Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

I did something for me

9 replies

overwhelmedinagoodway · 22/04/2026 00:05

i joined a fancy gym and I am just on the app and I’m overwhelmed at the options available. Padel for beginners. Reformer pilates taster classes. Tennis for complete beginners. Everything is accessible for someone like me. Someone who was never taught to swim , play a sport , stay fit or exercise.
I’m not massively overweight or anything. I was rubbish at pe, I always disappointed my pe teachers , I was a chubby and mostly inactive child. I don’t have much co ordination. Not to mention sense of direction. I actually got myself to the place which was an accomplishment in itself.
i keep catching myself telling myself how rubbish I’d be at tennis and paddle and how I’d probably never master swimming.
This whole thing has made me realise how negative my inner voice is to myself ! How did we get here.
maybe I need to spend that money on therapy instead.

OP posts:
KittyKhamun · 22/04/2026 00:49

Well done for doing something just for you Op :)
Don't beat yourself up about any of it.
You're trying - just that is enough to be proud of yourself for, okay? x

ShakyBake · 22/04/2026 01:10

Oh brill well done , is it a David Lloyds? Is it expensive?

aniloD · 22/04/2026 01:12

Why not ask for tasters for everything (or anything) that interests you. Maybe a trial will help decide AND it's often how you get on with the instructor that will make a big difference to your enthusiasm

Sonolanona · 22/04/2026 01:14

I'm a 58 year old who never had any time for myself until last year...

I was CRAP at sport at school...couldn't run, catch , throw, hit a ball... literally last to be picked in any awful team sport. I'm slim and walk the dog but sport... nope.

I am also socially awkward.

But just over a year ago an ad came up on FB for a ladies squash session for beginners... eventually I psyched myself up and went in.
A year later and I'm hooked... play with the other ladies a few times a week and to my utter surprise...I'm not bad at it either!

Just try one thing,,, Padel, tennis, badminton whatever... be brave and give it a go... if one things doesn't suit.. try another. You CAN beat that inner voice :)

overwhelmedinagoodway · 22/04/2026 10:14

Thanks for all the replies. I’ve woken up this morning really doubting myself and wondering if lazy me (that inner voice again) will even make use of the membership and how expensive it is. Yes it’s a David Lloyd’s.
everyone in there seems so sure of themselves, I had to ask directions a dozen times just to get from gym to reception or changing rooms.

OP posts:
overwhelmedinagoodway · 22/04/2026 10:16

I’ve realised that I actually have a very nice life but I self sabotage so much by being constantly negative about minor things.
how did signing up to a gym give me so much insight into my own psyche haha

OP posts:
overwhelmedinagoodway · 22/04/2026 10:21

@Sonolanona I was exactly the same, I dodged any ball I was supposed to catch, I was very unfit and lethargic and was not allowed to swim with school either so had zero experience of being in a pool until I went on holiday as an adult.

im so happy that you found a sport you enjoyed. Maybe I could do. It just looks so scary !

OP posts:
Whyarepeople · 22/04/2026 10:46

Joining a gym has done wonders for my self esteem and mental health. I avoided joining for years as I didn't think I'd enjoy it but connecting with my body, feeling strong and just moving around have been great for releasing a lot of tension - emotinal and otherwise - that I was carrying around.

I hightly recommend the rowing machine. I love it.

overwhelmedinagoodway · 22/04/2026 17:29

@Whyarepeople so happy to hear that. It really can b e
life changing if you let it be

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread