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Original poster

What exercise gave you the most noticeable difference?

107 replies

HelloVeritas · 24/03/2023 12:53

In my 50's, menopausal, on HRT, low energy, loss of fitness, weight gain etc blah blah blah!

I need to start an exercise routine (I do a brisk walk with dogs everyday but it's not enough). I want to lose weight but to also massively tone up. Bum, tummy, thighs, arms - everywhere really.

I am going to start couch to 5k again and see where my running gets me (managed a slow 10k once but menopause has massively affected my energy levels). Have also drastically reduced alcohol intake and tackling portion sizes and carbs.

But I'd love to hear what's working for everyone else and what you did to notice the most difference.

I keep hearing about the benefits of weight training and would love to give this a go but feel quite intimidated by the thought of turning up at a gym (I really am very out of shape).

Inspiration please!

OP posts:
Thesharkradar · 24/03/2023 13:01

I agree that running reaches the places other exercises can't get to, for me nothing else gets to the upper levels of cardiovascular capacity and nothing else gives the same cocaine like buzz afterwards 🤩🤩🤩

Meandfour · 24/03/2023 13:01

HIIT circuits by a mile. Made such a difference.

SetebosMoon · 24/03/2023 13:00

Running had the biggest impact on me

Re weight training - best tip I got is if you haven't done any of it before, start with all the stuff that gives you natural resistance with your body weight. So squats, push ups, pull ups. Anything where you're using your weight to do things and get your form right (i.e. don't focus on how many, focus on the quality rather than quantity). If you spend a few months doing that and enjoy it, then you can move to add weights to all those movements.

FrenchandSaunders · 24/03/2023 12:59

I joined a gym last year and I’m 54. There’s all ages and shapes and sizes there and I love it. Have a look at a few OP to find the right one.

rbe78 · 24/03/2023 12:58

Running, sadly (because I hate every minute of it). I must start it again.

I thought I was fairly fit and healthy from a generally active lifestyle, lots of walking and hiking and a fair amount of swimming. But doing C25k and then continuing (running 6-10k three times a week) made the weight drop off me (and I wasn't overweight). Also made my overall fitness levels shoot up - could suddenly walk up big hills when hiking without getting too out of breath.

7Worfs · 24/03/2023 12:58

Weight training - it’s the best thing you can do for yourself. I think there is a weightlifting board or a thread here?

Also good for overall condition - (indoor) rock climbing, swimming.

Yoga is excellent for flexibility.

Any cardio you enjoy - running is boring, but HIIT (sprints) or tennis/badminton make it more interesting.

SparkyBlue · 24/03/2023 12:56

Zumba was the one that worked for me . Im totally uncoordinated but somehow it worked. There was a fabulous class local to me but it never returned after lockdown and I've not found another class with the same vibe.