Totally unfit, where do I start?

[unfitt]

Am coming up to a big birthday, done bugger all exercise in lockdown and very little before that. Have borderline osteoporosis so anything high impact is out.

Thinking about getting myself something like an exercise bike or cross trainer to use at home, while watching TV etc, as I know I'm not going to go out for walks in the cold.

Can anyone suggest the best equipment to get, or any other fun exercise that can be done at home, suitable for unfit complete beginners?

Not looking to lose weight, but to tone up, improve cardio/strength and get some core muscles (my posture is terrible!).

If there's anyone who wants to join me on my zero to hero journey, that would be good too. It can't be 0-5K, as I can't go jogging because of the osteoporosis, I don't think. :(

All suggestions or inspiration from previously unfit now superfit or slightly fit people welcome!

Don't underestimate the benefit of getting outside for a fast walk. Even if just for one of your 10 min slots. You want to walk briskly, to bring your heart rate up. A quick match around the block could become half a mile, which becomes a mile. And outside is much better than inside.

However, if it really is a stinker of a day, then there are some fun walking workouts on YouTube - Lesley Sansone or Rick Bhullar are both good. I do them in my kitchen during boring conference calls.

For toning up, you need to incorporate strength training. Body weight exercises or with hand weights. Start low and light and work up. Functional strength exercises are also good at building bone density and will be really beneficial against osteoporosis.

If you can afford it, would you join an online platform? I joined Own Your Goals by Davina McCall in April and haven't looked back. Great structured programmes for getting started and beginners, great trainers and hundreds of classes to try and a very supportive Facebook community. I'm also a Les Mills on Demand member as I was missing bodypump classes.

Good luck OP! Take small steps and you'll build your fitness up. You CAN do it!

Can you not drive short distances, walk instead?

10 minutes a day is better than 0 minutes a day!
And it will be 10 minutes a day this week, but then next week 12, the week after 15, the week after 20 minutes. So in less than a month you'll go from 0 to 20 minutes exercise a day- amazing!

Good luck!

pickingdaisies - yes, I did mean that, but was diagnosed with that about 3 years ago and not been checked since so ay well have got worse since.

Interesting to hear about the slow jogging and jogging with osteopenia, as I used to really enjoy jogging, but broke my shoulder last year and am now really terrified of breaking another bone, so have been avoiding it.

Thanks for all the suggestions about PTs, which I might consider when richer and if my motivation flags. Ended up working late last two days so missed doing my 30 mins a day, but planning to catch up on that today. I'm aiming for 5 sessions of 30 mins a week, so still within my target.

If I do want a PT, what's the best way to find a good one?

No idea about finding a PT, sorry. I joined a local running club to do couch to 5k, there is always someone in those groups who has used a physio, trainer, etc that they'd recommend. Or, do you have a local Facebook or WhatsApp group you could ask? (Mainly, I'm replying to bump the thread for you!)