Whats the most effective exercise you have ever done?

[boobot1]

Need to start some sort of exercise programme, which have you tried and had great results?

I joined a body builders' gym purely because it was the closest one to me. Then used one of their trainers, who accepted I was a middle aged (50++) women and trained me accordingly using weights that were heavy for me. I was in the best shape ever within 6 weeks, having spent the previous 30 years in group classes/running clubs etc. Plus I was such a novelty down there, I had loads of support from the other members.

Walking uphill fast on treadmill or outdoors if you have hills + rowing machine for upper body.

Weightlifting. Not namely pamby little weights. Proper big girl weights. Freeweights and bar.

Running - for mental and for physical health. I can't imagine life without it now. Since becoming a runner I've gone from fat and depressed to slim and healthy. I run most days and it keeps me sane!

Jillian Michael's hiit dvds
YouTube HASfit and fitness blender.
Lots of walking

Reformer Pilates!
Fixed my stomach muscles, toned my legs and arms, improved my posture and made me feel really strong and good about myself.

Doing things I love to do. I ran for years as I thought it was the 'best' exercise. Did various 5/10ks but never really enjoyed it. On a whim tried a martial arts class, loved it and have never looked back. Now do approx 6 bouts of exercise as week but only things I enjoy - martial arts, Zumba, yoga, some HIIT, still the odd run and just started weight lifting (in the gym - quite hard to have the full range of weights at home, especially as you get stronger and lift heavier). It's good to have a decent range of types of exercise, if you have time.

I'm stronger, fitter and more toned in my 50s than I was in my 30s.

Jujitsu
Spinning

Weightlifting- changed my shape and help with both fat loss and toning

For losing fat - HIIT
For building muscle - weightlifting
For overall body shaping (especially legs) - rock climbing and plyometric jumping exercises

Cardio and weights 6 times a week. The crosstrainer has been the most effective cardio for me (we have a real love/hate relationship) and I do HIIT on it. I can't run due to a prolapse so need low impact exercise.

I was going 2/3 times a week with very slow results in terms of weight loss and changing body shape but since I have upped it to 6 times, the physiological and mental changes have been significant and I still eat loads. A wart I had on my thumb for years has almost disappeared probably due to the effects on my immune system.

We are supposed to do intensive enough exercise to sweat everyday. The NHS guidelines are way too low the same as portion guidelines for fruit and veg. Luckily I have been able to make the time for it.

CrossFit without a doubt.

I do bootcamp x3 a week, I started to notice a difference in only 8 weeks. Bootcamp isn't as scary as it sounds.

Running. For many many reasons.

When I first started my weight just fell off. Now I have to watch what I eat too, but anyway.

The fresh air works wonders for my mental health.

Also it changed my life. Met so many wonderful people through it.

So it had a big effect on my fitness levels, weight, mental health and social life.

Ski-erg. Really great especially if you've got dodgy knees. It's easy to do, hard work, and pretty much works your whole body. It also sorted out my dodgy back by strengthening my core.

BTW I am also a weightlifter: ski-erg is my cardio. A previous poster mentioned weightlifting and really that is the best of the best of the best

Spinning for low impact cardio fitness.
Weights for fat loss and toning. I go 3x a week at early o clock as I can't be arsed once I get in from work.

HIIT and Pilates

I had one of those ab rollers once, you know the ones that you hold onto and roll along the floor like you’re a wheelbarrow. Really effective - my abs strengthened massively which in turn helped my bad back.

Reformer Pilates

Couch 2 5k so jogging/running and that was for weight loss

pilates and running combined. bloody horrible though i loathe running.

Totally agree with Body Pump. I'm in my early fifties, started it eighteen months ago and like a PP I have never felt so fit and strong. I noticed the difference after a few weeks physically, mentally it is also great, made me feel so much more confident. Group fitness definitely works better for me, I will procrastinate if left to my own devices, whereas if I'm booked in, then I will go, come what may!
I combine three pump sessions with one body combat, one step class and a dance class and have so much more energy. I never thought I would be one of those people who hate missing their exercise fix!

Body pump and swimming

Depends on the persons physiology imo