Exercise - where to start?

[PomegranatePunch]

Hello, I'd like to start exercising but will need to start from home so would appreciate some ideas on videos etc.
I have problems with my back so I can't do anything that strains the lower back (after a few days it just gives up and I can't walk properly for a week or more!).

I haven't exercised for years but have recently been told I have high blood pressure so I need to get off my a*se!

TIA

I’d start by doing 10,000 steps a day in some supportive shoes.

Absolutely agree with the above poster. But don't even set a limit! Moderate walking (fast enough to feel mildly out of breath) for as long as you can every day. Can you park further away from work? Walk to shops rather than driving? Go for a walk in your lunch break? People forget, but every time that you move your body counts. You don't need to be running marathons daily.

I started walking up all stairs as it all helps. I even walk up escalators.

Yes, start off with walking but try to do some of those 10k steps in one go...so try say 30-45mins walk in the morning (or whenever is best for you), then the remaining steps through the day as general movement!

I then think a yoga or pilates for lower back say twice a week to start you off. Something like:

Walk briskly for 20 minutes in one direction and then turn round and try and get home in less time. Repeat 3x per day before eating

Walking is a great start! And I'd incorporate some back/core strengthening exercises. Worth identifying what's causing the back issues - for me, I get back problems when my piriformis muscle is tight, I had no idea until an osteopath did some work and I started stretching it out regularly. But of course, your problems may be something completely different. I do find a strong core is really important too, especially when walking a lot.

I have degenerative discs in my back and could barely walk half a mile without being in pain, so I feel yours! I started walking daily just under a year ago and had a 5k step target per day, walking on flat ground. I gradually increased it it by the week and now think nothing of walking 4-5 miles each day, so between 8-10k steps each morning but with all the extra steps I do per day, I’m averaging 15k steps per day so it can be done.
I no longer have any back pain.
Good luck!

I second the walking - I started walking every day around 6 months ago and have gradually increased the distance. It has made such a difference to my fitness and energy levels and I now love it so much I get grumpy if I can't fit it in for any reason.

Just start with short distances and a goal of maybe 5K steps per day and take it from there.

Thanks, everyone- I really appreciate the ideas. Walking it is!

Its a good start to build your core muscles which helps for your lower back. there are plenty of ways to build the core, choose your best plank exercises which suits for your physique. for Eg: https://glowvibes.co.uk/5-best-plank-exercises-for-tight-core-muscles/ might be useful.

I would be prepared to try a lot of different things before you find what you actually enjoy.

I started and gave up numerous times before I found something I could stick to. And it turns out what I thought I'd enjoy, and what I actually enjoy are two very different things.

If you haven't exercised for ages I'd make sure you stick to things labelled Low Impact and Beginners. As ever different videos have different ideas on what a beginner is!

I liked Fitness Blender but have stuck with Team Bodyproject. They both have stuff for free on Youtube for you to try.

When I started I couldn't keep pace with the warm up and needed to lie down every 10 minutes with my feet in the air, so don't be put off. Whatever you do is progress when you haven't done any exercise at all.