Getting back into exercise

[lastnightIwenttoManderley]

DH and I are moving house next week and there will be a decent sized leisure centre less than a mile from our house. I've decided to try and exercise more regularly and there's a variety on offer - big pool, lots of classes (spinning, sh'bam, bodypump etc)

When I was younger I did so much sport - trampolining, dance, climbing, horse riding. Then university happened, a demanding 60hr a week job and the activities dropped off. I'm now 30 and, about a year ago, I went along to a zumba class. It...was...awful... I actually thought I was going to pass out. The experience left me feeling so embarrassed - there were pensioners giving it their all for gods sake - that I never went back.

I'm reasonably slim and eat healthily but just very unfit. Any suggestions on how to make sure I stay on the wagon this time?

I could ask DH to come along for moral support but he's very fit and makes me feel worse - I stopped going running with him as I just felt crap!

Swimming is a good way to start. For fitness, try swimming two or four lengths at speed and then having a rest and repeating rather than ploughing up and down at a dawdle. Pools usually have big clocks you can use to time yourself.

I'm a big fan of body pump too; you can start with very light weights (or none!) and work your way up as you get fitter / stronger.

swimming and C25K which I have started and very overweight/unfit and finding OK as you can repeat weeks.

Sounds preachy but just doing something and letting go of the embarrassment is the way forwards. Started running a couple of months ago and was initially a bit embarrassed but then thought there's nothing to feel like that about - even if I run at barely over walking pace and stop to walk fairly often I'm still doing better than being parked on the sofa! Love C25K, built up from struggling to run for 1 minute without stopping to being able to run for 20 minutes plus in 2 months.

Also how about the gym? They can come up with a programme to suit your current level.

Mostly just do something regularly and you will feel better for it. Good luck!

What about a home exercise DVD so you can build up your fitness in private if you feel self conscious? Something like 30 day shred.

But mostly just remember everyone has to start somewhere!

Or what about a few sessions with a personal trainer to get a routine. I suggest lifting weights (heavy weights, low reps) combined with HIIT to really get into shape.

I have been in love with my stepper for the last few months. It really helps me get my cardio back up to normal (where I would like it to) while at the same time getting my definition back and helping my butt get back to where it needs to be.