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?

[Lisa M]

Re: EXERCISE ~ WHAT & HOW OFTEN

Hi there, Louise!

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

As often as you can. Start out with making little goals if you've never exercised before, like 30mins 4 days a week, working up to 35 mins 5 days a week, 45 mins 5 days a week, etc. It's your call. But what ever you do...enjoy it!! It's worth it!

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

Yep...I have lost 8 inches and 4 pounds since I started the exercise challenge. But exericse is esential part of Atkins....Dr. A says you have to exercise to follow Atkins properly.

I just don't enjoy exercising

You're looking at the QUEEN of hating exercise. It doesn't happen over night, but maybe in a couple of three days or so and you'll see an amazing difference. Again, you have to find something you enjoy doing that fits you and your schedule.

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

Have faith in yourself. You CAN do it! Come on over and join in on the challenges! I'd love to see ya there!

Enjoy the gym or whatever you find that fits you and your needs with exercise! There's a lot to chose from!

Best wishes in your journey!

[cleochatra]

Re: EXERCISE ~ WHAT & HOW OFTEN

Lisa!

Also, something loonatika (a mod here) said once is something akin to "Exercise for 15 minutes. It's very doable. And when you get there you'll find you won't want to stop!"

But it's those little bites we take that make the whole thing seem less like a traumatic rigor!

So start by shooting for the first 15!

[Hinen]

Re: EXERCISE ~ WHAT & HOW OFTEN

I love swimming, gravity is kind in the water, it doesn't hurt my knees or back, and I like the sensations of being in the water. I started swimming 30 minutes slowly, with breaks and not trying to go fast or do more that was comfortable, and I concentrated on re-wiring my brain, talking good to myself, "isn't this nice?" enjoying the sun on the water, the solitude, the way the time just goes. When I felt okay swimming 2 times a week I increased to 3 times. I now swim non stop for 30 minutes 3 times a week.
In the last couple of weeks I have added an exercise video, this is really new and I'm not sure about it, I couldn't do any of the knee bendy exercises, am now doing the bits I can twice through, its taking over an hour which is too long, I can't fit it into my day.
I read Brook's melting page and took what she said to heart, don't push too hard, don't do or die. I know I can be competitive with myself in a way that's not fun. I have a girlfriend who over many years has become really fit and slim and exercise is an integral part of her life, and I feel I am at the begining of making exercise part of my life.
Quote:
Also, do you think that exercise made a difference to your weight loss?
Exercise is a non negotiable part of Atkins.
Toned is always better looking than flabby

[Brook]

Re: EXERCISE ~ WHAT & HOW OFTEN

Hi Lou! I posted this in the other forum you posted your question in, but wanted to be sure you caught it - so am posting it here too.


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