Exercise & Fitness
My Fitness History........
I have never been someone who enjoys working out. I always felt intimidated at the gym, could not get myself motivated for home DVD's and I got bored on a treadmill. And if it was hot outside, forget it, I was NOT walking in heat. Being the skinny kid in school, exercise was not something that made a difference to me. I played volleyball in high school just for the exercise because really, I was not any good. So when the time came to workout to get healthy and loose weight, IT WAS HARD!!!
I honestly believe that exercising is not a "one size fits all", similar to weight loss programs, but remember I do not believe in weight loss programs, I believe in making lifestyle changes. I have tried all that I mentioned above. We bought a used treadmill to see if I would even use it. I did, off and on. I had to be watching TV or I could not make it very far because of the boredom. We had a gym membership about six years ago to a really nice gym. It was pricey, which is what made me go. I could not stand the thought of wasting money. My husband and I would go early in the morning before work. That did not last for an extended period. I hated getting up early. But I was able to keep going, just sometimes it was in the morning and sometimes at night. I was seeing results and it pushed me to keep going. I mainly used the elliptical and treadmill with weights a few times a week. We eventually stopped going all together and ended our membership. I cannot say that it was money lost because I did get the motivation continue working out in some form.
We live in an amazing neighborhood. There are families and kids everywhere and the people are incredibly friendly. I started walking right before dark and I was even able to do an alternating walk/jog for a few miles. I did enjoy that being outside and I always felt so much better afterwards. We had also started using P90X before I got pregnant. This was intense but it was great! I felt like I was really getting toned. The workouts were long, but it was pre-kids so it did not really matter at the time. These days I'm trying to get in walks and hopefully can start an actual routine soon.
Just Do Something!
Of course we all know how beneficial exercise can be, WebMD can give you a whole list from a stronger heart to boosting energy. Even though we all know this, it does not mean that makes it easy to do and be active. I think sometimes, people (me included), get caught up in thinking exercise and fitness has to be some drawn out, scheduled, do every day program. While it certainly CAN be this, ANY movement at all is better than nothing. Some days, I try to make my everyday activities more challenging if I am not able to get in a structured workout. And believe me, this happens a lot. We are still working on incorporating a structured workout every day. I do believe it is important to work up to a point to have a structured workout 3-6 days a week, I also believe that taking a ten minute walk or for me taking a few laps up and down the stairs to my basement is better than doing nothing at all for those "off" days.
I use the term structured workout very loosely. Structured workouts could be the gym, home DVD system, walking/running either outside or on a treadmill, or maybe a sport such as tennis, basketball or swimming. What I really like about the Daniel Plan is that is encourages people to find out what they really like and enjoy. It might take a while before you find that passion or what you really enjoy, but keep searching. It might even be multiple things that you incorporate into your routine to keep things interesting. Of course, budget also plays a role. Look up your local community center for free or cheap activities such as swimming and the Park and Rec department with your local city should have information on trails and parks in your area if available. We live in a town that really values the environment and outdoor life so we have great trails and walking areas in addition to our parks.
I have never been someone who enjoys working out. I always felt intimidated at the gym, could not get myself motivated for home DVD's and I got bored on a treadmill. And if it was hot outside, forget it, I was NOT walking in heat. Being the skinny kid in school, exercise was not something that made a difference to me. I played volleyball in high school just for the exercise because really, I was not any good. So when the time came to workout to get healthy and loose weight, IT WAS HARD!!!
I honestly believe that exercising is not a "one size fits all", similar to weight loss programs, but remember I do not believe in weight loss programs, I believe in making lifestyle changes. I have tried all that I mentioned above. We bought a used treadmill to see if I would even use it. I did, off and on. I had to be watching TV or I could not make it very far because of the boredom. We had a gym membership about six years ago to a really nice gym. It was pricey, which is what made me go. I could not stand the thought of wasting money. My husband and I would go early in the morning before work. That did not last for an extended period. I hated getting up early. But I was able to keep going, just sometimes it was in the morning and sometimes at night. I was seeing results and it pushed me to keep going. I mainly used the elliptical and treadmill with weights a few times a week. We eventually stopped going all together and ended our membership. I cannot say that it was money lost because I did get the motivation continue working out in some form.
We live in an amazing neighborhood. There are families and kids everywhere and the people are incredibly friendly. I started walking right before dark and I was even able to do an alternating walk/jog for a few miles. I did enjoy that being outside and I always felt so much better afterwards. We had also started using P90X before I got pregnant. This was intense but it was great! I felt like I was really getting toned. The workouts were long, but it was pre-kids so it did not really matter at the time. These days I'm trying to get in walks and hopefully can start an actual routine soon.
Just Do Something!
Of course we all know how beneficial exercise can be, WebMD can give you a whole list from a stronger heart to boosting energy. Even though we all know this, it does not mean that makes it easy to do and be active. I think sometimes, people (me included), get caught up in thinking exercise and fitness has to be some drawn out, scheduled, do every day program. While it certainly CAN be this, ANY movement at all is better than nothing. Some days, I try to make my everyday activities more challenging if I am not able to get in a structured workout. And believe me, this happens a lot. We are still working on incorporating a structured workout every day. I do believe it is important to work up to a point to have a structured workout 3-6 days a week, I also believe that taking a ten minute walk or for me taking a few laps up and down the stairs to my basement is better than doing nothing at all for those "off" days.
I use the term structured workout very loosely. Structured workouts could be the gym, home DVD system, walking/running either outside or on a treadmill, or maybe a sport such as tennis, basketball or swimming. What I really like about the Daniel Plan is that is encourages people to find out what they really like and enjoy. It might take a while before you find that passion or what you really enjoy, but keep searching. It might even be multiple things that you incorporate into your routine to keep things interesting. Of course, budget also plays a role. Look up your local community center for free or cheap activities such as swimming and the Park and Rec department with your local city should have information on trails and parks in your area if available. We live in a town that really values the environment and outdoor life so we have great trails and walking areas in addition to our parks.