Getting fit

[PlateSpinnerJuggler]

So I literally since a teenager haven't done any exercise - (I'm 40 now).
I'm aware both my parents have / had heart disease and I'm thinking it's about time I take some responsibility.... and start looking after myself somewhat - but I loathe at the thought....

Any suggestions for a real real beginner??

Wouldn't want to do anything in front of anyone at this point

Are you me?

There's loads of sofa exercises etc on youtube. I know where they are, I just can't be bothered. I have started putting music on in the kitchen when I'm making dinner and having a bit of a dance. Better than nothing I guess?????

How much can you afford to spend ?

I bit the bullet and got a personal trainer .

Otherwise I'd recommend starting couch to 5k , get fit with Rick YouTube walking workout videos and some beginner aerobics

The most important thing is to find something you can keep doing. It's all well and good to start running or swimming or going to the gym, but if you lose interest after the novelty has worn off then it just becomes a slog and you'll probably give up.

I suggest you try a few things and see what you enjoy doing - walking is a great starter activity and something you can tie in with other things like going to the shop or walking a dog. Try different classes - yoga, pilates, water aerobics, dancing. See if any of those interest you.

Other ideas could be martial arts (e.g. karate) or going to the gym, perhaps with a friend if you enjoy the social aspect of exercising.

There are loads of online coaching and training activities you can do with minimal equipment if you're happy to motivate yourself at home.

Try a few and see what is a good fit for you. Then it's much more likely you'll stick at it and that is what will make the biggest difference to your health rather than going all out for a few weeks but then giving up. Good luck!!

Look on the local Facebook and find a boot camp type thing aimed at all abilities in your area , they are usually quite cheap and the exercises are varied

You say you wouldn't do anything in front of someone else but how about simple walking? It's one of the absolute best things you can do for yourself. Make sure you have some supportive shoes and just start with a short walk and build up gradually. In time you can vary distance, speed and terrain and the health benefits, both physical and mental, are amazing.

I started when I was 48. I'd done nothing since school.

I joined a karate class with my then 5yo. That gave me lots of stretching and flexibility. And I started alternately walking/jogging in snatched 5 minute chunks when ds was asleep, running up and down the road outside the house.

I extended it gradually as ds got older and I had more opportunity. Now I can run 10k and I have a brown belt.

No desire to run a marathon though. 10k is enough.

@Mantlemoose

Are you me?

🤣glad I'm not alone

@stevalnamechanger

How much can you afford to spend ?

I bit the bullet and got a personal trainer .

Otherwise I'd recommend starting couch to 5k , get fit with Rick YouTube walking workout videos and some beginner aerobics

How much is a trainer? I think I'd even be embarrassed in front of a PT...

I'm a little over weight but I'd just be out of breath in minutes!!!!

We started team body project last year. There are some free workouts on you tube which I started with. They do a beginners programme called real start - it’s the only thing that me & my husband have stuck to after not exercising properly for years - probably cos there’s no excuse not to do 30mins a day for us . Don’t need a lot of space or equipment- we started using tins as weights. They have a Facebook group too & it’s really supportive. All about getting us moving our bodies.

@Tiredandbored this is the problem - I don't think I enjoy any physical activity/exercise/sport...

@Floralnomad there's no way I could exercise in a group boot camp!

Loads of my friends / peers are really into exercise - and I know lots of local stuff goes on just not sure for a beginner beginner that does not enjoy it what to do....

@stevalnamechanger I did download that app several months back - hahah proper baby steps lol

Walk. 2 miles a day.

@MacavityTheDentistsCat @Mintjulia
Yes maybe walking is the way to go / start at the least...

so maybe once kids are back to school I should kick off with daily walking

Hate rain though!

@Mintjulia

I started when I was 48. I'd done nothing since school.

I joined a karate class with my then 5yo. That gave me lots of stretching and flexibility. And I started alternately walking/jogging in snatched 5 minute chunks when ds was asleep, running up and down the road outside the house.

I extended it gradually as ds got older and I had more opportunity. Now I can run 10k and I have a brown belt.

No desire to run a marathon though. 10k is enough.

Wow this incredible! Well done - great inspiration!

@defnotadomesticgoddess
Thanks I'll look into this!
I have weights (somewhere)
Kids are youngish and mess me about til late so will have to fit in in day when they're at school - between work

@MiaRoma

Walk. 2 miles a day.

@MiaRoma is this enough?

My family have a yoga studio we have many many beginners who have not exercised, very self conscious at first but it's amazing seeing them transform in confidence.

You might be more included to stick with it if you book something. Don't be embarrassed ❤️

Definitely. From what you do now it will be LOADS. Try to increase your speed

After 4 months up it to 3 miles a day and so on

The nice thing about joining a kiddies class, was that I was supposedly there to encourage ds, so outwardly it didn't matter if I was rubbish. But I still learned the warm-up routines and stretching exercises that stopped me injuring myself.

The other thing is if you are going to jog, buy some decent running shoes. They will protect your joints. You don't need any other special kit to begin with, but invest in some shoes.

Good luck x

Genuinely most PTs have seen every body shape and level of fitness.

My trainer was wonderful. He'd got fat and out of shape, sorted himself out and became a trainer. Now he trains and teaches plates and is pretty much the most popular trainer in the area.

He was patient and kind and fun and motivating.

You can look at personal trainers profiles online and find one that appeals to you.

Even just the thought of it fills me with dread!
But my dad dropped at 69 and I know I have to do this if I wanna see my kids married and grandkids grow....

It is definitely about finding something you enjoy and trying to make it a habit. I’m struggling with this too, but I really enjoy walking in the countryside so I have ‘built in’ a couple of times to walk - Saturday mornings around DS’s tennis lesson and Sunday afternoons. I need to do more but feeling better just for doing this, especially when I squeeze in an extra 2-3 walks in the week before work. Having a smart watch also helps with motivation and setting goals.

Leslie Sansone walking videos.