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Original poster

What exercise might I actually grow to enjoy if I tried it?

56 replies

StillMedusa · 25/04/2023 15:34

I'm 55, slim, and have a bad sacroiliac joint and low back problems.
I can't run (had a triple prolapse and hysterectomy after 4 children and was told no high impact stuff as I could end up with a vaginal vault prolapse)

I'm unfit. Yes I walk the dog but that's it.

I used to do Taekwondo (am a first Dan black belt in fact.. gained it at 48) but after a nasty dislocated thumb I gave up.. I was flexible then, but not any more. I have a weak core.

I kayak/paddle board a bit with Dh but only in summer.. getting cold and wet is NOT my thing!

I'm menopausal/post (who knows I'm still taking HRT)

I WANT do do something that will keep me healthy! I have an adult son to care for (autism) and a toddler grandchild I look after several days a week, plus I do supply in school. My diet is not terrible but I do have too much wine.. and that's not going to change!

I need something that will give me a buzz like Taekwondo used to... something I will commit to, so probably a class? I don't want to lose weight but I want to improve my flexibility, and cardio health.

I really fancied an adult ballet class but there are none on the day I'm free. There is an adult beginners gymnastics but I'm a bit scared of that! Pilates bored me stupid when I tried!

There must be something for me out there! Help!

OP posts:
Applesinmyhouse · 25/04/2023 15:42

You could try a different martial art? Something like Wing Chun, it’s not high impact and engages your core.

You could try weightlifting, just don’t do any heavy deadlifts. There are programmes online to follow.

Hiking, like proper hiking on moors and along coastal paths?

tired17 · 25/04/2023 15:43

Have you considered a walking team sport - netball, hockey, football etc. They are welcoming for all but especially over 50's and the rules are modified slightly to avoid too much pressure on joints. Also great fun and good for making new friends

emma123456 · 25/04/2023 15:49

Tennis! Take some lessons and join a local club

Interested in this thread?

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Exercise & fitness Fitness Menopause Women's health
Twilightstarbright · 25/04/2023 15:52

Barre classes?

YukoandHiro · 25/04/2023 15:55

Swimming can be addictive and refreshing if there's somewhere nice you can go. Great for lower back.

Yoga and Pilates depend entirely on the teacher. I'm currently going to a brilliant yoga class that I look forward to every week but I tried one that didn't suit me at all in my 20s

Spudlover · 25/04/2023 15:56

What about bootcamps? They’re fun and sociable and often quite intense so a really good workout.

Find one in your local park, fresh air at the same time. Some even let you take your dog.

ZacharinaQuack · 25/04/2023 15:57

Fencing is great fun - though there is a fair amount of prancing backwards and forwards, so not sure if that is too high impact?

Movinghouseatlast · 25/04/2023 15:59

Zumba is brilliant fun and is a hard cardio workout.

massistar · 25/04/2023 16:00

I do boxercise. Gives me a total buzz!

DemonicCaveMaggot · 25/04/2023 16:03

I have a rowing machine (or erg). I can't say I find it enjoyable, but I feel really good once I have finished. Rowing is one of the best exercises (if it is done correctly) exercising all the muscles in the body. I have very rounded shoulders and it has helped me with my posture, flexibility, and general strength. The motion does mean you are doing several hundred semi-situps in a session so it has strengthened my core. One of my DC rows and told me that a racing rower can process more oxygen than a race horse so it is good cardio exercise too. There may be indoor rowing groups or you could join in challenges on the Concept site. The Oarsome Foursome videos are good for learning how to use a rowing machine correctly.

On the other hand I have seen t-shirts with 'Erg, the world's best torture machine' and I must admit it has taken me a month to get from only being able to row for a couple of minutes to being able to row 4km in 20. My rowing machine is in the garage but they do stand up on one end and are easy to roll into and out of position.

StamppotAndGravy · 25/04/2023 16:05

Climbing or bouldering will give you the adrenaline buzz, but might not be great with lower back issues. Jazz or contemporary dance will be more lively than ballet. Capoiera has all the martial arts elements without being in the old people tai chi category. Water polo or underwater hockey are more fun than swimming

TravellingJack · 25/04/2023 16:14

I'd suggest weightlifting and yoga (no it's not thrilling but it is good for stretching out soreness from exercise and improving core and flexibility), plus a dance class - ideally a partner one with social dance events. See if there are any Lindy Hop classes near you - it's good fun and depending how good (and fast!) you get, can be a workout too!

PollyCreo · 25/04/2023 16:15

Are there any dance classes near you? Something like salsa or bachata is not high-impact but it's cardio and you might get a buzz from it?

readbooksdrinktea · 25/04/2023 16:17

+1 for rowing machine. It has really helped my core muscles.

TheOGCCL · 25/04/2023 16:19

I agree Pilates and yoga depends a lot on the teacher.

mindutopia · 25/04/2023 16:24

Yoga would be fantastic for your SI joint - I also have SI joint dysfunction and it makes such a difference.

As does spinning/indoor cycling as well. It's the best thing I've done for my hips/lower back and I really enjoy it.

maddy68 · 25/04/2023 16:24

Pilates

Purrpurrpurr · 25/04/2023 16:29

Hooping with Deanne Love, YouTube.

PollyCreo · 25/04/2023 16:30

TheOGCCL · 25/04/2023 16:19

I agree Pilates and yoga depends a lot on the teacher.

I joined a sunset beach yoga class last year and it was one of the cringiest experiences of my life 😳 I didn't want to do headstands or anything but we basically sat on the sand holding hands and chanting for an hour. I stuck it out for four weeks until I found the courage to leave 😂

Pilates can be the same, I now go to an amazing class twice a week but previously went to one which I can only describe as "Pensioners Pilates" 😴

PollyCreo · 25/04/2023 16:33

Oh and I'm also a black belt so fully understand the need for a buzz 💪

Mogginsthemog · 25/04/2023 16:35

I can't run and do pilates which is good for flexibility, and swim (mostly indoor pool but also at a lido if warm enough, sometimes open water).

Also cycling- outdoors and have an exercise bike.

IamThegreaterMole · 25/04/2023 16:35

Spin might be worth a try

squashyhat · 25/04/2023 16:37

"Pilates can be the same, I now go to an amazing class twice a week but previously went to one which I can only describe as "Pensioners Pilates" 😴"

Ageist much?

It probably works fine for the "pensioners" who regularly attend.

PollyCreo · 25/04/2023 16:43

squashyhat · 25/04/2023 16:37

"Pilates can be the same, I now go to an amazing class twice a week but previously went to one which I can only describe as "Pensioners Pilates" 😴"

Ageist much?

It probably works fine for the "pensioners" who regularly attend.

They were all yummy mummies and I was the oldest in the class at 50 years old, creaky knees and all.

drspouse · 25/04/2023 16:50

I have hip problems and I enjoy cycling (added bonus of getting me to work, I do sometimes go out with a local women's cycling group but a) it has men in it and b) the rides are mainly when I'm at work or with the kids), swimming, Les Mills Body Pump (no jumping or stepping, which I checked before doing a class), and Aqua Zumba (Aqua Fit on the other hand is dull as ditchwater).