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Original poster

Where do I start?

33 replies

User17273637373 · 14/11/2021 10:04

I’m sure there are a lot of these threads so apologies if I’m repeating.

I’m looking to start exercising with a proper routine. I really want to tone up, improve cardio and my general health and mental health. And I really want a realistic schedule that I will stick to and enjoy rather than dread!

Can anyone recommend any ways to get into it? I’m pretty shy and my fitness level currently feels like a 0 so not sure I’d be ready to do classes etc with others just yet. I did couch to 5k a few years ago and found running in public a bit embarrassing too. I know it’s all irrational but my self confidence is very low right now.

For context, I live in a one bedroom flat so don’t have a lot of room for certain home work outs. I work full time in an office role mostly wfh - try to at least go out for a walk daily, but my hours can be quite long. No kids and no pets.

If you have any routines that work for you and you enjoy please share!

Thank you Star

OP posts:
RelentlessForwardProgress · 14/11/2021 12:14

For cardio I would recommend downloading couch to 5k App (free). I hadn't done any exercise for YEARS and it got me running, Once you can run 5k, you can get into Parkrun (also free) and that's a nice, sociable weekly run.

usernotfound0000 · 14/11/2021 12:10

I've just read about not having much space for home workouts but I'd still check out Joe, he has a series of workouts that are done in a hotel room just to show how little space is needed.

usernotfound0000 · 14/11/2021 12:08

I do all my exercise at home. If you look on you tube there are loads of trainers, Joe Wickes is pretty good, he has absolute beginner stuff that doesn't need any equipment and gets progressively harder. I generally get up and do 30/40 minutes 5 times a week before work.

lljkk · 14/11/2021 11:39

Swimming is usually about £5.50/session. Go to open session at first, can try lanes later. Aqua-aerobics is very popular where I am and nobody cares what you're doing (half of it is under water out of sigh, anyway).

A lot of people like Kettle Workouts they can do at home first thing, 20 minutes and done.

You could consider some social walking or cycling clubs.

monkeysonthemoon · 14/11/2021 10:35

Also, are there any military fitness classes in parks near you? I know this would be a class, but they divide people into different levels so you are not all exercising at the same intensity and there are always people who have next to no fitness because of illness, weight issues etc. If you went a couple of times a week your fitness level would increase so quickly and there is a good team spirit of inclusion and encourgagement.

monkeysonthemoon · 14/11/2021 10:25

Is there a gym near you that you could join? They all have personal trainers who would work out a plan for you based on your goals, although this would be an additional cost to the monthly subscription. You wouldn't have to meet every time you went to the gym, maybe once or twice a month would be ok for you, or even just a one-off.
I know you said you don't like exercising in public, but I would really recommend the NHS couch to 5k. You can listen to your own music, a radio station or podcast and the trainer's voice will interrupt to tell you when to stop/start and encourage you. Try to develop a thicker skin - if anyone makes an adverse comment that says much more about them than about you. Ignore it, most people aren't thinking anything other than good for you and you are doing something amazing which will have a positive effect on every part of your life.

Original poster
User17273637373 · 14/11/2021 10:22

@lljkk My hours are meant to be 9-5:30 roughly (can do flexi time) but I normally I end up working longer hours and not finishing until a bit later.

Re group activities - I feel like I’m not ready for something in a group until I know I at least have some level of fitness behind me so I can keep up. I think I wouldn’t be as shy knowing I wasn’t a total beginner.

Re budget - I could spend some money on classes/join a gym eventually but nothing too pricey (hard when I am in London!). I’m trying to save to buy a flat so if it’s a cheap/free activity then it would be better for me! At the same time though, I know I need to start prioritising my health so can compromise! Smile

OP posts:
lljkk · 14/11/2021 10:12

do you work a regular schedule or shifts?

Does "shy" mean you don't want group activity (like fitness classes)?

Do you have firm budget limits?