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What’s a good sport or type of exercise to take up at nearly 50?

55 replies

Geometric · 11/08/2019 11:05

I’ve never ‘found’ a sport I love, and have muddled through life so far with basic levels of fitness, was always ok rather than brilliant or terrible at sport. I’ve started to have a little more time on my hands, and I’m thinking about what kind of sport or exercise might be good to try, that will likely have some longevity, that I can keep on doing say into retirement.

I’m interested generally on people’s thoughts on exercise in middle age and onwards, but in case it helps, some specifics on what would likely work for me: running as part of the sport I can manage, long distance running is out, i have an ankle problem. A social sport would be great, if I can join without feeling an idiot as a beginner, but open to stuff I can do alone too. Not motivated by losing weight, I want to increase strength, build some cardio fitness, stave off body niggles, feel some satisfaction with improvement, boost mood.

Suggestions very welcome!

OP posts:
CallSignCharlie · 11/08/2019 11:13

In my area netball is very popular . There are loads of social teams (as well as those more serious) .
It looks like great fun but as I’m 5ft nothing I think it’s probably not the sport for me

Nateismine · 11/08/2019 11:13

TriathlonSmile

M0RVEN · 11/08/2019 11:14

Do you enjoy racket sports like tennis, badminton or squash ?

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Sooverthemill · 11/08/2019 11:16

Yoga, pilates definitely ( good for strength). Lots of online videos which make it free to try out but I imagine lots of classes too. Swimming? Maybe take a class to restore confidence. Netball and hockey are amazingly popular in my old village/ county ( Council runs get back into sport try out sessions) and lots of friendships formed. Where we live now people seem to be into triathlons and cycling. My sister aged 50 joined the ramblers and met her new husband!

FermatsTheorem · 11/08/2019 11:19

From friends' reports:

Badminton - can be as gentle or as competitive as you want. Friend who was very overweight took this up and loved it.

Korfball - immensely social, mixed sport.

(I'm leaving out my experience because my passion is football but that's not compatible with a dodgy ankle).

Geometric · 11/08/2019 12:04

I did used to be pretty good at badminton about 25 years ago! Might need to look into the ‘back into sport’ options, see if they exist round here. There is back into netball but most of the returnees seem to be in their twenties, not sure I’d keep up!

Thanks Fermat glad you’ve got a sport you love. Yes, after ankle ligament surgery, i fear football is out!

OP posts:
feelingverylazytoday · 11/08/2019 12:14

I'm 59 and I love swimming and walking. If I had more time to myself I'd like to do yoga or possibly some form of martial arts class.

Bloodybridget · 11/08/2019 12:15

Rowing (outdoors on a river or lake, or coastal). I started in my 60s, am not a sporty person at all but I love it. My club offers recreational rowing, i.e. not serious training and racing.

Belgravian · 11/08/2019 12:17

Horse riding.

FrederickCreeding · 11/08/2019 12:17

What about horse riding?

Surprisingly good for toning etc, I know.people who ride well into their 80s, and really sociable and a great way to see the countryside.

Downsides are the costs!

MintGreen · 11/08/2019 12:22

My back to netball session has people all ages up to 70, it's brilliant and very friendly. Those that are a decent standard tend to get absorbed quite quickly into our league teams so the back to netball stays fun and not overly-competitive.

Teaandcrisps · 11/08/2019 12:28

Watching this thread with interest - I'm getting an exercise bike today - woop woop - hopefully it gets used rather than sits there unused like my 30 day shred DVD

areyoubeingserviced · 11/08/2019 13:27

Fight Klub- involves boxing a free standing bag to drum and bass music.
Great cardiovascular and strength workout .
Suits all ages and fitness levels
In addition you get great arms that can give Michelle Obama a run for her money
I only discovered this a few months ago and now I am addicted

AvocadosBeforeMortgages · 11/08/2019 13:30

Cycling - it's non weight bearing so easier on the joints, non competitive (unless you want to make it so) and you can work it into your daily life (eg cycling to the shops) which makes it easier to keep up.

I personally know people who have been cycling well into their 80s

Egghead68 · 11/08/2019 13:31

I'm 50 and I like circuits and weights classes and spinning. Suffering is much more bearable in a group, I find, and the instructors are often funny.

You may enjoy parkruns too (make sure you have good running shoes if you have any gait issues). You can go at any speed you like - even walk them.

Nothingcomesforfree · 11/08/2019 13:33

I enjoyed running with a club and rugby in my youth. However I find now I just like to do 30 day shred everyday. It’s quick,easy and you get results.
I would do a stretching class - yoga or Pilates if I had time or money, Being supple is a key component of youth.

FreeButtonBee · 11/08/2019 13:38

I have recently taken up spinning. Not the competitive racing each other type but the SoCal culty type 😄. It is really addictive, easy on the joints and pretty fun/over quickly. I am much much fitter and although haven’t lost weight I am much stronger too (you do upper body exercises while on the bike).

MIdgebabe · 11/08/2019 13:39

Roped Climbing ? Walls do introductory training and then run social sessions if you need a partner , or find a local club

Social, strength and a touch cardio. Coupled with some yoga for flexibility and stability

Strength based stuff is great for slightly older women

It may take longer to learn and build strength than for a 20 year old, but everyone is so supportive

skippy67 · 11/08/2019 13:39

Netball! My club is very sociable and friendly. All abilities, shapes and sizes. Ages range from twenties to fifties.

speakout · 11/08/2019 13:40

OP I think you have to try things out and find what you enjoy. We are all very different.
I am not keen on swimming or competitive sports. some people love them.

I am quite a bit older than you- I exercise a lot- mainly body pump and weights and yoga.

If you find something you enjoy you are more likely to keep at it.

HardRockHallelujah · 11/08/2019 13:41

How about open water swimming? Or martial arts? Karate is fun and social.

growlingbear · 11/08/2019 13:42

Vinyasa yoga. That's yoga where you keep moving. It builds incredible strength and suppleness. You will feel it in your body all over if you've not done it before, but because you always stretch as well as weight bearing, you would freeze up and get stiff next day.

I'd also add weight training and then something sociable like hill walking, kayaking, netball or badminton.

Autumnchill · 11/08/2019 13:42

I'm 46 and not exercised for years. I've just joined a local boot camp / circuit training group. Absolutely love it. Go at your own speed, very social and great calorie burner. I hate the gym but I've done 10 classes so far and all different because they mix it up. Even went and did a class at 9am this morning and it was tough but I feel great for doing it.

Pittgran · 11/08/2019 13:47

What about a Walking Sport? I play walking netball. There are also walking football, rugby and hockey groups in my area.
Walking netball sessions are on the England Netball website.

Linseedlill · 11/08/2019 13:50

Ok don't laugh...

...baroque dance

(and no, you don't have to dress up)

beautiful music
not too frantic
good for brain and body

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