clare . . . .
i dunno if you're scared of heights at all, but if you've got a climbing wall any where near you, i'd seriously recommend it. . . . i have no boredom threshold whatsoever when it comes to sit-ups and the like, but climbing's loadsa fun, you'll be completely knackered long before you get bored, and you can stay as near to the ground for as long as you like. the kind of workout you get tones every single thing up without adding any bulk, does wonders for your stamina and energy levels, and being 60-80 feet up clinging by your fingertips is completely exhilarating yet completely safe. ;-)
a beginners course at the leeds wall cost £60 quid for 4 sessions of safety and technical instruction, then about a tenner a time including all equipment hire for as long as you like. similiar costs elsewhere i'd imagine. and . . . . there's not so much of the competitive thing you can get at your local gym. ;-)
neil x x x x