How can I get ‘into’ exercise ?

[GoodnightGrandma]

I’m early 50’s, got a ring of menopause fat around my belly, and I can often feel my heart beating quite fast in bed.
I want to make a change, I want to be one of those people who ‘wants’ to exercise, wants to go out for a brisk walk or go to a spin class for the buzz.
I currently do one class a week which I enjoy, but the whole process of getting there and showering after takes time I’ve not got.
How do I become a person who wants to exercise ?

I think you have to start with being someone who pushes themselves to exercise regularly until it becomes a habit and something it feels weird not to do 😬

Find something you can do at home so there’s less faff? Or try couch to 5k which you can do just stepping out the door?

I do Caroline Girvan- check her out on YouTube- it’s free, in your own home and spectacularly effective. I am in the best shape of my life and I am 55.

As you progress and find yourself getting better, stronger you get a great buzz from exercise but initially it's a matter of bearing with it. I took up circuit training at about that age and just grew to love it as found myself with more energy, feeling younger and my dc were very impressed with me. All this really helped to motivate me. But you need at least three sessions a week to get to that place. I didn't lose a lot of weight but l lost inches and just felt more toned. Also as your exercise increases l find you become more careful about eating rubbish and start to drink more water. So couldn't recommend it more.

I often do a 20 minute online yoga session before having a shower in the morning. It's really good for keeping flexible and, since I'm working from home, it's easy to squeeze in. Much better than traipsing to the gym at 6:30am.

I don't enjoy exercise. What has worked for me is not expecting to enjoy it, just getting on with it anyway. I conceptualise it like brushing my teeth - ofc I don't enjoy it but it's part of staying healthy.

I have a personal trainer session once a week and try to do an online video once a week too

What motivates you?
Social? Goals? Me time? Learning new things? Routine? Adventure?

I would try a range of different kinds of exercise classes, solo exercises etc and spend time working out what you enjoy most. Give yourself at least a month without any pressure to decide. Gyms are doing great offers to experience their facility for free or reduced price, so it's a great time to take advantage of that.

@BigButtons

I do Caroline Girvan- check her out on YouTube- it’s free, in your own home and spectacularly effective. I am in the best shape of my life and I am 55.

Thanks for the recommendation.

Mini rebounder trampoline did it for me - I went from barely being able to walk fast (even lightly) for a few minutes, to ages of bouncing and jogging on it. This noticeably improved my leg muscles and my stamina, and made me better at other exercise in turn.

If you have a Nintendo switch, the boxercise, dancing and ring fit games are great at getting you moving too!

One thing though on the fast heartbeat, if it's very loud and you have any other symptoms, get checked out for anaemia - a faster than usual resting heart rate is what alerted me to it recently!

You have to stop waiting to feel the desire to exercise and just do it! Also, find something that doesn't create problems so if driving somewhere is a pita, could you start running instead?

Btw I started brisk walking with a friend or while listening to podcasts/audio books - made it enjoyable rather than a chore.

I don’t think anyone wants to exercise particularly it’s just something that you do because you know how good it is. You just need to find an exercise you like enough to motivate you to do it even on the days when you don’t feel like it. I do circuits/hiit because I get bored easily and they’re short sharp sessions so out the way as quickly as possible! That and a long walk (5-10 miles) each week.

I have been exercising on and off for years. Used to play competitive team sport in my youth and have continued over the years. I now swim regularly. I don't think I have ever enjoyed it. I hate the build up. I hate the faff. What helps me do it is probably:

• habit
• focusing on how much better I will feel after the exercise

I have a little inner dialogue that goes like this - you will feel so much better afterwards. It's worth the faff

And I also go even if I really really don't want to. I tell myself that I will do a short session and that is enough to get me there. So mind games basically.

And I do feel amazing afterwards.

apart from finding something you really love (mine is ice skating) theres not much hope really. I've done all sorts of exercise and don't feel better for it, hate every minute and thank god when I finish. Absolutely no endorphin high from any other sport.

I will force myself to do the CG videos in the new year, but can see failure looming.

I've never managed it. But then I got a dog who had to be walked and I'm probably fitter than I've ever been!

Following as I’m the same. Used to do loads, but I got made redundant and so had the time. I do shifts now and I just don’t feel like doing a class/running/swimming when I’ve been up since 0430!

I do martial arts but struggling with going as there’s lots of kids and I always seem to pick up coughs and colds there which is not ideal at the moment. I preferred when we could go but still had to stay distanced in class.

In the same boat so following with interest xxxxxx

Others have said it but I have to say c25k is a really good start.

You can't. I've been very fit from time to time, but whatever I do it's a tedious chore that takes time I could be spending on fun stuff. I do Jillian Michaels, at least it's quick.

I go country walking. Ill choose a big hill and go up it. I'm 60. I bought some expensive wide fitting walking boots. You've got to be comfortable.
I'm 60 and I make sure I do an uphill walk that makes my heart pound. I combine it with my hobby of soap and herbal cream making and collect various ingredients like nettles and berries on my walk.

I would recommend C25k. I started it during lockdown as a means to get out of the house. I’m now running 4-5 times a week and feel much better for it. I’m now trying to improve my running by doing more strength training and finally learning to swim (properly!). For me it was getting started with something structured and the rest followed on from there (weight loss, better diet etc).

Good luck op, it’s definitely worth doing!

I run three to four times a week (very slowly) - until 3 years ago I couldn't run to the end of the road (I am in my 40s) The biggest switch for me was realising that I was doing it for my mental health, rather than to get fit or lose weight - it was a game changer for me. I love my time outside in the fresh air - I run before work (so am often out around 6.30am for 30 mins) and I miss it when I don't do it. My mind still boggles that this is actually me I am writing about 😂

I do think that doing something you enjoy will help. Love the idea of ice-skating. Or rollerskating.

www.google.com/amp/s/www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/taking-it-easy/202001/how-long-does-it-take-form-new-habit%3famp
This article might help. I noticed the reference to reward. Perhaps reward yourself in some small way after you exercise? Good luck.

@BogRollBOGOF

What motivates you? Social? Goals? Me time? Learning new things? Routine? Adventure?

I’d say routine. I’ve been doing the same class for a couple of years now, and still enjoy it.

You say you enjoy your one class a week so you’re almost there!