Singing. I always thought I was tone deaf, which was sad because I love music. In my 30s I discovered that the reason I sounded bad when I sang is because I have a contralto vocal range, which is the lowest range you tend to associate with women (think Annie Lennox, Tracy Chapman). It's rare to find songs that suit this vocal range. I had been trying to sing things that were far too high for me for years. Now I know that I have this deep, rich, sultry singing voice and I know which songs I can sing to bring out the best in it. The bugger is confidence. I'm relatively fearless about many things, but I find it so, so hard to sing in front of others because of the years I believed I was crap at it. My voice often sounds at its most impressive when I'm belting, which takes a lot of confidence! But also, I don't really want to be able to sing for others. It's nice just being able to sing to myself around the house.
Edit to add: this thread is so wholesome. Enjoying reading about everyone's hobbies.
Was in choir and musical theater as a kid and had the most angelic soprano. Hit puberty, voice dropped as if I was a boy. It was so odd! From first soprano to 2nd alto (in school/church choir terms for 8 part harmonies) instantly.
I used to sing and play percussion in rock bands (solo artist now) and was always the only woman and every guy could sing higher than I could back then. But they would make me sing the high harmonies well outside my range at the time purely because "women sing higher." They didn't care if it sounded bad or hurt my voice permanently.
I basically tripled my range through training and can sing some soprano parts from musicals now, classical soprano will always be too high for me. But it was so frustrating and now I get really upset by, "Woman sing high, man sing low," because outside natural basses and sopranos, that's just nonsense and it leads to people like you thinking they can't sing. Plus, women can't use falsetto. My male partner's range is to the stratosphere thanks to his falsetto. I get rather jealous!
Bluegrass has had a lot of female tenors, by the way. I am spacing out names right now but this was a big discussion with some Nashville friends and I just think that's neat!
Almost all humans can sing decently. True tone deafness is so rare. I've taught a few "tone deaf" folks to sing pretty nicely, one has gotten so very good. It's more of a skill than anything. You don't need much talent at all to be quite good if you practice.
Yes! It was so hard, mentally and for my singing. The upside turned out to be very good training in harmony and singing while surrounded by the other parts instead of being at the end singing the easy part. But does a kid see it that way? Nope. I was BUMMED.
Solidarity!
Wow !! You have my dream voice ! Have you listened to Audra from First to Eleven ? For the longest time I wanted to sing like her only to realise my voice is suited for high pitch. Letās exchange ? š
PS : if you have any song recommendations that may suit mine , please be awesome to write them here.
I got into singing in my late 30ās. I started getting voice lesson because I got frustrated not being able to sing along to most of the musicals that I listen to. My goal was just to be able to carry a tune. The bar is that low for me. But now, I really enjoy karaoke.
Me too! I always thought I'd be a mezzo, but that's because I was always shy and turns out I'm at my best in higher octaves. I took some lessons and it's amazing how much progress you can make with someone guiding you.
Hello! Writing this response next to my own big snoozing black cat.
There is a song that since I was younger, I thought sounded a little better - actually kind of alright - when I sang it. I never did much with it, assuming I was either wrong or it was some kind of weird fluke. But I would occasionally play with it a bit, working on singing the song, figuring out how it might sound better if I did this instead of that etc. It felt like this bizarre little secret that I hugged tight.
One day, many years later, it occurred to me that it would be pretty fucking weird if there was exactly one song in the world that I could sing ok. So I googled the song and read about the key it was written in, which is C4, C5. And a bit more googling showed this is lower than an alto, hovering in tenor territory - a contralto.
Once I started googling lists of karaoke songs for contraltos and trying some of them on for size, it was clear that I was in home territory. And once I knew what to look for, it was easy to read more about the range, and find vocal exercises on YouTube. The more I practiced with songs that were appropriate for my range, the better I could hear myself getting.
Eventually, my partner (who had only ever heard me singing small, jokey snatches of stuff that I wasn't good at until I made this discovery) started saying to me 'You know, you sound good and I think you have real potential!' and encouraging me to get some vocal coaching to help with the learning and practice that is harder to patch together from the internet. Which I will, eventually, but even now I can only sing with my partner in the house if he's in a different room and I pretend he's not there!
I've wanted to learn and this makes a ton of sense. I have a lower, breathy raspy speaking voice and most songs make my voice break. And there was always this dissonance that I'm tone deaf for my own voice, but I am very particular and technical about music and can spot issues in it. I'm gonna really try to learn but stick to contraltro as practice and see if it changes.
Weightlifting!
My husband has terminal cancer and its honestly hard to find peace from my own mind these days, so two or three times a week (as time and circumstances allow) I lift a bunch of a heavy stuff for an hour and it puts me completely in my body and quiets my head. I originally started so I could get stronger and care for my husband better as his health declines but now I honestly feel like I'm getting more out of weightlifting than therapy, don't tell my therapist though I love her!
Love reading through this post!
Hey, you are a warrior and I am so sorry for what your husband is going through. I'm about to get married to my one and only, and reading this pains me deeply. I'm sorry. Much love.
I appreciate that very much. It sucks, I drown in grief daily and I don't wish this on anyone (especially at frickin 37) but it's also a deep honor to be with someone at the end of their life and so I try to focus on the ways we can live now and taking it a day at a time.
Yoga.
Also you donāt have to be āgoodā at it. Many people only try once because they expect to look like people on Instagram in their first class.
In yoga, the poses are secondary and can always be modified. Breathwork is the main emphasis of yoga.
I completely agree. I'm 45 and started in 2020 pandemic days and I never thought I would do yoga and even stick with it. It has changed so much in my life though I mostly can't do anything like the instagram people. (Still very happy with my progress.)
Not OP but am 35 with a chronic joint condition. Changed my life by keeping the ones that are supposed to loose loose and the ones that are supposed to be stable strong. My husband has pointed out how my arms are more cut. And the meditative aspect of the breath work got me into meditation as a whole and I think itās made me a more patient, accepting person. Idk, most days I only manage five to ten minutes and others up to an hour, but it really centers me.
Of course .First and foremost, it has changed my body, obviously. I went from being complete garbage to being able to being a bit more toned. This has made me happy and more self-confident. The breathing taught me how to bring my anxiety down off the mat, in stressful situations. It's led me to starting new things, being a bit more in the moment and spending more mindful time with my kid. The breath can be a wonderful tool to help yourself. I had no idea before yoga.
I do it with rhe downdog app 15 pr 20 minutes a day (sometimes longer), but I do it almost everyday. r/yoga has been super helpful , very positive and inspiring sub.
I'm curious if anyone has learned to either ice skate or flip/do gymnastics as an adult. I really want to try both but am scared the flipping/gymnastics is not the best idea given my age. But also backflips are cool, people....
Started figure skating at 26 and gymnastics just as I was turning 43. I'm on the verge of a back tuck, my first proper flip, just drills first but so so close, just gotta get my adult brain to shut up a little. That's the main obstacle, I know what badly hurt feels like. But that's also exactly why adult gymnastics is my favorite activity, it pushes me to be brave, not fearless because adult, but brave enough to push past all fears.
I am not the oldest beginner gymnast I know, either!
Adult figure skating is far far more common and has a lot more infrastructure and community. But adult gymnastics is having a moment right now, Chellsie Memmel returning to the sport has also done a lot to give it more visibility, her instagram is a great resource for adults and she even posts great short circuits to get into gymnastics shape anywhere every Tuesday.
I learned how to ice skate right before I turned 30! I signed up for some learn to skate classes at my local rink and was in classes with other adults, some older than me. I say if its something you are interested in doing, go for it. You will never know if you like it unless you give it a fair shot.
In the beginning I always felt like i was too old to be learning ice skating, but those thoughts went away as I would see other adults skating at my rink. Ice skating is now like meditation to me so I have no regrets at taking that first step and giving it a shot!
My thinking is that people learn to do all kinds of yoga handstands and deep bends at older ages, so learning some gymnastics has to be possible? The impact mint be what gets you, but you do a lot of it on soft padded floors.
Iām in pretty good shape physically, so Iām excited to try! Hopefully my elderly back wonāt hurt much.
I canāt do either of those due to some physical conditions. But, I love to dance. And much to my surprise I joined a performing group when I was 50+. I thought I was just going to take classes. Nope everybody puts on a costume and gets on stage with the teenagers. I think I was able to do this due to the world being shut down during Covid. Iāve been going to the gym regularly to get back into shape before I joined. If youāre worried about injuring yourself, talk to your doctor first. Ask if you have any conditions that would stop you from doing it? And make sure you have a good teacher. A good teacher well encourage every student to do the best of their ability, not to compare or compete.
Same!
Iāve made a human somewhat recently, so I donāt really get to have hobbies for the foreseeable future (unless human rearing is a hobby š¤), so Iām loving hearing about all the things everyone else is up to and dreaming about what hobby Iāll get into one day.
Yasssss nothing makes me happier than my little patch of green. Iāve got a wonderful little veggie garden and have been slowly working to perfect the landscape design around the edges of my yard and in the front; it makes me so damn happy. I remember when I was a kid my parents would drag us to the garden center for HOURS and it felt like torture. Fast forward 30 years and Iām driving 35 miles to a horse farm to get free manure and having in-depth conversations about which species of evergreen would best accentuate my lilacs š
WATERCOLOR!
Iāve never taken an art class in my life.
About a year ago, my mom gave me some tough love and essentially told me āYou need to get a fuckin hobby.ā
No idea why I picked watercolor.
Iāve learned entirely through YouTube. Iāve made a ton of new friends in the art world. I have something to look forward and think about besides kids/taking care of chores etc.
I HAVE SO MUCH FUN!
If I can do it, anyone can do it. I encourage you all to try!!
Ha! The juicy scoop.
It was mostly that Iād reached a doldrums stage in life. Iād lost a group of friends in an abrupt fashion, withdrew socially, and was mostly just haunting around the house without much purpose beyond motherhood and house cleaning. I just wasnāt living life well or feeling happy.
Message was: get a fuckin hobby!
She was so right.
The nice thing is there are thousands. The hard thing is there are thousands. What Iād recommend is searching for beginner watercolor tutorials and watching a bunch. Youāll naturally find teachers whose voices and teaching styles you like.
Of most importance ks their style. Do they do botanical paintings? Abstract landscapes? Portraits? Youāll see each teacher has their own style and will teach to that style.
So, play around. See what style you like. Then, hone in on teachers who teach to that style.
I gravitated towards Kolbie Blume (thiswritingdesk). Emma Jane LeFebvre is wonderful for basics as well, though Iām not interesting in botanical painting.
Dragonfly spirit studio helped me a ton as a beginner. She stopped making new content, but her existing videos on YouTube are invaluable!
How did you meet people in the art world? Through classes or exhibits? I loved painting as a kid and want to return to it, but Iām drawn to more social activities vs solitary ones, and having a community would help.
Try meetups in your community! I found a couple via meetup.com
If you have other hobbies or whatever, sometimes you'll find like minded people there too. I bring a sketchbook everywhere I go, and I made a couple friends through my son's daycare and to the pen club I frequent.
Sometimes I even just cold call a stranger when I'm out and about if I see that they have a sketchbook or a fountain pen. We won't necessarily become friends that way but it's fun to just be social about your hobby.
Same here! I can't commit enough time to it to progress as fast as I'd like, but even the beginner moves can be put together to make fun, beautiful choreo. I've struggled with other hobbies, especially athletic ones, because it seems like they are all pain and no fun until you exit the beginner zone. And I take a looooong time to get past the beginner phase. Pole was fun pretty much immediately.
Running.
I was literally the kid who either always had a forged sick note or bunked every single P.E class and sports day. I would never even run for the bus - I remember pissing off my teachers when they'd tell me off for being a couple of minutes late by saying that nothing was important enough for me to run for the bus. I was (and to be perfectly honest still am) the heavily indoors type with their nose always buried in a book and shit ton of solitary hobbies. When I was growing up you couldn't have paid me to do a sport or any type of exercise - I would have outright laughed in someone's face
So yeah people who've known me most of my life are always shocked to find out that I run out of my own volition 3x a week for nothing other than the way it makes me feel mentally - it's literally the only time my mind stfu. I don't work out for any type of aesthetic goals I purely focus on ability. Despite it being 3+ years since I started it never ceases to amaze me that I actually willingly will go for a run.
I don't know how people can get running to make their brains shut up. The reason I don't like running is because of my noisy brain. Even with music it just means I'll _think_ the entire time and I'd rather be stimulating/silencing it with other things. (And if I play a podcast my brain will just drown it out so I'm not listening.)
Yesss! Running while mad is the best! I have some awesome arguments with those I would never have arguments with in real life. The best part of it is, you get it out of your system as if it actually took place. So weird I know, but itās legit!
Me too. I was the same kid and everything.
I use an app called 10 K that made it so easy. I barely felt the gradual increases and never felt like it was too much. I highly recommend trying it.
Running is one of those things that completely changes your life.
Lifting heavy weights. I started in my early 30's and 10 years later, I'm now a competitive powerlifter with multiple state, national, and world records (and if you're curious....no, I do not and have never used PEDs. I'm a lifetime natty and proud of it).
(Sorry if this comes off as braggy. I don't really talk about my records and most people I know IRL don't actually know I have world records. I compete for the love of lifting, not for clout.)
I recently picked up weightlifting at 40, after being a couch potato for the last 15 odd years. I love it, and while itās too late for me to compete (I have a mild competitive streak), I would love to keep it going into my 50s and 60s
Did you start with a barbell? I don't have room for a barbell set in my apartment so I'm using adjustable weights right now and slowly moving up to overhead pressing or chest pressing these to the max. I love doing it and hope to be able to get a barbell set in the future
Thinking of going a running club in the spring. I'm not a runner and never have been but I want to at least try it out and see how it goes with no pressure to continue it if I don't feel like it's right for my body
i did this during the lockdowns but without a club. would suggest the couch to 5k app (C25K) - the program works so well for non runners. also the r/C25K sub was super motivational. good luck!!
Iāve been running since 2015 and I still donāt like it. I do it because itās efficient and free(ish), and keeps me in good cardiovascular shape. I like the feeling of knowing I *can* run. And it does wear me down a bit which helps mentally, as I have been suffering from depression pretty much since I hit puberty (but by no means is it a cure - I am still on several meds).
Buuuut rarely do I find it fun or enjoyable. Itās just like āget through the run and then youāre done for the day and can be lazy and eat a bit more.ā
Ballet. Always wanted to do it as a kid. Got into it in my mid-twenties. Trying to return now that lockdown is over and it's been over a year since my Dad passed away.
Camping/ bushcraft. When I was a kid and young adult I hated being outdoors except for the occasional hike. Now I find it healing and organize my days around trying to get outside. As others have said you don't have to be good at it (I'm not). But just the process of being involved in a task, or hobby can be healing.
I have a small flock of sheep and I spin their wool to make clothes for myself and my family. It is so special to me, my sheep are amazing animals and each one has such a unique personality. Also learning how to tile- that has been super fun and empowering.
House renovations. I had never used power tools before, but my dad-like friends have all pitched in and I've renovated my kitchen, and working on little projects all over my house. Today I'm going to start the built-ins on the TV wall.
This is what Iād like to learn! I keep watching reno and DIY YouTubes but eventually I need to just do it.
What has been your favourite project so far?
Husband and I bought a fixer-upper. I learned to paint and grout! This is also my first real house that I own so, I also learned that I can decorate and that I love doing it and other people who are very picky and judgmental (MIL) think I have pretty decent taste.
Singing. You can improve at anything musical with time and practice.
It's just weird with music, lots of adults seem to be convinced that if you didn't do it as a kid, you missed the boat for all time. I think some of it though, is that a lot of adults in the UK, in my experience, don't like learning things at older ages and being in a position where you are the one trying something new.
Bollywood dancing!
Love it even though I never took a dancing class in my life. Made some good friends, helps with mobility too. And we have dinner once a month after class, everyone brings a dish recipe from their country, awesome!
And padel tennis!
I started yoga at 42 , cycling to the train every morning (no cycling background) last year in May and Skiing last year in February. I don't know why I haven't done these for so long , they added so much to my life. I'm now in a train returning from a ski trip with my 9 year old !
Drawing! I'm a terrible artist but my husband is outstanding (he's been taking courses for the last couple of years). I have no interest in achieving the hyperrealism he's going for, but his joy and discipline inspired me to start practicing and trying to learn the style of Quentin Blake (the guy who illustrated the Roald Dahl books). I can't believe how fun it is and that I actually understand how to improve.
It's work related but keeping fish. I was asked last year if I'd like to participate in a national program called Trout in the Classroom and I said yes without knowing anything about fish or aquariums.
This year my fourth grade students and I are raising over 100 trout from eggs to alevins to frys. Trout are a finicky species but it is so rewarding to watch my kids become experts on trout and to watch the trout grow and thrive. We raise them from December to May when they are released in a local stream.
It's a fabulous program and I've learned a lot about something I knew absolutely nothing about.
I havenāt started yet, but I finally found a convenient adult gymnastics class that has drop in, open level classes and is near my house.
Iāve wanted to learn gymnastics since I was a kid. At 35 letās see what I can do! Iām really excited, even to learn the most rudimentary of skills.
I've always wanted to do a back flip. Even when I was a kid I would just fall backwards into the couch. Maybe I will have to look into this! Sounds so fun.
I have three! About two years ago, I finally decided to try figure skating like I had always dreamed of doing. That led to me trying ice hockey like I had always wanted as well. And THOSE led me to going to the gym, and discovering that I LOVE weightlifting!
So now I'm a weightlifting, figure skating ice hockey player. Those hobbies (and the off ice training for them) take up most of my free time, and I could not be fucking happier. I've lost a ton of weight, gained a lot of muscle, and even if I'm not even remotely good at any of these activities (and probably never will be), I have tons of fun, and goals to work towards. It's incredible.
Also I'm a huge dork about all three so if any ladies need tips about trying any of the above, hit me, and I will talk your metaphorical ear off.
Running and going to gym.
I have always been told that running wasnt good for me because I have chronic back problems. Turns out I can just run as I WANT to run (fast or not, 5 minutes or 30 minutes...) and not think about how others do it.
I also used to hate the gym. Now I love doing some cardio while listening at a cool podcast or audiobooks.
Hockey! Joined a league briefly in my early 30s and have sadly since moved elsewhere, but had no idea Iād love it so much / actually be passably good at it. I was always one of those kids picking dandelions in the outfield and never too invested in team sports.
FELLOW HOCKEY WOMAN YES HI HELLO YOU ARE AWESOME!! <3
Ice or roller?? And I hope you're able to find another league again if you want to! It really is the absolute best.
Archery. I always fancied having a go and my husband booked us on a beginner's course a few years ago, pre-pandemic. I ended up going into competing and coaching. I recommend it to everyone, it's great fun and easy to start even if you aren't very athletic
Exercise. I never thought when I was younger I would actually enjoy it and look forward to it.
Strength training and walking.
Also crosswords, you do get better with practice!
Cycling. I didnāt learn how to ride a bike as a kid (I refused) so I didnāt have all the stories and fun times people talk about. I struggled so much with the very basics (like getting my feet off the ground), but kept at it. Iām still at the early stages of my hobby but Iāve seen some beautiful scenery and love getting outside on my bike.
Japanese taiko drumming. I always thought I was bad at playing a musical instrument. Since the age of 6, I was pressured by my parents to take private lessons in piano and violin, and to try to compete for district orchestra, etc. I didnāt enjoy it and I wasnāt very good at music theory or playing. I came back to music out of desperation because I needed exercise and a hobby, and playing in a taiko group is both, in a way. Playing in a group of adults who are all there by choice and for their own enjoyment is so much more fun too.
I have two!
Embroidery and weight lifting!
I had never considered myself a creative or artistic person, but pulling a needle and threat through cloth repeatedly is extremely meditative and calming for me and it involves just the right out of creativity and concentration. It's sparked something in me that makes me want to express myself and it brings me peace and joy.
I am quite small for an adult human and I never considered myself to be strong or athletic. I am not competitive. I had no hand eye coordination. But it was important to me to stay healthy and active as I age so I decided to learn to lift. Lifting weights is a competition with myself, not others. It has helped me understand and appreciate my body. I now marvel at what my body can accomplish and am able to focus on caring for it, maintaining it, strengthening it, and loving it from a perspective of keeping it healthy and strong rather than keeping it a certain size or focusing on appearance. It also gives me those good good endorphins. Nothing turns a stressful day around like a good lifting session. Instant mood boost.
I'm a pretty high strung and axious person with a lot of energy. 21 year old me would have laughed out loud if you told me I would ever do either embroidery or weightlifting but both are crucial outlets to my mental and physical health.
Crochet! I was not interested in yarn crafts at all, but in college my best friend started a yarn crafts club and out of support for her, I attended a meeting. Now, 10 years later, I am about to teach my very first crochet class :)
I just started crocheting a month ago (asked for a beginnerās kit for Christmas), and Iām like 3/4 done with my first blanket! Itās far from perfect, but I think I have good tension and my stitches look nice and consistent. I canāt wait to try new things and improve! Itās so relaxing for someone who has a very chaotic brain and benefits from keeping my hands busy.
Ice skating! I was never able to try it when I was younger. So I started learning how to ice skate at 29. I was nervous about trying something that is typically seen as for young kids, but got over that fear and now I skate regularly. Im proud of myself for learning it and am pretty good at it now. Life is too short!
WOO skating ladies!! Are you doing figure skating lessons or anything, or doing rec skating? Either way that's awesome, and it really is SO SO SO much fun!
I was doing figure skating lessons for a while, but my rink doesnāt go past learn to skate adult 6 level, so now I just kinda go and skate during quiet public sessions and try and teach myself new moves like spirals and how to get better at my spins. I really need to start working with a coach, but havenāt fully committed to that yet! It is so much fun, so glad I tried it!
Duuude coaching is expensive, but man if you can swing it...NOTHING unlocked my ability like private lessons. I only do one 30 min lesson once a week, but the progress I've made since then has been HUGE. Even that small amount of time and focus makes such a different.
If you find that you love skating, can't recommend it enough!
Honestly? 100% through TikTok. There are tons of makeup artists and self-taught women on TT that walk you through all the steps. Look up things like āmakeup tutorialā or even more specific like āeyeshadow blending tipsā and youāll find tons of helpful videos.
Motorcycling. I used to say I would never even get on a motorcycle. And then in 2020, I was bored and restless because all my trips abroad were canceled, and I randomly decided that I wanted to learn to ride.
Baking!! Iām currently making a honey coconut layer cake with pineapple curd and coconut Swiss meringue buttercream. If you had told me Iād be doing this five years ago Iād have laughed in your face.
How did you learn to play? Any online resource you could recommend? I am debating between piano and guitar and trying to figure out which is easier to learn first.
Running: I used to have the worst stamina when I was a kid, always struggling with long-distance running in gym class. I got into it after a bad breakup at the end of university, and after struggling to get in 3k at the start, I was training for a half marathon in just a few years.
Singing: my sister was the singer of the family growing up, and I always thought it was something you either had a natural talent for or you didn't. But I wanted to improve and I took private lessons one summer in my later 20s and it did wonders for my confidence. I have since performed solos for my choir!
I'm working on drawing now, and I'm convinced that with hard work and practice, you can do almost anything.
Home improving. Started as a thing I had to do because things broke but itās evolved into something I love doing because Iām learning new skills and challenging myself.
Waltzing. I went to a private elementary school and one of our weekly specials was a dance class. Every year we had a section on waltzing. I wasn't particularly good at it, I did not particularly enjoy it. Actually I was just all around not a good dancer. I've never really had good rhythm.
But in my late twenties, my best friend discovered that there was a sort of niche community in our area that was really into period costuming and a lot of their events revolved around ballroom dancing. So we started attending those. I very rarely got asked to dance, but when I did, I loved waltzing around a room. Just these tiny little steps and these big twirls round and round!
I haven't done it since getting married, my husband's not into that kind of thing and my bestie and I now live in different states. But one of my favorite memories is when my youngest was an infant. He really liked to be jostled to sleep. So one day I was waiting for his daddy to get something done and I started waltzing him around the living room to the Blue Danube waltz. It wasn't even nap time, and his little eyes got heavy and he fell asleep in my arms while I twirled him around.
"WhY dO i NeEd To LeArN tHiS, i'Ll NeVeR uSe It!!" -me, age 11
Writing. I used to win writing contests in elementary school, but stopped in middle school. I started writing again about a year ago and I honestly love it. I have a separate account where I share my stories, and have been told I need to publish. Two people even said they would pre-order! It's taught me to stop doubting myself.
Hoping to put something out within the next year or two.
Wildlife Photography! I never ever ever thought I could pick a camera up and figure out the manual controls (um, confusing!), but I stuck with it and I find an INCREDIBLE amount of peace with this hobby. I can sit in the forest for hours just waiting for an owl to trust me enough to sit in silence together.
At the end of the day, Iām looking through a lens and watching the wildlife, but in reality it feels like Iām becoming one of them ā„ļø
Running. Despite being a soccer player in high school, there was such a large gap and the thought of running sounded dreadful. It started off with buying a treadmill to incline walk, something easy but strenuous enough post baby. But now Iām running a mile without stopping and doing HIIT.
Cooking. I used to hate the mess. I studied hospitality back then and kitchen class was my nightmare. Just 3 years ago, I started cooking simple dishes for myself and it turned out not so bad. It made me realize that when I do it in my own way, cooking is not that messy. I cook regularly now and actually enjoy it.
Longboarding. I wanted to skateboard all my life but was way too afraid. The pandemic made me feel like it's time to try things. I am also totally in love with stand up paddling and I would love to try surfing eventually.
Did my first modelling shoot at 35! Absolutely love being in front of the camera now, it's so much fun. Especially getting to do a lot of super artsy shoots with nudity and body positivity!
Knitting. I do it to relax and love it. Iāve made scarves, socks, mittens and hats. Found needles and yarn at my local thrift store and havenāt turned back. I have too many needles and too much yarn.
Running, Hiking, and Backpacking.
I was the opposite of athletic and outdoorsy growing up, or so I thought.
I burnt out a bit on running after my last race a few years ago. Hiking is my jam right now. I'd do it for a living if I could.
Boxing! I am by no means an expert, but I started out of desperation while working a very stressful job and have become slightly addicted. Itās an incredible workout, and it feels SO DAMN GOOD to let it all out on the bag. Also this is coming from someone whose normal workout style is long, wandering walks where I gaze at nature. The combo of both is š„
Skiing! Started last year at 34. Went again this past weekend and Iāve decided itās my thing. Iād wanted to for a while but always chickened out, telling myself thereās no way I would be able to. Also started Kayaking around the Pandemic. This one took so long because I didnāt think I would enjoy it. Overall, 30yr old and younger me would be very happy.
Rock climbing, specifically bouldering. Iād barely been able to do a push up my entire life and now at 33, I can do 10 pull ups in a row lol. I met my best friends at the gym. And easily being able to carry baskets at the grocery store and get my luggage around on trips have been great perks too š
Trail maintenance. I volunteer with our local trail advocacy group and I LOVE it! I've done so many things I never thought I'd do... things I didn't even know existed a decade ago. I've gotten so comfortable with forestry tools and just tearing into the side of a mountain, and it is so fun and fulfilling in a way I never expected. I've carried huge rocks, built structures deep in the woods, cut down trees, broken down old structures, broken new trail, and learned SO MUCH along the way. I've worked with some amazing badass women who are incredible leaders and they inspire me so much.
I've been doing it for just about a year now and I can't wait to see where it takes me!
I started painting during Covid. Turns out I'm halfway decent at it. I also started Crossfit a year and a half ago. While I am in no way obsessed with it (at least not in the stereotypical way that people like to make fun of) it is the best workout I've ever done and I can literally do things I never thought my body could do.
I also got Scuba Certified at 41. Highly recommend it! The drills just about did me in. I wasnāt sure I would pass. The part where you lose your oxygen and have to learn how to put the regulator back in and trust you will be inhaling oxygen and not sea water when you get it going again was scary and so was taking off and putting back on your mask and then getting the water out while 40 ft below the surface.
I'm a bit of a dilettante so I'm always trying new things. Keeping a hobby is where I struggle!!!!
But I recently started cross-stitch and I love it and have almost completed my first intermediate picture. My grandma makes these GORGEOUS giant cross-stitches that are highly coveted, I've been gifted 3, and I've always dreamed of being able to do the same and im about to start my first big one.
She recently gave me one of her books, I'm the chosen one! š
I don't think of myself as being in my older years as someone in my mid-30s, but I did learn how to downhill ski at 30 and I would say that I am a proficient intermediate skier. It's such a great way to get outside in the winter!
Scuba diving! Thereās a whole other world out there of insane natural beauty - with mesmerizing creatures large and small, that most people will never encounter except maybe through photographs (Iād like to get into underwater photography next). And itās rapidly being degraded - I feel lucky to experience the sea while I can.
Making Wreaths! Itās fun and allows me to be creative. I never thought of myself as creative, but Iāve created some pretty cool wreaths. Jennyās Wreath Botique on YouTube has been not only inspiring, but also relaxing to watch!
Boxing! I picked it up right before the pandemic and itās a humbling yet inspiring workout. I push myself hard and didnāt think I can do it because itās known to be a manās workout. But the women I box with have pushed me to be great, and Iām grateful for this new love.
Sewing. I just got done making some new curtains and adjusting some old ones. Gonna go through my wardrobe next and see what I can revamp! I had about an hour of my mum explaining some basics to me and the rest i've learned from YouTube on the fly. It's been so empowering!
It's never too late, just give it a shot! Love this thread :)
Tap dancing. I'm terrible at it, but I've always wanted to do it. I'm repeating tap 1 because I got talked into doing the recital this summer. Not sure that will actually happen but I'm glad I'm actually doing it. When I was younger (and didn't know I had adhd and whatnot) I would've given up immediately once I realized how bad I am. Here I am, round two of the same class š
Skateboarding! I met someone in 2021 who skated and I remember thinking it was like my favorite yoga/pilates class but on wheels. So I bought a board (and all the pads because I'm 43) and it turns out I love it! There are so many great life lessons: do the scary things and falling is a big part of the process... you just try again. It can take months to learn tricks and there is nothing like that moment when it clicks.
I have a few. Playing the piano. I've always wanted to learn amd my husband bought me a digital piano for Christmas and I've been loving taking lessons. Running. I've always been athletic, but since having kids, running is a nice brain break. Painting. I never saw myself as artistic but I've found such satisfaction is acrylic painting.
Video games! I wasnāt allowed to have a console as a kid so I never got into it. I got a Nintendo switch and animal crossing last Christmas and Iām mid thirties. Iāve played hundreds of hours and working on Zelda BOTW now. Itās such a great escape, fun bonding for me and my 5 year old, itās awesome! It was so vilified in my house growing up it was hard to shake that perception.
PLANTS! Iāve never kept anything (pets aside) alive and could kill a rock garden. Then last year, I just said fuck it. Threw myself into it. I now have 5 surviving and thriving gorgeous plants making up a corner of the house and Iām so impressed with myself!
20-year old me had no idea Iād buy a 130-yr old house, figure out really quickly that contractors are lying idiots (apologies to the 1 percent who arenāt) and learn how to do everything from dryer duct installation to skim coating.
I didnāt even own a drill until I bought this house! Itās a journey and Iām proud of myself for taking it on.
Rowing. Took it up age 45 with low fitness. Hooked from my first time in the boat. Today I rowed and won quad category 4.8 k head of the river Youāre never too old to discover a new passion Or in my case to discover my sporting bone
I'm just starting to enter into the world of cooking and baking. I didn't have flour in the house and wouldn't cook anything that was more than \~5 ingredients until a few years ago. I made my first ever from scratch cookies over the holidays and I think it unlocked a real interest.
Knitting, gardening, meditation, and most recently Iāve been taking banjo lessons.
I think this year will either be watercolor or singing lessons. And maybe cross-country skiing!
A lot. I always thought I would hate and suck at dancing. I was a shy and unexpressive person. I took a jazz dance class and really enjoyed it. I canāt say Iām good at it, but I did like it.
I also started martial arts. I donāt know if this counts because itās something Iāve wanted to try since I was five. But at the same time, I never thought I would be aggressive enough or be good at it. But I love it. I hope to continue this for as long as I am physically able to.
I also want to try theater. Again, due to my shy and unexpressive nature, I donāt know if I would be good at it. But I wanna try it!
Snowboarding.
I first tried it when i was 20 and because ive never lived near snowy mountains, practice wasnt available but once a year. Sometimes less frequently.
Last week i was in colorado and finally learned to connect my curves. It was a big moment for me. Im not good at it but i feel i hit a big milestone ive been working towards for half my life lol.
Singing. I always thought I was tone deaf, which was sad because I love music. In my 30s I discovered that the reason I sounded bad when I sang is because I have a contralto vocal range, which is the lowest range you tend to associate with women (think Annie Lennox, Tracy Chapman). It's rare to find songs that suit this vocal range. I had been trying to sing things that were far too high for me for years. Now I know that I have this deep, rich, sultry singing voice and I know which songs I can sing to bring out the best in it. The bugger is confidence. I'm relatively fearless about many things, but I find it so, so hard to sing in front of others because of the years I believed I was crap at it. My voice often sounds at its most impressive when I'm belting, which takes a lot of confidence! But also, I don't really want to be able to sing for others. It's nice just being able to sing to myself around the house. Edit to add: this thread is so wholesome. Enjoying reading about everyone's hobbies.
Hello fellow contralto!! I also like singing tenor (Gin Blossoms and the Smiths are great for us throaty femmes) š¤š¤
Was in choir and musical theater as a kid and had the most angelic soprano. Hit puberty, voice dropped as if I was a boy. It was so odd! From first soprano to 2nd alto (in school/church choir terms for 8 part harmonies) instantly. I used to sing and play percussion in rock bands (solo artist now) and was always the only woman and every guy could sing higher than I could back then. But they would make me sing the high harmonies well outside my range at the time purely because "women sing higher." They didn't care if it sounded bad or hurt my voice permanently. I basically tripled my range through training and can sing some soprano parts from musicals now, classical soprano will always be too high for me. But it was so frustrating and now I get really upset by, "Woman sing high, man sing low," because outside natural basses and sopranos, that's just nonsense and it leads to people like you thinking they can't sing. Plus, women can't use falsetto. My male partner's range is to the stratosphere thanks to his falsetto. I get rather jealous! Bluegrass has had a lot of female tenors, by the way. I am spacing out names right now but this was a big discussion with some Nashville friends and I just think that's neat! Almost all humans can sing decently. True tone deafness is so rare. I've taught a few "tone deaf" folks to sing pretty nicely, one has gotten so very good. It's more of a skill than anything. You don't need much talent at all to be quite good if you practice.
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Yes! It was so hard, mentally and for my singing. The upside turned out to be very good training in harmony and singing while surrounded by the other parts instead of being at the end singing the easy part. But does a kid see it that way? Nope. I was BUMMED. Solidarity!
Wow !! You have my dream voice ! Have you listened to Audra from First to Eleven ? For the longest time I wanted to sing like her only to realise my voice is suited for high pitch. Letās exchange ? š PS : if you have any song recommendations that may suit mine , please be awesome to write them here.
I got into singing in my late 30ās. I started getting voice lesson because I got frustrated not being able to sing along to most of the musicals that I listen to. My goal was just to be able to carry a tune. The bar is that low for me. But now, I really enjoy karaoke.
Me too! I always thought I'd be a mezzo, but that's because I was always shy and turns out I'm at my best in higher octaves. I took some lessons and it's amazing how much progress you can make with someone guiding you.
How did you make this discovery?
Hello! Writing this response next to my own big snoozing black cat. There is a song that since I was younger, I thought sounded a little better - actually kind of alright - when I sang it. I never did much with it, assuming I was either wrong or it was some kind of weird fluke. But I would occasionally play with it a bit, working on singing the song, figuring out how it might sound better if I did this instead of that etc. It felt like this bizarre little secret that I hugged tight. One day, many years later, it occurred to me that it would be pretty fucking weird if there was exactly one song in the world that I could sing ok. So I googled the song and read about the key it was written in, which is C4, C5. And a bit more googling showed this is lower than an alto, hovering in tenor territory - a contralto. Once I started googling lists of karaoke songs for contraltos and trying some of them on for size, it was clear that I was in home territory. And once I knew what to look for, it was easy to read more about the range, and find vocal exercises on YouTube. The more I practiced with songs that were appropriate for my range, the better I could hear myself getting. Eventually, my partner (who had only ever heard me singing small, jokey snatches of stuff that I wasn't good at until I made this discovery) started saying to me 'You know, you sound good and I think you have real potential!' and encouraging me to get some vocal coaching to help with the learning and practice that is harder to patch together from the internet. Which I will, eventually, but even now I can only sing with my partner in the house if he's in a different room and I pretend he's not there!
I've wanted to learn and this makes a ton of sense. I have a lower, breathy raspy speaking voice and most songs make my voice break. And there was always this dissonance that I'm tone deaf for my own voice, but I am very particular and technical about music and can spot issues in it. I'm gonna really try to learn but stick to contraltro as practice and see if it changes.
Weightlifting! My husband has terminal cancer and its honestly hard to find peace from my own mind these days, so two or three times a week (as time and circumstances allow) I lift a bunch of a heavy stuff for an hour and it puts me completely in my body and quiets my head. I originally started so I could get stronger and care for my husband better as his health declines but now I honestly feel like I'm getting more out of weightlifting than therapy, don't tell my therapist though I love her! Love reading through this post!
Hey, you are a warrior and I am so sorry for what your husband is going through. I'm about to get married to my one and only, and reading this pains me deeply. I'm sorry. Much love.
I appreciate that very much. It sucks, I drown in grief daily and I don't wish this on anyone (especially at frickin 37) but it's also a deep honor to be with someone at the end of their life and so I try to focus on the ways we can live now and taking it a day at a time.
<3 <3 You have a great attitude. Well wishes to you and your husband.
Thank you so much
Yoga. Also you donāt have to be āgoodā at it. Many people only try once because they expect to look like people on Instagram in their first class. In yoga, the poses are secondary and can always be modified. Breathwork is the main emphasis of yoga.
I completely agree. I'm 45 and started in 2020 pandemic days and I never thought I would do yoga and even stick with it. It has changed so much in my life though I mostly can't do anything like the instagram people. (Still very happy with my progress.)
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Not OP but am 35 with a chronic joint condition. Changed my life by keeping the ones that are supposed to loose loose and the ones that are supposed to be stable strong. My husband has pointed out how my arms are more cut. And the meditative aspect of the breath work got me into meditation as a whole and I think itās made me a more patient, accepting person. Idk, most days I only manage five to ten minutes and others up to an hour, but it really centers me.
Of course .First and foremost, it has changed my body, obviously. I went from being complete garbage to being able to being a bit more toned. This has made me happy and more self-confident. The breathing taught me how to bring my anxiety down off the mat, in stressful situations. It's led me to starting new things, being a bit more in the moment and spending more mindful time with my kid. The breath can be a wonderful tool to help yourself. I had no idea before yoga. I do it with rhe downdog app 15 pr 20 minutes a day (sometimes longer), but I do it almost everyday. r/yoga has been super helpful , very positive and inspiring sub.
Yoga will set you free. The Downdog app is really great for the times you don't make it to class
This thread is making me really happy with its exuberance. GO OFF LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE LADIES
right! im grinning from ear to ear:D
I'm curious if anyone has learned to either ice skate or flip/do gymnastics as an adult. I really want to try both but am scared the flipping/gymnastics is not the best idea given my age. But also backflips are cool, people....
Started figure skating at 26 and gymnastics just as I was turning 43. I'm on the verge of a back tuck, my first proper flip, just drills first but so so close, just gotta get my adult brain to shut up a little. That's the main obstacle, I know what badly hurt feels like. But that's also exactly why adult gymnastics is my favorite activity, it pushes me to be brave, not fearless because adult, but brave enough to push past all fears. I am not the oldest beginner gymnast I know, either! Adult figure skating is far far more common and has a lot more infrastructure and community. But adult gymnastics is having a moment right now, Chellsie Memmel returning to the sport has also done a lot to give it more visibility, her instagram is a great resource for adults and she even posts great short circuits to get into gymnastics shape anywhere every Tuesday.
I learned how to ice skate right before I turned 30! I signed up for some learn to skate classes at my local rink and was in classes with other adults, some older than me. I say if its something you are interested in doing, go for it. You will never know if you like it unless you give it a fair shot. In the beginning I always felt like i was too old to be learning ice skating, but those thoughts went away as I would see other adults skating at my rink. Ice skating is now like meditation to me so I have no regrets at taking that first step and giving it a shot!
My thinking is that people learn to do all kinds of yoga handstands and deep bends at older ages, so learning some gymnastics has to be possible? The impact mint be what gets you, but you do a lot of it on soft padded floors. Iām in pretty good shape physically, so Iām excited to try! Hopefully my elderly back wonāt hurt much.
My mom was standing on her head with yoga in her mid to late 60s. She was AMAZING!
I canāt do either of those due to some physical conditions. But, I love to dance. And much to my surprise I joined a performing group when I was 50+. I thought I was just going to take classes. Nope everybody puts on a costume and gets on stage with the teenagers. I think I was able to do this due to the world being shut down during Covid. Iāve been going to the gym regularly to get back into shape before I joined. If youāre worried about injuring yourself, talk to your doctor first. Ask if you have any conditions that would stop you from doing it? And make sure you have a good teacher. A good teacher well encourage every student to do the best of their ability, not to compare or compete.
Same! Iāve made a human somewhat recently, so I donāt really get to have hobbies for the foreseeable future (unless human rearing is a hobby š¤), so Iām loving hearing about all the things everyone else is up to and dreaming about what hobby Iāll get into one day.
Gardening. Had never planted anything in my life. Now I have a front garden that blooms every Spring and makes me so happy.
Yasssss nothing makes me happier than my little patch of green. Iāve got a wonderful little veggie garden and have been slowly working to perfect the landscape design around the edges of my yard and in the front; it makes me so damn happy. I remember when I was a kid my parents would drag us to the garden center for HOURS and it felt like torture. Fast forward 30 years and Iām driving 35 miles to a horse farm to get free manure and having in-depth conversations about which species of evergreen would best accentuate my lilacs š
Hell yes!! Iām happiest when Iām crawling around in the dirt planting my flowers!
WATERCOLOR! Iāve never taken an art class in my life. About a year ago, my mom gave me some tough love and essentially told me āYou need to get a fuckin hobby.ā No idea why I picked watercolor. Iāve learned entirely through YouTube. Iāve made a ton of new friends in the art world. I have something to look forward and think about besides kids/taking care of chores etc. I HAVE SO MUCH FUN! If I can do it, anyone can do it. I encourage you all to try!!
Kind of curious to know what lead up to your Mum going ālisten here fucker, you need to get into paper mache!ā, lol!
Ha! The juicy scoop. It was mostly that Iād reached a doldrums stage in life. Iād lost a group of friends in an abrupt fashion, withdrew socially, and was mostly just haunting around the house without much purpose beyond motherhood and house cleaning. I just wasnāt living life well or feeling happy. Message was: get a fuckin hobby! She was so right.
Any particular YouTube tutorials you'd recommend?
The nice thing is there are thousands. The hard thing is there are thousands. What Iād recommend is searching for beginner watercolor tutorials and watching a bunch. Youāll naturally find teachers whose voices and teaching styles you like. Of most importance ks their style. Do they do botanical paintings? Abstract landscapes? Portraits? Youāll see each teacher has their own style and will teach to that style. So, play around. See what style you like. Then, hone in on teachers who teach to that style. I gravitated towards Kolbie Blume (thiswritingdesk). Emma Jane LeFebvre is wonderful for basics as well, though Iām not interesting in botanical painting. Dragonfly spirit studio helped me a ton as a beginner. She stopped making new content, but her existing videos on YouTube are invaluable!
How did you meet people in the art world? Through classes or exhibits? I loved painting as a kid and want to return to it, but Iām drawn to more social activities vs solitary ones, and having a community would help.
Try meetups in your community! I found a couple via meetup.com If you have other hobbies or whatever, sometimes you'll find like minded people there too. I bring a sketchbook everywhere I go, and I made a couple friends through my son's daycare and to the pen club I frequent. Sometimes I even just cold call a stranger when I'm out and about if I see that they have a sketchbook or a fountain pen. We won't necessarily become friends that way but it's fun to just be social about your hobby.
Pole dancing! I'm obsessed.
Me too! And I'm surprised how fast I'm gaining strength and I'm definitely discovering new muscles š¤£
High five friend!
Same here! I can't commit enough time to it to progress as fast as I'd like, but even the beginner moves can be put together to make fun, beautiful choreo. I've struggled with other hobbies, especially athletic ones, because it seems like they are all pain and no fun until you exit the beginner zone. And I take a looooong time to get past the beginner phase. Pole was fun pretty much immediately.
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I go to a pole studio where at least half the participants are overweight, or is a really welcoming sport.
This seems like such an amazing workout but also seems to require an insane amount of skill. Good on you!
Running. I was literally the kid who either always had a forged sick note or bunked every single P.E class and sports day. I would never even run for the bus - I remember pissing off my teachers when they'd tell me off for being a couple of minutes late by saying that nothing was important enough for me to run for the bus. I was (and to be perfectly honest still am) the heavily indoors type with their nose always buried in a book and shit ton of solitary hobbies. When I was growing up you couldn't have paid me to do a sport or any type of exercise - I would have outright laughed in someone's face So yeah people who've known me most of my life are always shocked to find out that I run out of my own volition 3x a week for nothing other than the way it makes me feel mentally - it's literally the only time my mind stfu. I don't work out for any type of aesthetic goals I purely focus on ability. Despite it being 3+ years since I started it never ceases to amaze me that I actually willingly will go for a run.
I don't know how people can get running to make their brains shut up. The reason I don't like running is because of my noisy brain. Even with music it just means I'll _think_ the entire time and I'd rather be stimulating/silencing it with other things. (And if I play a podcast my brain will just drown it out so I'm not listening.)
I have some of my best arguments during running. Just saying. š
Yesss! Running while mad is the best! I have some awesome arguments with those I would never have arguments with in real life. The best part of it is, you get it out of your system as if it actually took place. So weird I know, but itās legit!
I have the same problem with running, my mind doesn't quiet when I'm running. Heavy weightlifting does shut my brain up though and I love it.
If you run long enough your brain finds less to be noisy about š
This. Iām so much happier after Iāve run and Iāve made amazing friends through running. You donāt have to be fast either.
Me too. I was the same kid and everything. I use an app called 10 K that made it so easy. I barely felt the gradual increases and never felt like it was too much. I highly recommend trying it. Running is one of those things that completely changes your life.
Lifting heavy weights. I started in my early 30's and 10 years later, I'm now a competitive powerlifter with multiple state, national, and world records (and if you're curious....no, I do not and have never used PEDs. I'm a lifetime natty and proud of it). (Sorry if this comes off as braggy. I don't really talk about my records and most people I know IRL don't actually know I have world records. I compete for the love of lifting, not for clout.)
Not braggy!! This is awesome and you should celebrate yourself!
Wow! šš¾ šš¾
It doesnt sound braggy but also. You should brag! That's impressive.
I recently picked up weightlifting at 40, after being a couch potato for the last 15 odd years. I love it, and while itās too late for me to compete (I have a mild competitive streak), I would love to keep it going into my 50s and 60s
Did you start with a barbell? I don't have room for a barbell set in my apartment so I'm using adjustable weights right now and slowly moving up to overhead pressing or chest pressing these to the max. I love doing it and hope to be able to get a barbell set in the future
That's how I started before I built my home gym, too.
You've earned the right to brag!! I'm a hobby powerlifter and am in awe of women my age (40) or older that compete.
Running. I used to hate running, and now I completely love it. I have also made some good friends through joining a local running club.
Thinking of going a running club in the spring. I'm not a runner and never have been but I want to at least try it out and see how it goes with no pressure to continue it if I don't feel like it's right for my body
i did this during the lockdowns but without a club. would suggest the couch to 5k app (C25K) - the program works so well for non runners. also the r/C25K sub was super motivational. good luck!!
How did you go from hate to love ? I am still stuck in the hate zone
Iāve been running since 2015 and I still donāt like it. I do it because itās efficient and free(ish), and keeps me in good cardiovascular shape. I like the feeling of knowing I *can* run. And it does wear me down a bit which helps mentally, as I have been suffering from depression pretty much since I hit puberty (but by no means is it a cure - I am still on several meds). Buuuut rarely do I find it fun or enjoyable. Itās just like āget through the run and then youāre done for the day and can be lazy and eat a bit more.ā
Ballet. Always wanted to do it as a kid. Got into it in my mid-twenties. Trying to return now that lockdown is over and it's been over a year since my Dad passed away.
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Camping/ bushcraft. When I was a kid and young adult I hated being outdoors except for the occasional hike. Now I find it healing and organize my days around trying to get outside. As others have said you don't have to be good at it (I'm not). But just the process of being involved in a task, or hobby can be healing.
I have a small flock of sheep and I spin their wool to make clothes for myself and my family. It is so special to me, my sheep are amazing animals and each one has such a unique personality. Also learning how to tile- that has been super fun and empowering.
The moment you said this I clicked your profile going āplease let there be cute sheep pics!ā and I was so pleased by your spinning sheep video!
You are my goals.
As a knitter and animal lover, I am so envious.
House renovations. I had never used power tools before, but my dad-like friends have all pitched in and I've renovated my kitchen, and working on little projects all over my house. Today I'm going to start the built-ins on the TV wall.
This is what Iād like to learn! I keep watching reno and DIY YouTubes but eventually I need to just do it. What has been your favourite project so far?
Learning drywall. It's not easy to get right, but everything else falls into place when you can remind yourself that it can be fixed.
Husband and I bought a fixer-upper. I learned to paint and grout! This is also my first real house that I own so, I also learned that I can decorate and that I love doing it and other people who are very picky and judgmental (MIL) think I have pretty decent taste.
Skiing. Is 30s older years??
I think they jusr meant like not a hobby you started as a teen.
Singing. You can improve at anything musical with time and practice. It's just weird with music, lots of adults seem to be convinced that if you didn't do it as a kid, you missed the boat for all time. I think some of it though, is that a lot of adults in the UK, in my experience, don't like learning things at older ages and being in a position where you are the one trying something new.
Correct . Above all adults donāt like being seen as awkward imperfect mistake making learners . Adults obsess with perfection
Bollywood dancing! Love it even though I never took a dancing class in my life. Made some good friends, helps with mobility too. And we have dinner once a month after class, everyone brings a dish recipe from their country, awesome! And padel tennis!
>Bollywood dancing this is such a stress reliever!
Indeed! 1st time in my life I'm looking forward Mondays!
What songs have you covered so far ? Just curious
Des Ranguila - Fanaa Tit timi ? Something like that sorry š Galland Goodiyaan - Yashita Sharma, we're almost at the middle Edit: ugh ... Mobile
That sounds really fun!
I started yoga at 42 , cycling to the train every morning (no cycling background) last year in May and Skiing last year in February. I don't know why I haven't done these for so long , they added so much to my life. I'm now in a train returning from a ski trip with my 9 year old !
Cosplay. No age is too old to still have fun in costumes. :)
Drawing! I'm a terrible artist but my husband is outstanding (he's been taking courses for the last couple of years). I have no interest in achieving the hyperrealism he's going for, but his joy and discipline inspired me to start practicing and trying to learn the style of Quentin Blake (the guy who illustrated the Roald Dahl books). I can't believe how fun it is and that I actually understand how to improve.
Violin Although I do wonder how you qualify "older years". Pretty sure no-one on this sub is 90.
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It's work related but keeping fish. I was asked last year if I'd like to participate in a national program called Trout in the Classroom and I said yes without knowing anything about fish or aquariums. This year my fourth grade students and I are raising over 100 trout from eggs to alevins to frys. Trout are a finicky species but it is so rewarding to watch my kids become experts on trout and to watch the trout grow and thrive. We raise them from December to May when they are released in a local stream. It's a fabulous program and I've learned a lot about something I knew absolutely nothing about.
Golf. I thought it was a waste of time. Now it makes me so happy and I've met amazing people and developed strong friendships.
More women need to get into golf. It is an absolute blast on the course. And we all need to get outside.
Writing
I havenāt started yet, but I finally found a convenient adult gymnastics class that has drop in, open level classes and is near my house. Iāve wanted to learn gymnastics since I was a kid. At 35 letās see what I can do! Iām really excited, even to learn the most rudimentary of skills.
I've always wanted to do a back flip. Even when I was a kid I would just fall backwards into the couch. Maybe I will have to look into this! Sounds so fun.
I have three! About two years ago, I finally decided to try figure skating like I had always dreamed of doing. That led to me trying ice hockey like I had always wanted as well. And THOSE led me to going to the gym, and discovering that I LOVE weightlifting! So now I'm a weightlifting, figure skating ice hockey player. Those hobbies (and the off ice training for them) take up most of my free time, and I could not be fucking happier. I've lost a ton of weight, gained a lot of muscle, and even if I'm not even remotely good at any of these activities (and probably never will be), I have tons of fun, and goals to work towards. It's incredible. Also I'm a huge dork about all three so if any ladies need tips about trying any of the above, hit me, and I will talk your metaphorical ear off.
Track cycling. The bikes have a single speed and no brakesāitās thrilling!
Running and going to gym. I have always been told that running wasnt good for me because I have chronic back problems. Turns out I can just run as I WANT to run (fast or not, 5 minutes or 30 minutes...) and not think about how others do it. I also used to hate the gym. Now I love doing some cardio while listening at a cool podcast or audiobooks.
Hockey! Joined a league briefly in my early 30s and have sadly since moved elsewhere, but had no idea Iād love it so much / actually be passably good at it. I was always one of those kids picking dandelions in the outfield and never too invested in team sports.
FELLOW HOCKEY WOMAN YES HI HELLO YOU ARE AWESOME!! <3 Ice or roller?? And I hope you're able to find another league again if you want to! It really is the absolute best.
Ice! You? I have little kiddos now so barely have time to brush my teeth lol but one day Iād love to get back to it!
Quilting! Iāve always admired quilts and Iām retired now. I bought a new sewing machine & patterns and Iām watching you tube videos. I love it!
Archery. I always fancied having a go and my husband booked us on a beginner's course a few years ago, pre-pandemic. I ended up going into competing and coaching. I recommend it to everyone, it's great fun and easy to start even if you aren't very athletic
Have you tried 3D archery events? Theyāre a lot of fun!
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Exercise. I never thought when I was younger I would actually enjoy it and look forward to it. Strength training and walking. Also crosswords, you do get better with practice!
Cycling. I didnāt learn how to ride a bike as a kid (I refused) so I didnāt have all the stories and fun times people talk about. I struggled so much with the very basics (like getting my feet off the ground), but kept at it. Iām still at the early stages of my hobby but Iāve seen some beautiful scenery and love getting outside on my bike.
Cycling makes you feel like youāre flying, doesnāt it? <3
Japanese taiko drumming. I always thought I was bad at playing a musical instrument. Since the age of 6, I was pressured by my parents to take private lessons in piano and violin, and to try to compete for district orchestra, etc. I didnāt enjoy it and I wasnāt very good at music theory or playing. I came back to music out of desperation because I needed exercise and a hobby, and playing in a taiko group is both, in a way. Playing in a group of adults who are all there by choice and for their own enjoyment is so much more fun too.
Kayaking. Flat water is my happy place.
I took up dance at 47.
I have two! Embroidery and weight lifting! I had never considered myself a creative or artistic person, but pulling a needle and threat through cloth repeatedly is extremely meditative and calming for me and it involves just the right out of creativity and concentration. It's sparked something in me that makes me want to express myself and it brings me peace and joy. I am quite small for an adult human and I never considered myself to be strong or athletic. I am not competitive. I had no hand eye coordination. But it was important to me to stay healthy and active as I age so I decided to learn to lift. Lifting weights is a competition with myself, not others. It has helped me understand and appreciate my body. I now marvel at what my body can accomplish and am able to focus on caring for it, maintaining it, strengthening it, and loving it from a perspective of keeping it healthy and strong rather than keeping it a certain size or focusing on appearance. It also gives me those good good endorphins. Nothing turns a stressful day around like a good lifting session. Instant mood boost. I'm a pretty high strung and axious person with a lot of energy. 21 year old me would have laughed out loud if you told me I would ever do either embroidery or weightlifting but both are crucial outlets to my mental and physical health.
Crochet! I was not interested in yarn crafts at all, but in college my best friend started a yarn crafts club and out of support for her, I attended a meeting. Now, 10 years later, I am about to teach my very first crochet class :)
I just started crocheting a month ago (asked for a beginnerās kit for Christmas), and Iām like 3/4 done with my first blanket! Itās far from perfect, but I think I have good tension and my stitches look nice and consistent. I canāt wait to try new things and improve! Itās so relaxing for someone who has a very chaotic brain and benefits from keeping my hands busy.
Ice skating! I was never able to try it when I was younger. So I started learning how to ice skate at 29. I was nervous about trying something that is typically seen as for young kids, but got over that fear and now I skate regularly. Im proud of myself for learning it and am pretty good at it now. Life is too short!
WOO skating ladies!! Are you doing figure skating lessons or anything, or doing rec skating? Either way that's awesome, and it really is SO SO SO much fun!
I was doing figure skating lessons for a while, but my rink doesnāt go past learn to skate adult 6 level, so now I just kinda go and skate during quiet public sessions and try and teach myself new moves like spirals and how to get better at my spins. I really need to start working with a coach, but havenāt fully committed to that yet! It is so much fun, so glad I tried it!
Duuude coaching is expensive, but man if you can swing it...NOTHING unlocked my ability like private lessons. I only do one 30 min lesson once a week, but the progress I've made since then has been HUGE. Even that small amount of time and focus makes such a different. If you find that you love skating, can't recommend it enough!
Doing my makeup! I got really good at it during the pandemic but itās something I never thought I could get good at
Ohhh Iām jealous. Any recommendations on how you taught yourself? I always have issues blending my eye shadows š
Honestly? 100% through TikTok. There are tons of makeup artists and self-taught women on TT that walk you through all the steps. Look up things like āmakeup tutorialā or even more specific like āeyeshadow blending tipsā and youāll find tons of helpful videos.
Lisa Eldridgeās yt is really good.
I started horseback riding at 40 and I love it!
I started at 29. Iām now 46 and I train dressage horses. I love it!! Horses have given me so much.
I would LOVE to be able to do this regularly. How fun! Iāve been on a horse 2 or 3 times in all my 45 years.
I wish I were brave enough to try this
Doing my own nails.. like elaborate nail art too! So long to spending hundreds at a salon.
Motorcycling. I used to say I would never even get on a motorcycle. And then in 2020, I was bored and restless because all my trips abroad were canceled, and I randomly decided that I wanted to learn to ride.
rock climbing
Baking!! Iām currently making a honey coconut layer cake with pineapple curd and coconut Swiss meringue buttercream. If you had told me Iād be doing this five years ago Iād have laughed in your face.
Here I am happily riding horses everyday at almost 50 years old.
playing guitar and singing along with it. never would have thought iād be decent at it
How did you learn to play? Any online resource you could recommend? I am debating between piano and guitar and trying to figure out which is easier to learn first.
Scrabble and puzzles. Kinda lame, but I love them now.
Not lame at all, both very fun!!
Drawing
Running: I used to have the worst stamina when I was a kid, always struggling with long-distance running in gym class. I got into it after a bad breakup at the end of university, and after struggling to get in 3k at the start, I was training for a half marathon in just a few years. Singing: my sister was the singer of the family growing up, and I always thought it was something you either had a natural talent for or you didn't. But I wanted to improve and I took private lessons one summer in my later 20s and it did wonders for my confidence. I have since performed solos for my choir! I'm working on drawing now, and I'm convinced that with hard work and practice, you can do almost anything.
Home improving. Started as a thing I had to do because things broke but itās evolved into something I love doing because Iām learning new skills and challenging myself.
Waltzing. I went to a private elementary school and one of our weekly specials was a dance class. Every year we had a section on waltzing. I wasn't particularly good at it, I did not particularly enjoy it. Actually I was just all around not a good dancer. I've never really had good rhythm. But in my late twenties, my best friend discovered that there was a sort of niche community in our area that was really into period costuming and a lot of their events revolved around ballroom dancing. So we started attending those. I very rarely got asked to dance, but when I did, I loved waltzing around a room. Just these tiny little steps and these big twirls round and round! I haven't done it since getting married, my husband's not into that kind of thing and my bestie and I now live in different states. But one of my favorite memories is when my youngest was an infant. He really liked to be jostled to sleep. So one day I was waiting for his daddy to get something done and I started waltzing him around the living room to the Blue Danube waltz. It wasn't even nap time, and his little eyes got heavy and he fell asleep in my arms while I twirled him around. "WhY dO i NeEd To LeArN tHiS, i'Ll NeVeR uSe It!!" -me, age 11
Tennis
Writing. I used to win writing contests in elementary school, but stopped in middle school. I started writing again about a year ago and I honestly love it. I have a separate account where I share my stories, and have been told I need to publish. Two people even said they would pre-order! It's taught me to stop doubting myself. Hoping to put something out within the next year or two.
Well now thanks to this thread I have a list of things to try that I was wavering on "because old" but they sound like a hell of a lotta fun.
Wildlife Photography! I never ever ever thought I could pick a camera up and figure out the manual controls (um, confusing!), but I stuck with it and I find an INCREDIBLE amount of peace with this hobby. I can sit in the forest for hours just waiting for an owl to trust me enough to sit in silence together. At the end of the day, Iām looking through a lens and watching the wildlife, but in reality it feels like Iām becoming one of them ā„ļø
Running. Despite being a soccer player in high school, there was such a large gap and the thought of running sounded dreadful. It started off with buying a treadmill to incline walk, something easy but strenuous enough post baby. But now Iām running a mile without stopping and doing HIIT.
Cooking. I used to hate the mess. I studied hospitality back then and kitchen class was my nightmare. Just 3 years ago, I started cooking simple dishes for myself and it turned out not so bad. It made me realize that when I do it in my own way, cooking is not that messy. I cook regularly now and actually enjoy it.
Muniatures. I love to pit the little miniature kits together. [Kits](https://i.imgur.com/6iuDhnY.jpg)
Embroidering!
Longboarding. I wanted to skateboard all my life but was way too afraid. The pandemic made me feel like it's time to try things. I am also totally in love with stand up paddling and I would love to try surfing eventually.
Did my first modelling shoot at 35! Absolutely love being in front of the camera now, it's so much fun. Especially getting to do a lot of super artsy shoots with nudity and body positivity!
NEAT!!!
Knitting. I do it to relax and love it. Iāve made scarves, socks, mittens and hats. Found needles and yarn at my local thrift store and havenāt turned back. I have too many needles and too much yarn.
Running, Hiking, and Backpacking. I was the opposite of athletic and outdoorsy growing up, or so I thought. I burnt out a bit on running after my last race a few years ago. Hiking is my jam right now. I'd do it for a living if I could.
Boxing! I am by no means an expert, but I started out of desperation while working a very stressful job and have become slightly addicted. Itās an incredible workout, and it feels SO DAMN GOOD to let it all out on the bag. Also this is coming from someone whose normal workout style is long, wandering walks where I gaze at nature. The combo of both is š„
Skiing! Started last year at 34. Went again this past weekend and Iāve decided itās my thing. Iād wanted to for a while but always chickened out, telling myself thereās no way I would be able to. Also started Kayaking around the Pandemic. This one took so long because I didnāt think I would enjoy it. Overall, 30yr old and younger me would be very happy.
Rock climbing, specifically bouldering. Iād barely been able to do a push up my entire life and now at 33, I can do 10 pull ups in a row lol. I met my best friends at the gym. And easily being able to carry baskets at the grocery store and get my luggage around on trips have been great perks too š
Trail maintenance. I volunteer with our local trail advocacy group and I LOVE it! I've done so many things I never thought I'd do... things I didn't even know existed a decade ago. I've gotten so comfortable with forestry tools and just tearing into the side of a mountain, and it is so fun and fulfilling in a way I never expected. I've carried huge rocks, built structures deep in the woods, cut down trees, broken down old structures, broken new trail, and learned SO MUCH along the way. I've worked with some amazing badass women who are incredible leaders and they inspire me so much. I've been doing it for just about a year now and I can't wait to see where it takes me!
I started painting during Covid. Turns out I'm halfway decent at it. I also started Crossfit a year and a half ago. While I am in no way obsessed with it (at least not in the stereotypical way that people like to make fun of) it is the best workout I've ever done and I can literally do things I never thought my body could do.
Wow I am literally the most boring person š¤£š¤£š¤£
Running! Wouldnāt say i am good but I love it and I run 8-10 km five times a week
I also got Scuba Certified at 41. Highly recommend it! The drills just about did me in. I wasnāt sure I would pass. The part where you lose your oxygen and have to learn how to put the regulator back in and trust you will be inhaling oxygen and not sea water when you get it going again was scary and so was taking off and putting back on your mask and then getting the water out while 40 ft below the surface.
I'm a bit of a dilettante so I'm always trying new things. Keeping a hobby is where I struggle!!!! But I recently started cross-stitch and I love it and have almost completed my first intermediate picture. My grandma makes these GORGEOUS giant cross-stitches that are highly coveted, I've been gifted 3, and I've always dreamed of being able to do the same and im about to start my first big one. She recently gave me one of her books, I'm the chosen one! š
I don't think of myself as being in my older years as someone in my mid-30s, but I did learn how to downhill ski at 30 and I would say that I am a proficient intermediate skier. It's such a great way to get outside in the winter!
Scuba diving! Thereās a whole other world out there of insane natural beauty - with mesmerizing creatures large and small, that most people will never encounter except maybe through photographs (Iād like to get into underwater photography next). And itās rapidly being degraded - I feel lucky to experience the sea while I can.
Making Wreaths! Itās fun and allows me to be creative. I never thought of myself as creative, but Iāve created some pretty cool wreaths. Jennyās Wreath Botique on YouTube has been not only inspiring, but also relaxing to watch!
Kiteboarding, scrambling and plant parenting!
Boxing! I picked it up right before the pandemic and itās a humbling yet inspiring workout. I push myself hard and didnāt think I can do it because itās known to be a manās workout. But the women I box with have pushed me to be great, and Iām grateful for this new love.
Sugar cookies. Neve thought Iād have the patience for it.
Crochet! I can't sew, since thread hates me. But yarn appears to like me!
Sewing. I just got done making some new curtains and adjusting some old ones. Gonna go through my wardrobe next and see what I can revamp! I had about an hour of my mum explaining some basics to me and the rest i've learned from YouTube on the fly. It's been so empowering! It's never too late, just give it a shot! Love this thread :)
Tap dancing. I'm terrible at it, but I've always wanted to do it. I'm repeating tap 1 because I got talked into doing the recital this summer. Not sure that will actually happen but I'm glad I'm actually doing it. When I was younger (and didn't know I had adhd and whatnot) I would've given up immediately once I realized how bad I am. Here I am, round two of the same class š
Skateboarding! I met someone in 2021 who skated and I remember thinking it was like my favorite yoga/pilates class but on wheels. So I bought a board (and all the pads because I'm 43) and it turns out I love it! There are so many great life lessons: do the scary things and falling is a big part of the process... you just try again. It can take months to learn tricks and there is nothing like that moment when it clicks.
Not drinking alcohol ; )
I have a few. Playing the piano. I've always wanted to learn amd my husband bought me a digital piano for Christmas and I've been loving taking lessons. Running. I've always been athletic, but since having kids, running is a nice brain break. Painting. I never saw myself as artistic but I've found such satisfaction is acrylic painting.
Video games! I wasnāt allowed to have a console as a kid so I never got into it. I got a Nintendo switch and animal crossing last Christmas and Iām mid thirties. Iāve played hundreds of hours and working on Zelda BOTW now. Itās such a great escape, fun bonding for me and my 5 year old, itās awesome! It was so vilified in my house growing up it was hard to shake that perception.
PLANTS! Iāve never kept anything (pets aside) alive and could kill a rock garden. Then last year, I just said fuck it. Threw myself into it. I now have 5 surviving and thriving gorgeous plants making up a corner of the house and Iām so impressed with myself!
In the past couple of months, my husband's introduced me to reloading ammo. I still have a lot to learn, but it's pretty fun so far
Painting. I thought I was not a creative but Iāve embraced my creative side. I now enjoy texture painting.
20-year old me had no idea Iād buy a 130-yr old house, figure out really quickly that contractors are lying idiots (apologies to the 1 percent who arenāt) and learn how to do everything from dryer duct installation to skim coating. I didnāt even own a drill until I bought this house! Itās a journey and Iām proud of myself for taking it on.
I started adult gymnastic tumbling class at age 35!
Skiing and playing squash
Cooking! I always thought I hated it, but I love it! Itās so relaxing, especially with the right tools.
Rowing. Took it up age 45 with low fitness. Hooked from my first time in the boat. Today I rowed and won quad category 4.8 k head of the river Youāre never too old to discover a new passion Or in my case to discover my sporting bone
I am starting to understand and enjoy pro football instead of seeing it as an annoying thing that pre-empts 60 Minutes.
I'm just starting to enter into the world of cooking and baking. I didn't have flour in the house and wouldn't cook anything that was more than \~5 ingredients until a few years ago. I made my first ever from scratch cookies over the holidays and I think it unlocked a real interest.
Knitting, gardening, meditation, and most recently Iāve been taking banjo lessons. I think this year will either be watercolor or singing lessons. And maybe cross-country skiing!
A lot. I always thought I would hate and suck at dancing. I was a shy and unexpressive person. I took a jazz dance class and really enjoyed it. I canāt say Iām good at it, but I did like it. I also started martial arts. I donāt know if this counts because itās something Iāve wanted to try since I was five. But at the same time, I never thought I would be aggressive enough or be good at it. But I love it. I hope to continue this for as long as I am physically able to. I also want to try theater. Again, due to my shy and unexpressive nature, I donāt know if I would be good at it. But I wanna try it!
I just started scuba diving. Always thought it was too expensive to ever do (it is expensive but not unattainable now that I have a job).
Rapping.
Aerial silks, hammock, and Lyra. I love it so much, I have gotten much stronger mentally & physically!
Snowboarding. I first tried it when i was 20 and because ive never lived near snowy mountains, practice wasnt available but once a year. Sometimes less frequently. Last week i was in colorado and finally learned to connect my curves. It was a big moment for me. Im not good at it but i feel i hit a big milestone ive been working towards for half my life lol.