Over-Exercising?

[HuntersEmma57]

We moved to Utah several years ago after finding (at the time) a shockingly affordable valley with 3 ski resorts and an exquisite Nordic area that also has fabulous hiking and biking trails. Add in the lovely reservoir for paddling. We're also adjacent to the golf course, a great gym with yoga classes, and on the main bike trail around the valley where putting together a 35 - 50 mile ride is easy.

I felt morally obligated to make use of it all. I was a very active where we'd been living, but this place is next level. It's easy to find like-minded folks to recreate with. So for the first several years ago, I was doing some kind of exercise nearly every days even while I was still working. I was probably in the best shape of my life while I was still working.

When I retired, I kinda doubled-down of year 'round activity. I have a hiking buddy here (70 yrs) who hikes and walks or snowshoes at least 7 miles a day with 1500 ft of elevation gain, every day. Every. Day. I go out with her 3-4 times a week, but also bike, paddle, and work out with weights on my home gym and do balance and stretching exercises.

When spouse and I travel, we camp in order to hike, bike, and paddle MORE. It's a lot, but we live in a beautiful place and love to explore. It's not just a lifestyle, it's our lives. Period.

But I started getting sick a lot after we moved here. Catching colds, COVID, and flus every ski season even tho I do get vaccinated. I don't get as sick, but sick enough that I won't ski or expose others. I have lost 3-4 weeks each ski season for the past 5 years. I used to commute by commuter bus, train, and subway back East, so I had been exposed to plenty of sick people and have multiple grandchildren (disease carriers all) before moving here and rarely got sick.

It was like my immune system got weaker while I got stronger.

My diet is sound, well-balanced and healthy. I don't drink or smoke, I have no chronic illnesses. No surgeries and major injuries or repairs ever. But yet I was feeling less motivation, less pleasure. And I slipped into depression in part because I was no longer reveling in my active lifestyle. I started to actually resent it a bit.

I had an extensive medical work up and sought professional advice and the advice was shocking. I am in excellent health, my heart is very strong, but that I need to dial back on exercise. That for a 69 yr old, I was likely not giving my body enough time to recover from the exertion -- and exert, I do. They told me to take rest days - sometimes 2 in a row. And to take breaks while I was being active. I

I prided myself on backcountry skiing for hours and never sitting down. The only breaks while hiking were to pee or dig out some trail food and keep on going. Rest stops? Are you kidding me?

Nope. Not kidding. I have become a huge fan of them. Honestly, at first, depression made that pretty easy, but that has lifted. At first, I felt a bit lost not having my hours filled with walks, rides, and scenery. And I was concerned about losing strength and stamina.

Now several months into this less rigorous lifestyle, I haven't noticeably lost much at all. I now hike a few times a week, haven't hardly biked, and do my home workouts 2-3 times a week.

When we went on 2 trips early this summer, I was able to put in 10-12 milers on pretty steep terrain multiple days in a row and still have gas in my tank when I was done. I've paddled 15 mile stretches on the Colorado River in the heat. I have gained 2 pounds, but still wearing the same clothes. I'm sleeping well. And I'm loving my life again.i

Meanwhile, my 70 yr old superifit hiking pal has had another significant foot problem, refused to rest it, and is now in a world of hurt. She's missed most of the last 3 ski seasons due to nagging injuries (neck, knee, knee, foot).

So, maybe there is something to this giving our bodies recovery time. And being less outdoor active in smokey air, in the high temps and searing sun turns out to be a good idea.

 

[VickiK]

Sounds like you live in the garden of Eden. Rest days are vital for me. Best wishes for a healthier ski season!

 

[scandium]

I think many Divas are at the end of the population that want to move more and especially with skiing which is so expensive now and weather dependent it is absolutely tempting to make the most of it - first on last off, pee breaks only, eat on the chair etc!

I also think society's messaging is to push through limits and do everything, any less is "lazy" which is such a simplistic (but tempting to believe) message, so I think it can be hard to listen to signs or symptoms that suggest that doing less, not pushing through, asking for help and NOT collapsing from exhaustion are what our bodies and minds need - whether that's exercise, or work, or household labour...

 

[Susan L]

Sounds kinda like what I am going through but I am not quite at your level of activity. I stopped working in my 30s and had all the time in the world to kill. My major entertainment was shopping every day until I found golf a few years later. I became obsessed - weekly lessons, daily practice, then I got a membership and I improved very quickly. I started playing every single day, sometimes multiple rounds because why not? I had the time, energy, stamina and I was having fun doing what I was good at! My husband and I started to turn all our vacations into golf trips so we could play more golf! Then we joined 2 more memberships to get more variety. My life was all about golf. It was a dream come true for a bit, then I started getting aches and pains here and there. Small injuries that would take me out for a few days, then weeks. I’d jump back into playing as soon as I felt better and just kept pushing through the small roadblocks. I was fine for a bit then I started having lower back pain. I’d get stiff and achy but no pain while golfing, so my golf life continued.
Then one day my back/hips froze on me and I started having excruciating pain while sitting/laying down (but no pain while golfing or skiing), so what did I do? I continued to golf and ski every day and avoided sitting/resting. The pain got worse so I finally went to the doctor and found a herniated disc. After 4 epidurals, my pain improved but never went away. My doctor said to avoid rotational activities but no restrictions if I am not in pain during the activities, so I kept golfing but not every day anymore. That meant I now have free time so I started strength training and swimming. I felt fine and was happy to stay active.
I recently switched trainers and after an assessment, he told me I was abusing my body with too many activities and not enough rest. He would not train me until I give myself a proper rest, so I am on a 2-month rehab program now - stop all activities and 2x a week sessions with him. I freaked out over the idea of not doing anything at all, especially losing my strength and swing in golf. I am a month in and so far I am in less pain. I sleep better, eat better and feel better. I did cheat and played a round of golf with my husband and I have not lost my swing or game (shot one of my lowest round of the season)!
We are on vacation now and for the first time in years, we will not be golfing!
Looking back, I think I had a case of FOMO if I didn’t fill my days with activities. I thought staying active is good for me but just like everything else, too much of anything can be bad for you. I thought I’d be missing out by doing less, but I have actually gained much more!

 

[hennessk]

Your note struck a chord with me. I too am retired and was working out two hours a day for a while. I cut back after I started feeling tired all the time. But I am still struggling to find the “optimal dose” of training for strength, mobility, and cardio fitness.

 

[altagirl]

I know some people like this - who when a doctor told them they needed more rest days, it is like they've been sent to jail. I mean - I do understand, in the sense that when I'm on a roll, and doing something every day I want to do it more. Rest seems counterintuitive and like a chore when you'd rather be doing the thing you want to do, but it can also be critical to staying healthy and improving at your sport/activity. So I do think it worth acknowledging that rest days, cross-training, mobility and balance work (all the things) are important, and scheduling and prioritizing rest is critical, especially if you're not apt to do it sufficiently by nature.

 

[HuntersEmma57]

Sounds like you live in the garden of Eden. Rest days are vital for me. Best wishes for a healthier ski season!

Sounds kinda like what I am going through but I am not quite at your level of activity. I stopped working in my 30s and had all the time in the world to kill. My major entertainment was shopping every day until I found golf a few years later. I became obsessed - weekly lessons, daily practice, then I got a membership and I improved very quickly. I started playing every single day, sometimes multiple rounds because why not? I had the time, energy, stamina and I was having fun doing what I was good at! My husband and I started to turn all our vacations into golf trips so we could play more golf! Then we joined 2 more memberships to get more variety. My life was all about golf. It was a dream come true for a bit, then I started getting aches and pains here and there. Small injuries that would take me out for a few days, then weeks. I’d jump back into playing as soon as I felt better and just kept pushing through the small roadblocks. I was fine for a bit then I started having lower back pain. I’d get stiff and achy but no pain while golfing, so my golf life continued.
Then one day my back/hips froze on me and I started having excruciating pain while sitting/laying down (but no pain while golfing or skiing), so what did I do? I continued to golf and ski every day and avoided sitting/resting. The pain got worse so I finally went to the doctor and found a herniated disc. After 4 epidurals, my pain improved but never went away. My doctor said to avoid rotational activities but no restrictions if I am not in pain during the activities, so I kept golfing but not every day anymore. That meant I now have free time so I started strength training and swimming. I felt fine and was happy to stay active.
I recently switched trainers and after an assessment, he told me I was abusing my body with too many activities and not enough rest. He would not train me until I give myself a proper rest, so I am on a 2-month rehab program now - stop all activities and 2x a week sessions with him. I freaked out over the idea of not doing anything at all, especially losing my strength and swing in golf. I am a month in and so far I am in less pain. I sleep better, eat better and feel better. I did cheat and played a round of golf with my husband and I have not lost my swing or game (shot one of my lowest round of the season)!
We are on vacation now and for the first time in years, we will not be golfing!
Looking back, I think I had a case of FOMO if I didn’t fill my days with activities. I thought staying active is good for me but just like everything else, too much of anything can be bad for you. I thought I’d be missing out by doing less, but I have actually gained much more!

I suspected I was not alone and so grateful you shared your experience! Before we married, my spouse was a serious and competitive golfer. Skiing and mountain biking replaced that when we got together. Last year, he competed in the 2,745 miles Tour Divide mountain bike race and trained relentlessly for 2 years. He made it 2,150 miles before his emaciated body said "no more." It's quite probable he overtrained. He took 2-3 month to recover and now trains everyday to rebuild his strength and build. Peas in a pod. So getting outside validation is quite important to me. Thank you!

 

[Aerlind]

In my non-skiing life, I’m an endurance horseback rider. That means I ride my horse for 50+ miles in a day: think ultra running, only I’m “lazy” and do it on a horse (note, not lazy, it’s very much a lot of work for the riders too!). When anyone starts getting serious in endurance, the first thing they’re taught by mentors/other riders/sometimes the hard way is the importance of rest for the horses. The rule of thumb is 1 day off for every 10 miles of trail ridden, plus one day off for every 100 miles in the trailer. As you progress, you figure out what works for YOUR horse, but everyone learns that they have to allow their horses to rest and recover. Less talked about is over-training, which many riders do because they don’t have a good sense of how to measure their horse’s fitness. Again, you do learn that over time and it varies by horse.

So I know all of this, and how important rest is for an athlete. But do I think about that for myself? Heck no! And that comes back to bite me, so I’ve tried very hard to get better about it in the past few years. I think what really changed me was shifting my OWN perspective from “I’m a horseback rider” to “I’m an athlete”. I never saw myself that way because I couldn’t play traditional sports and was told as a kid that “I should really sign up for art instead of PE” because I was small, scrawny, and had a barely-controlled chronic disease. While I’m still small, I’ve figured out how to be strong and active within my limits, gotten my disease into remission, and have the energy and fitness to do what I want: which was never those high-exertion traditional sports anyway.

 

[marzNC]

Your note struck a chord with me. I too am retired and was working out two hours a day for a while. I cut back after I started feeling tired all the time. But I am still struggling to find the “optimal dose” of training for strength, mobility, and cardio fitness.

Have you ever worked with a personal trainer? I found one after knee rehab in 2012 (not a skiing injury). What I learned from PT and the personal trainer in the next few months was very helpful both short term and long term.

Seeing how different types of fitness classes are set up at my rock climbing gym has been helpful to know how often to work on core or strength. Usually what I do meets at most 3 times a week. Some classes only meet once a week. I only do classes a few months, usually during pre-season (Aug-Nov). I'm not that consistent and don't worry if I miss a class. One reason I've found that being a member of a rock climbing gym is a better fit than a general purpose fitness center is that when I go for a class I can do a little rock climbing at the same time. Doing laps on intermediate routes using an auto-belay is good HIIT work . . . and not boring.

 

[BlizzardBabe]

It is easy to overtrain at any age. Back when I was in my early 30's, still swimming competitively and training for professional open water races, I got caught up in the overtraining cycle.

I was experiencing unusual fatigue, my workouts were suffering, and I was having difficulty sleeping. I was working full time and training early morning and in the afternoon/evening, plus lifting weights 4x/wk - averaging b/w 4-5 hours a day of intense activity (more on weekends).

Finally, an enlightened trainer took a look at my schedule and immediately identified the issue. Back then, the concept of overexertion/overtraining hadn't been studied extensively, so I was very lucky to have been introduced to someone with an interest in the subject matter. She saved my season, my physical health, and probably my mental health as well!

 

[marzNC]

It is easy to overtrain at any age. Back when I was in my early 30's, still swimming competitively and training for professional open water races, I got caught up in the overtraining cycle.

I was experiencing unusual fatigue, my workouts were suffering, and I was having difficulty sleeping. I was working full time and training early morning and in the afternoon/evening, plus lifting weights 4x/wk - averaging b/w 4-5 hours a day of intense activity (more on weekends).

Finally, an enlightened trainer took a look at my schedule and immediately identified the issue. Back then, the concept of overexertion/overtraining hadn't been studied extensively, so I was very lucky to have been introduced to someone with an interest in the subject matter. She saved my season, my physical health, and probably my mental health as well!

Very interesting story. I did a little searching based on "overtraining." The current medical term is "overtraining syndrome (OTS)." The HSS article includes a section titled "How to avoid overtraining." The Cleveland Clinic article is the most comprehensive.

August 2021

Overtraining: What It Is, Symptoms, and Recovery

Overtraining syndrome occurs when an athlete doesn’t adequately recover after repetitive intense training. Learn about the symptoms and how to avoid it.

www.hss.edu

February 2024

What Is Overtraining Syndrome?

Overtraining syndrome is different than feeling sore after a big workout. It happens when you exercise too hard or too often and develop physical and mental symptoms.

my.clevelandclinic.org

Excerpt:


January 2026

Overtraining Syndrome: Signs, Symptoms, and How to Prevent It

Learn the signs of overtraining syndrome (OTS), how it impacts performance and recovery, and simple ways to prevent injury and stay active safely.

www.hoagorthopedicinstitute.com

" . . .
Overtraining syndrome (OTS) occurs when repeated, overly intense training overwhelms your body's ability to repair microscopic muscle damage and manage inflammation. Unlike everyday training fatigue, OTS is a chronic condition that doesn't resolve with a day or two of rest.
. . .
As athletes age and older adults become more active, recognizing the signs of overtraining syndrome becomes especially important. Recovery capacity naturally decreases with age, making it even more essential to balance effort with adequate rest.
. . ."

 

[geargrrl]

...and then something happens that FORCES you to rest and you think you might lose your mind.

My rotator cuff disintegrated in the middle of winter. No particular accident: it just gave out. The MRI showed a mass of shredded tissue. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the worst, it was an 11. There was nothing to do PT with. I was fast tracked into surgery. Then, 8 weeks in the stabilizer. I am STILL in PT with very little strength five months later but my PT says I am right on track.

A month before my shoulder gave out I was deadlifting #150 and working out with a strength trainer. And doing HIIT training, rowing, biking (ski season SUCKED this year) and it all comes to a screeching halt. All of it.

Recovery from serious sugery will helps one to rethink things. There were parts of me that wanted to get back to the gym at least for lower body as soon as I could. The smarter part of me decided to embrace the down time and focus my energy inward, on healing this major surgery in the best was I could. While in the stabilizer I learned some new software. Eventually I started walking a lot; got a peleton for stress free indoor riding (no standing climbs) I've been following PT regime exactly. I won't say the end is near but it's getting closer: I got cleared for easy outdoor biking yesterday, and met with my strength trainer for a moderate lower body routine.

Not sure what my point is. I'm 65 to be 66 this year. Both hub and I have tried to embrace the slowdowns that come with ageing and sometimes injury. It's maddening sometimes. But I've found appreciation in the quiet times too. This can definitely be a hard shift for some people. Sometimes the choice to read and do the morning puzzles instead of hitting that early morning bike ride is just what's needed and we've given ourselves permission for it to be OK.

Finding a slower, quieter new hobby to fill the space that you might have been moving in helps. I picked up knitting after a 40 year break.

 

[VickiK]

@geargrrl , that sounds miserable. Glad you're on the mend.

 

[skibum4ever]

I too recommend a personal trainer. I really miss seeing mine after my left knee replacement, but she really pushes me and I'm just not ready yet. Especially since my sessions with her are not covered by insurance so I'm paying my own money for her help. It will be totally worth it and I know she will help me prepare for the ski season. So I'm hoping to get back with her in another month or two. As soon as I feel ready I will schedule a session and see how it goes.

 

[HuntersEmma57]

Very interesting story. I did a little searching based on "overtraining." The current medical term is "overtraining syndrome (OTS)." The HSS article includes a section titled "How to avoid overtraining." The Cleveland Clinic article is the most comprehensive.

August 2021

Overtraining: What It Is, Symptoms, and Recovery

Overtraining syndrome occurs when an athlete doesn’t adequately recover after repetitive intense training. Learn about the symptoms and how to avoid it.

www.hss.edu

February 2024

What Is Overtraining Syndrome?

Overtraining syndrome is different than feeling sore after a big workout. It happens when you exercise too hard or too often and develop physical and mental symptoms.

my.clevelandclinic.org

Excerpt:
View attachment 26881

January 2026

Overtraining Syndrome: Signs, Symptoms, and How to Prevent It

Learn the signs of overtraining syndrome (OTS), how it impacts performance and recovery, and simple ways to prevent injury and stay active safely.

www.hoagorthopedicinstitute.com

" . . .
Overtraining syndrome (OTS) occurs when repeated, overly intense training overwhelms your body's ability to repair microscopic muscle damage and manage inflammation. Unlike everyday training fatigue, OTS is a chronic condition that doesn't resolve with a day or two of rest.
. . .
As athletes age and older adults become more active, recognizing the signs of overtraining syndrome becomes especially important. Recovery capacity naturally decreases with age, making it even more essential to balance effort with adequate rest.
. . ."

Thank you! Def hit Stage 3. Fatigue, major depression, ZERO motivation, insomnia, and bradycardia. Was in the ER twice for bradycardia. As mentioned above, heart completely checks out. Now when my pulse rate drops into the mid-40s, my Rx is to I run up a few flights of stairs and it comes up again. No meds needed. So recovery from playing too hard outside is underway. But I am getting restless.

 

[HuntersEmma57]

...and then something happens that FORCES you to rest and you think you might lose your mind.

My rotator cuff disintegrated in the middle of winter. No particular accident: it just gave out. The MRI showed a mass of shredded tissue. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the worst, it was an 11. There was nothing to do PT with. I was fast tracked into surgery. Then, 8 weeks in the stabilizer. I am STILL in PT with very little strength five months later but my PT says I am right on track.

A month before my shoulder gave out I was deadlifting #150 and working out with a strength trainer. And doing HIIT training, rowing, biking (ski season SUCKED this year) and it all comes to a screeching halt. All of it.

Recovery from serious sugery will helps one to rethink things. There were parts of me that wanted to get back to the gym at least for lower body as soon as I could. The smarter part of me decided to embrace the down time and focus my energy inward, on healing this major surgery in the best was I could. While in the stabilizer I learned some new software. Eventually I started walking a lot; got a peleton for stress free indoor riding (no standing climbs) I've been following PT regime exactly. I won't say the end is near but it's getting closer: I got cleared for easy outdoor biking yesterday, and met with my strength trainer for a moderate lower body routine.

Not sure what my point is. I'm 65 to be 66 this year. Both hub and I have tried to embrace the slowdowns that come with ageing and sometimes injury. It's maddening sometimes. But I've found appreciation in the quiet times too. This can definitely be a hard shift for some people. Sometimes the choice to read and do the morning puzzles instead of hitting that early morning bike ride is just what's needed and we've given ourselves permission for it to be OK.

Finding a slower, quieter new hobby to fill the space that you might have been moving in helps. I picked up knitting after a 40 year break.

Geargirl--I so appreciate this. But I sure wish you'd not have to go thru all this to get to enlightened. Sounds like you're managing it gracefully. I'm rooting for you. My 21 yr old grandson, college lacrosse player, had major shoulder surgery 2 months ago...a truly long rehab. Dude can't do much of anything so so I've seen what you're going thru. One Day a Time, you'll get there. Sending hugs.

 

[kimk]

Thank you for sharing this important reminder. It’s easy to get carried away with so many fun activities available, but our bodies will thank us for letting them rest!

 

[vickie]

...and then something happens that FORCES you to rest and you think you might lose your mind.

Same jail, different cell.

After I retired, I subscribed to "An object in motion tends to stay in motion. An object at rest stays at rest". I filled my time with pickleball, golf, and bike riding. I tried to do 2 of those 3 every weekday. I did long bike rides one day each weekend and caught up on chores the other. Plus some travel and wood refinishing.

Early last year, I developed sciatica. I had to give up almost everything I'd been doing. Ultimately, I learned I had a herniated disc and had an epidural injection. I was paroled at the beginning of the year and resumed pickleball. Then I was apprehended and taken in again a month later. My offense ... shoveling the driveway after a wet, gloppy snowfall and falling *splat* onto my right side.

Time off didn't help. Healing didn't happen. An MRI did. My supraspinatus was hanging on by a thread.

I'm 8 weeks out from rotator cuff surgery. Almost everything in my shoulder was fixed - reattached, relocated, etc - except the subscapularis. Recovery is a 6-month process. Activities now? None. No pickleball, golf, bike riding, wood refinishing. With PT twice a week, there's no travel either (not that I could carry luggage anyway). I do walk trails here, 2-4 miles each day. Like @geargrrl, I thought about going to the gym and doing leg work. But that's like playing with matches. Nov/Dec, I should be clear to go back to my normal life. At that point, I will have been away from significant activity - away from my life - for almost 2 years.

The physical part is, you know, annoying. The mental part can be brutal. When I lost all of my activities, I started to ask: Who am I? What is important to me? What gives meaning to my days? Then, what changes do I need to make in my life so my shoulder can support me for the next 20-30 years? And how does that change the way I see myself?

Then there's relationships. Those activities I was doing 2 years ago? Those were the foundation for most of my friendships. What happens when the foundation collapses?

Thankfully, I had already been preparing for what's next in my life. I'll get back to golf and pickleball and biking, but maybe not at the same intensity. I need to make room for some quieter activities with others - mahjong? - so my whole world isn't dependent upon me being at 100% physically. (I know ... Balance ). From the outside, this is a shoulder injury. But when you get taken out of everything that made up your life, there can be a lot of self-reflection.

I'm looking forward to 2027.

 

[contesstant]

In my non-skiing life, I’m an endurance horseback rider. That means I ride my horse for 50+ miles in a day: think ultra running, only I’m “lazy” and do it on a horse (note, not lazy, it’s very much a lot of work for the riders too!). When anyone starts getting serious in endurance, the first thing they’re taught by mentors/other riders/sometimes the hard way is the importance of rest for the horses. The rule of thumb is 1 day off for every 10 miles of trail ridden, plus one day off for every 100 miles in the trailer. As you progress, you figure out what works for YOUR horse, but everyone learns that they have to allow their horses to rest and recover. Less talked about is over-training, which many riders do because they don’t have a good sense of how to measure their horse’s fitness. Again, you do learn that over time and it varies by horse.

So I know all of this, and how important rest is for an athlete. But do I think about that for myself? Heck no! And that comes back to bite me, so I’ve tried very hard to get better about it in the past few years. I think what really changed me was shifting my OWN perspective from “I’m a horseback rider” to “I’m an athlete”. I never saw myself that way because I couldn’t play traditional sports and was told as a kid that “I should really sign up for art instead of PE” because I was small, scrawny, and had a barely-controlled chronic disease. While I’m still small, I’ve figured out how to be strong and active within my limits, gotten my disease into remission, and have the energy and fitness to do what I want: which was never those high-exertion traditional sports anyway.

I didn't know you rode endurance! My mom did that for years when she lived in the CA high desert. Most frequently did the Death Valley Encounter but also did some rides up near Reno. Me? I did a "tag pulling" 25 miler on one of the most decorated endurance horses of all time, at least at that time, and I HATED it. My knees were screaming. I stuck with the show ring You endurance riders are a special breed, for sure!

As to the topic at hand--my annoying and scary FMD diagnosis in 2024 set me back incredibly and forced me to stop being a cardio junkie. I bought a lower-powered e mountain bike, and joined a fitness studio last fall that has been a wonderful addition to my new fitness life. I have torn meniscus in both knees, two messed up shoulders, TMJ, a wrist that gets angry, just aging crap, and what it has all taught me is to listen to my body and skip they gym or skip the bike ride or dial it way back as needed.

On the flip side, I know people who are near my age whose health is awful. Exercise was never a part of their life, and I wouldn't trade my injuries and having to dial things back for their health in any circumstances.

 

[diymom]

On the flip side, I know people who are near my age whose health is awful. Exercise was never a part of their life, and I wouldn't trade my injuries and having to dial things back for their health in any circumstances.

Last year I went in for a standard screening procedure. I was shocked when the nurse who was reviewing my file referred to me as being in excellent health. Sure, I've made a habit of being more active in the past few years, my BP is fine, my heart rate is good, all that. But I am obviously overweight, I enjoy a good meal and wine pairing, I huff and puff more than others when active,.. not exactly what I would consider a poster child for perfect health. But for her, simply not having a bmi that counts as obese and my only medication being a statin (started HRT later) made her view me as significantly more healthy than my peers. Yikes! I mean, glad that she wasn't counting BMI as a be all and end all, since it doesn't take into account muscle to fat ratios, and what kind of condition you're in under the, umm, padding. But still. Made me wonder how many medications others my age are on.