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

[Geometric]

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!

Aquaaerobics is great if you have mobility issues.

Your body is supported by the water but at the same time offers resistance so its very good for building fitness in a safe way.

It's also so daft (underwater dancing to hgh energy pop music) it's almost impossible not to smile.

Plus you are under water so no one can see your wobbly bits.

You may want to look at getting some underwater grip/non-slip foot socks if it's your first time as the floor of the pool may be a bit slippy.

It's great fun and worth a try if you can get past the unfortunate 80s association of the word aerobics. It's not really like that at all.

Tennis and badminton for me. Badminton is easier to pick up but tennis is more fun, more expensive and requires more commitment. Definitely do some weights too.

Cycling. I’m one of the youngest people I cycle with at 48! [[https://www.letsride.co.uk/breeze Breeze{{ rides are free, guided, ladies only social rides across the UK. You’ll be surprised about how far you can go on a bike. Beg, borrow or steal a bike and go along.

Breeze link again

Horse riding ?

I’m a bit younger but I’ve been doing some 5k runs, excercise bike and just started indoor climbing. The indoor climbing is very good fun and really works your body.

Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Zumba Gold, Flex and Tone, body conditioning, ballet.

Nordic walking. Really really good for toning and improving fitness.

Parkrun is very sociable and as it's only 5k which you can walk/jog might be ok for your knees.

Ankles sorry- also whatever sport you end up doing, worth going to a proper running shop that will analyse your gait and sell you appropriate running shoes.

I'm 50 this year and for the last couple of years ive been doing Les Mills Body Balance classes. 2-3 times a week. I love it, you do the same routine for 12 weeks to music so get really good at it then they launch a new one.

I've really toned up, sleep like a log and have no aches and pains or niggles anymore. Everything gets a regular stretch and strengthen.

Yoga - really good weight bearing which some research suggests helps with bone density which is important as we all age..... 🙄
Try a few classes and you’ll find a friendly bunch. If you’re not at work, I’ve found that a weekday morning class tends to attract lots of friendly types who commit regularly so you get to know others 👍🏻

Adult ballet really challenges your core strength as a lot of the positions requires balance and also great for flexibility. I love how elegant and beautiful the movements are.

Sailing - goes from very zen to very hair-raising depending on the wind. Learning is social and then beginners racing.

After studying dance up to the age of 21, I struggled to find an activity I liked enough to do twice but forced myself to bob on with swimming.

Then I found Pilates, with the lovely, masochist stretching beds. I sweat but importantly for me, I don't get out of breath as I loath that side of sport (unless I'm dancing 🕺 to cheesy disco music).

Also, I've been told that building muscle is as important to cardiac health as aerobic exercise. Importantly, I look forward to my weekly class and intend to stick with it into retirement.

It is eye-wateringly expensive tho!

Cardio tennis. Tennis fun class, not a match, with music.

Aquafit for non-weight bearing but good resistance. A good class always incorporates an easy & a harder version.

Thanks so much for all the ideas, I’ll have to look into the suggestions. I’ve no idea just yet what might suit me best, but it’s kind of inspiring to read about you all getting out there and enjoying all these different types of exercise! Gives me hope that something might fit for me.

Definitely yoga or Pilates, or yoga/Pilates type class such as body balance if you want to keep flexible in your old age, my FIL can barely bend to tie his shoelaces, my only regret is not starting both years ago.

I am in the same position OP so following closely! I did manage to do swimming lessons for a year until the time changed which I enjoyed. I thought I could swim but they took one look at my "style " and put me in the beginners' group! I can't bear weight on one arm so I find yoga really tricky.

I’ve found a lot of places will offer a free or discounted taster lesson so you can decide if it’s for you

I’ve been googling some of these in my local city - who knew there were about 40 organised Nordic walks each week locally!

Immediate shortlist to think about is yoga, badminton if I can find a ‘friendly to beginners’ group, maybe indoor climbing, tennis (plus cardio tennis). Still looking at the availability of some of the other options, so thank you!

I second the pp suggestion to look into cardio tennis. It's a great wY if getting into the sport

I'm 47 and recently started doing Pilates. I've opted for a very small class of between 2-3 others so it's properly teaching me the correct form etc which I just wasn't getting in a gym style class of 25 others

It's great for strength, bones and menopause - my teacher specialises in all those points

The downside is the cost. It's £40 for 2 classes a week which is extortionate really but it makes me feel good so I'll pay it

rumours that's expensive! Locally we have a few options for pilates but usual fee is £80 for ten weeks so £10 a week. I'm booking 1-1 sessions after an injury and it's £45 for an hour and a half! I live in a tiny rural area but where I lived previously it was about the same. I'm shocked on your behalf

@Sooverthemill £20 for an hour session is about right for where we are in the country, the tiny classes so lots of personal attention and the fact it's a Pilates studio with award winning teachers. They do nothing but Pilates

So on balance, I'm happy with what I pay