How to get fit without getting obsessed?

[TheDeuteragonist]

I know this is an impossible question...

I've got a long history of dieting and exercise behind me.

I've always carried extra weight and always been on a diet, like constantly.

Since I got married I decided I didn't want to be on this train anymore. I read a book about intuitive eating and I'm working towards giving myself the freedom to eat unrestricted, which is fab.

In September 2019 I'm taking on quite a physical challenge in the form of a 24 hour hike for the charity Mind. I'm aware that I need to be physically in good shape to complete this. Although the terrain on the hike isn't too challenging, it's still a long time to be walking with only a break half way for dinner.

So, long story short, I've joined the gym and me and DP have started hiking on our days off. We've started at relatively small distances and I've generally enjoyed this as I don't correlate this kind of exercise with dieting. I find the gym more intimidating. I equate it with quite punishing regimes centred around moulding my body into what it should look like rather than caring about my fitness.

How to I go to the gym regularly without getting sucked in to that world? Has anyone else been in this situation and found a way to love getting fit (not necessarily slim)?

This question looks so odd written down, sorry if it makes zero sense!

Stop looking in mirrors & don't allow yourself any measurements or physical targets related to how you look or how other people perceive you (or what clothes size you wear).

Why do you need to go to the gym at all?

If you find it intimidating, why not choose a class instead- much friendlier & easier to keep up.

I did a mix of a weekly yoga class, cycling on the common on fine weekends and hiking. Once I’d lost a bit, I started jogging round the local playing field at lunchtime once a week.
I don’t like gyms, for me this was more flexible, more friendly and I’ve kept going for 7 years. Less expensive too.