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AIBU?

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Original poster

If you're not naturally sporty but found something you love...WHAT IS IT?!

230 replies

ExerciseWoes · 03/04/2022 21:59

Yes I'm posting shamelessly for traffic!

I'm hoping for some inspiration please MN.

I was always slim-ish before my son was born but I really just maintained this through eating well rather than any form of exercise.

I've never liked exercise, never enjoyed sports at all. I've tried gyms, I've managed to stick with them for months at a time but never got that "omg I'm totally addicted, love being here" feeling, it was an utter chore every time and I hated it that much that it always eventually fizzled out.

Anyway, since my son a year ago, eating well is not going great. I don't eat appallingly but meals tend to be faster / not as healthy / quick grab something whilst he's quiet style and I'm finding myself really unhappy with my body.

I want to start doing something to get into shape but what?!

My husband has suggested running but it's never ever appealed to me, I really can't imagine liking it. I am quite well... endowed in the ahem chest area... And whenever I've tried anything like the treadmill or a jog I've felt uncomfortable for the entire time. DH just seems to think I've not been trying good enough sports bras and perhaps a decent one could make it bearable?

Anyway... I'm open to trying almost anything..

If you're not naturally sporty but have really gotten "into" something, what is it?! The cheaper the better!

OP posts:
oviraptor21 · 03/04/2022 23:14

Decent bra for running will solve the boob issue. Whether it makes running more fun is a different matter!

You don't need to go to the gym to lift weights. Just start with a pair of hand weights and find some exercises on the Internet.

AngelinaFibres · 03/04/2022 23:16

@DPotter

T'ai Chi Changed my life which I know is a big claim but it did. Never been sporty but always fancied having a go at T'ai Chi which i did during maternity leave and got hooked. Trained as an instructor and taught if for 14 years.

You don't get out of breath, you don't get hot and sweaty and go bright pink in the face (which i have always done with any form of exercise). Excellent for stamina, balance, leg strength, co-ordination. It's sociable too and you can continue to practise well into later life

My mum is 83. She does tai chi every Monday. If the weather allows they do it outside . She has been doing it for 20 years. Fantastic exercise
oviraptor21 · 03/04/2022 23:18

@Ohya

I've maintained my weight by walking 3.5 miles at least 5 days a week (roughly 1 hour walk) and daily hula hooping for half an hour. It's fun especially in front of the telly watching my favourite program
What's your hula hooping routine? Is there anything fancy in there and if so where did you learn it?
MrOllivander · 03/04/2022 23:20

Weights
Aerial hoop/pole fitness
Peloton

heartofgrass · 03/04/2022 23:21

Weights and Pilates.

I go to a small boutique kind of gym that focuses on weights with small group classes, slim chance you're in South Wales but if so I'll let you know the name !

AlphaAlpha · 03/04/2022 23:26

I've rediscovered roller skating 🛼

StrawberrySquash · 03/04/2022 23:27

@ExerciseWoes, What you say about feeling intimidated around the weights is really common if you aren't sure where to start. I'd say you either want a session with a trainer who can put you a plan together that will give you a routine so you have some direction. Or you do some sort of class. I do things like Body Pump or Body Conditioning where you have an instructor who tells you what to do for an hour. That works for me because I don't have to motivate myself as much, I just get on and do it. And it's at a specific time so less opportunity to fart around and not go.

Ikeameatballs · 03/04/2022 23:28

Running. I did C25K in 2020 and I now run 5k in 30 min three times/week. I love it and I’m now looking to add in some weight training. It’s taken a long time but I now know how much better I feel when I exercise, it’s amazing!

notsohippychick · 03/04/2022 23:30

Running! I started with the C25K in lockdown.

I’m slow and will never win a race but as an ex smoker, I’m proud that I can run 10K!

No pressure. I just pop my earphones in and plod. It’s lovely.

StillMedusa · 03/04/2022 23:30

Taekwondo..I started at 45 and took my black belt at nearly 49! Fittest I have ever been!
I gave up after a particularly unfortunate dislocation that meant I have an unstable joint now
Tried running...hated it.
Then DH got into Kayaking. He races. My idea of hell.
But he persuaded me to come out on a sit-on-top and to my amazement I loved it. Upgraded to a tourer and now on decent weekends we go out on the rivers. It's brilliant for core strength yet so relaxing !

I still want to do ballet for oldies...next on my list!

notsohippychick · 03/04/2022 23:31

@Ikeameatballs I read yours and thought that was my post to start with! C25K is awesome!

fairylightsandwaxmelts · 03/04/2022 23:32

Horse riding.

deveronvalley · 03/04/2022 23:32

Started running with Couch to 5K last August aged 42, thought I was going to die, I was so out of breath for most of it! Probably trying to go too fast on the running bits and also lack of fitness. Running is very hard to begin with but the improvements come fast which is motivating. I've lots of aches and niggles as my body has got used to it but nothing I'd call an 'injury' exactly. I'm up to running 10km a few times a week, have done some longer runs and 2 half marathon distances. I live in a rural town and there are plenty of scenic routes in my area. I do the odd 5km around the streets if I don't have much time or the weather is particularly awful or something is a bit achey. I've never run on a treadmill, I think it would be boring but plenty of people like it. I never enjoy the first few km of a run. I always love the feeling afterwards though.

Chely · 03/04/2022 23:33

I tried loads of things and didn't stick with them. Found my niche at 33 with weightlifting, been doing it over 4 years and through pregnancy too. I love it and will do it until my body no longer allows it.

Neverreturntoathread · 03/04/2022 23:38

Zumba. Tried a few classes and most were shit but one teacher is amazing and I feel like I’ve been to a party! But fitter!

Agapornis · 03/04/2022 23:46

I like martial arts - specifically jujitsu, but it's more about finding a club that works for you than the martial art itself. My club is 50% choreography, 30% throwing people on the floor, 20% punching pads - and we go to the pub after.

Also yes to Shock Absorber D+ Max - no awkward double clasp at the back, covers fairly high up so they won't escape.

Hotelhelp · 03/04/2022 23:46

Great thread OP!

gingerscot · 03/04/2022 23:49

Les mills on demand app - it’s £10 a month.

Start with combat and sh’bam. Pump if you have weights. Build up to Grit. They have programmes you can follow, one is only 30mins per day- or you just do your own thing.

Once you have built up the confidence, you can find a local class. Great fun and easy to do at home.

catscatscatseverywhere · 03/04/2022 23:52

Pilates, yoga and power walking

DeathByMascara · 03/04/2022 23:55

Pole fitness! I signed up to a club on a whim after a chat with a colleague and it's the one I've stuck to more than anything else. It's not hugely aerobic, but it's brilliant seeing my strength and flexibility improve, not to mention confidence! Started it last year, absolutely love it. Even without a pole at home there are loads of stretches and conditioning exercises to do that will improve your strength etc.

Can't recommend it enough!

Kolani · 03/04/2022 23:56

Walking, brisk walking. Love it!

Nancydrawn · 03/04/2022 23:57

I hate running with a passion.

There is nothing like swimming, which takes you into another world. Very calming. It also exercises everything at once, has resistance built in, and burns a huge number of calories.

CovoidOfAllHumanity · 03/04/2022 23:58

Weightlifting. I like mastering the technique and it feels really empowering to lift a heavy weight overhead. You can feel the difference in every day life when lifting bags of shopping, furniture or toddlers. It really makes a difference to body shape in a good way and I feel good knowing it's helping my bone density too.

Yoga. As a counterpoint to the weights. I love the mindful connection to breathing and the way your body moves, it helps flexibility a lot and I find it really helpful with stress

In the past I tried running, cycling and various aerobic type classes and I never enjoyed any of those as much as the above.

I would also say that I had tried 'weights' as in some weight machines at the gym where I was given a program to pootle round and that was no way near the same. It was when I properly learnt free weights with a trainer that I made real progress and got into it.

CovoidOfAllHumanity · 04/04/2022 00:02

I also love walking especially in nature and up hills but I hardly count that as exercise.
Getting a dog has been very good for my overall fitness as it's good to have a reason to walk every day.

mathanxiety · 04/04/2022 00:02

Walking on a treadmill and using hand weights is great and you can do it at home if you have room for a basic treadmill.

I hate walking outside. Too hot. Too cold. Too many people out walking too many dogs. Uneven paths, puddles, and sticks all over the place. Icy spots in winter. Mosquitos in summer.

I hate running with a passion. It hurts. I turn red as a beetroot. I feel starving afterwards.