Which activities can you take up/learn as an (unco-ordinated, out of shape, short of time) adult.

[Rugbylovingmum]

I know this might seem like an odd question but I have always loved studying and learning something new (bit of a geek). I was watching DD1 doing her dance and gymnastics lessons and felt a bit envious. She is learning new skills and challenging herself and having tons of fun while being active. It started me thinking that I'd love to try a new sport/activity and get back into shape while learning to do something new. I'm not good at exercising just to stay fit - No motivation. I hate the gym although I quite enjoyed body pump. I've started running and enjoy the me time and feeling fitter but I don't love it. In my twenties I took up rugby and loved it. Lots of women start later so it's not a problem if you haven't played before (I found with hockey and netball people had played for years and the clubs were ultra competitive). We moved just before DDs arrived and I didn't like the local club plus they train and play on weekends so no good with a young family.

Have any of you taken up a new form of exercise in late thirties/forties and can recommend it. I'm very unco-ordinated so dance etc prob not for me, I don't have much free time (work 3 nights a week) so team sports may be tricky and I don't have the money for ski-ing, riding etc. I did lots of martial arts in my teens which I enjoyed but would prefer something new. Really I'd love an adult gymnastics class even though I'm clearly not in good enough shape for that even if there was one here. I've thought about everything from climbing to Pilates but I can't decide. Any thoughts???

Thanks xx

forever ! I've just googled aerial silks, having been to the circus this week, and there are classes in my (small) city in January. I've just emailed about them - v excited!

Ice skating.

Expressive dance / movement to music class (less about technique) e.g. Dalcroze. If you have a proper ballet company nearby, check if they have adult classes. They can be fab for beginners.

After a few years of running I took swimming lessons at age 40 ( could do poor breast stroke prior ) and learnt front crawl. I then bought a road bike and now belong to a triathlon club.
You might enjoy learning to swim with an open water swim race as a goal?

I think triathlon clubs can be friendly and welcoming to all standards. Unlike the running club I run with where everyone is pretty good at running, with triathlon everyone has a weaker sport which kind of removes elitism. For example, I am a weaker swimmer but can hold my own on long training runs compared to hunky make swimmers ( another reason to pick this sport lol )

Good for you for looking at new hobbies and I hope you find something you love. I never thought I'd be doing triathlon - didn't really know what it was a few years ago !!
I also do cross country running races with a running club - it's amazing how many women do and there is definitely a range of abilities - nobody minds ! I was over 40 when I did my first ever cross country race.