Exercise "tricks"

[Tufflaw 463]

Curious to see what "tricks" anyone uses to get more exercise in.

I recently started exercising again, and am really trying to get the ball rolling. I started the Couch to 5K program for running - I've done it in the past but never followed up so I'm trying again, starting week 3 tomorrow. Also started doing circuit training at Planet Fitness three times a week on the days when I'm not running. But the biggest thing is trying to get a lot of aerobic exercise in the form of the elliptical machine at Planet Fitness. It's boring but I found a way to "trick" myself into doing it for long periods of time. I bring my tablet and watch TV shows and movies and the time flies by. It also incentivizes me to go the gym because I decided I wouldn't watch anything at home, only at the gym, so now I want to go every day so I can catch up on my shows! I've been watching a series with hour long episodes so I've been doing an hour on the elliptical almost every day.

[ShoppGirl 3,340]

I thought you were looking for tips. Instead you shared a great one. I love the idea of only watching at the gym to make yourself want to go. I may try that with my treadmill at home which is currently stored under the bed as I haven’t used it in forever. My only exercise tip is the generic one to park further away from stores and take the stairs when possible. Which according to my Apple Watch do actually help a little but I’m sure that’s not a new concept. Great thread idea. Ooh also, I cleared a path from one end of the house to the other and when I am on the phone I just walk back and forth. This adds several minutes of exercise time to my day most days. My husband thought I was nuts at first and I confused my dog a bit but now she just looks at me like whatever you do your thing.

Edited August 8, 2022 by ShoppGirl

[The Greater Fool 1,937]

I've tried to spend time in the gym but no matter what I do or how I do it it's nothing less than torture.

After I lost down to 100 pounds to go I decided to challenge myself with a program similar to C25K found in "the Idiot's guide to running." We were already walking 8-10 miles several times a week so I wasn't starting cold. Once I completed the program I started listening to audio books while I ran. I kept increasing time and distance until I decided on a new challenge: running a marathon. I got another book "Marathon Training for Dummies," changed my shoes, and before I knew it I was running 90+ miles a week.

And I joined a gym, yuk. This gym had a running track, so my wife could gym and I could run. I did hit the machines on occasion to help my running, and yep, it was torture. Even running on a treadmill, and I did it more than I wanted, took the joy out of running.

I started out the day running. It put a nice glow on the day as I felt I had done something good. It allowed me to ponder what I wanted to achieve that day, I got to spend time listening to a book, or actually a series of books. I never got a "runner's high" but I did feel good having done it.

I discovered listening to audio books makes any chore better. Even when I have to do brain dead work at the office listening makes it better. My wife listens to music, how weird is that

My main trick is not to do anything that feels like torture. It's impossible to maintain something I dislike, be it exercise, diet, work, or relationships. So, find something you enjoy then add audio books to it.

Good luck,

Tek

[catwoman7 10,845]

I mostly just do cardio that I happen to like - such as bicycling and Water aerobics. Otherwise, it doesn't "stick".

[Spinoza 1,126]

Hello my surgery twin! Glad to hear you're doing so well.

I also started running again recently. I only like to do it outside and if I run outside I don't need any additional input, either audio or visual - I just like to look at and listen to (immerse myself in) the scenery and wildlife!!

Before I could run properly I just set a goal for steps on my fitbit and ensured I reached it every day, walking faster and faster, and longer and longer every time.

Best of luck with your running xx