How can I get over my disdain for sport enough so I can exercise yet again?

Stretching is imperative. I meant to add collagen rich foods, such as pork neck/tail, oxtail, hamhock.

Go for a walk, and after a few weeks introduce a period of jogging. Don't overdo it, but always match it or go a bit further.

You said you can walk— keep walking. A little further each time. I usually do at least a couple miles a day,, but it’s literally been 104 where I am, so I haven’t been able to go as far or as fast as I would like—and I’m gaining weight. 😕 So, yes, walking can absolutely help with your weight. Good luck!

I just want to say that I appreciate this post so much. I really feel you about the emotional resistance to exercise and how big an obstacle it can be - people don't talk about it enough. I was bullied a lot in gym class/group sports too, and was in a relationship for a long time with a partner who was very critical about my fitness. Just thinking about “getting exercise” can trigger deep anxiety that makes it feel impossible to get started. It’s a thing I still struggle with.

I second what others have said about starting by looking for opportunities to incorporate movement, rather than setting out saying “I am about to go get me some EXERCISE.” And starting very very gradually. For me, I anticipate the feeling of failure with exercise, so it’s been really important to start with something that feels almost too easy, just to be able to say “I did it.”

A couple things I have learned/try to practice. Some of them sound v cheesy, but have helped me.

1. The first goal can literally be - put my running shoes on. Once the shoes are on, I’ve gotten the process started and almost always just go for the run/walk. But it’s important that it be okay if you don’t, too. The goal is just to put the shoes on.
2. I have found it helpful to listen to guided run recordings or podcasts. It’s literally a lil voice in your ear reminding you to take it easy, and that you’re doing great for just starting.
3. While on your walk/run/bike ride whatever, think about all other people in the world who are also on their first run, or second run or wherever youre at. I find it much easier to cheer for other people. Then I can turn it around and cheer for myself too, once I’ve got those good feelings started.

Anyway. I hope this is helpful. Thanks again for your post. I’m cheering for you and me both!

Can you do push ups? If so, sprinkle a little set of 5, 10, 20 (whatever is a light strain) through the day every couple of hours or so.

Pull ups and squats too as much as you're able. Push ups give some core work, but some crunches or sit ups would be nice too. Core is key for strength and health.

Some form of cardio too, once a day 30mins. Just walking is fine.

This is what I used (on top of cutting sugary foods from my diet) to get from ~120kg to ~80kg and got compliments on my muscle building despite lifting no weights.

The constant light exercise is also great for mental health, giving a few chances a day for a little mental refresh.

I'm a big believer in calisthenics and just constantly living under the strain you want to be able to operate in. To me it's the natural path, and I and a few friends had great success with this approach.

Lifting weights can give more efficient gains. If you can find a sport you like (swimming would be my top suggestion for someone with injuries to account for), the social pressure can be a huge help.

But what worked for me is simple constant light exercise. You can do it anywhere, and it gives a very practical strength and endurance that makes everyday life easier and more comfortable.

Just my two bits. Good luck

Try Tai Chi.

Low impact, not competitive, and not only gets you in shape, but teaches you self defense at the same time without you even realizing it.

Diet plays a larger role in losing weight. Pokemon Go + food can get you started if the only thing you can do is walk.

This, but I won't endorse pokemon go in any way.

Swimming is the best way to build endurance/cardio without putting stress on your joints

Will it make me go from chubby to muscled in a few months like in those AI slop ads?

I can't do push ups, especially after my injury, never really had the muscle strength to support my own body weight with other than my legs.

For me it's the issue of where to walk. Our location is great but I need to avoid people for various reasons. And now there are lots of dogs being walked which react in unexpected ways I also need to avoid.

And then of course I feel stupid walking somewhere 'pointlessly'.

Any hints are appreciated (however the avoidance mentioned above is a given).

Oh man, I wish you were located close to me. It seems nobody can relate to exercise itself being the issue but also being necessary. I'm pretty sure we could walk around and bit about that constantly.

Movement for me has always been the issue. And I don't mean regular sore muscles. As you said, crippling pain.

I even got into some sports to remedy this specifically and it got even far worse. I've got some neurological disorders that might or might not be related.

I just wish I felt the happiness from sports that seemingly should happen.

Would bird watching be something you might be interested in?

You walk on a trail and get a small monocular or binocular and log the birds you see.

non team sports are great, cycling for example, or mountain bike riding, swimming, running etc

im not a team sport guy but maybe you'll have someone else to engage in activities that need one other person eg tennis, badminton, squash etc

good luck to you though