How can I get ‘into’ exercise ?

I've never managed it. But then I got a dog who had to be walked and I'm probably fitter than I've ever been!

apart from finding something you really love (mine is ice skating) theres not much hope really. I've done all sorts of exercise and don't feel better for it, hate every minute and thank god when I finish. Absolutely no endorphin high from any other sport.

I will force myself to do the CG videos in the new year, but can see failure looming.

I have been exercising on and off for years. Used to play competitive team sport in my youth and have continued over the years. I now swim regularly. I don't think I have ever enjoyed it. I hate the build up. I hate the faff. What helps me do it is probably:

• habit
• focusing on how much better I will feel after the exercise

I have a little inner dialogue that goes like this - you will feel so much better afterwards. It's worth the faff

And I also go even if I really really don't want to. I tell myself that I will do a short session and that is enough to get me there. So mind games basically.

And I do feel amazing afterwards.

I don’t think anyone wants to exercise particularly it’s just something that you do because you know how good it is. You just need to find an exercise you like enough to motivate you to do it even on the days when you don’t feel like it. I do circuits/hiit because I get bored easily and they’re short sharp sessions so out the way as quickly as possible! That and a long walk (5-10 miles) each week.

Btw I started brisk walking with a friend or while listening to podcasts/audio books - made it enjoyable rather than a chore.

You have to stop waiting to feel the desire to exercise and just do it! Also, find something that doesn't create problems so if driving somewhere is a pita, could you start running instead?

Mini rebounder trampoline did it for me - I went from barely being able to walk fast (even lightly) for a few minutes, to ages of bouncing and jogging on it. This noticeably improved my leg muscles and my stamina, and made me better at other exercise in turn.

If you have a Nintendo switch, the boxercise, dancing and ring fit games are great at getting you moving too!

One thing though on the fast heartbeat, if it's very loud and you have any other symptoms, get checked out for anaemia - a faster than usual resting heart rate is what alerted me to it recently!

I would try a range of different kinds of exercise classes, solo exercises etc and spend time working out what you enjoy most. Give yourself at least a month without any pressure to decide. Gyms are doing great offers to experience their facility for free or reduced price, so it's a great time to take advantage of that.

What motivates you?
Social? Goals? Me time? Learning new things? Routine? Adventure?

I don't enjoy exercise. What has worked for me is not expecting to enjoy it, just getting on with it anyway. I conceptualise it like brushing my teeth - ofc I don't enjoy it but it's part of staying healthy.

I have a personal trainer session once a week and try to do an online video once a week too

I often do a 20 minute online yoga session before having a shower in the morning. It's really good for keeping flexible and, since I'm working from home, it's easy to squeeze in. Much better than traipsing to the gym at 6:30am.

As you progress and find yourself getting better, stronger you get a great buzz from exercise but initially it's a matter of bearing with it. I took up circuit training at about that age and just grew to love it as found myself with more energy, feeling younger and my dc were very impressed with me. All this really helped to motivate me. But you need at least three sessions a week to get to that place. I didn't lose a lot of weight but l lost inches and just felt more toned. Also as your exercise increases l find you become more careful about eating rubbish and start to drink more water. So couldn't recommend it more.

I do Caroline Girvan- check her out on YouTube- it’s free, in your own home and spectacularly effective. I am in the best shape of my life and I am 55.

I think you have to start with being someone who pushes themselves to exercise regularly until it becomes a habit and something it feels weird not to do 😬

Find something you can do at home so there’s less faff? Or try couch to 5k which you can do just stepping out the door?