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

[StillMedusa]

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!

Reformer Pilates, it’s Pilates on a machine! It’s so addictive

If you've got a nice pool nearby, swimming is good for flexibility, and your joints/back wouldn't suffer as the water supports you. You could get a buzz for reaching goals you set yourself, learning a new stroke etc.
Dance classes would be fun too!

Swimming? If you joined an adult group/masters club it would be more fun than just going on your own.

I have back and neck problems but love swimming and also do pilates to reduce my back pain.

I've been swimming regularly for 13 years. It's great to be able to swim for an hour solid. It's good for your arms as well. Really dont want bingo wings.

Iyengar yoga, specifically. Very focussed on precise movement and position

100% reformer! Loads of fun, and supports you in the pilates exercises so is suitable for all levels

I know a few people who do adult gymnastics, some who started as adult beginners and some who did it seriously as children and they all enjoy it. I do an adult ice skating class, which is fun. It’s really friendly and supportive group, the coaches are great and I have fun doing it.

I do clubbercise and love it.

I have to stick to low impact too and the things I really enjoy are:

Yoga (at home, with Sarah Beth Yoga on YouTube). She's got loads of videos so I can choose whether I want a higher/lower intensity. It's not high adrenaline but I get pleasure from seeing how my flexibility has improved over time.

Lifting weights. I can't lift really heavy weights (prolapse issues) but I've managed to increase the weights from when I started and now I focus on doing more reps. Again, the progression gives me a sense of achievement and it's great for bone health.

Swimming. I have underwater earbuds so can listen to an audiobook or a podcast as I swim. It's a great full-body workout and I view it as chillout time, listening to a podcast takes my mind off the repetitive nature of it.

I'd suggest tai chi, a decent form with a decent, properly trained instructor. I'd suggest Chen style. I don't know where you live but Karel and Eva Koskuba in Reading or any of their instructors know what they are doing (www.ciaa.org).

Even Michael Mosely was surprised and forced to admit just how good tai chi is for all round exercise, even for raising the pulse rate! Tai chi strengthens the core, improves coordination, balance, flexibility, mind focus and is plain enjoyable and absorbing. A good school/teacher will include other types of practice, qigong, partner work, varied movement sets and will take care to ensure fitness and health are taken into account. Years ago I had bad back trouble and it vanished not long after I took after tai chi.

Yoga. Or Reformer Pilates, which I enjoy much more than the mat sort. Or a climbing club?

I agree, I've been doing Reformer Pilates for the last few months and really love it. But I did need to try out a few instructors before I found ones that suit me.

Unfortunately it's expensive, but for me it's worth it.

Spin gives me a real adrenaline boost

Another vote for Pilates and a fun Tennis class.

Weights! I have a really dodgy SI joint too and actually mine is million times better when I do lift. I think strengthening my muscles around it has made a real difference. Obviously proper technique is vital.

Qi Gong

Many different types of yoga it can be totally different depending which you go to

Barre

Dance fit of some sort?

Bouldering! Rather you than me!

If you can find a more intense yoga class - hot yoga ideally then that might fit the bill - I get the impression you don't want boring, so normal yoga is probably a bit pedestrian!

I once went to a place with a kind of treadmill for skiing which was excellent - and by god my legs ached the next day - might be an option?

Oh! Trapeze or the thing where you dangle from a loop of fabric - I've found local classes and I'm trying to persuade one of my kids or a mate to come with me and give it a go as it looks like fantastic fun, and a great way to get my bits moving

Pilates - but only if you have a really good teacher who will start you off with the basics. Anyone who lets you join in a class without previous experience isn’t a good teacher.

Thank you for all the suggestions.. there are some I'd never even heard of!
Swimming is a no no at the moment due to skin problems, and I cannot tell you how much I hate cycling (being married to someone who likes to tell me his Strava stats I have to resist the urge to run over anyone on a bike wearing Lycra ) but others.. I will see what is available locally.

Ideally I'd like somethingI can do a couple of times a week, preferably with others to motivate me, and preferably in the warm!

Weight training!! Honestly it’s so amazing I am addicted, I started about a year ago. working up to big heavy weights is such a dream, and it burns calories like no cardio ever could.
no you won’t get bulky. I’ve dropped 2 dress sizes and I’m toned.

Meta quest 2 beat sabre!
It's a virtual reality head set, beat sabre is a game played to music where you hit blocks that come at you with "light sabres" in each hand, to music! Honestly I've never had so much fun lumbering about my front room when the toddler is asleep.
Once you've got to grips strap some wrist weights on for a harder work out.
I've lost over a stone in 6 weeks just by doing this and going up the levels. Also get a real kick every time I complete a new song or get a better high score.
The gym was never for me.
It's like the wii fit on steroids and I can drink wine whilst playing

Rowing ....but on actual water 🥰 If you are in an area with a river I bet you've got a rowing club.

Climbing is fantastic for my SI joints- gets me using my core, movement into my back, and stretches everything out beautifully. Plus it's the best mindfulness exercise I've come across- you're so focussed on the next move that you can't worry about other things, and it gives an adrenaline rush.

I love Fitnessblender (the videos with the original couple who runs the site) and get really motivated by it.