Need some mojo back: suggestions please

[Makingamessofitall]

I used to be super fit, had horses which meant I was outside and exercising 7 days a week. Then the pandemic came along with perimenopause, and my weight crept up. I gave up the horses due to moving and a job change, and now only manage pilates once or twice a week plus walking the dogs. It just isn't the same.

I am hoping to start exercising properly again in the New Year... but what should I do? Finding something to fill the gap (at a time I can do it between work and kids) is my biggest issue.

I don't swim (wasn't properly taught and don't enjoy it), can't run (years of riding and injuries means I have foot problems). But I miss being fit as a fiddle.

What sorts of exercise could I do? How do I start? Is starting at a Gym as terrifying as it seems for a 40 something year old who has basically avoided them for the whole of their life?

Please send me reassurance and ideas for a plan! As well as your own success stories of regaining your mojo.

Gym is not terrifying. You start where you are, everyone had day 1. There will be people who have been going 10 years and others who started a fortnight ago.

I’d start by finding local gyms and working out if you can get there, how much they cost, and what classes they do. Then you know if any of that works, and if you like the look of them. If you join book an induction, they’ll show you round and go through how to use everything.
Afterwards there are usually staff around to ask for help if you need it.

If not we have a peloton bike and I like that, lots of options.

It comes and goes for me, but thinking about it is always worse than doing it. You might have to gather yourself to get in the door, but after that you’ll be grand.