Exercise - what makes you do it? (Plus our survey results and some things to try)

I have been walking for around 1 hour and 15 mins 5 days a week with my neighbour in all weather's except snow or a hard frost.If left to my own divides I wouldn't do it but as I go with my friend/ neighbour we chat and put the world to right and are back home ready for the day by around nine o'clock having done around 8500 steps.I also try to go for an afternoon walk a couple of times a week.I feel much better for this exercise I used to have back problems and sciatica but no longer suffer from this problems.

OK - there are lots of ideas above. But.......

- I have joint pain and anything repetitive causes trouble and I suffer for days afterwards.
- I cannot run at all - failed hip replacement plus a bone in foot broken still.
- I love the photo of the lady lying on the floor - any idea as to how I might get up if that were me??

Any sort of repetitive activity causes me lots of pain - so all these lovely things are but a dream.

Aquacise and swimming, plus walking whenever possible.

Why do I do it? To keep active and not overweight.

Having an energetic dog who without his daily walks would be a nightmare.

I walk a lot and go to the gym 2/3 times a week I do it because I have arthritis and I could easily sit about and get fatter but I intend to stay as fit as I can for as long as I can so I put the pain to the back of my mind and always feel better when I’ve exercised.

I’ve always exercised, so I think it’s just habit now. I’ve really had the same routine since my youngest started school. So 25 years ago. Swimming three times a week, gym, was twice a week until about six months ago, cycling and walking. My menopause has got in the way a bit the last few years, but I struggle on. The worst thing has been the nausea, but hot flashes and aching joints have been a factor too. That’s why I cut out the gym for a while, but have now started back just once a week to start with, to see how I go. I’m in a good spell at the moment, after a spell of nausea lasting about 2 months, and then viruses over Christmas. Long may it last?.

I was an energetic active child and I am now an energetic active woman. As I am dyspraxic I am no good at team games or anything requiring precision or accuracy, but I have always been someone would rather walk than ride, so I walk a lot and always have - and garden and never sit down for long. I am always jumping up from my seat to do something, check something, get something.

In recent years I have taken up both pilates and Tai Chi to improve my balance and maintain my flexilibilty. I have poor balance anyway, and as balance gets worse with age I decided to take remedial, or at least delaying action. Much the same with flexibility.

I don't exercise nearly as often as I should do - full time work at a desk and a family means I don't have a huge amount of spare time - so I'm going to focus on improving that in the coming months. I tend to go to the gym and work out on the machines or (more usually) do a Youtube video as I can vary them and don't have the embarrassment of not being able to keep up with a class.

I find it's really hard to join anything as a total beginner probably because I am so unfit. I also find the 'over 50s' exercise classes are on during the day which is very frustrating because us 50 somethings are still working - only 17 more years to go!

I walk, and have done for many years. 11,000 steps so far today, so why is it despite being careful with what i eat I still have a good 1-2 stones, (at least) to shift.

Attending a Pilates class is a Godsend for me, to keep me "flexible" and to help with pain. Pilates was recommended by my physio (for my back/mobility issues) and I can say in all honesty that it's helping me to recover my full mobility. (I also do daily exercises at home, as recommended by physio.) Likewise swimming and walking in the pool: I do alternate lengths of each. All of these are an effort - but all are worth it!

I’ve tried all sorts over the years, as the pile of neglected fitness gear in my cellar shows. I’ve finally learnt that if it takes up too much time, I’ll soon drop it. So I like Michael Mosley’s regime of two 10 minute brisk walks a day and his 6 minute “exercise snacking” at least once. I also follow a 30 minute yogalates dvd once or twice a week at home. I’ve just got a new Alexa and joined in a quick 10 minute work out recommended by her the other day, followed by a bit of relaxation to the soothing jungle sounds she played me.

Most of my working life was very active and I'm still active.
The only physical problem I've had was a bad back but Pilates cured that ( I wish I'd known before I spent a fortune on chiropractors ?)
I walk most days for at least an hour. I'm lucky that I live near the beach, that makes it easier to make the effort.
I take 3 ( much older ladies) to sitting and balance exercise classes once a week. They are very good if your fitness is a bit compromised.

I exercise in an attempt to keep fit & healthy for as long as possible, and help keep my weight in check.

I'm another walker - can't stand the gym! I do a brisk park/streets/river walk most days for at least an hour, but often two hours. Mostly with my friend but if she's not around or I'm walking to work then I do it by myself. Always early morning, sometimes in the dark. It costs nothing.

I also do a one-hour dance class once a week but that's mainly for fun, although it's quite an aerobic workout.

I probably should do something more challenging as well e.g. some hills!

Walking walking just walking as long as I'll be able to. I do it on a daily basis because I enjoy it. No gym, no swimming, no jogging, just plain old fashioned walking, I don't even have targets, what I feel like doing on the day. And I do miss it if unable to!

SirChengin*, when I worked I always cranked some walking into my day, I always walked to and from the station, a mile eachway. When I worked in London, I got a tube that was a bit of hike from the mainline station but saved me having to change and when I drove to work I would go for a walk in my lunch hour. If like me you verge on the hyperactive and need to get out and stetch my legs every day, it is surprising how easy it is to crank the exercise in.

Unfortunately not possible M0nica - I work in the middle of nowhere beside a dual carriageway. Our office is surrounded by a security fence and the car park isn’t big enough to walk round. I’ve worked in other places where I could work exercise into my day very easily, usually via my commute, but not in my current place.

Oh - and lunch is only 30 minutes in the NHS and no tea breaks.

Yes, you are stuck aren't you. But even if sliding it in during the working day is not possible for you, many other people could do it.

Oh definitely - it’s certainly possible in many cases. If you use public transport then get off the bus a couple of stops earlier, or park and walk part of the way if you can.

I'm average to thin. You ask what makes me exercise? The dog - she needs 3 or 4 miles a day - plus plenty of playtime! Gardening is another good one. A few hours out there and I can feel the muscles complaining!

I love Pilates, yoga and do Zumba and a Swiss ball class. Just feel so energised after a class.

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