HIIT for a middle aged newbie?

[HoliHormonalTigerlilly]

Is it really hard & will I be in pain?

Is it possible to pace yourself & start slowly?

You might ache a lot to start with but that’s the same starting any new exercise. I used to not be able to walk up stairs or get things off high shelves the next day but mostly I’m ok now. You can definitely pace yourself by going a little more slowly, doing fewer reps or using a lighter weight.

Good luck-I’m sure you’ll have a great time.

Are you doing it in a class or at home on YouTube?

Just crack on. You'll get aches and pains the following days to begin with but they will soon go. The actual hiit will make you feel out of breath / sweaty / exerted but that's the point and fun of it. Good luck!

Thinking of joining a class.

Having some PT sessions just now & the DOMS is bad.
I can't afford them indefinitely so want to do classes at my local gym.
I'm unlikely to just go and do weights on my own. I like having some instruction as it makes it go faster.

I think it will depend on the instructor. I know of instructors who will make their class accessible to everyone by showing different options and encouraging participants to work at their own pace. I also know a couple of instructors whose classes on the face of it are ‘suitable for beginners’ but who I know to be not particularly patient or good with beginners. 😬

I’d say go for it. Just try it. If you hate it or the instructor is not helping to make the class accessible to you, you’re well within your rights to just leave and never return!

That first bit should have said ‘I know LOTS of instructors who will make their class accessible’