Is It Too Late to Start Exercising After 60? (Short Answer: No!)

“I’m too old to start exercising now, right?”

Not at all. In fact, there’s no better time to start than today—especially if you’re over 60 and want to keep doing the things you love.

At our physiotherapy clinic in Cairns, we hear this question a lot from people who are feeling a little slower, stiffer, or unsure about what their bodies can handle as they get older. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to be fit to start—starting helps you get fit.

Why start now?

As we age, it’s totally normal to notice a few changes—like finding it harder to get up from a chair, balance on one foot, or lift the groceries. This happens because:

• Muscles shrink if we don’t use them

• Joints get stiff

• Bones lose density

• Ligaments shorten

But guess what? Movement can reverse a lot of this. Just a little bit of the right kind of exercise can help you feel stronger, steadier, and more confident doing everyday things.

And it’s not just about strength. Exercise also helps:

✔️ Improve your balance
✔️ Boost your mood
✔️ Reduce aches and pains
✔️ Support brain health
✔️ Lower your risk of falls and illness

“But I’ve never really exercised before...”

That’s okay. Most of the people we help at our clinic aren’t gym junkies. Many haven’t done structured exercise in years—or ever.

The key is to start small, go steady, and do what works for your body. You don’t have to do intense workouts. Walking, gentle strength training, water exercises, or guided movement sessions can all make a big difference.

Our team at the physiotherapy clinic in Cairns will help you ease into it with a safe and personalised plan.

Real talk: Why exercise after 60 really matters

Think of it like this—your health is your future superannuation fund. Every step you take today is a deposit in your long-term independence and happiness.

Here’s what regular, gentle exercise can help you do:

• Stay living in your own home longer

• Keep up with the grandkids

• Travel without worrying about mobility

• Stay out of hospital

• Enjoy hobbies like gardening, walking the dog, or dancing

How our Cairns physio team can help

At our physiotherapy clinic in Cairns, we don’t just hand you a list of exercises and send you on your way. We work alongside you with:

👟 A full movement check-up
We look at your strength, balance, flexibility, and any sore spots or past injuries.

📋 A program made just for you
Whether you’re completely new to exercise or returning after a break, we tailor your sessions so they feel right and safe.

🤸 Fun, interactive sessions
Our programs are designed to be enjoyable—not just effective—so you’ll want to keep coming back.

🧍 Focus on independence
We keep the end goal in mind: helping you stay mobile, capable, and doing life your way.

Ready to move?

If you’re over 60 and wondering if it’s too late to start moving again, we’re here to tell you—it’s not. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Come and see how our physiotherapy clinic in Cairns can help you take that first step towards a healthier, more independent future.

Because the best time to start? Is now.