To find the idea of exercise and fitness so intimidating that I don't even try

[justwondering72]

I've never been sporty or fit. When I was at school, the choice was music lessons or sport, and I opted for music. I never had a 'thing' that was my sport, never did anything other than games at school. My family is not sporty, music and literature and science and exams were always considered more important.

And here I am, age 43, overweight, unfit and unable to keep up with my children when they want to play tag. No sporting hobbies. Envying friends who cycle, ski, do tough mudder etc or even just play tag with their children.

I want to start running this year when my youngest goes to school, I'll have the mornings free and I can commit to it. But I am scared. Scared that it's going to be really hard work, and sweaty, and sore. That I will hate it. And that I will fail. Again. I don't want to be such an unfit blob all the rest of my life, I'm fed up of it. But the alternative seems just as appealing.

Please inspire me! Is it worth it to turn this around? I'm not too late, am I?

I massively recommend gym classes. I do spinning, body pump and body attack. You can join in and do it at your own level. You achieve so much more with an instructor encouraging you and a bit of healthy competition.

I can kick ass in any gym class now but I dont/ can't run. I just hate it.

I walk, I have dogs and I clock up 8-10 miles every day. It keeps me fit, it's a very healthy way to get fit, and I love walking round the lanes and fields round here.

I've done loads of classes. They have all made me feel utterly robbed of both time and money.

I walk a fair amount though, but its more a boring chore that is less of a pita than trying to squeeze the buggy on the bus. I've always walked as don't drive. It doesn't make you skinny.

I don't do running. Even when I was a fit little thing who spent all day climbing trees and riding my bike, I couldn't run without getting a stitch after 3 minutes.

OP, try yoga and walk more.

Why running? Its my thing tbh, its free, I can do it whenever and I like thinking whilst doing it. Start slow, get good trainers at a proper running shop. And nice comfy running gear. I favour loose stuff and not the condom stuff, and decent bra is a must. Nike do a good one. I don't run with music as I'm in the sticks and I might not hear a car. Plus its nice to hear the birds:)

40 mins is a good start, and 20 paces running then walking, then running ( jogging) is a nice start. Don't worry about people thinking anything. Most likely they think- good for you!

Or walking. Walking is really good, plus the lc bootcamp which starts about now, on mn, run by BIWI. You'll never be hungry, its not a diet as such and you'll have loads of support and lose weight. ( am totally converted:)

Are you worried about running because it is boring / buggers your knees ?
Find an exercise you think you might enjoy:
Zumba, TaeBo, spin, pump, yoga, swimming .....

Exercise can be more fun in a group and more productive with a trainer.
Visit a gym and talk to a trainer there. See if they can suggest a plan you would like.
Many gyms allow you to buy a one-month membership to try things out. If you pay, it may motivate you to get your money's worth.

I'm new ish to running and I'm addicted. Give it a go!

Listen, brisk walking is very very good exercise. It's a lot less intimidating than running. There are lots of good suggestions here, but if you're finding the thought of exercise daunting it could be a while before you feel up to trying them. (I've been 'planning' to do couch25K for ages now. Hasn't happened yet, I can't seem to get up the courage to run in public).

So, in the meantime, walk. Wear trainers, but no need for sports clothes, just comfortable ordinary clothes. Keep the pace up, walk say half an hour tops two or three mornings a week. You can take a coffee, listen to music or a funny podcast. That way, you ARE exercising. It's accessible, easy to get started, and it is good for you.

Then after a month or so, add something in to that regime: a swim at the weekend, a bit of a jog, whatever.

I can't run
I walk with rescue dogs, do spin, body pump, strength training, horse riding, pole fitness
Walking I find bearable with a dog, if I don't have a dog for the day I join in with one of the local walks where they chatter about history/plants/local interesting stuff

as other have said, you dont have to run, it's not for everyone, infact if your cardiovascular fitness level is low running can be pretty unpleasant and enough to put anyone off exercise.

Walking is good and will be enough to raise your heart rate a little so that your cardiovascular system becomes more efficient

I started exercising a year and a half ago. I joined an outdoor exercise class military style. I've never really liked exercise but it turns out I love this! I've lost 15 kilos and now have a thing about entering mud run events!

So my advice is try a lot of things and chances are you will find something that you really love. If you enjoy it then you will stick with it.

What heartisaspade said.

I recently signed up for a program called "The Daily Burn." I don't know if it's available in the UK, but it's $15 a month, and it has tons of different classes that you do at home. You can broadcast them from your tv or your laptop or phone. I'm doing "True Beginner," it's a 28-day program that focuses on improving your mobility, core strength, and cardiovascular health.

I'm very fat, and I can do all of the moves. That's an issue I have, a lack of coordination, coupled with not wanting people to see me exercise.

Are the "Walk Away the Pounds," DVDs available there? It's walking that you do at home.

No. Exercise is crap and boring as fuck.

What a load of bullshit.

The only people that think like that are people that are unfit.

Exercise comes in so many forms (running, swimming, cycling) that to say it's boring is the most stupid thing I've heard in a while.

I always hated any form of exercise and was totally unfit.

Did the C25K.

Got as far as running non stop for 35 mins. By that time I was loving it.

Knees started hurting. Got fitted for proper running shoes. Knees still hurt. Stopped running. Took weeks for knees to stop hurting :(

I still miss running :(

CalamityKate1 have you been to the doctor about your knee pain? I've never had anything done on my knees, but I've known lots of people who have had various therapies and surgeries on their knees with good results.

I hated sport, still do, apart from walking don't exercise am neither overweight or unhealthy.

It's not intimidating just very boring.

Exercise comes in so many forms (running, swimming, cycling) that to say it's boring is the most stupid thing I've heard in a while

No what you've said is the most stupid thing I've heard in a while. I hate all of those activities except very occasionly swimming in the sea. They are mind numbingly boring.

I'm extremely healthy. I haven't been near a doctor in years, I am not overweight, have never smoked and drink only in moderation. As for not being "fit" no I couldn't run a marathon but I neither want nor need to.

I am pretty unfit and am trying to lose weight because my crap knees hurt. Swimming is great - burns up more calories than running and no wear and tear on joints. I also walk dog for an hour a day. It has made quite a difference after one month. I swim for an hour maybe twice a week.

I found getting fit quite an intimidating prospect and I don't enjoy gyms, running etc.

I found a really good trainer (you can do it individually or in a group depending on your financial situation) who was able to design a program for my needs and capabilities and changed things around all the time so at least I had lots of variety in my boredom. Moreover, I found that having someone to chat to during my exercise distracted me from the pain and boredom.

I train twice a week with my trainer and just add in a bit of walking on the other days and it has totally transformed by body and sense of well-being (I felt immeasurably better after only a month or so.)

At the risk of sounding like I'm trying to sell you running shoes, just do it!
You will never regret it, but you may very well regret not doing it.

Try not to think about it too much - it's a bit like jumping into a swimming pool. Just dive on in and get that first shock over with!

Empathise greatly. I've tried various routines over the years and the only exercise to give me a 'high' was yoga (all that blood rushing to the head perhaps). I too abhor becoming sweaty, or being in pain, and hate anything that involves jumping up and down (such as running or aerobics): not helped by having large bosoms.

What I would recommend is finding an aqua-aerobics class. Lovely music to move to and your body is hidden underwater (hooray!) so far less intimidating, and you can 'rest' a bit as necessary. Not as boring as swimming lengths, and you will certainly feel muscles working as never before. You should gradually lose weight and gain muscle tone: result!

Meanwhile, for inspiration on 'taking control' try reading India Knight's 'Idiot Proof Diet' - lots of fun and truly empowering (not just diet / dressing tips but a general plan for changing mindset about looking after your body).