Tomorrow I'm going to start exercising, what should I do?

[cheeseisthebest]

I hate exercise but I need to do it for my mental health, I'm low and lethargic.
I never know what to do though, any suggestions?
I have some light weights.
I just need to get over the mental hurdle of feeling really silly and self conscious.

I'm the same age, lethargic, struggling to start an exercise regime.

Have stared walking on my own with earbuds and a good podcast/music.
I don't feel like I'm exercising, just taking a bit of indulgent time for myself.

Then the walks have given me the energy and confidence to start cycling and yoga - still don't really feel like I'm actually exercising!

OP could you leave the dog at home (once he's had his walk of course) and walk at a faster pace?

Have you thought about dance classes? Zumba is fun.

Zumba does sound quite fun.
I would like something I could do at home for free if possible.

Walking at least 10000 to 15000 steps a day is a good start, free YouTube videos are brilliant. Most have a different levels, good luck 👍 best thing I need getting fitter.

Walking is the easiest. All you need is a pair of shoes.

I do Team Body Project workouts on YouTube. Just type in Team Body Project Beginner - there's lots of free ones to choose from. This is one I used to do when I first started exercising again (after 20 years of doing nothing):

I downloaded an app called FitOn and I love it.
You can filter all the on-demand stuff by intensity, area of focus and equipment.

So I started with some basic body weight tabata stuff to get into it and explored the range of my fitness. As I progressed I tried higher intensities, more cardio based stuff etc.

You filter even for things like "exercises in a small room" and "cardio low impact"(so if you have dodgy knees so can't jump around etc).

I've been using it for about a year and even use it at the gym now

Couch 2 5K 2ithout question. It's free, getting outside is good for your wellbeing. Running is incredibly time efficient, with very noticeable results IME. If you can find someone local to do it with on your local FB group), that's even better.

I find walking so boring! Happy to go on a hike with DH and DS but I would never just think "oh I'll take a walk" whereas now I would think "oh I'll just do a quick workout"

I do the blast with Annie deadman. There are lots of free workouts on her YouTube channel for all levels - with and without weights. She's great and very motivating. I put it in my diary as homework to be done and treat it like that.

I've just done a ten minute knee friendly cardio workout. Jessicsmithtv is her channel on YouTube she's got loads. If I can do it with heart issues then anyone can do it.

Holly Dolke on YouTube has some great fitness videos...

Ooh the horse riding sounds fun!

there are some zumba type workouts on youtube that you could follow? (I typed ‘beginner zumba” into youtube and lots popped up :))

If it turns out you don’t like it, pick another! I wws clearing out some boxes and found my poi from when I was like.. 13/14. Although I had the instructional CD-ROM (yes really!) to go with it, I had nothing to play it on, but youtube to the rescue once again.

i’d also really recommend some sort of martial arts class, time and funds permitting

Alternatively, you could be like my Dad and just “fidget more” (his solution to exercise :/ riiiight.)

I agree about YouTube workouts.

Walking also excellent as an every day activity. Keep the pace up! I walk with friends mostly as it’s a great way to catch up, or listen to books/music/podcasts

I would put on some really upbeat music and do 3 min exercise 2 min break for 30min! Like up and down stairs for 3 min, break, sit ups, break etc

Can I join him also 43 and unfit and low

cheeseisthebest is your dog walk with it on the lead? When I had my dogs and wanted to increase my fitness I did some extra 'stuff' whilst they were sniffing - maybe every time the dog stops to sniff you could do five squats? or lunges or something? Or instead of waiting for the dog to come to you, you go to the dog then jog back. I was lucky that my walks were over the fields so it was easy (and no one was around to watch!!) to change direction and suchlike. Its not 'exercise' as such just adapting your existing routine which might be easier to stick to.

I love jessica smith....brilliant instructor and loads of variety

Pilates - ideally a class, but online also possible. It'll help your core strength, as well as posture, back and neck pain. A good class will be welcoming and inclusive of all ages/body types and you'll feel so much better!

Whatever's got the lowest barriers to entry so you have no excuses! Try C25k on a rebounder (buy from Argos today) or a YouTube 6000 step video or something. With C25k it's designed for you to go at your own pace. You just repeat weeks as needed if it's too hard.

You can always research and refine your choice later. Just do something - anything - today and next time will be easier.

Couch to 5k is great. I was shamed in January when I attempted to run junior parkrun with my DC (2km) and I honestly run half a Km before I had to stop because it felt like my chest was caving in. I thought I was having a heart attack, it took me ages not to be in pain afterwards. I downloaded c25k and started it the following day, now I run 6.5km three times a week and I’m working my way slowly up to 10k.

I also recommend HIIT workouts (plenty of good videos on YouTube), weight lifting and yoga.

It can be boring. I have a range of routes I walk that are between 3 and 10 miles. I mostly walk these routes in winter, when many of the hiking trails I like are muddy and boggy and it's too cold for cycling.

And some times of day are better than others. The stillness of dawn and dusk are best. Around this time of year the scent of all the blossoming trees and flowers hangs around when the air is still.