Is it too old to start?

I don't think it is ever too late, as long as you are sensible. I was 70 when I started to do really vigorous, long, steep walks. At first, I would get a bit breathless on the very steep climbs, but that might have been due to the altitude, as my flat stands at over 3,000 feet. Now, I find climbs that left me really exhausted, heart thumping, knees aching, are quite easy.
I do think walking and swimming are the best exercises as they don't put any pressure on your joints. Walking is free, needs no equipment other than boots and poles, can be done alone at any time and is immensely enjoyable.
I think you live in a lovely part of England, Alison, so I am sure you would really love exploring it on foot.
It is very hot here, so tomorrow I am going 'wild swimming' - i.e. in Lake Geneva at Evian les Bains. I hate municipal swimming baths.

Don't like swimming as neither DH or I are any good at it but we walk loads as it is so lovely to do so here. I was thinking more in terms of a gym or something.

Before you join a gym, be very sure you will make good use of your subscription. Some companies will give you a 'taster' membership for a few days. If you can get one of those, you will find out if you like using gym equipment, or if it would be a waste of your time and money. Good luck.

Thanks annobel that is what bothers me. We only have 2 gyms here and I think you have to sign up for a full year with both of them.

Does your local leisure centre not have a gym you can use, just to try it?

Yes, it does. I'm going to have a look at it next week and also the other gym.

Does anyone have any suggestions about what sort of exercise I should do? If gym is the best suggestion I'll give that a go.

Swimming is much much better as all your joints are supported. Many municipal pools have ladies only sessions for those who are a bit self-conscious. You can also buy a float so you can do up and down legs holding the float in front of you. Brilliant.

Aqua aerobics classes are good for all your muscles and the water bears a large proportion (I forget how much) of your weight.

I swim, do some pretty challenging walking and a keep fit class, but I would say that the most vigorous exercise I do is gardening. In our garden, that involves some fairly heavy stuff including hard landscaping as well as grass-cutting, hedge management (trimming sounds too lightweight!), and looking after twenty-six vegetable and fruit beds. Then there is all the preserving, freezing etc.
Exercise, productive, green and enjoyable, most of the time....

Mamie - Wow! I am impressed with your veg. garden! I couldn't even contemplate 26 beds....I just dabble a bit, and even that throws up enough to keep my busy!

HI Alison I have never been very sporty either but increasing arthritis and a threat of diabetes etc as I was very overweight helped me get the motivation to lose over 4 and half stone in four and a half years so now I feel I can exercise. I used to do hill walking but a slipped disc put a stop to that. Now I can do 18 holes of golf several times a week (its flat) but I have joined the local leisure centre when it opens after a refurb in October. Its £21 per month for gym, swimming and classes so I am going to have a go at everything to try to tone things up a bit.I ma going to 'splash@ out a bit on swimming lessons as I cant swim - have tried several times before but i dont like water!!! Anyway in short no I dont think its ever too late. I see older people all the time cycling, walking going off to yoga etc. Its only too late when we are dead!!!!

I was thinking this morning that digging out a bunch of 1960s records might be a good idea. Is there any way I could possibly resist twisting again (like we did last summer)? I should think a good session of bopping provides a cardiac workout, tones the thighs and trims the waist – as well as being fun and making you feel young again.

AlisonMa I don't know if you are over 60 but here if you are 60+ you can join the Council gym for free on a course called "envigor8" the trainers start you very slowly and ajust the equipment to your needs and caperbility,I started slowly on the bike and treadmill and can cope quite well now,all the members are similar ages and older one gent is 86 and he is so fit.Never to late so have a go and visit your local council sports centre for information,its also free to x military so if DH was in forces what ever his age he will get free membership.

Bopping to my 50's tape is another enjoyable way of keeping fit.

Might try it with my zimmer! (so I don't overbalance!)

Some great ideas and support, thanks.

No free gyms for oldies here, probably because there are so many of us!

Currently I walk and it is very hilly here, look after the garden and go to pilates twice a week.

Cycling is not an option because it is too hilly!

I love the idea of getting out the old records and would love to learn to jive with DH as he can't, and never could but I used to love it. Not sure he will go for it though, he will always be 'too busy' (football etc.)

I think I will have to bite the bullet and join a gym. I am not a good swimmer and don't like it so would only give it a go if it was included in some other membership. I thought we only had 2 but last night heard about a couple more so looks like I will have to visit them all and see what is on offer. Classes sound more fun than machines as I got so bored when we joined a gym years ago.

I am a stone and a half heavier than I want to be and it all wobbles! At 5' 2" and a mite over 10 stone I must do something as the BMI calculator is not good reading!

Thanks everyone.

oooer Alison I'd got you in my mind as about 5' 7" and willowy

And longish blonde hair!

Actually Ella I don't feel short, it is only when I see photos of me with others that I realise I am. Tried blonde once, didn't like it. Brunettes definitely have more fun! Should I run and hide now?

No don't hide, I'm going to continue to think of you as the Elfin princess(? I think) in Lord of the Rings.

I thought you were taller, too, Alison, but with longish dark brown hair!

Actually, more of a chestnut colour.....

Well, it was almost black but as I have got older it has got lighter. That could be something to do with the dye! Hairdresser says I am 30% grey so will dye for a lot longer.

I'l try for elfin but will have to lose more weight first!

Alison