Help! I don't like exercicing

[NeonLike]

Since I started Atkins I have been active, but wasn't doing any kind of structured exercice.

Now I'm doing 6WC and it is so frustrating. I have a busy schedule, go out of the house at 8.00am and only come back around 7.30pm, and a couple of times a week I have to work late.

Going to a gym is not an option. The only thing I have available and use are a bike, some free weights (also have a jumping rope and a hoola-hoop, but haven't use them yet).

I think it would be better if I exercised in the morning, but that would mean getting up at about 6.00am and I haven't been able to do it yet. I end up working out late at night, and I think that because of that I don't put that much energy in, because I'm already so tired. And I find it so boring! And my knee hurts!

On the positive side: I feel better, more balanced, maybe its just my eyes but my legs look better . My arms are definetly bulking up. And it has been less than 2 weeks!

I like the results. My question is: what can I do to enjoy the process more? I just can't seem to get used to it. I see exercise as a boring chore.

Help!

[cleochatra]

Re: Help! I don't like exercicing

Can you bike to work? We purposely bought a house closer to hubby's work so he can ride his bike. When biking becomes a mode of transportation, not only is it better for the environment, but it's better for you! Everyone in Colorado seems to ride their bikes everywhere! I love it!

[Isabeau]

Re: Help! I don't like exercicing

I agree with Cleo, it's important to make it part of your lifestyle. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park in the furthest away parking spot from the grocery store door. Take a walk during your lunch break. All of these small changes add up! In terms of a 'structured' exercise program, try to find something that you like! I love reading while riding a stationary bike. It's some great 'me' time. The important thing is to make it a priority. You're worth it.

[Brook]

Re: Help! I don't like exercicing

Got cable TV? FitTV is a channel that might do you some serious good. They've got a billion exercise programs on there, all you have to do is tune in. On Demand also has a ton of exercise programs.

Check out your local library for books and a big variety of exercise videos - everything from tai chi to yoga to cardio kickboxing to circuit training to step aerobics. That way it's not going to cost you anything to figure out what floats your boat

You've obviously got the internet available to you. There are ZILLIONS of exercise programs/routines outlined on the internet that aren't going to cost you a thing and are right at your finger tips. All you have to do is print them out.

At home basics that are inexpensive and provide a fantastic amount of variety:

Balance Ball (about $15 at Walmart). Workout routines for it can be found on video, in books (library!), and on the internet.

Dumbbells - From 2lbs-15lbs are generally more than enough to get you going. You said you have free weights, so hopefully you've already got this!

A step stool about 6-8 inches tall. You need something that's solid and roomy enough for your entire foot. No need to drop mega $$ on a Rebok step - rubbermaid will do just fine (although if you find this is a fun one for you, you'll be anxious to upgrade to a regular aerobic step).

We can pelt you with some fantastic video suggestions as well, if you're interested.

You might want to check into classes in your area. I don't just mean a gym, but what about tae kwon do/karate/judo? What about jazzercise? What about a dance class (I take belly dancing classes - they're a BLAST!) a couple of times a week?

You're going to have to learn to schedule your exercise time into your day. We've all been there and it's not an easy thing to do at first, but it IS doable. We're all busy, but not making ourselves a priority is a big part of landed most of us here to begin with, right? You have to make an effort to find what appeals to you and then work it like mad! You're already reaping some of the benefits of what you're doing, so I don't have to convince you on that tip I would really suggest giving the morning a shot. Exercising at night before you go to bed has got to be messing with your sleep! Exercising releases endorphines and it can really perk ya up (yes..even though you're physically tired) and interfere with sleep. I know I find I sleep much better at night when exercise is a regular part of my day.....but I do it in the morning when I can get the most benefit out of it - both metabolically and energy wise.

HTHS
~Brook

[Iapetus999]

Re: Help! I don't like exercicing

Yup...it starts out as a chore..but once you get into it you make all kinds of excuses to get your workout in.
I'm starting a new job in a week that will require me working a lot more hours than my current job...and my biggest concern in taking the offer was trying to figure out how to get my workouts in.

I agree with Brook...find something you like. I just started playing in a rec volleyball league which has been a lot of fun ('cept for the pizza/beer after the game...skipped the pizza but been drinkin too much )

It just requires that you establish an exercise habit...which takes a few weeks of commitment before it become a regular thing.

[texwife&mom]

Re: Help! I don't like exercicing

You have already gotten some great advice.
My two cents.
I am a stay at home mommie of a 3 and 4 year old. I get up at 5am to run. I make it fun by training for longer distances (half marathon in 3 weeks) If you give yourself something to strive for I find it will hold you attention and motivation longer. Being a mother of two boys I enjoy the silence of my runs, but many fellow sweaters enjoy music and find that it really helps them get thru.

[TNDeb]

Re: Help! I don't like exercicing

Ok, I have two suggestions. One of which works for me. I do a fast circuit training where I walk on the treadmill for 10 minutes (you could bike or jump rope for a certain number of minutes), jump off do some upper body work with the weights, jump back on for another 10 minutes and so on until I get my hour in. This keeps me from getting bored which is a problem for non patient people like myself. Also, if you have someone that will exercise with you that helps a friend, hubby or even a dog (take her/him for a walk). The time passes by much quicker when someone else is there working out with you.

Another thing that I have found is that the longer I am on the diet the less sleep I need. I woke up this morning at 5:00 a.m. which is something I have NEVER done. I am not a morning person. Maybe this will kick in for you and you will be able to get your exercise in before the start of your day because I agree with you that last thing in the day is not the optimal time to exercise. However, it is better than nothing.

[NeonLike]

Re: Help! I don't like exercicing

Thank you all for your input!

cleochatra ~ I should clarify, its a static bycicle. But i like the idea of biking outdoors, maybe I should get a new bike . But not to work, long commute.

Isabeau ~ All those little things I incorporated already in my day, that's what I meant being active. Somewhere in my brain I hoped that would be enough.

Brook ~ Wow, such an extensive reply! thank you. I've got cable, but no FitTV! I want that!! I like the video idea, but I haven't been able to find any, I searched everywhere. For a while I did step aerobics when I was a teen and loved it, maybe that would work for me. Do they have tapes on that? Next stop, google!

[NeonLike]

Re: Help! I don't like exercicing

Iapetus999 ~ Good luck on your new job!
Yes, we are all creatures of habits. It takes three weeks to set a new habit right? counting anxiously... heheh


texwife&mom ~ children are so precious at that age! Seeing examples like yours, it makes me realise I have it easier. When I take care of my 4 year old cousin, she leaves me exhausted, and thats just in a couple of hours! I have to stop complaing and just do it!


TNDeb ~ I like your suggestions. I do have a buddy I can work out with, but just on weekends. I'm not a morning person as well, but today I exercised in the morning and it went smoothly, I wasn't always looking at the clock, it was really good! but we are talking about 8.00am. On week days it ill have to be 2 hours earlier


thanks again guys!