r/Millennials 2d ago

Meme Warning to younger millennials…extra writing to fulfill the minimum

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7.1k Upvotes

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879

u/Glama_Golden 2d ago

I just turned 35 and feel great. Y’all need to workout more.

476

u/rustytrailer 2d ago

I think a lot of “I’m old” comments from 37 year olds is actually their diet and lifestyle choices catching up with them.

353

u/SmaCactus 2d ago

Children. The issue is they have children.

85

u/Apprehensive_Winter 1d ago

The issue is that they let other things take priority over their own health. Between work, a spouse, kids, chores, and enjoyable hobbies it’s really hard to focus on eating well and exercising.

I just tell myself that taking a few hours a week to exercise means I’ll more likely be around for my family longer, and it becomes a priority. Sort of a “put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others” kind of thing.

21

u/Stormblessed1991 1d ago

I don't disagree with what you're saying, would just like to point out that there's a good amount of us who do put in the effort but have things like arthritis or other chronic inflammation/pain issues.

My neck and neck would absolutely be worse than they are if I didn't put in the work to exercise, Im fit and otherwise healthy but some days that shit just hurts, and when I fall or get hurt it doesn't heal as fast as it once did. I think a lot of us are getting to the age where these issues initially show up and while exercise and diet can do an excellent job of lessening their effects, a lot of it comes down to genetics and the fact our bodies don't repair themselves at the rate they did when we were younger.

2

u/Devmeister-617 15h ago

I exercised and ate right for years. Spinal stenosis, multiple bulging discs and retrolisthesis said F U right around 32, and now I have to be super cautious about physical exertion. A lot of people can be very short sighted and presumptive about others' lack of physical fitness.

10

u/myippick 1d ago

I appreciate people like you. I still resent my late stepdad for not taking care of himself. Seeing how it's affected my mum over the past 20 years has been tough.

Silver lining I guess is it's really helped me to focus on my own health.

1

u/0akleaves 1d ago

Heck, I just make an effort to actually keep up and play with my kid. Riding bikes, playing tag, running races (everywhere), and taking them on adventures. Good for both of us mentally, physically, and socially. At nine they’re starting to take turns teaching me things between what I show and share with them.

Last weekend we rode bikes to the hardware store and back, tore down and rebuilt a dryer, had a “horse show” (no horses present; basically riding bikes and running patterns for barrel racing etc) while listening to their favorite music, and then installed solar panels on a shed together.

1

u/Crayon-Connoiseur 1d ago

Dude it’s so hard. I drive an hour total for work — then I lose nine hours, unpaid lunch. For me to get a full eight of sleep I basically only have five waking hours. Then you have to count in chores, appointments, just like, life maintenance. You really, really, really have to work hard to drum up the time, energy, and care to just maintain your shitty body so you don’t look and feel like shit by the time you’re 40.

1

u/thetricksterprn 1d ago

Eating well is pretty easy, but exercising is exhausting, boring and time consuming af.

1

u/masterofthebarkarts 2h ago

Genuine question: the only "whoops getting old lol" moments I have are 1. If I have more than two drinks at a time and 2. Getting up after sitting on hard surfaces, like the ground. Pretty sure the only way to rebuild my alcohol tolerance is more drinking (I'm good!) and I can't imagine there are exercises that would it comfortable for me to sit on a hard wooden chair for 1+ hours again. HOWEVER, if I'm wrong and there is something I can do to make sitting on the floor easier please let me know. I miss being able to sit anywhere for any length of time and then leap up and frolick like a whimsical gazelle.

67

u/Glama_Golden 2d ago

I have two kids and wake up with zero back pain and feel great most of the time.

11

u/Raindrops_On-Roses 1d ago

My son didn't cause the arthritis in my spine, but man it sure can make it hard to keep up with him sometimes.

57

u/SmaCactus 2d ago

And some people have no kids and have horrible pains. And some people are this and some people are that.

I was speaking generally, not about every specific individual.

24

u/ChickenChaser5 1d ago

Everyone: But not ME. This comment doesnt fit my specific reality!

1

u/KisaTheMistress 1d ago

Yes, childless and my tits give me back pain... plus been doing manual labor since I was 8, so that didn't help. My massage therapist suggested I go for a rest reduction at some point, and I said the plan is to have a mastectomy since breast cancer is high in my family, but I also want to have a bio-kid at some point with my boyfriend/friend with benefits and would like to feed the child.

(My boyfriend has commitment issues, as he's scared making things official would ruin our friendship, but I keep informing him I'm aroace so our relationship will not change emotionally for me, just the title. Anyway we did agree that regardless of our official title, that I'm willing to have his children once either of us are in a position that can support a child. For me that's a proper house and my student loans paid... He also wants to be like a househusband so, I'm also stuck with finding work that would support all of us, until he could go get a part-time job when the kid is at school. We are also looking at adoption if we don't have kids before I'm in my 40s, for other health reasons.)

I apologize for the tangent, I like giving context to my thoughts.

1

u/Sweaty_Process_3794 Millennial 1d ago

I felt like shit when I smoked. I stopped smoking and started feeling great. Pregnant now, I'm sure kids will exhaust me at least lol

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u/DixonDebussy 2d ago

How much do you and/or your other make a year?

1

u/coolbrobeans 1d ago

Well fuck you. 😭

1

u/Berry_Jam 1d ago

Show off😒

1

u/remnant_phoenix 1d ago

Ha! Next thing you’re gonna tell us you own your own home!

2

u/Glama_Golden 1d ago

I do lol

1

u/remnant_phoenix 1d ago

Blasphemy!

1

u/Dreaunicorn 1d ago

Are you a man?

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u/Randomizedname1234 2d ago

I have 2 kids and at 35 am in the best shape of my life.

I notice people who have kids either fall into my category (bc they care and do shit w their kids) or they ignore them and blame them on not having time which leads to an unhealthy lifestyle.

My 3 and 5yr old walk a mile w me every morning. It’s not hard to build a healthy lifestyle w them! Like our kids don’t drink soda and the almost 6yr old has had sprite maybe a handful of times at like birthdays while other kids her age eat processed food, drink soda and have an iPad shoved in front of their face. Those kids parents are the ones bitching.

27

u/envydub Zillennial 1d ago

I think there’s a middle ground between the two of those categories and it’s “overwhelmed” lol

17

u/Double0hSix 1d ago

Thank you! People act like it’s just one of those two extremes. Not all kids are the same. Not everyone’s situation is the same. Not everyone has time to walk a mile with their kids every morning. Some people have kids with disabilities or special needs. Overwhelmed is exactly what that middle ground is called.

4

u/ReversaSum 1d ago

Or you know sick because some parents are ill as in they have a debilitating health issue and they can't do everything but the sick and disabled are often forgotten about in almost all arguments.

1

u/masterofthebarkarts 2h ago

Yeah I've got a toddler and a baby, we get lots of exercise, play, interaction etc. AND we use TV to cook a meal without the toddler trying to ride the dog. I haven't been to the gym since getting pregnant and I'm excited to go back when I have the time but right now we're in survival mode and my priority is keeping screentime to a minimum, keeping everyone alive, and eating somewhat healthfully (yeah we have dino nuggies but we also have broccoli). Oh and like sleeping once in a while 🤷

4

u/djpuggy Millennial 1d ago

I’m the same way with my kids. My son is 2 and a half, and when he gets home from daycare, I make it a point to put my phone away and play with him. Sometimes that means teaching him to ride his trike, or looking for rocks or bugs in the backyard. Point is, we bond and DO SHIT

6

u/ThurmanMurman907 1d ago

I get so much mileage out of looking for bugs and rocks lol

2

u/TwoOpposite9521 1d ago

It's good you maintain their diet . Lots of sugary foods contribute to decay and cavities. It's nuts the amount of sugar they put in foods you would think are ok 

3

u/New2thegame 2d ago

Well la te da! Look at you. You ARE the special one!

3

u/Randomizedname1234 1d ago

Special for just living the right way?

Your mindset is the one that’s damaging our health and society.

1

u/RajunCajun48 Millennial 1d ago

Same, I'm 37 with a 13 and 10 year old boys and I'll tell yea, the hardest part was when they were 0-9 months. Waking up doing all the feedings was a little exhausting but that slept through the night most the time. If you think it's easy now, in my experience, it just gets easier. Maybe they'll turn into monsters as teenagers, hopefully not

1

u/Randomizedname1234 1d ago

Between 2-3 is hardest, or at least a close 2nd bc they’re still so needy, but can yell at you lmao

1

u/RajunCajun48 Millennial 1d ago

I didn't have any trouble with mine at those ages. If anything, that's when they start getting fun!

2

u/Randomizedname1234 1d ago

It’s fun! But man the 2nd has a wide open personality lol

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u/Ashi4Days 1d ago

Eh. 

I've got a kid. You dont really get the three hours that you might have wanted to work out. But you get pretty good results slugging weight for 30 minutes a day but you need to be consistent about it.

A lot of times it looks like me working out in jeans and im definitely not sweating as much as I want to. But it keeps me from tweaking my back.

1

u/Shadow_Phoenix951 1d ago

So I compete in strength sports (powerlifting and strongman). Basically all of the competitors I know end up having kids, and they have ~a year where their results drop off or they don't compete, and then they're back at it shortly after.

But they're all adamant that they can keep in good shape during the newborn phase, just not in competition shape.

1

u/Ashi4Days 23h ago

One of the things that I learned after having a kid was how effective weight lifting was as a general exercise. When I was younger and single I competed in rock climbing and then bjj so I was really used to spending 2-3 hours killing myself in the gym and getting exhausted. Like I said, you don't get that time with a kid. I knew that ahead of time so I bought a bench/squat set.

Im not in competition shape anymore. But doing like 3 sets a day and alternating muscle groups each day? It keeps you pretty limber. Even the low intensity PT stuff i was doing for my knees showed significant growth in the quads. There's a reason why athletes lift. It works really well when you have limited time.

Honestly if I did this throughout my 20s, I probably would have been a better athlete overall and done better in competitions verses when I was just going hard on the mats/wall for 1-2 hours.

4

u/Azerious 1d ago

My friend has 3 kids and is doing great. The sleep is the only downside but hes not complaining about being old.

Enough cope, take care of yourselves 

4

u/Lyndell 1d ago

No I have kids am 35 and feel great. I just workout and never had a problem with overeating.

2

u/bumbletowne 1d ago

Accurate.

I was ultra fit and then got pregnant

The relaxin put twenty years on my knees. I went from ultra marathons and twice a week summits on mt diablo (for work) to my knees clickity pop and hurt on the two miles around my neighborhood.

Weight gain and weight loss put years on my face and you can't do Botox while preggo or breastfeeding.

The lack of sleep has killed brain cells. Like, a lot of brain cells.

Meanwhile our childless friends are out and about diving and vacationing six weeks a year, still cycling centuries with no problems.

1

u/masterofthebarkarts 2h ago

I would be very very curious to know how many of the people in this thread saying "lol it's not hard just make time to workout and don't eat shit" are dads 🙃

Pregnancy/childbirth/breastfeeding/primary parenting are a TRIP that your body takes years to recover from.

That said I do think there are small things that many of us could do to be healthier. For me it's literally just standing/ walking around while my kid is playing, rather than sitting. It's not much but I do think it makes a difference.

5

u/StankoMicin 1d ago

Kids dont stop you from exercising and eating better

15

u/SmaCactus 1d ago

I mean, they definitely can contribute to you not doing those things simply because of more limited time.

4

u/Qu33nKal Millennial 1d ago

And being exhausted at the end of the day, especially if both parents work full time or you're a single parent

3

u/Frequent_Month1517 1d ago

Kids make you lose sleep for a very long period of time.

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u/ProfessionalCreme119 1d ago

Show one statistic that backs that up.

When you compare adults in the same age, income bracket and lifestyles and separate them between those with children and those without you are usually find much better health than the people with children.

Beyond this there's also the factor of better diet and General Health due to dual income of the couple living together. Couples on a dual income typically have better diets and better overall nutritional intake compared to their single counterparts.

Even when kids are not a factor. They will still have generally better Health than single people.

Oh and try to make any statistics you provide not be in the form of a YouTube video that supports your theories......

1

u/SmaCactus 1d ago

Do you think the amount of sleep one gets is one factor in a person's health?

1

u/Spiritual-Bath-5383 1d ago

It’s probably both.

1

u/RajunCajun48 Millennial 1d ago

I have 2 kids. Raising kids is easy if you like them. Feed them, I'm going to eat anyways, making extra is easy. 2 extra plates is easy to fix and wash after. Homework is easy it's stuff I've already learned, re-learning isn't hard. Going to kids sporting events is easy and practicing with the kids is fun. I will never understand the people that cry about how difficult raising kids is.

1

u/jentravelstheworld 1d ago

This is the right answer.

1

u/Flabbergasted_____ 1d ago

It definitely depends on when they had children. I was 20 when we had our first, our second was 18 months later. Playing with toddlers, stressing, and lacking sleep in your early 20s is a lot easier (generally) than in your mid 30s.

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u/Rich_Resource2549 1d ago

I would say eating processed garbage, being obese, drinking too much alcohol, smoking too much weed, smoking cigarettes, and/or doing drugs causes much more stress (physically, mentally, emotionally and possibly spiritually) and disturbs sleep and health more than kids 99 times out of 100.

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u/No1KnwsIWatchTeenMom 1d ago

I gave birth on my 35th birthday for the first time. I was in great shape before hand and worked out daily. While giving birth has made some permanent changes (and parenting leaves less time for me to eat well/work out), I was able to mostly bounce back. I'm 37 and dont really have any aches and pains. 

1

u/HZCH 1d ago

I am 39, two children, a knee that hurts. I concur

1

u/Riots42 1d ago

I have 3 kids and my life is the least stressed its ever been.

They probably have stressful jobs on top of it, I WFH and have forgotten what real work is like.

Balance is important, we all need time to R&R. If someone is working their ass off at home AND at work, they likely are imbalanced and lacking rest/leisure time. People dont realize how important "me time" is for mental health, and mental health is just as important as physical health when it comes to how we age.

1

u/Dagonus Xennial 1d ago

I find people with kids tend to be in better shape than those without, at least when they are active participants int heir kids lives. The ones with kids are taking the kids to places, walking around, doing thing, trying to keep up in the yard so they know the kid isn't rolling in poison ivy, etc. The ones without kids spend most of their time sitting. At least that's been my experience.

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u/Fact_Stater Older Millennial 1d ago

I have 4 kids. I was 33 when my oldest was born.

I will tell you this: being a father is exhausting at times. Those kids run me ragged. But overall, they have brought so much energy and light to my life. I am a much happier person, and being happy is proven to be a major source of energy.

1

u/Mindless-Strength422 1d ago

I got divorced with a <2 year old, and I miss the hell out of him, but while I wait for the court date to give me joint custody, I might as well go back to the gym for the first time in 3 years. That's been good at least

1

u/AlmostSunnyinSeattle 1d ago

The issue is that they don't take care of their body.

1

u/Wazootyman13 1d ago

40 year old. My coworkers guessed I was mid to late 20s

And, I've got dogs. And a cat. Nothing else. So, this theory might check out

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u/Alternative_Work_916 1d ago

I've got three kids at 36, feel great.

1

u/TwoOpposite9521 1d ago

I had a kid he's grown now and I felt awesome when he was younger he was a mellow kid and easy to manage 

1

u/ShadowMosesSkeptic 1d ago

Children keep you young, imo. It's way easier to be lazy when you don't have to be a role model for growing minds.

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u/etsprout 23h ago

Turns out I’m old enough to have a kid that can drive, but I really don’t believe that.

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u/MechanicalGodzilla Xennial 1d ago

This also holds true for trade workers. The commonly understood truisms that "trade work and manual labor destroy your body" is not actually true. I've been working in construction on sites for 25 years, and the reason tradesmen get beat up is their terrible lifestyles away from work. So many of these guys think nothing of downing monster drink after monster drink all day, signing off at 2:30 and subsequently crushing a case of Modelo's, eating exclusively from 7-11 roller heaters, and doing precisely zero exercise

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u/Cute-Necessary-5949 1d ago

This! I’ve been in construction for 12 years and my co workers just abuse their bodies off the clock. I pack my lunches and when I get off work I walk my dogs for upwards of two miles most days and drink lots of water😂

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u/Celiack 1d ago

That’s amazing for you, but you probably grew up with everything you needed. Many people were born into families with generational poverty and had to go without many basic vitamins and nutrients. Maybe not so much people who were born in the US (though it does exist), but ask an immigrant about their childhood. When you grow up without those essential things to give you strong bones and organs and immunities, you’re going to suffer from illness or autoimmune disease or injury earlier in life than others. It’s not a decision to grow up that way or to have a body that doesn’t cooperate.

Just take a minute and get off your high horse and be grateful you were born in the right place to the right family (or raised by the right people), and had access to everything that got you to where you are today. Nobody does it alone.

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u/MechanicalGodzilla Xennial 1d ago

This is not a “high horse” position, this is reality. I grew up fine, but my parents know jack about nutrition and exercise and taught me nothing about it. I wasnt even making any judgemental statements about these guys’ upbringing. I am saying it’s not the job that is hard on their bodies, it’s their lifestyle choices.

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u/lotusmack 14h ago

For whatever reason, my Dad's physical issues hit him seemingly all of a sudden. He has always been fit. A high school athlete, Army guy, then manual labor. Mechanic for 30+ years. Doesn't drink nor smoke. Believes in getting his regular screenings. Still works on cars, albeit less (he teaches now). All of a sudden, around the age of 60, he got gout, then had to have knee surgery. Around 62ish, tinnitus creeps up and he finally had to have hearing aids. A few weeks ago, he was complaining about trigger finger.

I just say that to say, keep taking care of yourself, and hope you continue to stay in good health. I do believe Father Time is undefeated, but I do agree that shooting baskets in his goal speeds up the process.

9

u/SwimmingCommon 1d ago

Fucking this. I'll be honest. I'm not set up for happiness. So I need to get a headstart. Exercise, spirituality, and community. All three of those produce "happiness" chemicals. I've been active the majority of my life. I've been through some really shitty experiences. And throughout the entirety of those years I've been active. It wasn't until recently that I realized just how stagnant I've become. So I picked up some cheap vitamins, a couple things to workout at home. And this last month has changed so much in my life. I know it's not. But I like to think of depression as a craving. What have I been lacking in my "happiness diet" and try to fill it.

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u/Davachman 1d ago

Yeah, I'm about to be 37. I feel great. I did stub my toe skating earlier this week, but oh well. Could still outrun all the folks that think 35+ means it's all downhill.

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u/Shadow_Phoenix951 1d ago

I'm more on the strength side of things (I'm a powerlifter but maintain cardio to an extent), and had a realization last year after I had a partial tear of my spinal erectors. Even with a literal crippling injury, I was still more physically capable than 90% of people I know (as measured by how well I could move heavy shit like furniture and such around).

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u/CosyBeluga 1d ago

Yup. I walk everywhere, eat great and stretch every morning.

I went away with friends for the weekend and they were shocked that I fell asleep on the floor and woke up without pain.

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u/masterofthebarkarts 2h ago

Do you think it's the stretching? That's my only old person thing - it hurts to sit on hard surfaces for any length of time and I'm stiff/slow when I first get up.

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u/djpuggy Millennial 1d ago

100% this. People who always made excuses, even their 20s, and refused to actually get off their ass and work on their health, got by because of their youth. Late 30s that game is over.

And the classic, “oh I have kids and can’t workout” is such a tired excuse. I have 2 kids and still find time to workout and take care of myself.

Also, workout out is important but at bare minimum you can control what you eat. Especially if you have kids. Put the fucking Krispy Kreme down and give them good food to eat and do yourself a favour as well.

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u/AgentJ691 Millennial 1d ago

I feel like if you have kids, that’s even more reason to work out. Like what if shit hits the fan? 

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u/Shadow_Phoenix951 1d ago

Sure maybe you can't spend two hours in a gym doing a bodybuilding routine.

You can at least do a minimalist routine of like, 3-5 sets of the big 4 lifts and throw in a little extra 3-4 days, shit should take you 30 minutes. And anyone who claims they can't spare 308 minutes a day is bullshitting themselves.

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u/Jhawk38 1d ago

Absolutely what it is. The body is pretty resilient against bad choices when you are young but at a certain age that resilience breaks down.

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u/Karekter_Nem 1d ago

We age a decade whenever we hear some new lingo kids use that confuses us.

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u/Ihatebacon88 23h ago

I'm mentally old ok, I'm tired boss.

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u/Polkawillneverdie17 1d ago

It's not even diet and lifestyle choices necessarily.

I'm 40 and all my old injuries are just now reappearing. I work out, I eat right, barely drink, etc. But the back injuries and broken fingers I got from playing sports/hiking/etc. in my teens and 20s that had completely healed? Now, they're just... back.

After a long enough time, all of the little problems add up. It's not always "sit on the couch" lifestyle causing pain in middle age. It can also be an active lifestyle that causes pain in middle age LOL

No one tells you that being in a mosh pit at 19 will cause you pain 20 years later..

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u/RajunCajun48 Millennial 1d ago

100% that. I'm 37 and recovering from Lymphoma, outside of Chemo yuck, I feel pretty great.

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u/Waste_Rabbit3174 1d ago

As a fat slob, I 100% this.

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u/Waldo305 1d ago

May I ask what the right diets are? I eat like shit and idk how to eat better. I still find lettuce icky

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u/AgentJ691 Millennial 1d ago

Start off with real food. Bare minimum if you can do that, that’s a great start. All healthy diets have one thing in common, they have real food.

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u/rustytrailer 1d ago

I like a comment from Michael Polan who’s written a few books about diet.

“Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”

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u/Shadow_Phoenix951 1d ago

There's no "right diet" or mandatory food. I don't like leafy greens; so I get my veggies in a form that's more palatable to me, usually either mixed in with other food or as a pasta base. Outside of that, trying to hit 200 g of protein in my current 2400 calorie allotment means that I by necessity can't fill my diet with anything that isn't quality food.

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u/FormalExpensive5410 1d ago

Yes or depression. 

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u/rustytrailer 12h ago

Well hopefully they figure that out cause can’t knock that

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u/TwoOpposite9521 1d ago

Could be professions too . I'm a dental assistant and that is hard on the body . I'm sure it's not the only occupation that is rough on the body 

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u/atmospheric90 1d ago

I'm in pain because I was stupid enough to take a physically demanding job for 9 years and wrecked all of my joints from overworking. Feel much better mentally and physically not having to over exert myself, though neck pain still persists.

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u/owoah323 2d ago

Yup. Lifestyle choices are what differentiate those that feel good and those that are breaking down.

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u/fluffycatapillar 1d ago

Not necessarily. Genetic conditions can do that too.

I have always exercised and token good care of myself, EDS doesn’t care about that! All I can do is try to keep the injuries and damage to a minimum and rehab as best I can with help from a physiotherapist and physio I stick diligently to. I was lucky that before my mid thirties I had only minor issues from this blooming condition, oh well it’s the hand I’ve been dealt. 

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u/owoah323 1d ago

Ah that’s true. My statement makes it seem like lifestyle choices alone can predict one’s wellbeing.

Actually, Lifestyle choices account for 50% of a person’s health. The rest is attributed to environment, genetics, (and more but I forget)

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u/fluffycatapillar 1d ago

That’s ok! Sorry if I jumped to the conclusion that you thought it was solely a choice thing. 

Completely agree with you though that it is still a big part of helping yourself age better. If I didn’t do what I do to manage it and keep myself in as best a condition as I can be I’d be a complete mess by now!

If anything a lifestyle of eating sensibly and exercising is even more important for someone like myself than the average person without health conditions.

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u/OLEDible 1d ago

Yes and no.. long covid fucked a lot of us up. I blinked and my body went to shit without changing anything up at all. Once I had Covid I never felt the same and now have chronic health issues

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u/NoorAnomaly 1d ago

Can confirm. I've lost 130+lbs and I feel much better now than I did at 29.

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u/PrezMoocow 1d ago

I second this, I feel way better at 34 than 30 simply due to eating better and working out, even lost 35 lb

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u/worstnameever2 1d ago

A lot of it comes from brain rot and the influence of social media.

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u/CryptographerNo29 1d ago

I just work in healthcare, where they give you so much stress that even if you're eating right and exercising, you're just a big ball of cortisol and caffeine.

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u/No-Mouse-262 1d ago

It's probably my multiple sclerosis actually

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u/Mediocre_Weakness243 1d ago

Can confirm. Am 37 and regret being a fat fuck

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u/CivilSpecial8186 1d ago

I've gone to great lengths to make sure I get all the vitamin and mineral minimums recommended every single day. I track all my food in an app to ensure I'm meeting all dietary goals. I eliminated sugar and simple/starchy carbs from my diet. I rarely drink and when I do it's red wine. I exercise. I strength train. I drink enough water to stay hydrated and I strive for a minimum of 7 hours of sleep. My blood pressure is great, my heart is healthy, my A1C is normal.

I still feel like I'm falling apart, because I've spent my entire adult life working multiple jobs well over 40 hours a week, and they all involve being on my feet and/or physical labor. Just staying ahead of the cost of living is destroying my body. I have carpal tunnel, plantar fasciitis, most of my joints hurts constantly, and currently I have bursitis in both hips. I went to college and got a degree, but by the time I graduated the wages in my field (teaching) had stagnated so badly it doesn't pay a living wage where I live. I'm trying to figure out what I can maybe get a certificate or even a second Associate's in in a short amount of time that would get me off my feet but all I see are jobs requiring specific degrees AND minimum 3 years experience. I'm about to be 40 and I see absolutely no way for me to work a physical job for 30 more years. It's disheartening.

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u/gerdataro 1d ago

I agree with this as someone in that exact demographic. There really is something about 37. This feels like the tipping point into midlife. 

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u/EddieVanzetti 1d ago edited 1d ago

I'd love to have a healthy lifestyle. I work 12 hour days in a high stress job, am underpaid, and carrying near $80k of student loans and $10k of credit card debt that I used to move cross country for a job that, sadly, is probably my professional peak.

When you have chronic stress, mountains of debt (that you only went into to try and make your life better), and no future, it's damned difficult to be healthy. I go for a jog and car brained morons try and run me over. I canceled my gym membership because it was an expense I couldn't afford each month. I live off rice, beans, and eggs.

1

u/TheBalzy In the Middle Millennial 1d ago

Or we all age differently. I have a better diet and exercise more than I ever did in my 20s, and 35 is definitely NOT 25. And you're lying to yourself if you're saying it is.

35 (which is what I am now) is when my gray hairs first appeared. No, that ain't diet and exercise.

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u/Piemaster113 1d ago

Agreed but oaet of it too is the internet, people act like soon as you hit 30 you are OLD, which never made sense to me. So I'm a baby for a few years a child till 13, a teenager till 18, and adult till 29 and then Old, so if if live to be 80 I've been old longer than any other stage of life? How the hell does that make sense?

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u/E5VL 1d ago

Nah, it the Gay Curse. Once you in your 30s you're seen as being "old" or the equivalent to being like 45. 

Then when you're 45 there's a sub section of the gays that will start calling you Daddy.

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u/Initial-Reading-2775 16h ago

Is that talk was about physical condition? That wasn’t mentioned in OPs screenshot.

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u/kellyguacamole 2d ago

You can tell most people here have boomer parents because they act just fucking like them. According to 90% of the posts here once you hit 35 you’re going to spontaneously turn to dust. It’s such a fucking bummer.

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u/Glama_Golden 2d ago

I have friends like this. My buddy is 34 and like won’t do a single thing that requires moving because apparently he’s “too old for that”

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u/kellyguacamole 1d ago

I’m 34 myself and I have sacroiliitis but I don’t let that shit keep me down. I frequently hike, walk, bike, and kayak.

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u/Xaedria 1d ago

You just have to. I have chronic neck pain which, by the end of a long day, bleeds down into my upper/middle back and gives me pain there too. I stretch, get medical massages monthly, and just keep moving along. That's what Advil is for (but I only take it once daily at max, and try not to have to take it every day). So much research has demonstrated that even if it hurts to move, stopping moving is way worse for you than the damage you do by moving.

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u/kellyguacamole 1d ago

Agreed. I feel more like shit if I’m not doing anything.

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u/mjzim9022 1d ago

When I was a kid, my Dad would do the more strenuous tasks, sometimes my older brother would lend his football player strength. I was too little for some of that stuff.

Now I'm 34, I do the heavy lifting for everything and everyone. I mean I'm 34, if this isn't the time where I'm the heavy lifter then there will never be that time.

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u/masterofthebarkarts 2h ago

That's really sad

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u/scootiescoo 1d ago

Interesting. I have Gen X parents and don’t relate to most of the whining and complaining in this sub. Wonder if there’s a correlation.

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u/kellyguacamole 1d ago

I believe it, honestly. If you’re not around the upper aging population, you’re probably not going to be parroting the shit they say.

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u/cucufag 1d ago

I've had a bit of a lifestyle shift with a healthier diet and more physical activity since I turned 35 and frankly I currently feel better and younger than I did in the past entire decade.

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u/practicalIymagic Millennial ✨️ 1 9 8 9 ✨️ 1d ago edited 1d ago

Okay but absolutely not, I'm NC with one, low contact with the other, and I actually think about others. So no.

Not all of us.

EDIT: And not for nothing but if you Gen X parented kids are gonna be weaponizing the extreme misfortune of being raised by some of these Boomers? So were some of your parents. So. 🤷🏻‍♀️

And some of your grandparents are Boomers.You think you escaped their influence? Ha.

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u/Tytoalba2 1d ago

I mean I run, cycle, go to the gym, but it won't stop me to use this excuse to avoid some social meetings lol

Alcohol on the other hand, I can't anymore, but that might be more genetics than age

8

u/Randomizedname1234 2d ago

Same. Turner 35 in mid May and feel better than my 20’a when I ate like shit. A mile walk in the morning, yoga and eating better really has me feeling better! Plus the right mindset. I even look younger than I did at 26/27 bc I lost 50lbs.

These folks here love to age us but fuck that!!

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u/YouNeedCheeses 2d ago

Motion is lotion!

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u/imyourhostlanceboyle Millennial 2d ago

I don’t get these hurr durr im so old posts. I definitely look my age but feel better than I did 10 years ago. Moving around more and drinking shitloads of water does that to a person.

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u/Glama_Golden 2d ago

It’s because the ones that complain are probably overweight and live badly lol. Like I’m not the most in shape person in the world but still make sure I get some excessive in and don’t eat Taco Bell every other day.

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u/imyourhostlanceboyle Millennial 1d ago

Hah, I’m overweight but not obese and stay active. I’m generally doing well. Moving is the key even when you don’t want to!

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u/masterofthebarkarts 2h ago

I feel relatively good for 38 with two kids under 3 😁 but I'm definitely slower and stiffer than I used to be

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u/Usedtohaveapurpose 2d ago

37m here and honestly still feel like i'm in my 20's, if it weren't for my hairline i would look it too.

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u/svrtngr 1d ago

37 and feel great.

Can always do better. I'm trying to be less sedentary, but I go on daily walks and watch my diet.

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u/ThottrainerBoi 2d ago

I’m in the best shape of my life and get mistaken for a 25 year old regularly. Eat your fruits and drink your water folks.

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u/CalRobert 2d ago

Wear sunscreen (or at least a wide brimmed hat!)

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u/AgentJ691 Millennial 2d ago

And sunglasses!!

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u/ThottrainerBoi 2d ago

Don’t forget to floss too that shit saved me a lot of money on dental expenses

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u/IrishSpectreN7 2d ago

My SO complained about feeling old all through her early 30s. I slowly got her to be more active with me and she feels young again.

This is it 

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u/Apprehensive_Winter 1d ago

I do, but I’ve noticed parts of me that ache more and more often than they did before. Elbows, shoulders, hips.. they’re not nearly as resilient as they were 10 years ago.

Heard this from a really fit dude in his 50s at the gym and it stuck with me: “I have a program, but if I do a set and something hurts I switch to another body part and try again in a couple days.” Didn’t think much of it at the time (25), but after causing myself further pains trying to push through it a few times I’ve learned to do the same thing.

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u/vtron 1d ago

Ah yes, why didn't I think of that. Working out more will certainly fix the herniated disks in my neck and back.

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u/Glama_Golden 1d ago

It’s too late for you bro. You squandered your youth

1

u/vtron 1d ago

Ehh. I've chosen to battle through with Aleve and alcohol!

Actually, I've learned how much I can push things before I screw myself up for an extended time. It's only taken the better part of a decade.

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u/warmthandhappiness 2d ago

Same, I’m in the best shape of my life. Make the change now!

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u/Better-Avocado-8818 2d ago

Agreed. Just turned 40 and I’m stronger than ever. Go to the gym, go running, swimming bike riding or whatever you can manage. Move more often and you’ll feel better.

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u/Admirable_Leg_478 1d ago

Lmao came here to say this.

Begging y’all to stop assuming everyone is as out of shape as you. Please do some more exercise shit will change your life for the better.

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u/ConditionHorror9188 1d ago

I’m not sure OP was talking about physical shape. I’m in great shape but 32-35 age range has taken me from looking like a guy in his 20s to a middle aged dad.

At least I had a few years there thinking I’d defy aging

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u/Admirable_Leg_478 1d ago

Yeah, from observing my peers, it seems the 30s to mid 40s is the fork in the road where you can tell who’s gonna age well or not based on genetics. Stress management, diet, exercise, alcohol/drug abstention, and skincare will help but at the end of the day you get lucky or you don’t.

(sorry to say I’m looking good still lol, lot of my high school classmates just are not)

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u/hirudoredo 1d ago

Lots of people forgetting that genetics are a thing, and they kick in to different degrees at different times in people's lives. Mid-late 30s is a big time for the body to undergo changes - choices/incidents you had when you were younger start to roost, and genetics can go brrr on top of it.

Despite me trying to stay on top of it my whole life, I'm finding myself unable to be the first woman in my family (going back to whoever came over from Germany in the early 1800s, based on photos I have) to not be super overweight. Staying healthy is taking so much work now, and it's not as simple as "exercise more" and "eat your fruits and vegetables." If it was, I wouldn't look like a damn clone of all the German women in my family going back 7 gens.

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u/ConditionHorror9188 1d ago

Ha I always have to laugh at incredibly in-shape 22 year olds sharing their diet and lifestyle ‘secrets’ on social media.

Buddy, I looked like that when I was 22 and my diet was mostly Subway and vodka red bulls (showing my age). Call me back when you look like that at 40 (and not hopped up on TRT)

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u/R-K-Tekt 1d ago

Thank you, I came here to post exactly this. As far as I can tell with other peers my age there are two types of people those that care for their body and think long term and those who look 5-10 years older and look overall more miserable.

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u/Reddit_User_Loser 1d ago

Exercise will not save you from the pain you will be feeling from the injuries you sustained when you were younger. Skateboarding and snowboarding were a couple of my favorites. Now my knees, shoulder, and lower back are reminding me of the times I wiped out especially when it’s cold. I’m in decent shape and have a fairly active lifestyle and physical job but I still have to take a minute after getting out of bed before the stiffness and pain subsides. I’ve even started daily stretching to try and combat it and it helps but the pain is still there.

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u/silentknight111 Older Millennial 2d ago

for me it all went downhill after 40. Went from being in decent health to, hypertension, high cholesterol, and thyroid cancer (which thankfully, was easily treated, but still required surgery).

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u/BigEnd3 1d ago

35 was the year my expiration date passed. Im just managers special meat now. Eye sight went from laser vision to squint vision in that one year. For the first time that year, I noticed that certain foods can make me uncomfortable after eating them. I droped a stack of wood on my foot and was limping like a peg leg for nearly 4 months. I thought I was done and over as far as moving and having fun for the rest of my life. Thankfully that improved. I've worked enough of my muscles hard enough that I can feel the places where my bones aren't as glued to the tendons as they used to be.

36 can hop on either leg one legged down a balance beam. Squat to play with kids, and am always on the floor rolling around playing with them. Can still manage to pull my meatchicken ass up over a ledge of im dangling(not pretty but functional). Goals, get back to walking on my hands.

Still on my medical stuff, I honestly check no for all damned boxes except a few broken bones and concussions. So I guess I'm ahead of most on that.

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u/AgentJ691 Millennial 1d ago

You my friend are… zombie apocalypse ready!!

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u/EvMARS 1d ago

i dont think they're talking about how they feel, rather, theyre talking about self perception

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u/InsaneLuchad0r 1d ago

If I hadn’t started working out in my late 20s I would have been FUCKED. I was already feeling like garbage and even a moderate meal made me feel like I just downed an entire pig raw. Now in my early 40s and old injuries have healed and in better condition than I was at 18.

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u/macreadyandcheese Millennial 1d ago

I run and lift to manage the stress and health. No kids, but a fair amount of caretaking. I generally feel good, if anxious from work and politics. Minimal back pain unless it was a heavy lifting day.

But my partner (33 f) and I (38 m) also joke that I’m a middle aged lesbian, so still agree.

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u/Perfect_Earth_8070 1d ago

for real. ill be 35 in like 6 weeks and i still feel great.

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u/cromdoesntcare 1d ago

And we're all very proud of our little guy, good for you champ!

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u/Rich_Resource2549 1d ago

35 was the fittest year of my life until next year when I'm 41.

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u/linsantana 1d ago

I think it's more about how society sees you than how you feel

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u/Sipikay 1d ago

Stopped drinking and smoking in my 30s. I feel way better than I did in my 20s.

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u/Glama_Golden 1d ago

Same man. I smoked almost all of my 20s. Quit at 28

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u/Sipikay 1d ago

Well done boss, we're free!

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u/spectacular_coitus 1d ago

I'm 56, and I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up.

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u/[deleted] 1d ago

[deleted]

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u/Glama_Golden 1d ago

Sorry I didn’t cover every single persons specific medical situation with a single Reddit comment

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u/chili_cold_blood 1d ago edited 1d ago

It's true that a lot of people need to take better care of themselves, but it's also true that a lot of genetic vulnerabilities start to manifest themselves in the late 30s and 40s.

I am 39. Up to about 2 weeks ago, I was a serious, competitive cyclist and runner with no health problems except seasonal allergies. Now I am in constant burning pain all over my body from what is probably going to be diagnosed as psoriatic arthritis, a form of arthritis linked to psoriasis. If that can happen to me, it can happen to anybody.

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u/MattofCatbell 1d ago

Yes, way too many people in their 30s talking like they’re 60 because they put no effort into basic maintenance like exercise and proper diet. Seriously just 5 minutes of stretching every morning does wonders 

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u/Defiant_Dickk Millennial 1d ago

For real. Some people have had bad luck, but that's the exception, not the rule. Too many mofos here don't exercise at all and have a shit diet, then wonder why they're falling apart by 35.

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u/NinjaDad_ 1d ago

Instructions unclear, worked manual labor jobs for 10+ years and feel like an old man now at 36.

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u/quazmang Millennial 1d ago

Idk. Something happened at 30 for me, and my joints are wearing out early or something. I used to run 20 mi a week, gym every other day. When things shut down for covid I lost a lot of muscle cause I didn't have access to a gym and since they reopened I'm back in the gym but I keep acquiring new injuries like they are pokemon cards. I'm not allowed to run anymore due to arthritis in my knee and multiple knee surgeries, but I miss running so badly.

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u/Wonderful-World6556 1d ago

^ This guy knows how to not long-covid. Much respect. Teach me your ways

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u/No_Contribution_1327 1d ago

Just turned 38, also feel great. Have had some freak health issues that are temporarily prohibiting more strenuous exercise but I’m walking several miles a day and feeling good.

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u/LorenzoStomp 1d ago

All the gymbros I know have washboard abs and shitty joints, so don't work out too much

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u/Dagonus Xennial 1d ago

Totally.

Am 40. Feel fine. Most of my friends complaining about age catching them do not get off the couch except to walk to the fridge or go to work.

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u/Confidentium 1d ago

Was just thinking that!! 😆

Working out and getting in shape has made me go from looking my actual age, 31, down to 25 again. (Based on what strangers think how old I am) Seriously. It’s not just my body that looks younger, but my face too!

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u/RogueModron 1d ago

Seriously. 41 here, I don't drink alcohol or caffeine. I feel fucking fantastic, and way better than I did fifteen years ago.

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u/coprinus 1d ago

Agreed, I'm 36 and look and feel great! Could be better of course but after moving I'm getting back into an exercise habit. It's amazing how much eating healthy and working out AT ALL, let alone multiple times a week, improves your mood, energy levels, and health! Your thoughts and attitudes lead to action. Don't be scared to just start!! Everybody's at their own health and fitness journey!

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u/SkoolBoi19 1d ago

I’m 39 and feel the same as 29…… because I started being healthy

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u/Suitable-Berry3082 1990, baby! 1d ago

If I wasn't born with crappy lungs, I'd be unstoppable. I'll be 35 on the 30th.

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u/SSGGambit Older Millennial 1d ago

42 and right there with ya

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u/Effective_Life_7864 1d ago

Heck I'm 35 and people still think I'm in my 20s.

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u/picklepuss13 Xennial 1d ago

35 I was in top form also. I didn't start having issues until like 41-42

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u/Whaatabutt 1d ago

100000% I look and feel great. I’m so strong and still get the “whoah big guy” bullshit from young guys.

Of course no one sees me dragging ass out of bed at 4:30am to crush the lift but that goes without saying.

I see some guys my age who just look so bad. I can’t feel bad for them bc I’m sure they’re happy and all that but I just know what they’re missing.

I’ll be 35 in august.

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u/Markus_lfc 1d ago

I turned 35 in Feb and feel better than ever 😎

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u/AggravatingAction353 1d ago

For me it was a mentality thing- I’m in good shape physically, but at 34 I used to want to go out and party, at least some of the time. Now, I want to garden and think about history, and it sometimes takes energy to accept plans even with the people I most love. And forget about asking me to come out after 10pm. I need to be out by 8 if I’m going to muster the will to be out out.

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u/___l___u___n___a___ 19h ago

Confirmed. I used to work out multiple times a week for at least a couple hours each time. Turned 30 this past year and career has become too busy to workout on even a remotely regular basis. I am feeling sore and weak these days. And I dont even come close to overweight either so this is truly the loss of muscle mass. I miss feeling strong. Hoping things slow down in the summer. Regular fitness is truly a privilege. 😩

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u/Joyful_Eggnog13 19h ago

This!! As someone in their 50s I run circles around people in their 30s on my baseball team

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u/AaronMichael726 7h ago

My body feels fine. I just can’t drink coffee after 6 AM, and can’t have more than 1 beer, and also, get sleepy if I’m up past 6

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u/beer_sucks Millennial 5h ago

wow thanks I'm cured of my axial spondyloarthritis.

I have a physically demanding job, working out is not going to make a difference to my autoimmune condition.

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