Simple exercise routine online. Any good recommendations? I am really struggling.

[ApolloandDaphne]

I need to improve my fitness but don't know where to start. I am 62 and a bit overweight . I have arthritis in my lower back and a sore/stiff right hip/leg, I do physio exercises for this.

I struggle with bending and I can't easily get up from kneeling to standing. I need to improve my core strength i think. I plan to walk more so it's more core strength exercises i need but it needs to be fun. I used to dance and i really detest boring routines.

I have enjoyed Pilates and yoga in the past but I haven't done any for a long time. I often did the January yoga with Adriene and liked it but i cannot support myself on my knees now,

I've really let myself go and i hate myself for this. My DH is extremely fit and very motivated and conscientious about running and doing his strength routines. I really let the side down.

Sorry for the ramble. Any help or advice will be gratefully received. Thanks.

I’m a fan of online workouts! I like Lucy Wyndham-Read and find the fact that it’s all broken down into short options helpful, and I also like Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube. They’re so popular they’re almost cliches but never mind!

The best thing for me is finding classes I genuinely like to go to with other people - I used to go to a core strength class with an excellent and shouty but actually v kind instructor.

I haven’t found a personal trainer yet that I like but a friend is qualifying as one so I might try that.

I am not ready for classes yet. But I will have a look at the online workout you have recommend. Thanks.

Will Harlow Exercises for the over 50s

I really want someone to give me a nice 20 minute video i can just get on and do. I find it overwhelming being faced with too many options.

You might roll your eyes at this but open thr front door, walk for 20 mins, turn around, walk back.

Do this every single day getting faster and faster.

No equipment needed apart from a torch if you're ging out at night ( I personally find the street lighting insufficikent for pavement walking)

Over time you can introduce wrist and ankle weights, or wear a ruck sack with weights in it.

That is definitely part of the plan but I need to do more core type exercises as well. I've found the Joe Wicks exercises routines for seniors and plan to give them a go.

Adrienne does some chair yoga classes - have you tried those?

Aquarobics might be fun. It's sociable and good for the joints. If you just want a routine at home I'd just search youtube for beginners core strength 20 minutes and see what takes your fancy. I like Yoga with Katrina. I put a folded towel under my knees which helps. I agree with others that getting outside and walking is very good exercise.

I found that when I was concentrating on my walking, doing up to 5 miles a day (which is a big committment timewise I found), concentrating on the posture really had an impact on my core. Im going to get back to it.

Search 'Improved Health' on YouTube. The lady (Canadian?) leads fun, easy workouts. All standing, low impact. You can start with 10 mins and build up according to what you can manage. I've been doing them for over a year now and l never get bored. My favourite one is 1000 steps in 8 minutes that l do when l'm feeling sluggish during the day.

No I haven't. I will take a look.

Bob and Brad are good for exercises if you have reduced mobility for any reason.

I really get on well with Senior Shape Fitness. I started using with a knee injury and kept it up as I healed. Her workouts range from seated yoga through to very active cardio/weights, and from 10 mins to an hour. She is very friendly on the knees and always has adjustments to make moves harder or easier as you like.

https://youtube.com/@seniorshapefitness?si=z5W1rqivz9_GY1Oj

During Covid I started working out at home after about 20 years of doing no exercise. I was very unfit. This was one of the first workouts that I did. Team Body Project have loads but this is a good one to start with. Don't worry if you can't do it all - just do what you can. It's really easy to follow.

I do work out with Roxanne on you tube. Lots of different combinations

Get Fit With Rick on YouTube is good. He does walking workouts so low intensity should you wish. I like him.

Lucy Wyndham Read - I saw results from her 7 mins a day challenges. Seriously stop faffing online and just give it a go!

Regarding your sore hip, have you tried using a knee pillow? I have found mine to be life-changing. Apparently the menopause can significantly impact on the hip joint, particularly if you are a side sleeper.

I like the look of some of the recommend online classes. Good luck @ApolloandDaphne

This is brilliant. Around 10 minutes twice a day for 6 weeks. You do have to pay (£67) but worth it. It starts very gently and builds up slowly, but it made a huge difference to my fitness. It would get you ready to go to actual classes.

https://www.gilaarcherpilates.com/bitesize-pilates-programme-details-2023

Just to be clear, I'm not her!

I just did this one this morning. It got me moving and is low impact.

How do you feel about swimming? It's easy on the joints and great fitness. There are aquarobics in most aquacentres which is fabulous exercise.

Have a look on Youtube for short standing sessions so you don't have to get on the floor and back up. You can do upper body and standing core sessions and it also helps your balance and single leg stability.

You could look at Yogarebel and Pilates for Runners as a starting point.

If you can, join a local class.
Not a gym.
A village hall over 60's fitness type thing.

Because the cameraderie of exercising with a load of other ladies
will keep you going
AND in a class you will not be tempted to miss out the bits you do not like.

Good teachers do not bat an eyelid at providing workarounds for injuries

I started with short exercises by Jessica Valant on YouTube, she does 10 minute ones (plus longer sessions) which got me inspired to do more, it’s based round Pilates, I really enjoy it now.

I’ve found Senior Shape Fitness and Fabulous 50s on You Tube to be good.