recommend an exercise routine for an exercise phobe, or is there any point?

[Anonymous]

I don't want to beat a dead horse, although of course I am (it is DCUM after all). This is the PP with the issue of not finding exercise pleasurable in the way that some people insist it must be. I don't see how you can say that because you feel a certain thing in your brain as a result of endorphins that everyone will feel the same way. As I said in my earlier post I have had periods of my life with large amounts of exercise ( I was a ballet dancer as a teen, for example) where I was in great shape and exercised vigorously a lot. I enjoyed what I was doing but did not feel a physical high or any of that stuff from it EVER. Maybe my brain has some unusual aspect (although I think I am far from alone) or maybe my threshold for endorphins from exercise is just really high and I would feel it if I ran an ultramarathon or something, who knows. Just please stop telling me that if I don't become happy and start to love exercising even when I do it for years that there is something wrong with me or I just never really exercise. And, in the big picture, I think this exercise is joy approach falls flat with people who don't feel that and is very discouraging to people who might be able to accept it as a must-do chore for health maintenance and then could find ways to make what they do the best that it can be for them.

[Anonymous]

Zumba class is offered at many gyms. It is so much fun and it is a great workout.

[Anonymous]

Well, then move on. Get fat and be happy.

[Anonymous]

Gym with babysitting. Reading books/mags on the bike. Not the most intense exercise but fun and easy to keep doing.

[Anonymous]

I remember reading about a study done a few years ago that found that some people don't get that high from exercising that people love to talk about. It's genetic. PP has a valid point.

[Anonymous]

NP here. I'm not a big fan of working out and I have to force myself, but I'm very goal oriented about my workouts and that really helps me stay motivated. For example, maybe my goal is to run for 5 miles without a break at 6.5. I can't do it now, but I love developing a plan and thinking of every workout as a stepping stone to get there. Then I feel good about myself for pushing hard and reaching milestones. Maybe it's still endorphins but who cares what you call it. You won't exercise consistently or effectively if you don't enjoy it on at least some level. Simply knowing the health benefits won't be enough. How about a self defense class, dance, yoga, a running group? There really is tons and tons of stuff out there! You don't have to force yourself to lift free weights and stare at the wall on the treadmill. I play in an over 30 indoor soccer league and make a huge fool of myself but it keeps me moving and having a good time. Also when you exercise it motivates you to stay on point with your diet so it does work (even if for that point alone)

[Anonymous]

OP,

Maybe you hate exercise because you are taking it too seriously. I mean - you dont' have to do "the shred." You can just go for a walk. You don't have to "go for the burn," you can exercise moderatly and still reap some rewards. You don't need exercise to lose weight, but it helps to keep your muscles burning calories (both during and after exercise) and it can tone your muscles, making you thinner at the same weight.

What motivates me -during my unmotivated times - is watching TV or reading a book when I exercise. We have an exercise bike in the basement. I rent DVDs or tape my favorite shows and only let myself watch them while I exercise. There are days I am dieing to get down there and work-out, simply because I want to watch something (I have headphones so I can hear over the sound of the bike). You could do the same with a treadmill.

[Anonymous]

I exercise every day so some people assume I love to exercise every day. (Usually the people who are complaining that they've gained 20 pounds since they got married, but haven't hit the gym in months.) That's not necessarily the case. Life is not always about doing what I love every minute of every day. I don't love my job, but I go there 8 hours a day so I can pay my mortgage and feed my family. I don't love my commute, but it's a necessary evil. Working out is one of those things I do because it's good for me. I do enjoy running and I do enjoy yoga but I don't especially love going to the gym and lifting. But I like how I look when I do it often, so I do it. If I weren't at the gym, I'd probably be playing on the internet or watching TV or doing something equally useless.

In short, some things are good for you and you should do them, whether you're excited about it or not. If someone hated all vegetables, I wouldn't tell them they should never eat them. I'd tell them that if they don't get proper nutrition, they could get scurvy, like a pirate, which is just asinine in this day and age. Find some activity you mind less than others and do it, or you risk being one of those old people who needs a Hoveround to get through the airport.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Gym with babysitting. Reading books/mags on the bike. Not the most intense exercise but fun and easy to keep doing.

Ditto this, plus what the PP said about recording shows and watching them in the basement while working out. I've recently joined a gym after not regularly working out for the past 6 years. Now I look forward to the alone time in the gym without the kids. Bring a great read or listen to great music and I am happy to have that me time. Even if I am working out. (Which I don't love either, but am doing just to stay healthy so I am around as long as I can be).

[Anonymous]

Maybe it's just me but I can't lose weight with just "moderate" exercise. The only way the pounds come off in any noticeable way is with diet and really pushing myself during exercise. I always try to burn at least 500 calories per session. I'm wondering if you ladies who are reading and watching tv are losing weight or is the goal maintenance?