So... I am struggling right now to find positive things to do with myself.

I am back to working out and eating right, but I need something else... Something physical, a sport, etc...

I used to Ski all winter long but thats only something you can do once a week.

I find myself walking on the beach for hours a day and this is great, expecially when I have my dogs, but its boring. Its great to think, but I really need something new. Most of my friends are older, and I mean 20 + years older.

I plan on joining a ski and sports club that exists in massachusetts, they do hiking, skiing, travel, etc... But I am looking for suggestions on something I can do on a more regular basis.

Now before you say run, i have terrible flat feet and actually have to wear orthotics just to not be in searing pain when doing things like running... I can run short distances and all that fine, but prolonged its quite painful.

So any advice for a activity that is healthy, physical, and can hopefully get me around some people my own age?

Silverwind

How about something a bit out of the box...taking a drawing or painting class...you can practice at home, and still be around people. How about a writing class or workshop?

My two main hobbies are working out and cars. I compete in the local body building shows and have built a 800hp car. Buy a motorcycle, join a local motorcycle club and go cruising!!

I would not mind doing something out of the box eventually, not sure I have much artistic talent, though I have though about picking up piano again. I was pretty good in my youth.

For now though, I need something physical and healthy. I put of some weight over the past 12 months and I am really unhappy with myself physically. I never stopped lifting so I dont have a lack of strength, I just need to drop the pounds covering those muscles...

So that being said, I need to find a sport or physical activity in addition to the gym workout. And I think its important I get out and meet some people my own age.

Tai Chi or yoga.

Stretching and breathing are highly underrated.

I also recommend any book by Dr. Oz to find out how to make your foods work for your body.

Any sports leagues in your area? Indoor soccer? Basketball? Volleyball? Find a recreational league rather than a competitive one. It's great fun and exercise, plus these types of leagues usually go out for beer and wings afterwards (in my area at least). It's a great way to meet people and socialize - and it's generally very nonthreatening.

I second the yoga. You just have NO idea how good it makes you feel. But find a studio - just not the same at home.

Oh, also, find a community college near you and sign up for one of their PE classes. Anyone can join. I learned racquetball that way. And it's cheap. And there's tons of people you can meet and play against.

It seems everyone has tried to get me to do yoga at some point.... I know its not cheap, and with only 3 more paychecks comming in, I cant commit to anything right now that costs more than a few bucks. Maybe my gym has a class but I doubt it.

I've been looking for groups for rec sports but not having much luck, I am checking craigslist there just does not seem to be much out there. Ill find something.

Do you have a junior college in your town? Maybe $100-$200 for a whole semester, and they usually have PE classes in just about everything, plus you get unlimited use of the facilities. Can't beat that.

YMCA is fairly cheap, too. And they always have group sports where you sign up to play in leagues and stuff.

unfortunatly not, I live in a very small beach community. Closest collge is probably 25 min away, I will check and see what they offer.

Ill check my gym tonight for any yoga classes too, I never asked about classes.

Thanks for the ideas, Ill find something.

lol, SW, I just had to laugh at that. Closest is 25 minutes away? In my city, it takes an hour just to get from one side of town to another. I drive 45 minutes just to get to work in the morning. My last job was considered close, and it took me 20 minutes to get there.

It must be really different living in other parts of the country.

I find it too easy to not do something when it may be 30 min away, I would rather pay more $$ for a gym thats close to home. Its harder to put it off when its right there... Having a 60 min to and from just makes it harder.

I like to not have excuses to do things, and traveling even 30 min away is an excuse. Traveling 3 min away is not.

Expecially when I dont really want to be doing it, for examle this ativity I am trying to find.

I dont want to do anything, I honestly would rather sit around and be miserable. But thats part of why I am here today. I have to force myself to do these things and if i have excuses like its too late, its too far away, I will use them.

Am I crazy?

Akido, Karate, Judo, Tai-Chi

Great outlets for physical activities.
You can find a school or the YMCA offers classes. If money is an issue, go to a school and offer sevices like cleaning, lawncare, etc. in exchange for classes.
Many schools will offer you free classes for a month. Try it and move from school to school for a while and see what suits you best.

You can also volunteer to be a coach, or assistant coach at the YMCA for whatever sporting activities are coming up next. Doesn't cost a dime and allows you to be active.

All good ideas, I dont know about the coaching. It's not that I dont want to one day coach little league, I just dont think I am in the right place to be doing that presently.

I am intreagued by your other suggestions though.... I will check into that, see if its reasonably priced expecially if they offer a month free. But again, until I get a new job, it will be hard to justify paying for anything like that.

I know someone mentioned taking the actual yoga classes and they ARE great....

But just so you know, the DVDs are pretty fun, too.

(shh. my first yoga dvd was from an adult happy meal from McDonalds - it was a marketing ploy to push their mediocre salads off on the poor schlubs that caved to their progeny's whining...but the DVD is FUN!)

You're right, D. The DVDs are fine, if you follow through. I would suggest one thing, if you go that route. Try to make the environment as relaxing and studio-like as possible.

I get a lot less benefit from my yoga videos when D18 keeps coming in the room, or my cats see me on the floor and try to crawl all over me, or the light is on, or I hear a tv on in the next room.

Studios will turn down the lights, play peaceful music, light candles, burn incense...it all plays into the relaxation benefit.

Well, I am into kayaking and I can highly recommend it.

If you live by the coast you can go sea kayaking. I really love it, especially in areas with plenty of islands. In the winter I play canoe polo indoors. I have never really liked ball sports but canoe polo is so much fun.

Besides the physical activity and the fun I also meet lots of people and make new friends. Kayakers are generally a nice and friendly lot.

Re yoga, the Namaste Yoga on FitTV is really good and relaxing...

The best places to find rec sports are either in your local newspaper (the free one that is full of ads if you get one) or by contacting the rec or community centers directly. I've had to do this several times throughout my life (not just because of divorce but twice I moved to a different country and I've moved to different cities as well).