The first time I started a weight loss journey, I had the wrong mindset. And I gained all the weight back plus some extra pounds for good measure. But the exercise I started during that time stuck with me. Sort of.
I just stopped applying exertion.
The first form of exercise I started was using the treadmill that had been in a corner of the family room for a couple of years collecting dust. It was all I could do to stay on that thing for 15 minutes at the whopping speed of 2.0 mph.
Once I could stay on the treadmill for 30 minutes at 3.5 mph, I decided I needed more and tried a gym for one month. When you combine the fact that I have the attention span of a two-year-old with the fact that 60+ year olds were putting me to shame on the treadmill, I thought better of the whole gym membership idea.
Next, I gave up the treadmill altogether and started walking the dog outside. But, since this was more about the dog than me, I started on the DVD track. With Yoga Booty Ballet. OUCH. This lasted about one month. I got bored. End of DVD.
And so I stopped doing everything. Except walking the dog. Which was NOT enough to keep the weight off. Especially since the eating of all sugars and carbs and anydamnthingIwanted had started again.
In the midst of this regain, our daughters gave us a Wii for Christmas and I started Wii Fit. Fun! At first. Then, bored again. So I got Wii Zumba. Fun! Until I got bored.
Nothing really changed until I joined a challenge in June 2011. When I finally discovered the exercise that I seem to be able to stick with.
Simple. Effective. Inexpensive. It's hard to beat. AND, Tucker (my sweet doggie) goes with me every day! Which is great until he sees a squirrel and we have to stop while he barks at it.
Do I get bored? Yes. But that's why I have several options-when I'm bored, I change it up. For example, I might walk a mile, run a mile, walk a mile OR I might run a song, walk a song, run a song...etc. Then there are days when I only walk- in which case I increase my distance.
The thing is, I started out not being able to walk faster than 2 mph for 15 minutes on a treadmill and I am now either walking 5 miles OR running/walking 3 miles every single day. Rain or shine.
So, all that wordiness to say what?
Exercise is a must to getting fit.
It doesn't matter how little you are able to do when you first begin, you just have to start. It will get better.
If you get bored, CHANGE what you are doing- there are MILLIONS of options out there.
You might not be able to stay on a treadmill for more than 15 minutes at first but, if you stick with it, you'll be walking further and faster (OR running) before you know it!
If your choice of exercise requires shoes, make the investment in a good pair- I'm in love with my Asics!
Stick with it! Even on days when the spirit is NOT moving you, EXERCISE ANYWAY. You'll feel better. Afterwards.
Exercise can lead to weight loss, but it provides so much more- YOU WILL GET FIT!
You won't get fit if you keep making excuses about not exercising.
Don't freak out about speed and distance to begin with- just move!
I'm sure some of you have thought of even more benefits to getting fit than the few I've mentioned here.
So what are you waiting for? Researchresearchresearch your options! Readreadread everything you can get your hands on that will help you make an informed decision about the exercise that is right for you! Talktalktalk to a health care professional to make sure your choice is just right for you! Seriously, you really don't want to start something the wrong way or something that is wrong for you/your current fitness/health level and injure yourself.
And then, GET UP and GET MOVING!
This is the sixth day of the A-Z April Challenge. I thought I might try a theme this year and focus on my personal journey to health and fitness, including weight loss.
Today's letter is F and my word for the day is FITNESS.
I don't actually need to lose weight myself, but I can so relate to this post on the whole fitness thing. You name it, I've done it. Usually getting all the equipment to go with it. It lasts for a few weeks and then my motivation flies right out of the window. Not good!! I had a Wii Fit the Christmas before last and, hey, this was going to be IT! Lots of my bloggy buddies were going to come on the journey with me. But I'm afraid that this too is now gatherine dust somewhere. I'm hopeless - I really am, but I am very conscious of the fact that as I shall be 65 next week, I really must try to keep as fit as I can, to keep up with my lovely grandchildren. If that's not an incentive, then I don't know what is. Wishing you and your lovely family a very Happy Easter, Pam.
This is a really great post! I think you just spoke what happens to a lot of people. I use to wake up and be at the gym by 7, go home and get ready for class at 9. Then I moved 20 minutes away from campus and I stopped. It really effects your energy levels.
I look forward to reading the rest of your A to Z posts!
Absolutely! And I don't understand the whole gym thing with machines and sweaty bodies when one can be outside. I'm trying to visit all the A-Z Challenge Blogs this month.
I love walking, with a little bit of running thrown in during the walk.
My other fitness thing is Mr Motivator dvd, I'm almost a year into it and not bored yet, but it has lots of different options, and all of them are set in open air in Jamaica, so I imagine I'm there every time I do it!!
Fitness is fun, you always feel better after taking exercise, even if it was done reluctantly!
Great motivational post! And now that spring is here, I can walk those dirt roads and trails. Anything is better than being on a treadmill in the house!
And actually, there are times when stress makes us want to nibble, munch, etc. when what really seems to help the most is to exercise that stress away!
Have a wonderful Resurrection Sunday Pam.
Great post! I'm putting it on my mirror.
Blogged- Good for you cutting out the snacks! I like popcorn too- so I stopped buying it. LOL Now, let's get you moving!
Diane- I'm glad I'm not the only one with a short exercise attention span. LOL Even something as simple as walking can help keep us fit!
Jennifer- You're right, it does affect energy levels! And it was not easy finding something to keep my attention span.
Shark- Outside is best for me! I thought I would try to visit all of them too- that's going to take some major effort!
Mimi- I like that too! I totally agree- I always feel better after I exercise so I make myself do it on the days I think I don't want to.
Judy- I know you'll be glad to get out of the house and walk! But it's nice to have the treadmill when the weather gets bad. Thanks!
Jo-Thanks! I hope it helps!
BINGO! You're so right about finding something that works for you. I do all kinds of exercising, but pretty much lately it's all about my exercise bike. I'll ride this for at least an hour each day. As we grow older it's more important than ever to keep moving to keep our metabolism reveed because when it slows down then that's when the trouble hits with unwanted pounds clinging and jiggling. Keep up with the moving!
No running for ma any more - my knees won't take it. But the walking is a happiness factor on those crap days.
Cathy- I tried a spin class and loved it! But my backside did NOT love it. :) True though- when we find our exercise niche, it's on!
Lucy- Absolutely! It takes a bit of time for some of us but it's so worth it!
Tracy- I have the opposite problem. I don't like being hot. When I'm hot, my mood gets hot too. LOL I haven't run a 5k yet, but I have a goal to try the Turkey Day run on Thanksgiving day!
Great post! There are soooo many exercise options! I love to try new DVDs and I love running a few miles (OK, running verryyyy slow interspersed w/lots of walking) when it is HOT outside. There is an option for everyone!
I stopped by after seeing you on the A to Z Challenge (which I'm taking part in too!) because my nest will be empty in just a few months. I'm listening to Pomp and Circumstance on YouTube every day to hopefully get most of the crying out of my system...it's a joy to see our kids go on to the next step in life but quite a change as well. I'll be stopping back!
Shelly- When it's hot outside (which we never got a break from this year because winter never showed up) it's so much harder for me. But I do it anyway. And I'm not dead yet. You can listen to that song all you want but the tears are going to come anyway! Just so you know. It's so bittersweet- the pride coupled with the missing them. We'll keep in touch!
Grammy-There are so many things we can do that don't require as much exertion. And so many health options out there that can help with illness! It's never too late!
Every weight loss blog that I read that is "on track" with it says the same thing. Just do it. And then they say more. So, I think you are definitely onto something. Very proud of you for sticking with it. When I can feel confident about not falling down I am definitely going to get back on that horse, because I know you are right.
I hope you keep spreading the message because the sight of human couch potatoes waddling about is pretty depressing for a jungle ape. Have you ever tried climbing trees? Great for the tush.
I figure I have two choices: Hurt while exercising or Hurt while sitting on the sofa.
Might as well get up and MOVE!
I have become inspired now that spring is here to work out outside. I take my dumbbells outdoors and do a circuit training routine with timed bouts of jogging in the back yard interspersed with strength training exercises, either with the weights or on various "stations"... pull-ups on the clothes line pole, dips on perfectly situated tree limbs, etc. I love it.
Robin-Thank you! It's a total mindset. Get back on the horse regardless. Every single day is a new start day. Every single day. And we take it one day at a time.
GB- Bah hahahahaha! I'll give it a go in the Magnolia in the backyard!
Huntress-Amen Sista! At least with the moving around part we start looking better and better!
Great advice! Keeping things interesting is very important in terms of continuing to exercise. Glad to hear you found something that keeps you going!