Help, oh expert fit people of Gransnet!

I walk on my own or with DH & combine with bird watching & an interest in fungi &, though I thought I'd hate group walking, have joined a Ramblers group for a bit of socialising & new & longer routes. I also go on free Walk London walks (from 1 -17miles, along green routes, 3x pa) for variety & to get to know the wider city better. Although very sorty when young, I rested on my laurels, have no self-discipline & hate macho gyms. Although I resisted American franchises, I tried women only Curves gyms which suited me really well & the regular gentle wxercise machines solved knee problems & built strength & flexibility. Then it closed & I haven't found anything else like it. I have a Jawbone Up tracker which got me going but doesn't rule me. I've tried contemporary dance & never thought I'd be rolling around on the floor at 70. We oldies padded our knees & hips with flannels. I'm often away so regular commitments to classes don't suit me. Walking isn't really enough as you need stretching & muscle building too. As others have said, start with what suits you in a small way, alone & with others who give you ideas, & see where it leads. Don't listen to people making judgements about fitbits etc nor to your own prejudices. I'm fighting a horror at going to anything under the patronising title, Ageing Creatively. Just do something & keep searching.

Oh gosh. I've just been mentioned in Anya's post above and I feel as though she can see right through this screen to me sitting here aimlessly browsing Gransnet and snacking. I'm getting up now, Anya, I'm off for a walk, honest!

GN - better than a Fitbit.

Anya, what sort of fitbit do you have that clips on your jeans? One that you don't need to wear on your wrist would suit me - my pedometer just goes in my pocket.

When my sister retired a few months ago we decided to take a walk together three times a week. She has a heart problem and I suffer with breathlessness. We don't walk fast, we can't yet but we still raise our heartbeat. We do about three quarters of a mile which is pathetic I know but it's still more than we did before. We've also found a local park with outdoor gym equipment and we've had fun using that. Compared to you lot we're useless but we're having a go and hoping we'll soon feel the benefit.

I get up and do yoga stretches, Pilates and some weights. About 20 minutes. Then If I don't do anything for the rest of the day, at least I know I have done something. This is all before breakfast and a shower. It's a great way to start the day.

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Oh yikes Henbane I've had it 18 months so I can't remember that but here's a photo or two.

I've taken it out of the clip on bit so I hope you can make it out.

Just found it in my old Amazon orders. Fitbit 1.

I'm just beginning to be able to make changes and take myself in hand. Can anyone recommend a place to find (or a dvd showing) some basic stretches and exercises for beginners please? I'm very impressed with all I've read here today!

I have a fitbit HR which does heart rate as well as stairs and steps. I have a 15000 step target which I manage to meet in summer but not winter. They've brought an Alta HR out now -you can get different pretty straps for it.
I also taught myself to hula hoop about 10 years ago. I could never do this as a teenager but you can get heavier and larger hoops now which makes it easier. I try and do 20 to 30 mins a day and can do it both ways round. ( new years resolution 2015)
I also dance around to Planet Rock. This is a digital radio station that plays all the classic rock hits from the sixties onwards and is GREAT fun.
I have osteoarthritis and one replaced hip by the way!
Might as well grow old disgracefully!

Dear Crumble, I saw only last week, a public health notice at a bus stop suggesting a 10 minute BRISK walk everyday. Housework also counts. There is an issue about fitbits not being totally accurate. I personally don't think you need one. Not sure about the gym, and it can be expensive and you may not feel like going every time. I started eating a proper balanced diet 18 months ago, and lost the weight I wanted to lose and it has stayed that way. I don't miss out on anything I just eat less of it, 3 times a day, no snacks (biscuits!)

I bought my fitbit charge 2 about 5 or 6 weeks ago. I'm on the final leg of cancer treatment and had gained a lot of weight. In the last 5 weeks I've lost over half a stone because I find the challenge of meeting the fitbit targets motivating ( for the most part anyway) I love to turn the various categories green, but don't mind the days I don't manage a clean sweep. Some people find them useful, others don't. I'm in the useful group

Well done on the weight loss janipat and hope your final leg of treatment goes well

I've just discovered a local church does stretching and keep fit for 50plus. More my style. Going to pop along and see what's what. Dog walking doesn't work for me because he's a sniffer so brisk walking doesn't happen

We of it it but I cycle a great deal and have gone from just doing a few miles to 30 odd miles, even with a hill thrown in! I use the cycle paths and Wales have some great ones like the Taff trail which are traffic free and very sociable. Also walk e ery where where I cam and my fitness is also boosted by going up and down the stairs hundreds of tines because I have either forgotten something or need to use the one and only loo in the house which is upstairs. Also Pilates is an excellent exercise. Good luck, just find what you like doing and go for it!

I love my fitbit...keeps me motivAted x