What new thing, hobby or activity enhanced your life in 2024?

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I was stuck in a rut this past year and didn't do much beyond work or holidays with family and DH.

I've a few things Is like to do in 2025 - probably my list is too big. If you started something new in 2024, what went well for you?

I joined a ladies walking group. A lady put a post on Facebook asking if anyone would like to walk with her a couple of times a week. The group has evolved and we now have small social gatherings and plans for other outings in 2025.

I joined the group to get fresh air and exercise but I've truly met some amazing ladies that have turned into friends.

Barre classes at the local leisure centre, I am the least balletic person you'll ever meet, but unexpectedly I love the classes and am gradually getting more flexible.

Reformer Pilates for me, I've been (very) slowly losing weight and finally felt confident enough to take this up again. I have always walked but trying to get out every day has helped too as it is a positive action to improve my health. Hoping to try weights in 2025.

Back 2 Netball. I love it!

Can you elaborate further on how it has changed your life please?

Were you at a certain fitness level when you started?

Card making and sims 4 on my laptop! Not at the same time of course 😀

I do this too!

I also have rock, mushroom, lichen and bird 😊

Love this tread. Completely inspired for 2025

So.

I was 44, morbidly obese and had never ever exercised before in my life. I’d never spent any money on my health except a gym membership I abandoned when I was pregnant 14yrs ago. I had no fitness and no flexibility and no confidence and also can’t remember any of the exercises or what order to do them in.

I started in Jan, doing 1-2-1 classes (you need these before you can do a group class). I did 3 and then joined a class. Be been almost every week and have spent all my Xmas monies on more classes.

In March I also started taking Mounjaro - I won’t lie, all the exercises are easier when you’re 3 stones lighter - but I knew from the first month that I loved reformer. I would say definitely give it a go. Very relaxing, fun and you really really work your core.

I started doing diamond art while listening to audiobooks. I love it, find it so mindful and relaxing.

I also got into cross stitch, started with a little kit from Etsy and YouTube videos and I was away.

Getting back to needlework, the slow kind with no machine. Knitting, tapestry, crochet etc. It's so calming!

Allotment!

I got it at the end near of 2024 so couldn't do much, but it's brought me a lot of happiness and a sense of freedom.

I agree with sewing. My nanny and grandma and mum taught me when I was little and I’d say now, a few days away from 45, what a lovely gift they gave to me. It has given me hours and days of comfort, purpose and relaxation. And frustration too of course!

Ah - I did this some years ago. I had lessons and then joined a group coaching session weekly I absolutely loved it. But then Covid came along, the coaching sessions changed and people at the club changed and it wasn't the same. I played with DH but he's much better than me and I haven't found another club that includes adult coaching. But I don't really know how to join a club and just find people to play with.

I joined a club with beginners coaching on a weekend, I met other people my level through that. I'm also a member of David Lloyd and can play tennis there, although my home club is crap because it tends to be more men who are just too aggressive, even in the beginners sessions, some of them are clearly not even beginners, and no one polices this even though I've raised it with the coaches, quite a lot of women say the same thing. I've been to a different David Lloyd though where it's great, more equal numbers of men and women, and they manage the levels much better. Depends where you live I guess and what times you can make, but most clubs seem to have a beginners class.

Chi gong. Got into it after a big health diagnosis. Am really interested in the history of it and love the way many of the moves I do are named after animals. It’s a great way into mindfulness for me, realised that trying to relax my head wasn’t ever going to work but focusing on relaxing my body was a winner. It’s helped me so much.

Another one for Reformer Pilates - Christmas Eve was my one year anniversary. I am stronger than I’ve ever been (and I also do weights). It helps that I have a very good instructor. I go twice a week (standard) now and am contemplating adding in an Advanced class just once a month.

Girlguiding. So much fun!

Another vote for Reformer Pilates. I've only been going for 2-3 months but I really enjoy it - never thought I'd say that about exercise! I go twice a week but I'm considering adding a third session this year. Still a long way to go before I have any significant strength I think but it's better than my usual approach of doing nothing!