What exercise gave you the most noticeable difference?

Running, and weights/cardio at the gym for an immediate toning effect.

Yoga has changed my life though. I sleep better, am calmer and have presence and peace of mind. Plus my body is much stronger and more flexible.

Body pump, Kettlebells or Conditioning are the classes which worked well for me for toning . I also love a Spin Class.
I was 49 when I started at a gym. Still doing it 11 years on.

my Physio (specialist in women's health) said that if you want to see a noticeable difference, the only real way to do that is with weight bearing exercises. Running places so much strain on your joints it can be counter beneficial. it will probably help you lose weight but won't dramatically alter your appearance in the same time frame that using weights will.

I think finding something you enjoy is the most important thing. If the thought of running outside makes you miserable then you’re not going to go, but if you love joining a class you’ll be more likely to keep it up.

Some gyms run an introduction to weightlifting class, but you’ll find many more women in the weights section than you used to, and generally speaking people are very supportive if you have questions about equipment or form.

The main thing that helped me lose weight a good few years ago was having friends who were going to the same exercise classes so I always had someone there I knew and I also knew I’d be letting someone down if I didn’t turn up. If you can find a gym buddy you’ll be well away.

Spin, for me. Really reduced my thighs and bum, as well as helping me lose some weight.

I’ve never done weights though.

Another upvote for Les Mills on Demand. I'm lurking the weight loss threads as have sneak-crept back up to an uncomfortable weight despite losing it in 2021 (post a 2020 weight gain). The thing that worked for me then, and what I'm going to get back into is the Body Pump classes on Les Mills on Demand - think they have good intro deals for 3 months and then when you're on the app, there are 15 and 30 minute workouts (and intro ones) to get into.

They also have a range of other kind of fitness workouts (Body Combat which is martial art based, Body Step which is a step class etc.) Good luck!

Weight lifting
Proper lifting heavy weights
I did a women's beginners class and got hooked. I'm 56 and had never done it before. Kept trying running but hate it.

Body pump is fantastic. It keeps me pretty toned all over. I also swim a few times a week and in between do yoga. Hope you find something that works for you!

CrossFit worked for me. If you can visit a local one and see what kind of community they have it could be amazing. We've got a whole range of young, old, fit, never done any exercise ever before etc and seeing the progress everyone makes whilst making friends is amazing. Totally accept that some will be more geared towards competition and it might be 70% tops off males but I know of at least 2 beside me that are the total opposite of that.

I thought it was more to do with diet (unfortunately) I've run fairly regularly for 20 years. I've been marathon training since January and have maybe lost a pound! (Although I'm not overweight but would love to be half a stone lighter)
I'm just starting strength training/boot camp, mainly to see if I can improve my fitness/running but I'd be over the moon if it made me lose weight and look better.

Weights.

If most of your exercise is cardio (walking) that’s great but add in some weights.

A Body Pump class would be a good start. High reps of weights in a routine to music tracks.

Or ask your gym for an induction session on the machines.

I like Bodyfit with Amy kettlebell videos on youtube.

She's not super annoying or chirpy and has nice clear instructions and achievable workouts.

Can I just jump on here to ask - how on earth do you runners stay motivated to get out regularly? I've tried to get into running so many times, I love the idea of it but can't seem to commit to doing it consistently

Something that helps me get into “fitness mode” - if you can, pick exercise clothes that fit well and you like the look of. Then put your hair away in a pretty way (e.g. an interesting plait). If you are like me, it might give you a big boost and a “go get ‘em” attitude.

I’m shallow like that

Although with running, especially if you’re lacking motivation to get out, once you’ve done your couch to 5k, definitely go to parkrun as it makes you so competitive with yourself. You could then get a 10k training plan and follow that or just do one to get quicker at 5ks. I think having some structure to your runs or a running club you go to now and then is the key to wanting to challenge yourself with it and get out the door.

I have tried youtube videos but didn't find anything as good as the gym classes. That was 4 or 5 years ago however. That's how I ended up subscribing to Les Mills at home.

I'm turning 49 this year and I do Les Mills on Demand at home. I started doing fitness classes at universtiy and it's the thing I love best. I don't like going to the gym. Found it very hard to get motivated. But if you want to do weights at the gym, sign up and they'll give you a few free personal trainer sessions with a program.

No one will look at you at the gym and judge you. If they do, then that's not the right gym for you.

You should aim at having some weight training and 75 minutes of vigorous cardio exercise. (I know they say 150 min of moderate but I don't find that enough at all).

I'm at a stage of life that's very busy at home and work. I'm doing Les Mills on Demand at home. I do pump (weights), balance (yoga and pilates) and various cardio (step, combat and attack). I am also fairly active and regulalrly hikes, cycles and ice skates.

My advice would be just to find something you like and stick with it.

I’d say diet alongside running and a few home workouts with weights or some gym sessions is plenty. The problem with running is that you need to run regularly or longer distances to notice a decent difference quite quickly. If you’re dieting alongside 5ks then I’m sure you’ll lose a good bit though! My husband is training for a marathon and has lost so much weight and is now really toned, purely from the miles he’s putting in every week

There are some good threads here on supplements as well. When I’m not breastfeeding I usually take a Berocca in the morning, zinc with lunch and magnesium before bed.
Occasionally a course of selenium.
B12 after colds.

Regular running made me drop excess flab I have carried all my adult life really. I did a 5k a day for a month challenge. Not fast by any means, but a daily 30/45 min jog was the step change I needed.
But in terms of strength and shape - weights, especially core and balance exercises with a kettlebell. Try youtube videos for simple kettlebell or small dumbell workouts - start very light with simple exercises and there's low risk of injury from bad form.

A combination of body weight and weightlifting exercises. Honestly your strength will increase, your flexibility, your energy and your mood will lift. It’s also less time consuming than walking.

If you lack energy I’d also consider a diet overhaul - plenty of fats and proteins, fruit and veg. Completely abandon UPF and bloating carbs. Don’t count calories, just eat good food until full.

I’d also give intermittent fasting a go. Start easy with 13:11 and build up to 16:8. Or even if you manage 14:10 it’s still very good.