Can anyone give me ideas of what exercise I would like.

[Imtoooldforallthis]

I'll start this by saying I don't particularly like exercising. I'm propably one of the few people that don't get a buzz from it. So things I've liked are dance classes, but I have problems with my feet and Zoomba meant I was in agony. Love yoga and pilates but don't enjoy online classes, I need the motivation of physical classes. However I work shifts and these are different every week and I'm finding it hard to find classes where I can just drop in. What do other people do? I need to do something that I can commit to.

If you like Zumba , but have foot problems, why not see a podiatrist for orthotic shoe inserts and advice on trainers that might allow you to continue that ?

I'm not sure this is helpful, but you may be setting yourself up to fail by looking for something you'll like straight away.
For example, nobody starts couch to 5k and thinks "I love running." Because it's very hard at first, and it hurts! Ditto spinning, or HIIT... etc. The "buzz" comes much later for most people.

I probably slogged my way through more than 6 months of running before the love kicked in, and now I wouldn't be without it. But back at the beginning I'd have never believed that.
Perhaps think about what you want to achieve (clearer head, strength, increased cardiovascular fitness, whatever) rather than what you will initially enjoy?

I have seen a podiatrist and have inserts but I still have the problem.

You are probably right, I used to go to yoga twice a week, then changed jobs so ended up missing half the classes so my motivation dropped. I would just love to improve my core strength but seriously don't have the will to work out at home so need the commitment of a class.

I’d say something where you’re not putting your full body weight on your feet, like cycling, swimming, rowing or horse riding.

I went through my list of 'reasons not to exercise’ and chose something that would work e.g DH has erratic hours which mess with class attendance, I don’t want to put on a sports bra and struggle with motivation to do an online class. So I bought a walkpad and I’m watching box sets, not allowed to continue the box set unless walking.

Aquarobics could work but classes tend to be during the day, so may be hard to get to.
I would say that I don't particularly enjoy exercise, but I do enjoy how I feel afterwards. Maybe swimming and give yourself goals for how many lengths you will swim that session.

I find aqua aerobics good. It's not strenuous, you don't get hot and sweaty, and you don't have to be there every week - most of the classes near me are now virtual, so the exercises are done to a programme on a screen.

Our local leisure centre has got quite a few evening aqua aerobic sessions

I exercise 5 to 6 days a week and mix it up with different classes, swimming etc. I can't say I really enjoy exercise but love how it makes me feel and look

Not sure what kind of foot problems you have but what about weight workouts? Start with a Body Pump class which is basically lifting light to medium weights to music with an enthusiastic instructor. The good instructors will give you a modified move to do if there's a couple you can't do due to injury. You probably have to join a gym to access these classes though, but surely that's the best way forward anyway if you work shifts? You could then replicate some of the moves in the gym if you can't make a class (eg squats, chest press etc) to create your own routine.

Have you thought of trying something where the focus is fun, or learning a skill? A martial art? Or I do trapeze and aerial. The place I go has different classes all throughout the week, so I just book according to my shifts, which vary each week. The This Girl Can website has lots of ideas.

I'd start from what is possible - there isn't a magic solution if you have shifts and don't like online classes. You want real-life drop in classes so I would make a list of those that are practical and try them out.

Drop ins near me include:

Park bootcamps, often on Saturday mornings IME but sometimes in the week/Sundays
Boxing classes in parks and local boxing gyms - they run several times a week so you could go regularly but at different times
(if you have a big common or park near you, take a walk on a saturday morning and see what is happening - they usually have a banner with a QR code etc so you can look them up - mine are also on Meet Up and facebook)
Hot yoga
Studio yoga and pilates
Aqua aerobics in local leisure centres (and their other classes eg circuits - again, often run several times a week)
Classpass - an app where you can book one-off classes - usually lots of yoga and pilates round here but a good way to try new things out and see if you want a membership (again, pick somewhere with several of the same classes each week).

Another way to think about it might be to incorporate exercise into your existing schedule. Could you walk instead of taking the bus? Cycle instead of driving? Take the stairs instead of the lift? Do reps with a dumbell whilst you are on the phone? Stand up and walk around every time you are on the phone? Do kegel exercises for the duration of waiting for the traffic light to turn red? Do squats whilst waiting for the kettle to boil? You'd be surprised how quickly it can add up - five minutes of moderate physical exercise 6 times a day is a lot easier to achieve than carving out time for a regular exercise class. Also some people find wearing a pedometer quite motivating.

Me too! I don’t love exercising but see it as something I do because I love my body and myself and my family, and want to be as healthy and fit as possible for me and for them.

I don’t like exercising but when I catch a glimpse of my fifty something great looking legs and bottom, it makes it worth it for my vanity, and when my regular fitness check tells me my heart and cardiovascular system are as good as someone under 30, it makes it worth it for my health.

If you don’t like exercise, find another reason other than “liking” exercise as your main motivation.

I never particularly liked exercise, then I found strength training and I love every single session. And it hooked me in right from the start. I love feeling strong, the endorphin hit, the confidence it gives you, the simplicity of working your way up the weights and knowing you're getting better.

What is the problem with your feet? Is it short term due to a recent injury, or something permanent?

I can't find out, I have burning in the ball of my foot with certain shoes. To the point that skechers go walks slip ons are fine, go walk lace ups I can't wear. Ugg boots I can wear, but Vionics and Fitflop I can't, it is so annoying. Got some air force ones, comfy for a couple of hours, then I'm crippled. Been told it is not a mortons Neuroma or Metatarsalgia.

I do Aquarobics in a pool and it is a complete workout that leaves me sweating. It all depends on the effort you put into it, and serious arm strength is needed to swish those foam dumb bells underwater. I also swim for about 30 mins both before and after aquarobics.

I swim about 4 or 5 times a week, usually for about 40 minutes. I go at various times depending on other commitments. It was hard work at first but now I enjoy it. I can either focus on my strokes and challenge myself to go faster or daydream and think of other things.
I've got an ankle injury and it's good to be able to exercise without it hurting.
It might be something you'd enjoy.

Reformer Pilates might be worth trying if you can find a class near you, much more effective as exercise than mat Pilates. I have neuropathy in my feet after chemo so have little sensation, reformer is the only exercise I would say I enjoy.

Cycling.

You never forger how to ride a bike, and it is so much fun, just like you remember as kid.

It's very kind on your body, brilliant exercise and very very addictive.

Spinning class, or circuits or boxercise maybe. Do you enjoy a mix of things in one class? Have you looked at Hoka trainers? I’d recommend Bondi for plush cushioning. They have a 30 day trial in which you can get a refund if they don’t suit you.

You don't know until you try different things.
I lift weights 4 times a week and spin 3 times a week for cardio. Try different classes and see what you enjoy. Gyms will usually give you a taster workout with a staff member to run through the equipment. I have a PT once a week to keep me on my toes. I'm sure as you get into your chosen exercise you'll start to enjoy it

Look into strength conditioning. Low resistance and high reps. Deadlifts and squats. A great way to lose weight and look shapely as well.