I'm really sorry grrluk I really didn't mean to bum anyone out, I was just answering ineedneedles question. The trick is to find whatever works for you and your body type (you cant fight that,grrr).

I always loved running because its great for soothing a restless soul, but I didn't do it regularly or religiously until I started dating my husband and noticed women in the street giving me the nasty "WTH does he see in her" looks, as if I already wasn't feeling very self conscious - he is 6.4, very athletic and over 240lbs, while I'm barely 5.3 and hour glass curvy. So instead of turning mean, and unable to change my height, I decided to tone up. People who never tried have this preconception about gym and weight training being difficult and vile chore, as did I, but it isn't and once I tried it I liked it.
I usually came in around 11am and stayed 1-2h, the best part was at that time no one was in just us 3-4 girls and a trainer, so we had his undivided attention without having to pay for private lessons, lol. Thus afternoon creepy crowed was a shock to my system and I stopped going. These days I am as confident about my looks as a woman can get, lol, but I seriously need to find another one (Delia you must be psychic, lol) because I am training for a marathon next year. I didn't mention that in my previous post because I didn't want you to think I am crazy, lol.
I started Pilates to prevent my occasional back ache caused by my small frame, genetics, running after a toddler and "considerable chest assets" (as described by one of the formentioned creeps from the gym) becoming acute.
Weekended hiking though is just a great excuse for tiring kids out so mom and dad can later have undisturbed play time, lol.