If I haven’t worked out in years, is there any benefit to starting an exercise program now?
Absolutely yes. Whether you haven’t exerted yourself in quite a while, or never exercised, working out will make a huge difference.
In a paper published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers studied 3454 people, average age 64, who were either inactive, moderately active (at least one moderate physical activity a week), or vigorously active (at least one vigorous activity a week). Those who became physically active, compared to those who remained inactive, were more than three times as likely to be “healthy agers.” Healthy aging was defined as (1) being free from major chronic disease; (2) having no major impairment of cognitive function; (3) having no major limitation of physical functions and (4) and having good mental health. One scientist said, “This research shows us that even if you don’t become active until later in life, your health will still benefit.” So don’t think it’s too late. You can reap huge benefits from exercise, no matter when you start.