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 felt like you so the best thing i found was a cross trainer. They are easy on the joints and get you fit quickly. I do 20 mins 4 times a week and feel much better. I put it in the garage and take something to watch or listen to on my ipad. Sorted.

ledk - teh thing putting me off the gym is its expensive. The council run one near me doesn't have a pool (and I want to swim). The one with the pool is the next council along so isn't reciprocal with this one so it looks like one or the other. neither include children free.

There is a vvvvvvvv expensive gym nearby which looks lovely but even that one has a childrens membership!

A pool I could join that let my kids swim free would be worth it in my mind as I would love to go more often than we do (limited by the cost!)

I'm thinking I'd like to do swimming and pilates once a week as neither would overstress my joints (vvv large). But finances are another matter.

I'm going to read through the bits of thread I've missed too.

Thank you s much for posting op. My little one is just starting preschool and although I have to work, work is flexible so I will have some childfree time and my thinking has been similar.

It's never too late! I was always the non sporty wheezy kid, picked last for team things at school, with a much used "note from my mum" letting me off PE / games. I also tried running - found it painful, sweaty, boring as hell, too hot, too cold, too tired - hated it. Zumba - too loud, too hot, too sweaty, too many other people in Lycra - hated it. Gym - not open when I need to go (conveniently ignoring the 24h access one down the road...).

At 40 (and 20kg overweight - so just over 3 stone) I took up karate. Nobody laughed at me in my gi, there was nothing but encouragement. I couldn't touch my toes, hadn't done a pressup ever (I started on my knees) but everyone was friendly and kicking / punching / shouting didn't really feel like exercise. Till the next day when I ached a lot!

A year later and I am down to 6kg overweight, much fitter and getting ready for green belt grading. I get a real buzz out of classes that go well and determination to do better next time for classes that don't.

Find whatever exercise you enjoy and that's the one that'll get you leaner and fitter. If it's running, yay. If not - don't get disheartened, try some of the suggestions up thread and don't quit :)

When I run my only thoughts are 'IhaterunningIhaterunningIhaterunning'

I have caught myself saying that once when running!

I am now quite fit, and as above I prefer sports. Being completely out of breath is difficult but when running there is nothing to distract you from that. That's why when I run I can't get nearly as good exercise since I just end up quitting too early as my overriding thoughts are "ihaterunning". If you are playing a sport, you have the actual sport to distract you from the fatigue. I am able to play until i am completely shattered.

I do however recognize that sports aren't for everyone. But I think doing something you hate just won't last. Finding something you like is key to getting fit IMHO. I simply don't have the will to do an activity I hate.

of course if you love running, it is incredibly convenient, especially if you like doing it alone. So little planning, equipment and extra time commitment (you just need to lace up, no going to the pool, changing and coming home).

It's never too late!

I started getting fit because of a health issue. I felt like I might be too old as well, but I am in the best shape of my life now. I'd be surprised that at 43 you are passed the point of no return.