I started caving in 2007. Then I was 45, slightly overweight by about 10kg, but had the advantage of living 10 mins drive from my nearest cave.
This year I will obviously be 55, I cave & dig once a week, and feel more spry than I did 10 years ago, have lost my flab/gut/beer belly, have improved muscle tone, especially round my upper torso (my wife of 34 years
likes loves that! :hug: ). However, I also do quite a bit of walking as well - that helps!
She appreciates that caving is a hobby/madness/illness (delete as applicable), even though she is claustrophobic (even under a bedcover :blink: )
Its given me something to look forward to on a weekly basis - especially
afterwards.
I've also done conservation work and audits, found new cave, investigated every hole I come across.
There should be plenty of ideas for novice cavers across the forum, but as I'm in Derbyshire, one of the following will suit:
Carlswark - Gin to Eyam shaft, Peak Cavern - beyond the showcave 'tourist' trip to Far Sump/Ink Sump/Buxton Water Sump, Bagshawe Cavern, Giants to Garlands Pot.
Undoubtedly others will recommend for other areas.
Try it, you never know, It's infectious!