Bold leap into retirement

Sarahspangles

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81912701#Comment_81912701

What’s making me rethink holidays is that when I was working I would pick the most stress-relieving option - half board somewhere quiet, with the option of a swim or a stroll around a museum or gallery. In fact, I was having holidays that would probably appeal to an older pensioner! I’m now ready for something more active again.

Sarahspangles

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81912782#Comment_81912782

I was cycling once a week with my other half until to the wet weather started. He then switched to road cycling but I really don’t feel safe on the roads, so I added a different cardio class instead. Next winter maybe I’ll try the Ramblers while he’s cycling. Once we eventually move, garden-making will tempt me out more.

When I started increasing the amount of exercise I was doing, I was focussed on cardio. It finally clicked that I needed to do some strength training too. The circuits class I do is for all ages and every few weeks the trainer includes ‘sit to stand’ from a chair as one of the circuits, to encourage people to rise without using their hands. It’s surprising how many relatively young people can’t do this at first. The Pilates I go to is led by a physio, and she includes exercises to help with things like getting up from the floor without holding on to something. At first, I couldn’t do that.

MayDogsandCoffee

Liking the bit about holidays, I used to have a long weekend every 6 weeks and full weeks during annual leave time. I lived in Europe and had cheap as chips budget hotels up to 5* spa breaks. I don't feel the need to travel overseas anymore (hate the heat anyway) but what really bugs me is the terrible standard of UK hotels, the prices are crazy and half the staff don't care less, that goes for both budget and boutique, I have only found a couple that I would ever return to as I don't like paying for poor customer service or over the odds for a shabby room with basics. I would rather camp in a tent or just have a decent day out with good lunch instead.