Welcome to Fit for Fifty

This site can get you fit in just 11 minutes a day!

Physical fitness does not mean bulging muscles, nor is it the exclusive property of young men or women.

Physical fitness has a positive effect on mental fitness. It also enhances and improves such desirable qualities as vitality, appearance and personality.

The exercises contained within are suitable for all ages.

It is NEVER to late to start, regardless of age!

 

I started this website to encourage others, particularly those of my own age group, to get fit/fitter without spending hours in a gym. I kept the name simply because I was fifty when I put it all together. I hate exercising for the sake of it so the fact that the following exercises only take up to 11 minutes a day was really appealing.

The main exercises here are the 5BX and XBX Plans for both men and women. These were developed in the 1950's by Dr. Bill Orban for the Royal Canadian Air Force. These have largely been replaced by updated fitness programs based on modern sports science.

However, I have been using them for nearly 40 years and they have kept me in reasonably good shape for someone at 70 years of age. The concept of this training is a "baby steps" approach, where you progress at a gentle pace until you reach the recommended targets, rather than throwing you into the deep end of physical training by getting you to start with e.g. 20 push-ups and/or running 5 miles/8 km. This would be rather daunting and off-putting if you haven't exercised in a long time. I have also added some Yoga stretches I use in order to remain flexible.

A WORD OF CAUTION

When it comes to the 5BX / XBX Plans, follow the instructions exactly. DO NOT skip a step. As for the Yoga, begin with the AM Routine. DO NOT believe the crap of “no pain, no gain”. Be patient. If doing a particular exercise or stretch hurts, ease back until it’s comfortable. DO NOT strain yourself; the fitness and suppleness will come in time.

The information contained in this site is made available for general information. In no way is this information intended to be medically accurate. Information within this site is not meant to be a substitute for professional advice from qualified health care providers. No representations or warranties about the accuracy or completeness of the information in this site is made. No endorsement, promotion, or sponsorship is made by any hypertext link provided within this site. Visitors assume all risks of using information in this site.