So, do you move?

Exercise is one of those activities that I hate doing.  I hate that I have to take time out of my already busy schedule and do those things that are not fun.  But, and here’s the kicker; after I started to walking/running/dancing, I began to enjoy the feeling of accomplishment.  Also, immediately after the exercise, I have this euphoric feeling that is a little hard to describe. 

So, today, my exercise consisted of a three-mile run-walk.  I start out walking and after the first mile, I increase the speed up until the last mile, I am running. At the end of the walk-run, I walk away from the gym thinking, I can do this. I can run. 

 My question to all of you is what exercise do you do that takes out what you are putting in to your mouth? 

If you are not exercising, what is or what are the reason/reasons that prevents you from exercising?

If you can and want to exercise, what do you think could be a reasonable amount of time and the one exercise that you think you might start that you can commit to for the month of November? 

I have only one bit of advice: Unless you are dancing, don’t get an exercise buddy.  Exercise buddies are nice but they can hamper your efforts and can break your concentration.  Exercise buddies are probably the single reason why my past history of walking has failed.  If they don’t show up, I won’t go in to the gym.  Or, I tend to accommodate a walking buddies schedule and that makes my exercise time not really mine. 

 

Good evening, Jeannie,

I have no excuses. Don't get me wrong, I can find plenty of reasons not to exercise, but I'm only fooling myself.

Today, I helped my DIL get more settled in their new house. Two stories, heavy lifting, furniture moving, etc. I think that qualifies for today. Tomorrow I plan on filling a two hour gap in my day with a good walk around the river trail. I'll be walking a half marathon in three weeks, so I must put some more miles on my feet instead of my bike. Bummer, too. I'd much prefer to be riding my bike out in the beautiful weather, but walk I must!

Good point about the workout buddy!

Walking is the best exercise and it is one that if done carefully cannot do much harm.  You will have those few pounds off in no time.  I really like dancing too.  Do you think you could sign up for a good dance class?

 

I try for 2 good walks a day. Yoda helps us move indeed. Also do leg and arm exercises often during the day to help strengthen and regain balance. I find that after the hot tub, when I get in the pool I am limber and do a really good workout. I see the difference in just 2 months with working on the legs. I use my cane, but feel more confident walking, balance wise. Misings the feelings in my feet really kept me from venturing out with ease. Now I find I believe in myself so enjoy the walking more and more. After having been house bound (mental issues, OCD, and alcohol) for almost 3 years, each outting is a burst of fun, relished instead of dreaded.

Monica,

I'm with you on feeling better after walking.  I have found that even on the days that I dread walking or running, once I do the time, I feel empowered and accomplised.  In addition, I think walking regenrates us over 50 folks.   Two good walks a day is a good work out.  You can always do some pilates or even modified yoga on your down time.  Stretching my arms, neck, back, and legs  can be very helpful for improving circulation and building up muscle strength.  

I'm glad to hear that you are working out.   

 I love to swim, and when I do, I try to go a minimum of 20 minutes at a time.  I have not been to the gym in a while do to serious orthopedic problems, and most recently, toe surgery where they had to break the bones in two toes and fuse them together.  My goal is to start back in no less than a month.

Trish

Trish,

I love working out in the pool.  I bought one of those noodle things and when I am in the pool or out at the lake, I use the noodle for exercising my arms and my legs.  Plus, I can support my body and kick my feet and get a lot of exercise that way too.  

Your toes will be good as new before you know it and you can start back to water exercising.  In the meantime, you might try sitting in a chair and doing leg lifts, or using canned beans, do arm curls.  Even at my desk at work, I do leg lifts butt curls.  I know the butt curl sounds strange, but doing the Kegals is helpful for my old bladder and tightening my butt muscle also tones up the old back side.  

Hopefully, you can find time to work out the arms and legs from a sitting position.   

 I was a couch potato before, but now I love the way exercise makes me feel.  I do a variety of things to keep it interesting.  I take a zumba class with friends once a week, and tap dancing with the same friends once a week.  I like to do my elliptical at home while watching favorite shows and movies.  I usually do 4-7 miles on it at a variable gradiation.  Depends how much time I have.  I do weight lifting twice a week to build my muscles and keep my bones strong.  And I like to walk outside with my hubby or friends.  To help motivate me, hubby and I sign up for half marathons or other races so we have to train if we're going to finish them.  Never thought I would say it, but I LOVE the way exercise makes me feel and how my body looks from it.  Can't wait to finish healing from the plastics so I can get back into my routine.

Jan

Jan,

I relate so well to your comment that you love the way exercise makes you feel.  I, too, like the endorphine rush that I have immediately following zumba class and running.  

Tuesdays and Thursdays are my zumba days and I always leave class feeling mentally and physically good.  Glad you have a routine that works for you and soon you will be back doing your exericse.  I cannot wait to see the results of your plastics.