Exercise

I'm curious what everyone is doing for exercise these days. The treadmill and Oprah are getting pretty boring over here. Any exciting things y'all are trying? Thanks so much, Melissa

I came into a little extra money a few months ago so I paid up on a membership (6 months - good til February) to a new gym here in our little rural town. Its really nice. It has treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, tons of weighted machines, and a circuit training room and 9 flat screen TVs. They also have trainers who assist when needed. Now all that being said...I make it about 2-3 times a week. I do circuit one day and treadmill the other two days. I usually walk about 3.3 miles an hour for approx 40-45 minutes. (Last week I only went once and this week only looks like twice). I'm not doing as well as I was before my gallbladder surgery or since afterschool started (now i work from 7:30 - 5:00 intstead of 3:30 makes a huge difference in my energy level). It is really hard to MAKE time for it. Even on days that I'm not as "systematically" exercising I know I'm far more active now than I was 6 months ago. Mandy

I go to the gym and my routine is starting to get a little old so I need to spice it up. They have a rock climbing wall and I really, really want to try it but I'm so scared! I'm afraid everyone will laugh at me! But, I'm trying to work up the nerve so that will be a big step for me! My weekly routine is: M,W,F nights: 45 minutes strength training on circuits followed by 30 minutes of cardio, usually on the treadill or exercise bike T,TH mornings: 30 minutes on the elliptical and 20-30 minutes on the treadmill I've tried a Spin class a couple times recently ... it is hard!!! And everytime I'm done I get all shakey and spacey feeling for the rest of the day. I'm not sure if I'm burning too many calories and not having enough fuel in my system? Not sure. But I think I'll hold off on that for a bit yet! Have you tried the Leslie Sandsone in-home walking tapes? They are really good too! Deanna

I'm terrible about the exercising stuff I even have a "gym" in my basement with an elipitical, bike and weight system. And lots of vidoes and step aerobics. I never do any of it. Even though I usually have good intentions. Working full time and having a 2 year old just does not leave me anytime for it. When I go find 5 free minutes I just can't find it in me to spend them exercising. I know I know - I am making excuses. There are tons of working moms who find the time for themselves and exercise. I am definetely taking my videos and step to the apartment (so much for that gym now - I won't get to use it) And my new employer has there own free gym - I am thinking about going before or after work - but again - I have to make arrangements with my daughter and daycare........ I know I know - I need to make it a priority. Poo on me!

I joined the ymca in Aug. and at first I was justing doing treadmill ( that was all that I could do! lol ) But now I am going four days a week with an hour warm up on the treadmill/stairstepper. Then I take an arobic class Monday is normally kickboxing but I went to total body conditioning yesterday instead ( OMG I can bearly walk today ) tues is piliaties ( so fun ) also I love, love, love yoga and zumbia ( it's a fun mix of latin dance ) this all keeps me interested in wanting to go back. I am getting more daring too, and taking chances on harder classes!

sad to day, nothing. not a blessed thing. I am working 18 hours a day, it is holiday portrait season and it is just CRAZY here.

That's so funny - I was going to post this today too Anyway, I got lazy about exercise over the last few weeks and have just decided to get back into it. Wish I had time / money to go to a gym, but nevermind. So I go on my rowing machine at home - can now do 10 minutes. To begin with I could barely do 1 minute and then couldn't stand up for 5 minutes when I'd recovered a bit hee hee. I walk more and am much more active than I was before, but I really do need to do more. Plus I can run around with my daughter Millie now and have fun! What I'd really like is some advice on exercises to tighten stomach muscles - my legs have nice muscles and my arms are shapening up but I still have a huge belly with no muscles in which I'd like to work on. Other than sit ups what can I do?

Thanks for all of your responses - they are really helpful! Melissa

I speed walk (I know I'm nerdy). My knees bother me when I run too long. I usually hike 4 miles a day about 4 times a week. Not enough, I know. I also recently bought an exercise ball to work on my core muscles with hand weights too. Darlene