EXERCISE ~ WHAT & HOW OFTEN

[LOUISE_B]

Hi Guys,

The one thing which I have NEVER done a lot of is exercise and i'm finally beginning to realise that exercise is so important.

In July I started a new job with the police but based at HQ now and to be honest, it is absolutely fantastic both location and facilities.

We have our own gym and it's FREE ~ I was thinking of joining the gym on Monday and going each lunchtime.

I was just wondering how you all welcomed exercise into your lives and what exercise you do, for how long and how often.

Also, do you think that exercise made a difference to your weight loss?

The hardest part i'm going to find is making my brain ENJOY the exercise. So many people have said to me that when they started exercising they then became addicted to it, which at the moment, I find so hard to believe, I just don't enjoy exercising

So do you all have any tips for me on how to train my brain to LOVE exercise?

[Finelly]

Re: EXERCISE ~ WHAT & HOW OFTEN

I'm losing very slowly this time around, and I am exercising this time, which I didn't do last time at all. I don't think exercising is slowing OR speeding anything up.

BUT.....it is making me TRIMMER and more energetic and I look really good. I am waaaaay healthier now.

I do 45 min of cardio per day, 5-6 days per week. I get bored easily, so I often do 15 min each of treadmill, stationary bike, and elliptical trainer.

Then I alternate upper and lower body weight training every other day. Today, for example, is lower body resistence training on the machines at the gym.

[Brook]

Re: EXERCISE ~ WHAT & HOW OFTEN

Hi Lou!

You're right. Exercise is extremely important - but for so many more reasons than just the obvious.

I was thinking of joining the gym on Monday and going each lunchtime.

I think this is fantastic, and you should absolutely go for it. The thing I'd suggest though is that you invest the money and time in yourself to hire a personal trainer for a couple of sessions. It's time that in truly invaluable and here is why.

When I go to the gym, more often than not I see people wandering around looking pretty lost. They don't have any idea what they should be doing, in what order, how much, or when. They spend more time being frustrated and wandering around than they do getting anything done.

Hiring a personal trainer alleviates all of that. Not only that, but a personal trainer can build a routine that's just for YOU. Not a general, generic routine, but one that addresses your abilities and your needs directly. It will save you time, frustration, and wasted energy that could be put towards building that new, svelte you!

If you choose not to hire a personal trainer, I'd strongly suggest touring the facilities and getting a solid idea of all the equipment available to you so you can forumulate a plan. Bill Phillips (Body For Life) said that walking into a gym without a specific plan for what you're going to do is a formula for wasted time, and in my experience, he's right.

When I started exercising, I had to do everything from home. I started with Walk Away The Pounds videos. They are very low impact, easy to modify to my ability and were aerobic, but also gave me beginning toning (strength) exercises. They were a great building block for me.

Also, do you think that exercise made a difference to your weight loss?

A difference to my weight loss? Probably. A difference in FAT loss? ABSOLUTELY. There's no doubt about it. Not only does it aid in FAT loss, it helps you to build lean muscle mass which burns more calories at a resting rate, reduces stress, promotes better sleep, helps to maintain bone density...the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

As for making yourself love it, if you have to force it you haven't found the right activity for you yet. The best exercise is going to be something that you will do every day. If that means walking, then that's what you start with. If that means a tae kwon do class or a belly dancing class, have at it! There are a billion ways to get your exercise in that don't have to be grueling or mentally taxing.

You will find that you LOVE the way your body feels. I'm not going to lie to you and tell you that it's going to come easy at first. At first if you're anything like I was, it's going to be a conscious, scheduled daily event that you just add into your day like brushing your teeth - it's just got to be done. It doesn't take long for you to stop being sore and for it to become a habit. Then all of a sudden you notice that you're sleeping better, you feel amazing, and your clothes are so much looser.

Losing weight= look good in clothes
Losing weight + exercise= Look good nekkid

I wish you success!
~Brook

[LOUISE_B]

Re: EXERCISE ~ WHAT & HOW OFTEN

Hey Brook,

Thanks for the reply.

I just wanted to say, YOU look absolutely STUNNING

Congratulations and Well Done on your achievement

YOU are definitely an INSPIRATION for me !

[Brook]

Re: EXERCISE ~ WHAT & HOW OFTEN



Thank you very, very much Louise! You absolutely made my day.

Thank you for the smile!

~Brook

[Ben G]

Re: EXERCISE ~ WHAT & HOW OFTEN

Losing weight= look good in clothes
Losing weight + exercise= Look good nekkid

HAHA that for some reason made my laugh brooke. And its so true too. I occassionally get talking to people about weight loss and i'm like "i need to lose more" and they are like "and WHY do you think that" and i say "cause i do, clothes hide it alot, you all see me with my shirt on, if you were to see otherwise you'd see my point of view." So yea, what you said is a true statement

[ttdriver]

Re: EXERCISE ~ WHAT & HOW OFTEN

I was just wondering how you all welcomed exercise into your lives and what exercise you do, for how long and how often.
Started by walking 1.5 miles a day and working up slowly. That was nearly 4 years ago. Now, I am a full-fledged runner, averaging 30-35 miles a week. And I'm no youngster ... I'll be 50 in 3 months.



Also, do you think that exercise made a difference to your weight loss?

Definitely, and what's more, it has helped me easily maintain my 40 pound weight loss for nearly 4 years.



The hardest part i'm going to find is making my brain ENJOY the exercise. So many people have said to me that when they started exercising they then became addicted to it, which at the moment, I find so hard to believe, I just don't enjoy exercising


One word: ENDORPHINS. Once you experience the great way you feel after exercise, you will be hooked. I dare say nobody enjoys exercise initially, but once you watch your body change before your very eyes, you will realize how great it is!! And the ENERGY!! WOW!



So do you all have any tips for me on how to train my brain to LOVE exercise?

JUST DO IT!

Betty

[mamakimberly]

Re: EXERCISE ~ WHAT & HOW OFTEN

I *love* working out! Due to intensive volunteering with hurricane victims, I've been away from the gym for a week and I feel it!!!

I love the RUSH you get after working out!

I try to work out 5-6 days a week and do cardio every day and weight training 3 of those days.

It makes you feel SO good about your body!

[cleochatra]

Re: EXERCISE ~ WHAT & HOW OFTEN

Louise-- Congratulations on making the right decision about exercise!

For me, I agree is HAS to be fun! I walk on the treadmill everyday and watch tv. It is the only time I watch TV. so if you look at television as the reward for exercise, it makes life sooooooo much more exciting!

Right now I rent movies through an on-line service and watch an episode per day. I love it! It keeps me motivated and keeps my mind off of what I'm doing.

I walk an hour a night at an incline of 2 (burns more calories) and go about 3 miles right now. I'm burning roughly 780 calories in that hour, too. You bet it makes a difference!

You can do it!

[Starmaker]

Re: EXERCISE ~ WHAT & HOW OFTEN

are treadmills expensive? Are there ones that can be folded up easily and stored? I have no room for something like that, but can't see myself walking every day in 40 below winter weather either.