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!

rumours glad you're happy! Ours is in a purpose built studio too with the machines for some classes, others are Mat classes. Feeling lucky I live somewhere cheap or I couldn't go!

I'm older than you, and a complete layabout, but 2 - 3 years ago I saw an advert for a belly dancing class at the local community centre.

It's fantastic, we are aged from about 45 up to 80+, all shapes and sizes, lots of dancing, great moves, real body confidence that most of us didn't have before, really great music, and you can belly dance to any music - Shakira, Amy Winehouse, Motown, are often played as well as music from Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon, and Turkish pop.

Have a look at Shakira 'Hips Don't Lie' on YouTube - she was a belly dancer, and she's amazing. I haven't got there yet (probably never will ) but our teacher can pretty well, and she's late 60s, early 70s. There doesn't seem to be any reason to stop.

Whatever you pick, have fun!

Another vote for netball, or walking netball if you prefer: the latter is gentler on the body, but just as tactical as regular netball, if not more so; and the sessions are really friendly and fun.

I've recently taken up archery and I love it! It gives you quite an upper body workout and you rack up the distance walking to the targets to score/collect arrows and back. Clubs can be few and far between and it can definitely be expensive to buy your own kit, but you should be able to use the club's equipment initially for a good while.

It's £40 for 2 classes a week which is extortionate really but it makes me feel good so I'll pay it
I think that's a bargain. It's a lot more where I am.