Getting your resting heart rate down. The lower the beats the better in shape you are.

Anonymous wrote:OP I like this thread

I fcking hate running. I hate deliberate exercise. I’ll do yard work, walk dog all day but doing reps omg

I’m 50 I need to build muscle!

Yard work should build muscle!
If you're already walking a lot, then maybe set a goal to incorporate some exercises while you're doing the yardwork: take a break from weeding, stand up and do calf raises; while you're carrying a bag of dirt, do some lifts with it or bend down like you're going to touch your toes and stand back up with it; etc.

Anonymous wrote:I need something to keep me motivated.

I don’t want to run a 5K. I don’t want to run ever. I don’t want to climb Mount Everest. Or any mountain.

But I think i need a goal — something tangible — that I can work toward.

Ideas?

Mid 50s, a little overweight, moderately out of shape

Also mid-50's. Needed to lose 50# and get back into better physical condition.
I started with a mindset-affecting goal: a very vague "move more." Getting up and walking around the house, doing more housework or yardwork, whatever. Just move.

Next, I decided to walk one mile a day. My husband measured out a mile route around our neighborhood and I did that.
Then I found a walking partner/group of neighborhood friends to call upon for spontaneous walks almost every day. Walking with someone else resulted in walking faster, longer walks, frequent and regular walks.

Then I started changing eating habits, which was spurred on further by an A1C result at a physical exam in the diabetes range.

Unfortunately, the walking routine ended and some of the eating habits reappeared. I had lost 22# but after a year of maintenance, gained 5# back. It's been hard getting back into the rhythm of it all again; but my physical conditioning is noticeably devolved - back to not being able to walk as quickly, noted by shortness of breath while having a conversation with a walking buddy. It really is true: use it or lose it. Ironically, when you use it (your body), you also can lose it (body weight).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My goal is being able to do 10 real push ups (I'm doing 5 on my knees now, which is a change from being able to do zero two months ago).

Along the way I'm doing these workouts. A mix of flexibility, strength, and cardio. I've learned that I don't hate exercise, I was just focusing too much on cardio before. I'm much stronger and more toned everywhere. This woman is friendly and the workouts are achievable. https://www.youtube.com/@strengthandbloom

I've seen more people have success where instead of doing push ups on your knees, keep your body straight but do them on steps. The higher the step that you put your hands on, the easier the push up. As you get stronger, drop down a step until you are on the floor and before you know it, you'll be on the floor and raising your feet!

This is a great tip, thank you!

Anonymous wrote:Go from one end of the monkey bars to the other end.

Why has this been so difficult for me? My entire childhood was spent wanting to be able to make it to the other end with out letting go.

Anonymous wrote:My goal is being able to do 10 real push ups (I'm doing 5 on my knees now, which is a change from being able to do zero two months ago).

Along the way I'm doing these workouts. A mix of flexibility, strength, and cardio. I've learned that I don't hate exercise, I was just focusing too much on cardio before. I'm much stronger and more toned everywhere. This woman is friendly and the workouts are achievable. https://www.youtube.com/@strengthandbloom

I've seen more people have success where instead of doing push ups on your knees, keep your body straight but do them on steps. The higher the step that you put your hands on, the easier the push up. As you get stronger, drop down a step until you are on the floor and before you know it, you'll be on the floor and raising your feet!

Take up a new sport, or improve one you already do. Skiing, kayaking, riding, cycling, swimming…

Find a competition to shoot for, or just focus on moving up a level.

Anonymous wrote:10 minutes of core exercises every day.

+1. The key to any fitness goal is getting started and then being consistent and add to it. So Maybe start with 10 minutes of anything. Maybe it's core. Maybe it's body weight exercises. Maybe it's walking. I'm not sure where you are physically so maybe you can do 10 minutes of core and 10 minutes of walking 3 days each week. Add 5 minutes every two weeks for a bit. Before you know it, you'll be doing 30 minutes of walking and 30 minutes of core/body weight exercises 3 days a week. Once you figure out what you like, you can change it up. Maybe add a little jogging to your walks. Maybe add a little weights to your body weight exercises. Maybe add a 4th day per week? Maybe add some more more minutes per workout? Etc.

OP I like this thread

I fcking hate running. I hate deliberate exercise. I’ll do yard work, walk dog all day but doing reps omg

I’m 50 I need to build muscle!

10 minutes of core exercises every day.

Go from one end of the monkey bars to the other end.

150 gym check-ins for the year? 300 hours of exercise? A certain number of miles walked? Trying a different activity each month?

My goal is being able to do 10 real push ups (I'm doing 5 on my knees now, which is a change from being able to do zero two months ago).

Along the way I'm doing these workouts. A mix of flexibility, strength, and cardio. I've learned that I don't hate exercise, I was just focusing too much on cardio before. I'm much stronger and more toned everywhere. This woman is friendly and the workouts are achievable. https://www.youtube.com/@strengthandbloom

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I work on strength goals. This year is 225 squat, 275 deadlift, one real pull-up.

How are your knees?

No issues. 46F. Used to run a good amount and have tendinitis due to overuse, but not at all bothered by most weight training exercises (thankfully!). When I go too many days without lifting, I start feeling my age.

lol 12:59 here - didn't realize this was also posted at 09:55!