If you are interested in running, “None to Run” is a gentle program.

You might want to visit a PT to learn how to do some strengthening exercises in proper form. Most of these exercises can be done at home, but it's better to get some feedback when you're learning.

I just got a new Apple Watch and was able to get two months of Apple Fitness+ for free. I've just started using it and really like it -- I've been doing rowing workouts as we have an indoor rowing machine and I don't hate rowing, as well as mindful stretching/cooldowns to get myself back into the swing of exercise after being really sedentary for too long.

I like the rings and the gamification of incorporating more movement until everyday life. I also like the rowing workouts I've done, and I can choose the instructor, length of workout, and type of music to listen to. I have also set up a two-week program for myself to do 10 minutes of rowing and 10 minutes of stretching everyday -- I ended up doing a 20 minute row yesterday because I felt up for it.

I'm someone who's not interested in joining a gym as I know from experience that I won't use it regularly after the first novelty wears off. I want someone to tell me exactly what to do, and I want reminders on my phone that I have a workout scheduled. I have a workout area at home with a treadmill and the rowing machine as well as a weightlifting bench and a bunch of free weights and kettlebells (my spouse and son are very into lifting/working out). I have a yoga mat. So I feel like I have everything I need to make Apple Fitness work for me without having to go buy a bunch of new stuff, and it plays well to my reluctance to leave the house and go to an actual gym to use the workouts.

I wish Fitness+ had kettlebell workouts, as I used to be really into those, but that's my only complaint so far -- just a week or so in.

Reviving this for 2024!
I just hit an Apple Watch… tips?

I also have Aaptiv and really like it. Its also cheap compared to the other options.

orange theory.

Great thread! Really helpful posts everyone. Thanks.

Re apple watch - I like it far better than when I had fitbit. While I'm generally very fit, as I have gotten older, my back / joints are not as great and need to more gentle movement and standing throughout the day, not just when I "work out". For me, its a nice complement to my fitness program.

I like the close your rings feature - with its focus not just on exercise, but on standing (every hour), and "movement" which can be exercise, but also walking. It also adjusts to you - so each week slowly ups your movement goal (though you can fix it to the goal you want).

+1 for aaptiv. I have that and the peloton app and prefer aaptiv.

Thanks everyone. I have checked out all of the recommendations and they all look like winners. Looking forward to getting started.

I’ve heard good things about Apptive. It’s not a program but an app with many different vocal cues in all categories of exercise. You can filter by difficulty and how much equipment is needed.

The British National Health Service (NHS) has a terrific, free couch-to-5k program and accompanying strength training programs that are pretty easy to start from any fitness level.

I also love Wini Linguvic's Lean, Long, and Strong program, which I've been able to do even after a period of hospitalization. (I'm not especially fit either and am your age.)

I'd combine the NHS running program and Wini's beginner level program to get started from zero, assuming you've already seen a doctor to ensure you're fit enough for exercise.

Good luck!

Team Body Project

I use Nike training and Nike run club app. Both free and have all level. Guided runs are my favorite.

I’m age 51 and starting to feel it in joints and stiffness. I have been much too inactive for too long and need to turn the ship around.

I think what I am looking for is a program that I can do myself (no trainer or gym). I have access to a fairly comprehensive weight machine. I used to run, and although I would like to incorporate a bit of that, I don’t want to limit it to that. I live close to a high school with an outdoor track that is open to the public most of the time.

I have heard of a couple of online programs/services that look intriguing, but I am afraid are geared for people with a higher fitness level. I don’t have an Apple Watch or good fitness tracker, but would consider one if highly recommended to use with a program. There’s just too much out there for me to wade through without direction.

Ideally, I would find a program that can start at a couch potato level and grow in intensity, is appropriate for someone who isn’t a spring chicken, is multi faceted (some running plus other cardio, some weights, options for limited time or space workouts), incorporates videos (I’m not good at envisioning workout descriptions) is motivational, and is compatible with an iPhone or Apple Watch. I’m probably not interested in something that would cost more than $20/month for a subscription.

Any recommendations to check out? Thanks!