Just curious....Are you exercising?

[maizeyoats]

I know that on previous posts on the BB members have mentioned running etc; but I thought it would be kind of fun to have a post seeing what you all are doing in regards to exercising.
I walk every morning about 2 miles ( not that far but it is up and down hills)
I go to Curves for Women and do a 30 minute cardiovascular workout
Finally, I have big flower gardens so all you gardeners out there know the exercise you get gardening.

[Chefzhat]

I walk 1 mile per day (most days!) up and down hills, and work in the yard, and swim in our pool. I also take a yoga class 2x per week. I also try to eat well and stay away from bread (yea CL mag!)

What I'm wondering is, I am hitting the 40 mark, and I am just getting a little more jiggly each year, no matter what I do. Is that normal???

[MelissaAS]

I strive to get 300 minutes of exercise per week (that works out to 1hr. 5x)- it's easiest if I mix it up: tennis, step classes, walking on the treadmill...it's not easy, but it's less than 1hr. per day! In the grand scheme, it's still a very sedentary life...

[SQ]

I do step aerobics 2-3 times/week and play tennis (singles or doubles) 1-2x/wk. I periodically do some weight training, but never seem to stick w/that for too long. I think step and weights help cut down on the jiggling.

[Melman]

I go to the gym at least 3 or 4 times a week. I mix up the activities when I'm there. I have kickboxing 2 nights a week. On the other nights, I pretty much do 30 minutes on either the Precor (eliptical machine) or the treadmill and then do various machines or free-weights. Every now and then, I go to one of the aerobics classes. The gym is closed on Sunday's so I try to do SOMETHING on those days like a long walk.

[valchemist]

I walk four miles a day (every day). I also lift some free weights at home 3 or 4 times a week. I have a Pilates Performer machine that I use about 3 or 4 times a week too.

[emilycat]

Where have y'all been? Come visit us on the Healthy Living Board! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I run about 50 miles a week, and I aim to lift weights about twice each week. If I decide to give myself a day off from running (which isn't terribly often), I cycle instead.

I also love active vacations; most of my traveling revolves around hiking or cycling -- if it's not an "active vacation" per se, I take advantage of running to give me a whole other perspective on a new city or locale. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by emilycat (edited 06-25-2001).]

[maizeyoats]

Curlytop is who inspired me to start this topic so even though some of us are familiar with her previous post I hope she will weigh (unintended pun) in here to give sustenance to everyone.

[greysangel]

well I went from no excercise to lots of excercise now that I have dropped some extra baggage http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I am at the gym on average 5 times a week. Every day I do 45 minutes of cardio either on the Precor eliptical or on the lifecycle (I'm not a tread mill fan). Then I alternate a weight lifting regime: 40 minutes of upperbody weights with abs and back OR 40 minutes of lower body weights with abs and back. On days off from the gym I try to at least get a good walk in which isn't to hard not having a car and being in NYC http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

JeAnne, 90 lbs down

[pmmahan]

My routine varies on the season. In the winter, I belong to a gym and work out 4-5 times a week for about 1.5 hours. That includes cardio and weights. In the summer, when the weather is nice, I don't "exercise" so much as "stay active." I usually get up in the morning before work and walk for about 1/2 hour. I walk as much as I can during the day (at lunch, to the ferry I take to work, etc.) At night, DH and I will walk, bike ride, swim, rollerblade. On the weekends, its mostly bike riding. I am a "recreational" exerciser - I do it for fun and to stay healthy. If it weren't fun or enjoyable, I wouldn't do it. That's why I vary it as much as possible. Of course, this schedule can vary, depending on how busy I am at work - I certainly won't be exercising if I get out at 8:00 p.m.!! I think as long as you are consistent over the long term, that's good.

[Natasha]

Yes, ma'am, I'm exercising!

Pretty much everything: running or water running; cycling; all types of cross-training at the gym; lifting weights (though I'm quite lazy about it sometimes) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif; hiking; going for walks; strengthening core muscles etc....I'm sure I'm forgetting something. And I love it all (well, ALMOST all the time!). I would like to play some beach volleyball this summer if I can, too.

As for hours a week, I don't really know. I don't keep track because I've been active for a long time and it is such a fundamental part of my life. Let's just say that I believe in a very active lifestyle http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Natasha



[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 06-25-2001).]

[Jewel]

I knew that the Exercise Gestapo would find me sooner or later... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/rolleyes.gif

I used to exercise pretty frequently until I started having all this abdominal surgery in January. Just when I got cleared to exercise in March and got into a pretty good gym routine again, I had more surgery in May! I'll get the 'all clear' to start again next Monday, then on that following Saturday we're going to Hawaii for a week. Who exercises on vacation??? Sheesh.

However, when we return DH and I are looking forward to getting back on our bikes that we bought last summer and only rode once or twice! The Seattle area is quite bike-friendly, and there are several flatter trails we want to start on until I get adapted! I also belong to a gym, and try to do 20-30 minutes of cardio, either the treadmill or elliptical trainer. At home I use a 'Total Tiger' abdominal exerciser, which works the upper body and the butt and legs also.

Never thought I'd say this, but I'm really looking forward to getting the 'all-clear' from the doctor! I feel like a Garden Slug!
http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[masimmons]

My goal is to do something aerobic every day, usually a step tape or walk. Sometimes I ride my bike. I also am trying, very hard, to do weights 2 - 3 times a week. I am 46, struggling to lose weight and everything I read says weight trainging is a must. I admit that it hasn't "grabbed me," but I keep plugging away.

[Curleytop]

Hey, I am an inspiration! Great! Here is another pearl for you married gals!
My dh (he is 80) still lifts weights every other day, and on the off days he walks a couple of miles! He had a hip replacement a few years ago (arthritis) and he is not supposed to run. We have been into healthy
living all our lives! I cook low fat and
low cholesterol. Of course we cheat, since we (including the sons) are chocoholics http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif

[JulieM]

Originally posted by Chefzhat:

What I'm wondering is, I am hitting the 40 mark, and I am just getting a little more jiggly each year, no matter what I do. Is that normal???

I think SQ is right... step (or squats and lunges) and weight training is the answer to the jiggling. It seems after 40 it's a must. Of course it's really good for your bones and avoiding osteoperosis so that's another reason to add it to your weekly regimen!

[tobykitty]

I'm at the gym 6 days a week. I spend 30 minutes on the eliptical and a hour on the weights. I hired a personal trainer, so two days a week the weight training is with her. I hate the cardio but love the weights. On my day off, I do nothing. Actually, dh and I like to rollerblade but he's been working in Pennsylvania for the past couple of months. As I need him to help me stop, I don't go alone.

[DmOrtega]

I used to run, alot. When I had my kids, that stopped. I play outdoor soccer with my husband every Sunday (My parents watch the kids). We have been playing regularly for 14 years. My husband works in the evenings and I am unable to go anywhere to work out so I've started using Tae-Bo tapes. I get up early in the morning 3 times a week and do one of the half hour workouts. I try on the weekends to do an hour long workout. I find that once everyone gets up I can't concentrate on working out so this works for me. It also shows my kids that excersise is important enough, that I make special time to do it. Although, they are young now (10 & 8), someday they will remember my effort and I hope they will then make the effort themselves.

[munchies]

You bet, I'm exercising. I try to keep track of my activity with a heart rate monitor -- and yesterday was my one year mark of an "active" lifestyle! yippee! Anyway, I do aerobics, taebo, running and cycling in the summer when the weather is nice. In fact, my DH and I are thinking of doing a 20 mile ride coming up in Indianapolis. I've never done anything that long before, but we usually ride between 10 and 12 miles, so...I figure I might make it! Weight training hasn't been a big part of my routine, but I'm trying to incorporate it a couple of times a week. Maybe I can get in the habit of doing that....ugh.

Glad to see so many people who are so active. And Curleytop, you and your husband are amazing! I am amazed by your routine -- and I'm so glad to know you're a chocaholic! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Lynn B]

DD and I do Tae Bo every morning before work/school. We also are aware of the need to try to keep "moving" all day/every day (ie, never ride when you can walk; if you must ride, park far from the door; take the steps, not the elevator, etc. etc. etc.) It doesn't sound terribly active after reading all of the above posts (you guys are amazing!!!) -- but it works for us! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Lynn

P.S. Curleytop, you and your DH sound AWESOME!!!

[mandarin2j]

I cycle the six miles each way to/from work daily (this routine is still just a month old, however, but it seems to be sticking…yay!), have a yoga class one day a week, do at-home yoga mixed with the Denise Austin Pilates tape once or twice a week, and lift free weights (upper body only) once or twice a week. I also hike (or snowshoe in the winter) whenever I get the chance, which hasn't been often lately as DH's job has really messed with our weekends. But…things should slow down for him soon, and then we'll be hitting the trails again every weekend. I want to try the exercise ball that everyone's going on about as my abs get stronger and I'm also interested in giving rock climbing a shot once my muscles are in better shape. DH & I want to climb Mt. Hood next year if possible, so all this lifting, riding, and hiking will support that goal. But it's mostly about just doing something good for my body, every day. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

-Amanda

[lindrusso]

Yes!!! I'm one of the regulars over on the HL board. For exercise I try to weight train at least 3 times a week and do a cardio routine at least 3-4 times a week. I have begun a runner's program for beginners and hope to try out yoga and maybe even Pilates in the future. I just got back from a trip, so I'm really feeling the need to exercise!!

[gertdog]

Just like the answer to the "how often do you drink wine?" question on another thread, my answer is not nearly as much as I would like! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif

I walk for a half-hour each morning, and I play softball two evenings per week. When I was in grad school, one perk of being a student was a cheap on-campus gym membership. I love step and kickbox aerobics, plus they had great weight machines. But now, out of school, a gym membership isn't an option financially. And we're the upper apartment in a duplex, so doing aerobics to a videotape isn't an option because of the noise.

I bought my fiance some free weights for his last birthday. He uses them, but I can't seem to get motivated to do so, even though I know the right exercises to do!

All of you active people are an inspiration though!

I bought myself a jumprope recently, just for fun. Maybe tomorrow morning I'll experiment with that! I'd really like to find something that gives a good cardio workout, not just aerobic.

[HDgirl]

I am just recently getting back in the game. My problem is I got comfortable in my relationship with SO. So we both got "fluffy". (Kinda traded one bike for another.)

I power walk/run 3 miles 5x week before work and I'll walk or inline after work. I have to get my bike tuned so I can add that.

I was so into 5k's, duathlons and mini tri's. I really miss doing them. So I am hoping I can get back to where I left off. I already can't wait to go in the morning (I get up at 5) and after work so I must be on the right track.

[ReneeV]

I find I must exercise daily for my physical and mental health. (I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old - LOL.) I usually do some form of aerobic activity (usually power walking) and also I do a series of isometric muscle-toning exercises.

I'm thinking of starting Yoga in the fall. The university that I work for is starting a Yoga program.

Renée

[Leanne]

Clearly I am the odd man (or woman) out. I hardly ever exercise - I don't know how you have time. I sigmed up for karate - I used to go 2 -3 times a week, now I make it about once every 2 weeks. I want to go more often, but I get home from work so late. I also have a gazillion social activities b/c I am the "planner" for my group of friends. There's just too much going on in the spring & summer. Traveling too - but at least we do alot of hiking/walking on trips. I also garden.

Now on a related topic - I really have never exercised, but there are 2 times in my life that I have. After I would stop, not having noticed results (& once was with a trainer - who admitted after 6 months that my shape had not changed), that I would actually gain weight. I have never had a weight problem at all - but I'll say that ever since the first time I went on an exercising kick & then stopped, I've been about 5 to 10 pounds too heavy. I'm afraid I ruined my metabolism. Any thoughts on that?

[judyf]

I play tennis once or twice a week. I'm a beginner and playing doubles isn't eough exercise for (except for bending the kness to pick up all of the balls!). I tried t o go to the gym but it is very crowded when I can go so I bought my own precor efx todo at home. I asked this on the healthy living board, but I'll ask again- Does anybody use a total gym and if so is it working?
Judy

[maizeyoats]

Now I'm really mad!!!!
I don't normally write long posts; but I was feeling particularly inspired and wanted to impart my pearls of wisdom on metabolism after age 40 so I wrote a very long post. What happened to it I don't know.... it went poof into the netherland.
Now the only thing you know about me is that I have a great daughter Valerie (Valchemist)
I will never get that inspired to do such a long post again so you will never know how this 63 yr. old became a skinny minny.
My post is lost and gone forever dreadful sorry............

Well, I guess you have some idea by reading my first post on this topic.

[Jacque O]

You all are amazing. I love cycling and after mending from a badly broken arm (yes, it was from a bike crash), I'm finally getting back into the swing of it. My vacations are typically active (camping, hiking, rafting, biking) but I am woefully undisciplined about exercising on a regular basis. I'm hoping the biking will bring me back into the fold!

Jacque O

[ashley]

I run 15-20 miles a week. This summer I'm doing this running program called Kenyan Way 3 times a week where we do hill work and speed drills. It kicks my butt, but it's an awesome workout! I also have a horse (hunter/jumper) that I ride 5-6 days a week. I also play flag football 1-2 times a week during the fall and winter.

[KValley]

My goal is to engage in some sort of physical activity every day. I have found that variety and varying degrees of intensity work for me in avoiding burnout and managing my time.

Gym workouts are 4-5 days/week. I lift weights and strength train 30-40 minutes, followed by a run outside or cross-training on a combination of the elliptical machine, stairmaster, stationary bike, 45-60 minutes. I do at least two high/low intensity intervals a week. Running is a new activity for me (since April). I warm up with a mile fast walk, run 3 miles, cool down with a half mile walk. 10-15 minutes of stretching follows the cardio workout.

I attend a yoga class once a week and practice on my own at home 2x/week.

Off days- when I need a break from the gym- I hike or walk several miles.

My greatest challenge is when travelling (I travel 7-10 days/month). My routine falls apart- it is next to impossible to find hotels with decent gyms. This is one reason I took up running- to get a workout no matter where I am. But I'm not at all disciplined on the road- strength training and yoga fall by the wayside- and I always feel that I'm losing ground that takes several days back at home to make up. Well, it gives me a challenge to work on, at any rate! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

My goals for the coming year are to get back into cross-country skiing, begin snowshoeing, continue to compete in 5Ks, ride my bike more, and keep walking!!

Thank you all for being such great inspiration.

[KimberlyE]

I got into the habit of working out about 10 years ago and currently get to the gym to do yoga, kickboxing, step, weight training and/or the treadmill about 5 times per week. If I don't go to the gym, I like to walk with friends or mountain bike with my husband.

[KellyD]

This is a depressing post for me. When I read Emilycat's posts, it reminds me of myself at that age. Unfortunately (and this isn't meant as a warning - it was genetics), all of my running caught up with me and 2 1/2 years ago I had the first of what would be 3 foot surgeries. It seemed that each time I was cleared to go back to normal activities, something would go wrong, and I'd be back under the knife. I have a degenerative joint in my foot and I'm too young to replace it (35), so the dr is continually trying to save it and maintain an acceptable standard of living. I'm still dealing with issues, and am at the point where I don't have the energy to deal with it and am living with the pain at the moment.

That said, I'm currently walking a mile a day in the morning with the pooch, and 3 mornings a week do a quick half hour with free weights. I've never been big into weight training, but that half hour by itself in the morning after a short warmup walk is working really well. Then in the evenings/weekends I either ride the stationary bike 3 nights week or, weather permitting, we bike through the neighborhood. I've been seriously considering hiring a personal trainer to work with my limitations, and hopefully increase my motivation. I have a mental block since everytime I get geared back up, I get shot down...but I need to get over it!!

[daner94]

I have mentioned on the Healthy Living boards about my passion for yoga. After class I usually do about 45 minutes on the Precor or the treadmill on a high incline, maybe 5-6.

I also love to rollerblade, I try to do that 2-3x a week.

There is also a beautiful park down the road from my house that follows the Chattahoochee River and I go hiking there when it is a little cooler out.

Now if I could just resist all the greasy and/or sweet food that I can have for free all day long here at work.....

http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Dana

[jliah]

Yes, I exercise a little.

I love walking! I walk as fast as I can for a half-hour, five or six days a week. In the winter when I can't go out on slippery roads, I use an aerobic video which lasts almost an hour with the stretches and abdominal exercises. I also use a video for step aerobics for slippery days.

Reading all these posts makes me think I must be LAZY!! You guys are incredible!

I am in good shape, nevertheless. I am 40 years old and still wear a size 6.

I have heard a lot about the benefits of weight training, so I am considering doing this. I know I have NO upper body strength whatsoever, and I'm sure this would definitely help.

[barbse]

I work out at the gym 4-5 times a week. I started with a personal trainer just after Thanksgiving, and 50 lbs. later, I'm still at it. Only 8 more lbs to go!! My trainer got too pricey after 5 months, so I'm on my own at the gym, alternating cardio & wts. I really don't like exercising, but after all that work I refuse to be fat and lazy again!!

[Marg]

I go to acquafit 4-5 times a week and love it, have been doing it for many years - just good all round exercising. Highly recommended for osteo prevention.

[Sara Emily]

All of you are SUCH a TREMENDOUS encouragement! On those occasional days when I really don't feel like doing much, exercise-wise, I think about some of your posts and feel more motivated to give it a go!

I have never been "athletic," but have found exercise ESSENTIAL to start with, and now, ESSENTIAL plus ENJOYABLE (MOST of the time http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif! I don't take exercise classes since my schedule is so very erratic, but would love for that to change at some point! I also don't belong to a gym, although that, also, is something I can forsee for the future.

Right now, it's nice, long walks through our neighborhood, which lends itself to such, keeping active throughout the day, and doing a wide variety of exercise videos. They really keep me from getting bored, and I don't have to dress up or drive anywhere to do them! Aerobic dance, the exercise ball, callesthenics, yoga, Tae-Bo (Thank you, LynnB!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif), step work-outs, and anything else that looks like fun! Since I've never been athletic at all, I get such a KICK out of mastering each new type of activity! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[AndreaU]

DH & I walk the dogs every day and usually get out hiking once a week now that the weather is nice. We also do a lot of kayaking (without the dogs, for the most part). As a matter of fact, we just went for a 15 mile paddle down the Delaware River between NY & PA today. Beautiful day... 90 with a slight breeze & shooting the rapids to keep cool! That's what it's all about. That and the bear cub, red fox, deer family, bald eagle and duckling brigade we saw along the way!

[KarenNC]

I try an exercise mix of cardio and weight training. Two books have inspired me to increase my weight training--Body for Life---and---Business Plan for the Body. The BPftB book was written by Diane Sawyer's PTrainer and she now looks great. Keeping a food diary was helpful for 2 wks but I did not remain loyal to it.
Also I play tennis and maintain my garden and yard. My yoga teacher moved so I practice by tape. I have found a mix of tapes and visits to the Family Y keep me going so I can eat what I want (that is no second helpings). Also enjoy Pilates by tape.

[maizeyoats]

I am so impressed with you all. It is so great that those of you under 40 are already into excercising because as those of you over 40 know that your metabolism starts going ker-plunk. Some of you may even say WHAT METABOLISM? Few are blessed as my husband is with great genes and this never becomes a problem.
I started the post by saying that I walk, garden and go to Curves. I just wanted to add this one thing about Curves since I notice so many of you are so busy and can't seem to find the time to excercise. This cardiovascular workout only takes 30 minutes and the best thing about it is you are not an organized group so you can get started the minute you walk in the door.
But, hey, whatever you do is great.
Standing is better then sitting and walking is better then standing still. Just keep moving!