I was really into fitness as a young person. I worked out daily but was not necessarily an athlete. I just liked exercise, jumping around, moving to music, lifting weights. I can be competitive but not a fan of who is the best ______ (fill it in..runner, biker, jumper, etc). I want to improve for me but not to see if I beat you. In fact, the ‘who is the best and fastest’ took most of the fun out of some activities I participated in. And believe me I will try anything and enjoyed a wide variety of programs just seeking my own personal joy.
I like to tell people I am mediocre at everything. I won’t suck at it completely but I won’t be the best. And when I was allowed to just have fun at it…I liked it even more.
That is my attitude about fitness. You need to find an activity that you like and that is what will make you want to stick with it. I always hated to hear people tell other people that they need to run, because running was the only way to lose weight. Or you need to swim because swimming was the only way to lose weight. I don’t agree because if you hate running or swimming, you will be miserable and quit. We all know that quitting won’t get you to your goal.
So, what do you like to do? It’s a big big world out there with so many crazy fun exercises to try. Here are some of the things I tried…
Young person: baton twirling, tap dance, aerobic workout videos, gymnastics, trampoline, horseback riding, softball, swimming, line dancing, water skiing, high dive…
Early adult years: step aerobics, water aerobics, marathon training/running, 10 mile races, charity races, hiking, mountain biking, water polo, volleyball, jump rope group classes, strength training, Thai Chi, African dance, Latin dance, a full ballroom series (tango, waltz, slow swing, etc), step machine workouts, canoeing, swimming, tennis, hip hop dance aerobics, jazz for adults, ballet for adults, hatha yoga, indoor and outdoor bootcamps, racquet ball, hand ball, squash (the racquet game) …
Middle adult years: distance cycling, hiking groups, power yoga, HIIT workouts, Zumba, aerial silks, barre classes, apparatus Pilates, paddle 
boarding, kayaking, flag football, crossfit, fake crossfit, kickboxing classes, various studio cycling programs including flywheel, deep water running, orange theory, rowing, insanity, P90X…
I am sure I a missing a few items. Some I loved and some I did not like at all. But I tried them. The ones I liked, I did it for really long periods of time. And that is my point. Find what you like, it is always worth your time and money if you like it. But you have to figure out what that is.
Great article! Thank you for sharing I can’t wait to read more and be encouraged! Proud of you friend!
Thank you! Your kind words are so encouraging! Love you dearly
I like the idea of doing something fun for workouts. I over just going for a run. Jiu-jitsu is one of my favorites and teaches me a skill. Water Polo on Tuesday with co-workers is a blast and a heck of a workout, without really noticing I’m working out. Considering playing soccer with same group a couple time a week. Good Article, looking forward to more.
Excellent! Sounds like activities for exercise are perfect for you. Once you get your schedule in place you can look at stretches or strength moves to improve your sport!
I’m recuperating from back surgery. I feel like I have been given a second chance with this body! I will be looking b to you for inspiration and ideas as I become active- and fit- again. ?
Best Wishes on your recovery! And look forward to being part of your return to your amazing self
YOU READ MY MIND!!! Us over 40’s need to look at working out a little differently. We can still do it all, just need to come at it at a different angle!! I’m excited to read what you’ve got!!
I know right!?!? We are fit but the world is geared to younger set
This is exactly what we need!!! Looking forward to hearing more about keeping fit!
Yay and thank you!!!
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Thank you. I do this for fun and for my clients and group participants.