<p>Someone started a BMI thread a while back, and it gave me the idea for this. </p>
<p>I’m working toward improving my fitness this year. Today was a sort of “break through” day for me. I’ve been jogging 4 miles a day in 2 increments (it’s too hot here in Florida to do it all at once). But it’s flat land and really not that great of a workout. I’m bored with the YMCA.</p>
<p>So Today I did the bridge over the intercoastal waterway. Each way it’s a little over a mile, so I went over and then back (2 miles). It was hard, but I felt so exhilarated. Correction, UP was hard, DOWN was fun! I watched the boats buzzing around under me, and I spotted a school of dolphin jumping around. And my IPod helped me through it all (John Legend). My goal is to get up to 4 miles total (up and over both ways, twice). Hopefully I’ll get there by the end of summer (one month!)</p>
<p>This is a major feat for me because when I started it was hard just to go the two miles walking/running on flat land.</p>
<p>Maybe we can start a thread to support each other in our exercise and fitness routines. I find it extremely difficult to motivate myself!!</p>
<p>funny you should bring this up,doubleplay. Another poster and I have just recently started a daily email diet- buddy support/check-in/report/gentle nudge corespondence. It is helpful! I actually worked out today, but I think my membership card caused the scanner to burst into hysterics when it scanned it! I could in no way keep up with your exercise regimen! But I definitely like the idea!</p>
<p>Actually, once you start jogging the muscles get used to the movement and it gets too easy. What I should do, but can’t bring myself to because I’m so bored doing it, is go to the Y and do the weights. </p>
<p>I tried it a couple weeks ago, and my arms were complaining for a week. I guess I need to go back and work up slowly. IT’s just Sooooooo boring!</p>
<p>I used to like to run, and may consider getting back into it, but my knees complain. So does my h (a marathoner) who I ususally ask to accompany me! :)</p>
<p>I am (was?) a competitive runner for many years. I’ve been on crutches since Feb 16 except for the 5 weeks when I thought I was OK and was back running. My knee surgery will be Monday the 23rd. I have been going nuts without being able to run, and my doc really didn’t even want me pool running or swimming. I had to do something (besides the crutches all day/night, which really have strengthened my upper body) so I went AMA (against medical advice) and have been swimming and pool running. Today I did 50 minutes (5 miles) with my Aquajogger belt. I put my IPOD in a plastic bag under a baseball cap on top of my head. This helps with the boredom. I get a pretty good workout. I’m not pushing it too hard because I’m not supposed to be doing it in the first place. I feel like it is OK, since the real thing I can’t do is weight-bear on my right leg. When I swim, I use a very soft kick (just for balance) and push off the wall when I do my flip turn with only the left leg. Not graceful, but it works. </p>
<p>So- all of you stick with it. At our age we NEED to be doing weight-bearing exercise. I have run 32 marathons and 2 ultra-marathons and STILL have genetic bone density problems. Do weights at the gym and make sure you are cycling, running or at least walking 3-5 days a week.</p>
<p>It could be several small steps, ie not a big one. I park my car a little further, so I force myself to walk more. I signed up for exercises at the local community colleges. I go to the beach every weekend, the clim uphill works my glut. I signed up to do more volunteer work, clean up day at the beach, volunteer to answer the phone, etc… I mean not sitting idle, I believe every little bit helps.
My husband is a runner and I’m still work up the courage to sign up for the 10K run or walk event in Jan.</p>
<p>I used to jog some when I was first married and never did enjoy it. I gave it up before the first kid came along. I do like to walk. My husband and I walk about 2 miles every day that we are able to. It is motivating, because it is a nice time to talk, so that keeps it from getting boring, even though the route is usually the same, as we live on a dead end street whose circuit is equal to almost exactly one mile. So… two trips around each day.</p>
<p>When my work hours or the weather makes walking together impossible, I ride the exercycle. I have to watch tv to do this, as I find it too boring without something to take my mind off it. The problem is finding a good enough show to watch…</p>
<p>I do need to do some weights or something to help arm strength and do more upper body/abdominal stuff, but haven’t figured out a good program for that yet. Can’t afford to go to a gym, so it has to be something I can do at home.</p>
<p>I need this. I feel so tired and lazy lately. I really have no desire to excercise at all right now. So, I am going to try doing SOMETHING tomorrow. I don’t know what, and probably only for about 20 min. But I am going to do something. I hope. :)</p>
<p>I get very bored in the gym -can’t get the image out of my head of a gerbil on a wheel . I found these two things work great at keeping me working out.</p>
<p>YOGA - sure beats lifting weights, actually you do lift weight - our own. Check out the arms on devoted yogis (yoga doers?) - very buff. Lot of YMCA and gyms have classes at all levels. Great to stay flexible.</p>
<p>TRIATHLONS - there are some wonderful sprint-length, all-women races. Danskin sponsors may around the country. It is a very motivating way to cross-train and keep things interesting. You don’t need a fancy bike or even need to run, many women walk the run portion. Sprint length is usually around 1/2 mile swim, 10-12 mile bike and 3 mile run. Many triathlons also organize training groups. These events are alot of fun. You don’t need to be an “ironman” or even fast - last year I got beat by a women in her 70’s!</p>
<p>WHen I started going to the gym-with a friend we went in the morning-when the * older* people go.
I did it for a long time this way- but I only went when she was going to go- I would get distracted by talking to her and to the friendly retired folks- & I didn’t see a lot of progress.</p>
<p>I tried to ramp it up, but then injured myself which took a long time to recover from :(</p>
<p>But about 18 months ago I started going again, about 3 to 4 X a week. But later in teh day, after dinner- it worked out well for me- because that was the time when my D was doing her homework and any inquiry from me if she needed help etc. was irritating. ( understatement of century)
So going to the gym gave her some space- and instead of the friendly retired folks it was full of body builders, firefighters & women training for their daily bike ride to work.
Much more competition & inspiration.</p>
<p>Ive also found if I exercise hard for at least 30 minutes it gets much easier and fun.
I have tp train very carefully since I am double jointed and my knees hyperextend- so I don’t run much-
I usually do the upright bike for about 20 minutes- weight machines for 30- rowing machine for 20- weightmachines or stretching for 30, and the cross trainer for 20-
I try and rotate the area worked on weights - one day mostly legs- butt another core abs- back & shoulders, and chest arms and shoulders.
By giving areas a rest, you give them a chance to grow muscle and you can inch your reps and weights higher the next time.
By mixing up the aerobic, it keeps it from getting boring and also keeps overall heart rate higher.
Drinking water is also very important.
Lately I have been working in my yard instead of going to the gym as much, but I forget to haul around the water bottle.
I also notice without as much aerobic, I dont sleep as well.
More fun to work in the yard though
Music helps a lot- ( Ill have to try John Legend, my D has him on Itunes)</p>
<p>Boy good luck with your surgery momof wc, I just ran into the dad of Ds college roommate at REI, and commented I hadn’t seen him at the gym lately.
He had been in a accident on his bike where his femur was shoved into his hip, both were shattered and he had to be in the hospital for over 2 weeks. ( D forgot that I see her old roommates parents around town- she never tells me anything)
However, he has been swimming and is now up walking around with a stick and while he isn’t doing the Seattle to Portland, like he often does, he will be the cheer squad when his wife and sons do the Seattle to Vancouver next month.
Sound like too much for me, isn’t it uphill to Canada?
However, I am probably going to do a 5K next month for a CCFA fundraiser if younger D will do it.
She wants to start doing competitions because for some reason, she has the Ironman as a goal- but good for her!
Its pretty interesting, the most exercise I can remember my parents getting was walking to the bathroom when we were camping & I have a child who is on two sports teams at the same time :)</p>
<p>I used to be able to stay really fit and even diet on my own, but these
days I know I need help to stay with it. I just started a diet plan where
you have to go in 3x/week to get weighed. Talk about accountability.</p>
<p>I love road biking, though, so it’s relatively easy to keep that going on
my own. I bought my husband a fancy, very light bike, and now he
rides with me.</p>
<p>For women wanting to start a weight routine, without spending a lot of money, I recommend the book “Strong Women Stay Young.” Once you buy the weights, which are not expensive ones, you can follow the book’s routine very easily. It’s also informative and very readable. I’ve been (mostly) following it for the last ten or so years, and it has made a big difference for me.</p>
<p>EK4: actually, the RSVP (Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party) is my husband’s favorite bike ride of the year. Fireworks in Vancouver if you do it in one day (Saturday night), and green trees for a lot of the ride. </p>
<p>MomofWildChild: I hope your knee surgery goes well. I’m slowly recovering from mine, I hate the reduced activity but I’m getting back there.</p>
<p>And for everyone else: I found the best incentive to get out there every single day is to have dogs. Active, companionable dogs that keep you company while you walk, and expect to walk every single day.</p>
<p>mstee- I will look for your report tomorrow.</p>
<p>I’ve found exercising drives you to eat healthier. Why would you want to put all your effort to waste by eating a piece of chocolate cake.</p>
<p>I started my fitness kick by road biking but am trying to add in different activities- nordic walking, canoeing ect. for variety, even golf once in awhile. I’m going to start doing weights this week. I also make dates with friends to do active things. </p>
<p>Skiers-mom - I agree, participating in event is fun. Most triathlons have a relay category, so you don’t even have to do all 3 disciplines. </p>
<p>Also, there are alot of organizations that are promoting fitness events for women- i.e canoeing events for woman, or woman bike rides.</p>
<p>Thanks, garland! I will look for that book. My son recommended I get some light weights, but it would help if I knew a little more about them first. That would help me use them correctly.</p>
<p>One thing that is nice to have at home (my daughter gave me one for Christmas a few years ago) is a 15 pound (or so) medicine ball. You can toss it around, do situps with it etc. Comes in handy. </p>
<p>I also use a big Swiss ball (exercise ball) as my chair at the office. Everyone laughed at first, but then they all wanted to try it! It helps you maintain your posture and works your core while you sit on your butt all day! There was even a big article about it in the Wall Street (some companies actually are providing them as “chairs”) so I felt validated.</p>
<p>I am not kidding. When you sit down, change positions a lot. Tighten various muscles and release. Do crunchs as you drive. When you blow dry your hair, do squats and lunges. When you unload the dishwasher, bend your knees and stay like that for a while. Take stairs any time they are offered if it’s under 6 flights. If you are macho make it under 10 flights. Walk instead of drive. Carry your laundry around a lot. When you stand in line do discreet ballet barre work. People only stare a little bit:).</p>
<p>Is there a typo? 5 miles is 8800 yards; that’s 352 laps in a typical 25-yd pool! Even elite swimmers can’t swim that fast; Poolrunning is usually slower than swimming (assume pretty good swimmer).</p>