How the heck do you exercise?

[JoelyB]

I'm trying to find a way to get some exercise. I've been active/outdoorsy all my life but now mid 50s find myself in an office job 9-5/5 days a week.
I've looked on local gyms for women only classes - I'm 4stone over weight and have run away from SW. I need to go back but I need some exercise! There is nothing I can fit in around work, all the women only stuff is mid morning.
I don't want to go to the council leisure centre in town for mainstream classes as I will know so many younger thinner people at them.
How does anyone get gently into some exercise without embarrassment and while working full time?

Oh and you need to make it your priority - I'll often go for a run / ride when I feel like I should work late and this weekend I was out cycling when I probably should have been cleaning my rather grim house

Find something that you like [really enjoy !] or you won't stick with it.
Try all sorts of activities until you find something - DO NOT be concerned with how you look - YOU ARE doing something, not sitting on the couch. We are not meant to all be one size and size of itself is not an indication of either health of level of fitness.
Be as active as possible in daily living, walk if you can [park elsewhere, get off the bus a stop or two early], cycle or swim as suggested before or after work but only if you like these activities.
Muscle burns more calories than other tissue types so try to incorporate some strength training into whatever regime you adopt. Weights and equipment are not necessary to start with - use your own bodyweight for squats, push-ups etc. Tins of beans will work for basic dumbells !! Strength exercise is vital for all women but especially those at or approaching post-menopause [when hormone protection is reduced], to prevent osteoporosis
See if your employer takes the health of their workforce seriously enough to adjust/alter working patterns to allow all staff to get the opportunity to get a proper lunch-break. Even if you cannot exercise, you should have the opportunity to eat properly.
Change your eating slowly to incorporate more fruit/veg ['eat the rainbow'] into your diet.
Set goals but make them realistic and achievable, if the weight went on gradually, respect yourself enough to work sustainably to shed it without dieting. Diets do not work long-term for the majority of people and the psychological harm from repetitive failing may ultimately cause greater weight gain !
Being mindful can help - consider what you are buying, [food shopping choices], as well as what you are eating. It takes the brain 20 minutes to register what we have eaten, so stop before you are full.

Good luck - and enjoy the journey !

There are loads of free workouts online. I like a site called HasFit. It has 30 and 90 day programme or just pick a workout from the list of videos. They last from as little as 10 - 15 mins up to longer ones and are graded by beginner/advanced. BeFit is good too. Or if you like to exercise with people is there a budget gym near you that is open 24 hours? Then you can go any time. I joined a Pure Gym recently and I thought I wouldn't like it but it is brilliant.
.there are over 50 free classes a week and at all times ... lunch, evenings, early or late morning. There are loads of options but it is finding what makes it easy for you. For me, ridiculous as it sounds, what made the difference was finding a gym with a car park so I don't have to change and shower there. It just seems less of an undertaking if I can walk I, exercise and go straight home and shower there. Good luck and let us know how you get on

Swimming.
In OP's situation, maybe park 1/2 hour walk away from work & so get that 1 hour walk/day in.
cycle rides or gardening on weekends.

I walk briskly for a couple of hours.

OP, is walking back and forth to work an option, that's what I do.