other parts of your live and even mood.

Weak body, weak mind, weak spirit has a little truth in it. IMO

Try seeing a physician, look for a sports medicine orthopod MD/DO or physical medicine (physiatrist) MD/DO. Find out what's going on and how best to fix it. I would recommend looking into a non-surgical MD (PM&R) first if you can, as they will be less biased to push surgery and may show other solutions to alleviate pain and bring back physical function. They of course can recommend surgery consult if they feel you require it to improve as well.

Another practitioner definitely worth seeing is a good orthopedic specialized physical therapist (physiotherapist). Physician will do things with pain/loss of function the PT (not personal trainer) does not, but the PT will do things the physician will not . A good ones should be able to hone in on cause while working with input and of the physician. They should help in creating long-term plan to get you to much improved function.

Remember if you're not getting anything after a few visits, consider someone who is more highly recommended and see them instead.

Lastly, you're not that 'old'.... You probably have a ways of improvement to go. Regain control of your physical health while your young before it really goes on ya when you're truly 'old'!

Im scarred of getting old