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

[ExerciseWoes]

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!

Running! But you did need to Invest in a good bra, this is my current recommendation www.nike.com/gb/t/alpha-ultrabreathe-high-support-sports-bra-gCHWr8/CZ4451-397?nikegos=true&cp=euns_AD_PI_F3D_CMP_UK_BAU_XCT_SHOP_REV_F_CZ4451-397&cp=47658763634_search_%7C%7C10628703748%7C110516032248%7C%7Cm%7CEN%7Ccssproducts%7C453317343269_GEOZ&ds_rl=1252249&gbraid=0AAAAADq9vlOv6mEXHqdet1cOKSxYgX2Xx&gbraid=0AAAAADq9vlOv6mEXHqdet1cOKSxYgX2Xx&gclid=CjwKCAjwrqqSBhBbEiwAlQeqGoGuPLISWJdNTJqxD-y4qtC1uLifQsOrG5-mV2QPl4iq13EOGI-Y2xoC2VMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

this sounds kind of stupid but whatever exercise you do, make sure you note anything positive about it, whether it's "hey I feel good now I've finished this" or what - I think that's meant to be one of the things that starts off giving you a TINY mental boost and then it builds up to be like, hey actually this is quite fun, in a weird way....Also, whatever sport you do, it can be helpful to join a FB group or follow instagrammers or whatever, as that makes you feel more in a community and keep it in your mind, reminding you to go running/swimming/whatever.

I was also never sporty but have got quite into running - I second doing counch25k and looking for a good, supportive local running group. Our local one has a group for people who want to run their first ever mile, for example, and it's so friendly and supportive. And at a parkrun recently there was a whole group doing their first ever 5k together (in completing C25K) - everyone was so supportive of them, it was great. I literally used to die running a mile and thought it was for "other people", but very gradually it's become a really good part of my life. Half marathons and everything!

But also things like dance exercise classes at gyms can be good (believe me I have no coordination whatsoever but it's surprisingly fun anyway!).

And just to say - if you start something and give up, don't feel like "I gave up, I'm so rubbish", just think you're having a break and that's fine too. We can't always fit things in. It took me several years for running to become a habit! But also there are millions of different sports and things to try. Good luck, it's a good feeling when you find something you enjoy!

Horse riding - I recommend getting lessons only, unless you're rich don't buy a horse, they drain you of your money and soul, but they are so cute. You won't be able to walk for says after your first lesson though, just as a warning. It will hurt but it's worth it. You build your confidence doing it, your balance, your strength etc. It's an all rounder kind of sport.

I liked boxing for anger management, it's a great stress relief.

Martial arts are another good one for that and flexibility. I used to be able to do the splits, definitely can't now.

Running. I used to do it solo, then (reluctantly) joined a running club and suddenly my life completely changed for the better! Some of my best friends are my running buddies.

Also weightlifting. My (running) friends and I share a personal trainer (3 of us split the cost between us) and I get such a buzz from lifting weights! Also my body shape is changing for the better.

I would say swimming. It is the only exercise I find that doesn't feel like exercise, if that makes sense! Especially in the sea, but for me that is seasonal. I also enjoy swimming in a local pool (although I do find chlorine doesn't help if you're prone to headaches). Swimming is so good for your mental health too, and an all round body work out.

Lots of people avoid it because they worry about being seen in swimwear, I would just like to reiterate that no one looks or cares. Once you're in the water you can't see anyway! People are more worried about themselves and what they're doing. I hope you do give it a try!

Outdoor bootcamp. I go to one aimed at mums which is just after the school run.

I was a self confessed exercise hater but I absolutely love it and miss it when I don't go. Been going 10 months now, never before have I stuck to exercise that long!

Peloton

Body pump, swimming, circuit training and HIIT.

I'm not remotely sporty or athletic, my body type is just not suited to fitness in any way - large chested, short, no co ordination - ,but I LOVE running and lifting weights.

I really want to try boxing but I'm so shy. I'd love to join the gym too but again, too shy.

I think your DH is right tbh, the right sports bra will change your life.

I hated PE at school and I’m definitely not naturally athletic in any way but I love running now. I started with the couch to 5k app and now run 5k 3 times a week and do the 2k junior park run with my DC at the weekend too. I also do HIIT workouts on YouTube 3 times a week which I enjoy and yoga twice a week. Go swimming with DC too.

I got a virtual reality headset - an Oculus Quest 2. It has really helped get moving with games like Beat Saber. Very much recommend!

Clubbercise is a big one for me, and Zumba :)

Les Mills Body Combat. I get tingles up my back when doing this, so addictive. There are some routines on YouTube

Hiit

I can't get my head around the sort of exercise that basically involves running in circles or something equally pointless.

I have, however, got into cycling. I've never owned a piece of Lycra in my life, so it's not that sort of cycling. It's a mode of transport that gets me from A to B and it's the sort of exercise that doesn't feel pointless (likewise gardening and dog walking).

If I need to carry the shopping I can use panniers (or a trailer if there's lots).

Plenty of options for transporting kids by bike too, though the best options change with age. This group is full of good ideas www.facebook.com/groups/641173915998956/?ref=share

Weight training. Wish I'd done it years ago.

Long distance hiking, like 40 miles in a day. Started by doing 10 milers and built it up. Found a group that does it and also took some friends which helped. You meet great people see the countryside and it’s really low pressure.

Those of you who do weight training, can you do it at home? If so, any good Youtube recomendations?
I can't do anything high impact like running due to arthritis in ankles and knees, so struggle a bit with finding suitable classes, but want to build strength (I already swim)

For me it's crossfit. It includes weight lifting and lots of other things. I look forward to my gym days now, and that's something I thought I'd never say.

Bra wise, I wear two, a wired sports bra with cups and a crop top type sports bra on top for compression.

I have horses so I'm quite active but I try and do 2x non-horse related exercise per week. My favourite is indoor bouldering, I run in the winter and swim in the lake and cycle in the summer. If you're not sure what you like I would try this summer doing different things for a month and see what you enjoy ☺️

Running - on my own either listening to podcasts or music. I've restarted couch to 5k following covid, I used to do half marathons each year but I've never been fast. Its about going out and finding peace nowadays.

I like walking, a lot. Half an hour each day.

Going out on my bike, I feel like a kid again!

Dancing- I found a local dance class. I have zero coordination and no rhythm but I LOVE it. I signed up to a 4wk block and prepayment keeps me going.

Pilates and yoga when I don't feel up to outside exercise.

I try and walk every day. Run a few times a week or yoga v occasionally.

And M&S level 5 underwired sports bra beats any shock absorber I've had. About £30 and worth it. (34GG)

'Those of you who do weight training, can you do it at home?'

Yep. I follow Sarah Lindsay on Instagram, and Zeus Fitness on You Tube, as well as doing random BodyPump YouTube classes on YouTube. I have dodgy knees too, so don't do burpees or jumping lunges or stuff like that, just replace them with something else. Just your body weight would be fine to start, but add some dumbbells if you can.

I'll be honest, I joined this thread for mostly selfish reasons wanting ideas

Another PE hater here.

BUT I did try badminton on a whim which I now love. Same with yoga.

I get bored easily so gym is my idea of hell, but I joined fitness classes because I wanted to be fitter for my chosen sport. I knew an athletic type once who told me that the gym only works if you have a real purpose for going - for me it's so I improve ar something I love. Consequently, I can motivate myself to do the gym now in short bursts.

I also try anything and everything. I really want to give boxing or kickboxing and tennis a go. Every sport now has the potential to be a new hobby which i love.

I don't often enjoy the first couple of weeks of trying something new I'll be honest, but body adapts quickly and then I find I'm into it.

Spend some time googling sport ideas and seeing if any are local to you - and try those things you think you won't like too. Things I had no hope for when I tried have given me the biggest surprise!

@Lottapianos thank you!

So... Weirdly, VR fitness games.

Bought a Oculus quest VR headset and discovered a game called Beat Saber, its a music rhythm game which is a work out and fun and addictive. Les Mills have also recently released an online game with their workouts. I love I can do it whenever I want, and because its not boring I find it easy to keep myself interested.