Exercising??

[Jill_S 1]

I just started an exercise routine after New Year's. I kept putting it off and putting it off :rofl:

I started off on my exercise bike (similar to this one, but mine is a few years old http://www.proform.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product2_10851_10151_12908_-1_11614) I did 1 mile the first night, then 1.5, then 2.5, 3, 4, and Thursday I did 5 miles in 20:10. Last night, I did my 5 miles in 19:50. Last night was the first time I've felt at all winded.

My goal with this first is to do 10 miles/40 minutes. Then 15 miles/60 minutes. 5 times a week.

I'm looking for some kind of activity I can do that will also work my upper body. I'm also considering trading the bike in for a treadmill when I either move, or hit 230 pounds. Whichever comes first

I'm currently exercising at night, because I shower at night. My hair is down to my butt, and if I shower in the morning, I have to go to work with wet hair - which in a Wisconsin Winter is a horrible idea. Also, my hair would stay wet til after Noon and it's not a very professional appearance. I get home from work around 6, eat dinner, relax until 7 or 7:30, then get on the bike.

I had an elliptical machine but I always felt off balance on that thing. I couldn't get into a good swing with it, because I felt off-kilter.

The bike isn't much for burning calories, so I hear, but the point for me right now is to exercise, get moving, get my heart rate up, build the strength up in my legs, make them sexy *grin*, and feel good because I'm up off the couch and *moving*.

Is anyone doing any sort of toning exercises that seem to be working, and are easy for people of size? I'd love to find some.

[vinesqueen 2]

The most important thing, IMHO, is to start slowly. Folks have a tendency to want to jump into excersize programs and just go full tilt without being physically ready, which can and will lead to injuries and pain.

Water aerobics is a good place to start, its a class, so there are other poeple to encourage you as well. (something that I need, I do SO much better in a class setting than not.) And if my DH, who at his all time high of 600 pounds could go to his Water aerobic class, then you can get your relatively skinny butt down there too :rofl:

Another thing to keep in mind is to find something you enjoy, an activity that doesn't fall under the classic "excersize" model. Something like dancing, or hiking, or gardening, the list is endless.

[TexasRose 0]

I started attending Curves about 6 weeks after my surgery. I've built up to 1.5 - 2.0 hours working out while trying to build my core back. The "trainers" there said that you really only need to do 30 minutes/day of their circuit training - but I do not feel like that is enough of a workout for me personally. Great thing there is that it is all women and there are always more out of shape and older people there than me. The environment is very easy in which to be comfortable and feel like you can work up a sweat.

[gentlespirit 1]

When I first wanted to start Water aerobics I was sure I'd be too embarrassed to let anyone see me in a swimsuit. Then I decided the heck with it...I should be proud that I'm doing something healthful for myself and if anyone had a problem witht the way I looked, that was just too bad. They could look elsewhere. Having said that, I don't loll around outside the pool..it's a quick in and quick out when we're done. I'm not the biggest one there, either! I'm looking forward to feeling OK in a suit by next year.

Emily

[shanna 0]

I started Jazzercise about 2 months ago - I love it! When I started I did very low impact and started out slow and went about 3 times per week. Now I'm up to high impact and I go about 6 times a week. I love the atmosphere - there are all kinds of people - young, older, overweight, underweight, normal.

I did Curves a couple of years ago and liked it alot for a while. It's a very easy and gentle way of getting into the routine of exercise, but I found that after a while it just wasn't enough for me. I had a hard time keeping my heart rate up enough after a few months.

[sarabride2006 0]

I walk/jog on the treadmill for 30 mins then do the elliptical for 15. I also do some circuit machines and free weights. I used to work out HARD before I gained all of this weight, so when I set my mind to it, I got back into the groove. It was easier than I thought and it helps me fall asleep and wake up more easily. I tend to work out at night b/c I am NOT a morning person...

[FunnyDuddies 6]

uh that is my most difficult issue. I could get so much more of a workout done if I did it in the morning. No kids interupting me, no excuse of being too tired from the day to make me skip it, yet i can not get my fat butt out of bed before 7:30. Even that time kills me, but if I don't get up the kids trash their room.

Amy

[Jill_S 1]

I did 22 minutes/5.563 miles last night I was so proud. Plus, it was my 6th night in 7 days.

Is there some kind of exercise motivation thread that I've missed? If not, I'm going to start one! I love hearing what everyone else is doing.

Also, does anyone have any good ideas on how much we should be doing? I mean, some places you read 3 times a week/20 minutes, and other places you read 5 times a week/30 minutes. Is there a reliable source for how much cardio we should get?

[Iluvharleys 15]

Walking is my favorite. I like walking outside though, I hate to walk on the treadmill.

[j.s. 0]

I do curves 3 x a week and on the other days I walk on my treadmill at home. Right now I am doing 3 miles/day on the treadmill and try to run at least twice during my session as long as I can. For curves I go early in the morning before work (5:30 am) and the treadmill I do after work.

[FunnyDuddies 6]

At least 3 times a week. The amount of time is crucial too. 3 times a week at 45 minutes is actually better than 5 times a week at 20 minutes.

Amy

[FunnyDuddies 6]

Ok. I actually got out of bed this morning to go for my walk, and that was hard because somebody turned the air conditioner up last night (my daughter likes it cold in her room) Then went outside and it was COLD!! When is winter gonna be over? LOL

Amy