Starting a new sport at 40

[PeppermintP123]

Looking for some advice please! I've had a rotten year & consequently have gained weight on top of the existing baby weight I still hadn't managed to shed (even though my child is 4!), so I've decided I really want/need to prioritise some fitness for my health now i'm getting older. Making some new friends would also be a bonus as I don't have any real friends at all, and feel quite lonely seeing others going away in big groups celebrating their milestone birthdays, etc. My local rugby club have a women's team & they are looking for new members; I was very sporty when I was young but have done nothing in 20 years. I thought this would be massively putting myself out of my comfort zone (which is a good thing), gaining confidence whilst getting fit & hopefully making some new friends. My question is, when they say beginners welcome, do you think it'd be ok to show up fairly unfit & knowing hardly anything about the sport? I know the basics but not in depth rules. I don't want to look silly or waste anyone's time if i'm expected to have a decent prior knowledge. Any tips welcomed, thank you x

Fencing would be perfect for your situation
nobody knows anything about fencing and it is good for people working into fitness

Rugby could be great too. Just don’t have experience of it.

Worst case scenario- you show up, are too unfit, and don’t go again. Best case scenario, you show up, they welcome you with open arms, you discover something you love, a whole new group of friends, and get fit. Nothing to lose.

I started netball in my 30s, love it now and can’t believe it took me from school age to my 30s to discover sport can be enjoyable.

Yes they do mean beginners welcome and I'm sure you will be welcomed. I think it would be a great way to meet people and would also have a good social aspect.
Go and enjoy it well done

Go for it!

See if you like it.

If yes, ask ChatGPT to do you a very basic rugby specific beginner's training plan. You can specify old injuries, do you have access to a gym or not, how mucb time do you in a week, etc. That would gently begin to address your concerns around fitness if that is worrying you.

Rugby is a really welcoming sport as a whole . I’d give it a try - even if it turns out not to be the perfect fit there’s touch and walking rugby variants too

I agree. Women’s rugby will be friendly and supportive and they will be happy to teach you. Both my daughters play and I’ve been amazed at how inclusive a sport it is.

Rugby, hockey or netball would all be great choices. Particularly with rugby though I’d make an effort to work on my general strength and fitness alongside to reduce the risk of injury.

I took up playing pádel in my 50s after never having played any ball games and it’s great fun and a good way to meet people as you play in 4s. I’m now in a group of 60 people, a whole range of ages and nationalities, and have struck up friendships with several of them.

Just watch your knees etc, things are more fragile than they were when you were younger; recovery takes longer. Wear suitable shoes etc as well.

Give it a go!

A lot of women, especially over 30 won't have had chance to play rugby before. There will be a lot of total beginners out there.

Do it! I started playing netball at 45 after not having played since school and I love it! If you want some reassurance, maybe email the club to let them know you’ve never played before, but if it says beginners welcome, I’m sure they’ll be pleased to have you along.