I don't like exercising much

Raddichio

Before my daughter's disabilities became more severe, I was able to go camping, skiing, hiking---things I enjoy---and I was able to get a lot of exercise from those things. Also, before my allergies and asthma became so severe, I was able to spend days working in the garden, which also involved considerable physical exertion. I much prefer doing things that have an intrinsic meaning, but my circumstances don't permit it now. Even when I was first learning to drive and excited to learn and get my driver's license, I hated just driving around for practice. I only wanted to practice driving when we actually had somewhere to go, not just go out driving around---so I would prefer to be do something that just happens to provide good exercise, as well.

I've also discovered, to my horror, that I am totally uncoordinated. I've been trying out all kinds of exercise DVDs from the library and find that even simple choreography is difficult for me to follow if it is done quickly. Therefore, my standbys have become Leslie Sansone's walking DVDs, as I always understand her cueing and generally can keep in step with whatever they're doing. I do try to add some extra movement to keep them challenging, though.

I've also found that, with a disabled child, two elderly parents, and my own health issues---not to mention a demanding work-at-home schedule, it is very easy to miss scheduled workout times due to more pressing demands. That means that, in order to keep up at least some exercise each week, I'm squeezing it in at very inconvenient times when I feel I really should be doing something else. Nevertheless, I'm always glad when I manage to resume exercising even if it's been almost a week without doing any.

What I DO like about exercising: I like the way it makes me feel, the extra energy and strength I seem to have now. I like that the flabby parts are disappearing and I can feel some muscles where it used to be all soft. And I like when I've done three miles and could do a couple more, as compared to feeling totally exhausted before finishing the second mile just a couple months ago. I also like learning a little about weight lifting (although I have to fight against my tendency to feel I'm wasting time because it doesn't feel "productive" to be spending time not producing anything immediately tangible--or maybe it's just hard to set aside time for myself).

I know many say to find something you enjoy and do it for exercise, but my circumstances don't allow me to do so. So instead of wishing things were different, I deal with what I have and continue to try to improve. I do have long-term worries about sustainability and ability to push myself enough to continue to make progress. So far it's working, so I'll just take it day by day.

I know there are a lot of people here who love to exercise and manage to accomplish amazing things in training and sculpting their bodies. But are there any others like me---who don't hate exercise, but don't love it either and are managing to fit it into a demanding schedule? I'd like to hear how you've been able to do this.

Tanig32

I don't like to exercise either but i have found a few that i like and even though i don't want to i have been pushing myself to at least do something each day. There are exercises that you can do at home like walk away the pounds and there are different levels so it meets different needs and you can make them fun. I know that having a child with a disability is demanding i have worked in this field for many years and i understand what the parents go through, have you thought about talking your child outside and going for walks together, i don't know the severity of the disability but its just an option. You are caring for your loved ones and you will truly be blessed for what you are doing, i hope that you find something that works out for you have a great weekend.

pen2u

R, I understand about the disabled daughter thing; I've got a DDD (dear disabled daughter) as well. I'm fortunate that she's older now and able to live away from home, so DH & I can get out for a ride or hike more often.

Who cares if you're uncoordinated? Who's watching? As long as you're moving it's OK not to be doing the exact moves that professional dancers are doing on the video, IMO. Perhaps the finely tuned, chiseled bod isn't possible right now, but the day will come when you can do the activities you love...and if you're basically fit and trim you'll be able to jump right in. Good luck!

Raddichio

Tanig, Thanks for understanding. I was afraid I might get slammed posting here where so many are such enthusiastic, hardcore exercisers. I'm glad that, as someone who works in the field, you understand the demands on a fulltime caregiver. No matter how much we love our children, it is a lot of work! I had a doctor once tell me that, if Condeleeza Rice and President Obama could make time for exercise, I certainly could find time to do so. While I appreciate that I have needed to prioritize exercise more than I did in the past, this comment told me she didn't have a clue what it was like to be responsible for another life 24/7 or to have elderly parents who continually need things and have multiple life-threatening medical situations come up each year. So my dad calls and says he thinks my mom is having a stroke but doesn't want to call an ambulance, and I should say, "Sorry, I'm schedule to do my exercise right now"?

Pen2u, Yes, you've "walked the walk," so you know exactly what I'm talking about. Unortunately or fortunately---depending on your point of view, my daughter is an adult (in years, anyway) and will be with me as long as I live. I'm happy to have her and to be able to care for her, but it is a considerable load. I do try to get her to walk a bit with me, for her own health, but with only minimal success. I do almost all of my exercise indoors, which seems to work with presnt demands the best, but I did manage to take my daughter on a half-mile, leisurely walk last month which I enjoyed so much. And you're right about not worrying about being right in step, as long as I keep moving. It's just a little demoralizing that I will preview and exercise DVD and think, "That doesn't look that hard," and then when I actualy try to do it I keep messing up. Oh well, I still got the same calorie burn and benefit of exercise, regardless of whether I look like a professional dancer or a klutz. Now I'm off to do some exercise before the day gets away from me.

AthenaErr

I have a daughter with SN (shes 2) and an ill Husband (hes ok at the moment but needs a lot of rest) so there's little time to exercise. I try to do 20 mins a day. I do 30 Day Shred - I think the choreography is really easy to follow plus it has weights so you gte some strenght training). I find it very effective. I've also starting running, I alternate 20 mins of run/walking with the Shred DVD. I have gotten much stronger - which is great as caring for H and D requires a fair bit of lifting that I was worrying I couldnt keep up with. I find I can manage to fit in 20 mins - usually my H does breakfast and I do my exercise.. Either I do a quick stint at home or I pop out for a run in the park nearby.
I think your dr was harsh - I bet someone does Condoleeza's and Barack's childcare for them while they exercise! Having a disabled child means you need so much help and often there is very little on offer. However getting fit is really helping me cope. Try the jillian Michaels DVDs - they are pretty cheap, and short and the format is v straightforward. Good luck!

AthenaErr

BTW congratulations on the 32lb loss

tigerlily8045

I did the zumba express basic dvd, its 20 min, done and over. NO one cares what you look like. I had to modify some of the moves because I was doing it on carpet and couldn't slide. No one cares! LOL Keep moving how ever and when ever you can. Can you split it up into 10 min walks or something during the day? Say like 3-4 times? THere is no rule that says you have to do all excersise in one setting. If you can't fit it all try to do the best you can. thats all anyone asks

cyndist

Sounds like you stay busy as it is. Just do what you can when you can. Taking care of DD and Parents sounds like a lot of exercise to me. As to the Dr I would look for a new Dr she was way out of line to say something like that.

tobielauren

I know it is hard when you are trying to take care of everyone. You forget to take care of yourself. I saw it in my parents when my brother went through rehab and my grandfather was sick and dying. Something that you learn in AA and any other twelve step program is that it is okay to be a bit selfish. This does not mean you will forget to take care of you family.
Also, not liking exercise that much, you need to get creative. You work at home...instead of using a chair at your desk, swap in a physioball. It will help you maintain core strength and posture. Plus, I bet your daughter would like to play with it, you can even make games up with it. I have a pamphlet I am working on getting published about how to work out at work (and home) and at a desk. It doesn't have to be hard. And, you need to be flexible with your workout times. When life gets crazy, just go with it. Honestly, I do think family comes first, but that doesn't mean you should forget about your health too.
If you would like to know more about my pamphlet and my exercises, please email me. (I am a PhD candidate in sport and exercise psychology.)

Raddichio

Thanks everyone who has responded for the encouragement and the good ideas. I should clarify that I don' hate exercising, I just find it hard to prioritize it and it always seems like I have a dozen other things I should be doing instead. Once I get started, I'm okay and will even begrudgingly admit that I take satisfaction in finishing something that would have been too difficult a couple months ago or doing the same workout and finding I can do more than I could before or finish stronger.

Yes, my doctor was totally out-of-line. I did find another doctor about eight months ago, and I'm very happy with her. My previous doctor, I think, had no capacity to understand others' situations and work with them. This was evident in other interactions, as well, which combined to convince me to move on. The only reason I stayed there when she took over the practice was that it was a mere 10 minutes from my home, which was very convenient.

After so many years of no formal exercise, I don't think I'm ready for JM or even Zumba at this point. But I will get them at the library later and see how well I can do with them. I'm trying to push myself, but not too fast, so I don't get injured or burn out.

Although I am extrermely busy, it's not that tasking physically. In fact, it contributes to my being sedentary, as I have to drive my parents around to different places, take them and my daughter to and from doctors' appointments, stay nearby when they are hospitalized, etc. It's stressful, but doesn't typically involve much exertion.

Athena, just want to add that I admire how much you've been able to accomplish with the extra demands I know are made upon you every day, without letup. Good for you! It sounds like you've found the balance that works for you and your family.