Exercising

What do you all do for exercise?

I'm feeling pretty discouraged right now and angry at myself. This week started off positive. It was my first week starting my exercise routine. Nothing strenuous....just walking on my treadmill. My goal was to walk on it at least once everyday after work. Starting off slow and building from there.

Monday I only walked for 30 minutes. I was amazed at how much energy I had and how easy it was compared to before surgery when I'd be huffing and puffing and about ready to fall over from my back pain and being so tired. It was much easier this time. And I said to myself "I can do this everyday!" Well the problem was my shoes rubbed blisters on the back of both my heels. Tuesday I got back on the treadmill, but the shoes hurt so bad on the back of my heels as I was walking I just couldn't do it. Determined not to give up I did the most stupidest thing ever and decided to just walk without the shoes. Boy was that a mistake because now I have blisters on the bottom of both feet as well and I'm pretty much out of commission. Can barely put any weight on my feet much less walk.

I hate that now I have to delay my walking until my feet heal. I was super motivated and pumped and now I'm just mad at myself. Now I'm just limping around at work because I can barely walk without excruciating pain. Hoping my feet heal fast so I can get back to burning calories!

I'd love to hear what you all do for exercise? I always wanted to join a gym, but I'm weird about working out when there are other people around feeling like they are watching me.

I love Pilates, I've started doing rowing, boxing is fun, and I've done yoga, aerial classes, barre, etc plus treadmill, or bike, elliptical etc. I really like mixing things up so I don't get bored. I am not as disciplined and consistent as some people are but I am working on it!

I work with a trainer and do a mix of high-intensity things to get my heart rate up and weight lifting. One thing I will advise you--take the time and get proper shoes. When my husband started walking, I told him not to cheap out on the shoes. He went to a running store and got properly fitted. You might think they'll laugh you out of the store, but they will not. They want to make a sale and they want a satisfied customer. You want to walk without pain, so it's a win/win.

Your J Random Skechers might be fine for walking around at work, but when you're putting real effort into it, you'll need proper shoes to avoid injury.

Good luck with your exercise!

Jen

I hate to exercise and I only do it in spurts. I have a treadmill and elliptical and they don't get used. I have had a gym membership that didn't get used so I discontinued it. Walking is a good place to start. I use to be a runner until I injured myself. Get yourself a good pair of shoes and good socks so that you won't get blisters. You have inspired me to get my butt moving again a 30-minute commitment is a good place to start.

yoga, Zumba (or any other dance cardio), and anything in the pool. If I'm not in the mood to exercise or am restricted for some reason (e.g., surgery), then recumbent bike or NuStep (cross-trainer - similar to a stationary bike) is another option that I like.

Water aerobics. And on days when there is no water aerobics class, I just get in the pool with a noodle and walk for a half hour. No blisters, no sore feet, even no sweat. For me, it has always been the perfect exercise. At one point, it bothered my knees and I ended up spending $100 for really good water shoes. They were worth every penny.

Every time I start going to a gym with no pool, I end up in pain somewhere and quit doing it. Twenty minutes of working out three times a week will keep your body in shape. The rest is great, but it is to keep your ego in shape.

I run 5 days per week (about 15-20 miles per week right now) and I do strength exercises twice per week. I also like to hike in the summer.

As someone else said, once your feet heal, go to a proper running store and get fitted for shoes. It's changed my life finding Fleet Feet. For my whole life, I've had issues getting a proper fit with shoes and I suffer through blisters until my feet "adjust". Turns out it's not supposed to be that way. Now, I literally walk out of the store and take my shoes for a run without any issues or pain.

Edited to add: Shoes are only good for about 300-500 miles. If you're getting 10k steps per day that's only about 2-3 months before you need a shoe change. None of this "these are my 5-year-old sneakers" stuff.

Hokas?

I walk and track on Samsung Health. I do at least 10k steps per day 5-7 days per week, which involves at least an hour's purposeful walk outside every day. The rest is "active" minutes.

I have different routes that I can tell you exactly how many steps/miles/minutes are involved.

If I have a day just hanging out at home, I get about 2-3k pottering around the house/garden.

I ran immediately after surgery, but the injuries weren't worth it at my age.

Exercise is for health, not weightloss, so make sure whatever you choose is something you enjoy and will do on a consistent basis.

Walking is good and you will get back to it. Don't say "only" 30 minutes. That's a long time for a 1st time. When you restart, try 15 or do 15 early in the morning and 15 after work. For now, instead of not exercising, try some chair yoga. You can find a bunch on you tube. Do some arm strength training, no feet involved. If you have access to a stationary bike, use it, it's great exercise. I got one because of my arthritis and it's easier on the joints. LOL, I also hate the stationary bike. I have no clue why walking on a treadmill going nowhere is fun and riding a stationary bike going nowhere isn't fun. A lot of times, I'll get on my stationary bike and do arm exercises at the same time. I'm getting ready to retire (I'm 67 about time, don't ya think ) and I plan on rejoining the gym. I'm so excited.