So HOW MUCH exercise do you REALLY need? What are we talking

cardigirl

So, my friend, if you want to go on believing in the hype you read in the magazines and best selling books these days about minimalist training, once per week workouts, (or less), or the diet that doesn't require ANY exercise, just eat these special food combinations, take these supplements or cut out all the carbs and get the body of your dreams, that's your choice... it's your body, your health and your life... let your results be your guide.

But when you're unhappy with your results, and when you stand in front of the mirror scratching your head trying to figure out why you don't look and feel the way you want to look and feel... and when you start to feel the downward pull of gravity and body parts are sagging... and when the aches and pains strike, and the doctor's visits become more frequent..

..AND, when you see that there are others the same age as you, in the same circumstances as you, with the same number of hours in the day that you have, who have remained lean, healthy, and muscular...

..THEN GET OFF YOUR GLUTEUS MAXIMUS AND GET SOME EXERCISE EVERY SINGLE DAY. YOUR BODY WANTS IT, NEEDS IT AND IS LITERALLY BEGGING FOR IT.

I'd absolutely want you as my trainer too, and the trainer I am working with has the exact same attitude. You get out of this what you're willing to put into it.

Thanks for writing this. Too many people are looking for the easy out. I used to be one of them, but thankfully, I've learned just how great exercise is for your body, and your mind.

MrsMartin2

I agree 100% with you. Thank you for telling it like it is!

kicklikeaGIRL

Thanks for the post! I think some folks get a little bent out of shape and get offended a little too easily. I think its become a habit for some to read a post with automatic defensiveness...read it from the point of the poster, without adding in your own tone of voice while reading. This is a virtual world, we cannot hear their tone, so don't assume on others...because we all know what happens when you assume......haha When I read it, obviously I knew that it didn't apply to my sister who is in a wheelchair 24/7 and is a quadriplegic. And you weren't giving advice to one specific person, you were giving a general opinion on why you think its important to make exercise a habit in our lives, and I assumed of course, under normal circumstances.

And I agree, people make excuses all the time..I used to be an excuse maker. I used to say "I can't get up that early, my body doesn't function." But, it does!!! I CAN wake up at 5am to get my workout done before my family wakes up. Not only is my exercise helping me lose weight...but I'm not huffing and puffing running up my stairs, and my family will THANK me for it, because it will help prolong the life & quality of life that I will have with them. (Please note to all: I said "help", meaning that certain genetic diseases may not make one immune to health problems...I was not trying to offend anyone with a disease/situation that is out of their control.) We can be proactive and make decisions that will improve our lives and make us feel healthy & strong, on the inside & outside.

GREAT POST! I loooove me my exercise!!! even at 5am...

imagymrat

So, my friend, if you want to go on believing in the hype you read in the magazines and best selling books these days about minimalist training, once per week workouts, (or less), or the diet that doesn't require ANY exercise, just eat these special food combinations, take these supplements or cut out all the carbs and get the body of your dreams, that's your choice... it's your body, your health and your life... let your results be your guide.

But when you're unhappy with your results, and when you stand in front of the mirror scratching your head trying to figure out why you don't look and feel the way you want to look and feel... and when you start to feel the downward pull of gravity and body parts are sagging... and when the aches and pains strike, and the doctor's visits become more frequent..

..AND, when you see that there are others the same age as you, in the same circumstances as you, with the same number of hours in the day that you have, who have remained lean, healthy, and muscular...

..THEN GET OFF YOUR GLUTEUS MAXIMUS AND GET SOME EXERCISE EVERY SINGLE DAY. YOUR BODY WANTS IT, NEEDS IT AND IS LITERALLY BEGGING FOR IT.

I'd absolutely want you as my trainer too, and the trainer I am working with has the exact same attitude. You get out of this what you're willing to put into it.

Thanks for writing this. Too many people are looking for the easy out. I used to be one of them, but thankfully, I've learned just how great exercise is for your body, and your mind.

Thank you. I read and re-read this post at least 10x's before I posted it. As a trainer I have clients who have MS, CP, diabetes, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, cardiac conditions, a man who's recently had a double lung transplant, you name it, i've seen the condition. There is an exercise for just about everyone, there is no excuse (there are circumstances of course where exercise isn't an option) I'm not saying go to the gym and work like a dog, i'm saying that on your "off" days at the gym, take your dog for an extra long walk, take your daughter to the park and actually climb the stairs and do the moneky bars and play a game of tag. Challenge your son to a game of tennis, put the baby in the buggy and rollerblade to the store, take 20 minutes to dance with your kids, take a bike ride with hubby. Go swimming with your kids, hula hoop, jump on the trampoline with your children,...just move your body!I work two jobs, I work for the post office 8 hours a day, and I now train and teach classes 4 hours a day, on breaks at the post office I lead a few girls through some pilates moves, on our lunch we go for power walks, sometimes we do a little zumba dancing, we've had 5 minute "challenges", all of sudden we drop to the floor and see how many pushups or sit ups we can do in a minute,it's actually fun and makes us move..this can't be done in everyone's workplace, but a brisk walk on a break is definitely a possibility, and it doesn't need to "feel" like exercise. We are a society of overweight, unhealthy and lazy people, our children are taking on these very traits, who can change this..YOU can, be their role model, proven fact, kids will imitate what they see, if you are lazy (THIS IS NOT DIRECTED AT ANY ONE PERSON, it's a general statement!!) chances are your kid will follow, I never had children classes to teach before, now I teach 9 classes a week directed at children between the ages of 6-14, it's a good thing, but makes me very sad, most of these kids have little stamina, they are all overweight, (not just a little chubby)they eat unhealthy, but it's a start, most of these childrens' parents are overweight. While they are waiting for their kids to finish excersing in my bootcamp class, they sit in the lounge and wait, we've offered every parent a free guest pass so that they can also enjoy a workout...guess what maybe 1 out of every ten parents take advantage of it...what kind of message is that sending??

Barneystinson

Definitely a good post I think my favorite way of making exercise a habit is by making it fun. Instead of worrying about exercise programs (like P90X or its ilk), I have a much better go of just putting on my iPod and going for a jog or walk. Now that it's nice weather, I'll probably resume biking. Some days, me and SO play tennis or frisbee. Some days, I lift weights or do bodyweight exercises. It's more sustainable over time and doesn't cause injury or stress; quite the opposite.

jennylynn84

I have to say - I'm not offended by this post at all. Mainly because the excuses she targeted for why people don't work out have nothing to do with whether or not it is medically advisable to work out. "I have RA" is not an excuse. It's just true. And it makes working out harder or even sometimes impossible. I have fibromyalgia and some days, migraines, tension headaches and regular old muscle aches make working out an even bigger pain (literally). The unfortunate excuses out there she's talking about are people saying "I'm busy" and trying the miracle pills she mentioned or some fad diet.

Find what you love and what you CAN do, I think is the overall message if you read it without any tonal interpretations. If you have RA or something else and all you can do is go for a walk or do some light stretching exercises (I was initially told pilates and yoga for myself, because cardio would only help the pain so much) then DO IT. That's still better than sitting down, not doing anything.

Lets face it, the majority of us on MFP are not here because we have a medical condition that caused us to gain weight because our physical activity levels lowered. I think most of us on here are here because we always had a reason to wait one more day before doings something about our weight that was getting out of control. I know SO many people that keep telling me "I really need to lose weight too... I'll have to start doing what you're doing." And I've been hearing it since the first ten pounds dropped off about 3 months ago. NONE of those people have actually started dieting. And it's because they've all got excuses. "I can't afford a gym." So? Put on some tennis shoes and go for a walk. You are a netflix/Blockbuster/whatever else there is member - rent a workout video! Do some crunches or planks on the floor. Excuses got us all here and I think the message is that they won't help us get to the end of this road!

Sometimes people need a kick in the butt. Especially me. My fibro hurts, and it's easy to forget that sometimes hitting the gym will improve it (sometimes it won't, but it's about as 50/50 of a chance as taking my meds!).

And as far as her being a trainer - good for her! Trainers aren't there to pat you on the back and tell you how awesome you are if they think you're half-assing it. That won't do anyone any good. I have friends to tell me how great I'm doing, I'd want my trainer to tell me how much greater I CAN do.

See y'all at the gym! I'll be the one SWEATING!

lvfunandfit

Great post and not rude at all

cardigirl

And as far as her being a trainer - good for her! Trainers aren't there to pat you on the back and tell you how awesome you are if they think you're half-assing it. That won't do anyone any good. I have friends to tell me how great I'm doing, I'd want my trainer to tell me how much greater I CAN do.

See y'all at the gym! I'll be the one SWEATING!

Amen, sister.

One thing I learned by using a trainer is that I can do far far more than I ever thought possible. Would I have attempted burpees, HIIT, boxing, mountain climbers, etc, on my own? I don't think so. I spent years riding the recumbent bike and trying to lose weight and not getting anywhere, I feel so much better now after learning I can push my body farther than I ever thought possible. Not saying that I "love" burpees, but I really love what they do for me, and that I CAN actually do them. No one is more surprised than I am that I have achieved this level of fitness.

Again, thanks for encouraging people to just get moving!!!!

les0423

Thanks for the great post! Before reading I had excuses not to go to the gym tonight, no excuses now!

April0815

When I read this post I didn't find it harsh or rude. After reading the comment saying it was rude and harsh I had to go back and read it like 3 times to see what she was talking about. Still couldn't find the rudeness in it. How can someone say someone was being rude when the other person isn't talking to them. You read it with a harsh and rude attitude!!!!!

I understand about the excuses. When I first started my journey I was given a treadmill and I started walking on it in the evening. I would make the excuse that if I didn't walk by a certain time it was to late and I didn't have time to walk in the morning before work because I had to bring my son to school. Once I started losing weight and I got serious about it there was no stopping me. I signed up at the gym and started getting training sessions 3x a week. Now I strength train 3x a week with my trainer and do my cardio 4-5 days a week for 45 minutes. I can't do both in the same day all the time so I do either one but I make sure I get what I need for the week.


The advice I would like to give is this: When you read posts take what you want with you and leave the rest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

April0815

What is burpees?

And as far as her being a trainer - good for her! Trainers aren't there to pat you on the back and tell you how awesome you are if they think you're half-assing it. That won't do anyone any good. I have friends to tell me how great I'm doing, I'd want my trainer to tell me how much greater I CAN do.

See y'all at the gym! I'll be the one SWEATING!

Amen, sister.

One thing I learned by using a trainer is that I can do far far more than I ever thought possible. Would I have attempted burpees, HIIT, boxing, mountain climbers, etc, on my own? I don't think so. I spent years riding the recumbent bike and trying to lose weight and not getting anywhere, I feel so much better now after learning I can push my body farther than I ever thought possible. Not saying that I "love" burpees, but I really love what they do for me, and that I CAN actually do them. No one is more surprised than I am that I have achieved this level of fitness.

Again, thanks for encouraging people to just get moving!!!!

cardigirl

What is burpees?

Here's a link to a video of them...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MGljX4bbps

Google search it and you'll find all kinds of video on them. Basically it's a squat thrust, pushup, and then jump up again.

mariena

i think people are taking this a little harsh. in my opinion, all she is trying to say is do something ANYTHING, whatever YOUR body can handle as much as YOUR body can handle it. whether its walking a 10 feet or 10 miles. if you read it all closely, she says to find something you love and DO IT.. yes there are extenuating circumstances for everyone... but there is always something that you can do

I agree with this. Calm down people. I understand that SOME of you have medical conditions that make maintaining weight or exercising difficult. A smaller group of you have medical conditions that are not preventable and keep you from being able to exercise, like RA. But MOST of you complaining have health and medical issues that were CAUSED BY BEING UNHEALTHY AND SEDENTARY in the first place. That's right! It's a vicious cycle you are caught in. So instead of being pissed off and crabby about this post, get off your butt and use that anger to push through a work out. No one said you needed to lift weights and run a 5k every day. Just turn off the freaking TV and get your butt up and walk around for 10 minutes. TIP: YOU WILL NEVER FINISH A WORKOUT AND SAY TO YOURSELF "I WISH I HADN'T DONE THAT"

jennylynn84

Holy cow! That looks exhausting. The dude at the end with the rings is NUTS! I'm going to have to try these! I've been trying to figure out what I can do different in my workout to step up intensity - think I found it!

.... My dog is gonna LOVE this! LOL.

TCASMEY

I know in the past I was good at making excuses, but it comes down to "how important it is to you?" If it is important you will be able to find the time. We find time to watch our favorite tv shows. Why not do step aerobics while watching tv? Or during commercials drop to the floor and do sit-up, or push-ups? Instead of surfing the web go outside and walk? Got ten minutes to kill before you have to go pick up the kids... march-in place. Instead of picking up the mail on your way home park you car and walk back down the drive-way to get it (except here in MN when it is -20 and very windy:laugh: :laugh: ) Park you car as far away from the store as possible, or park on the opposite side of the mall from the store you need to go to. Get extra movement and activity whenever you can.

I read recently that the Amish eat a fairly high fat diet, but they do not have the weight problems or health problems associated with this type of diet because of their active-hard-working lifestyle. Be active not sedentary!

jennylynn84

TIP: YOU WILL NEVER FINISH A WORKOUT AND SAY TO YOURSELF "I WISH I HADN'T DONE THAT"

Sooooo true. Even on the days when I have to talk myself into the gym, I am SO pumped afterwards and feel so good!

cardigirl

Holy cow! That looks exhausting. The dude at the end with the rings is NUTS! I'm going to have to try these! I've been trying to figure out what I can do different in my workout to step up intensity - think I found it!

.... My dog is gonna LOVE this! LOL.

LOL...make sure you warm up good before you start doing them.

XFitMojoMom

I need me some "GYMRAT" in my life!!
If she came off as rude, you're too thin skinned.

amy1612

I think the post is more of a "Use every day for what it is". I used to get SO bored sitting at home with nothing to do,and now I fill that time with the gym...both classes and solitary workouts, sometimes with a trainer. I love the feeling you get after a really good workout, of feeling slightly sick. Ive been doing spin class twice a week for about 8 weeks now, and I keep thinking it will get easier, but it never does, because the better I get, the harder I push myself. I also find with a trainer you push harder, because chatting to someone whilst running means you dont actually think about what youre doing. You automatically "dig deeper".
I also try to walk into work and back every day...its 50 mins each way. I get uncomfortable now if I spend too long in the house without moving around.

imagymrat

OMG you guys soooooo ROCK!! I'm seeing so many people "getting it"!! I'm so proud of each and everyone of you that laces up those shoes and moves! You have to make it part of your life, and you have to do something you love doing! KUDOS to all you gymrats and non gymrats who are transforming your bodies into lean mean fat burning machines!! :laugh: :laugh: the time it takes to get angry and write a nasty reply, could have been spent skipping rope and burning 60 calories..lol!

lreed

I LOVED THIS POST!!! Thank you so much! I am really tired of people telling me that I am overtraining my body! I do bootcamp 5 days a week , plus about an hour of walking a day, and then I walk an hour and a half on the weekend. (I mean yes I am exercising every day, but a lot of it's walking!) I 100% agree with the part about it being part of a habit, when I give myself an out, it tends to slip into multiple out days! If you want to train in North. Cal. I'm here and up for it! Of course people need to exercise to the level their body's can handle, but I agree you can probably do something, and the doctor's will always err on the cautious side (told me to swim only 2 years ago because of 2 bulging discs) Thanks for saying it like it is!

aippolito1

I've only missed TOTAL probably a week of exercise since I started in January - that's like, 5 days I couldn't get to the gym and then 2 separate days I was just way too tired from the whole week I'd worked out that I decided to take a 2nd rest day - but both days I had already reached my work out minutes/calories burned goal for the week.

I am ADDICTED! My body feels great and I'm not about to stop now!!!! :happy:

I've gotta be working out at LEAST 20 minutes to really feel like I've accomplished something. I can do intervals on the treadmill for 20 minutes, burn about 180 calories and be DRENCHED and feel like I really did well that day.

I LOVED THIS POST!!! Thank you so much! I am really tired of people telling me that I am overtraining my body.

AMEN! I work out 6x/week, I alternate cardio and strength training (and do cardio on strength days ALSO). I run, do the elliptical, lift weights... and I'm thinking about mixing up my strength training and incorporating some more routines on the weekends when I'm at home because I miss doing them (back before I had a gym membership). I feel great, my body isn't ever "fatigued" from too much exercise - and when it is, I REST - and I'm seeing results so I know it's working. To hell with anyone who tells me differently.

kendrafallon

Love, love, love, LOVE this post!!!

PS MFP add a like button dammit!!!
x

Marla64

I'm sooooo loving this post, gymrat-- I didn't find your tone harsh at all-- this is a sound message--

Imagine the millions of dollars Nike would have lost had their message been--

"Just think about, if it's not too much trouble, and you're not too uncomfortable, and it fits into your schedule, and see how feel about maybe trying to DO it."

Please people-- it's JUST DO IT.

There are no excuses. Yes, people have issues-- health and otherwise-- I'm one of 'em-- health AND otherwise--

I'm raising 9 kids on unemployment at the moment-- wanna talk stress? Oh my-- and if that's not enough......

I have psoriatic arthritis-- I'm one of the lucky 10-15 percent of psoriasis sufferers who also develop rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Lovely stuff-- NOT. My toes and fingers are swollen like Italian sausages. I can't walk without a limp, can't turn a doorknob and my kids have to start my car for me.

BUT-- I still run 3 miles and do 45 minute aerobics videos. I still found a way to hit the floor and do my pushups. I can still lift free weights if nothing else.

Yes, it can be uncomfortable some days. I come home from my runs sometimes in dreadful pain (after the endorphins go back to that happy place from whence they came ) But, that which does not kill us, my friends, only makes us stronger.

We are stronger the more trials we overcome in this life.

Everyone of us-- EVERY ONE-- can find SOMETHING to do-- lift your legs, walk around your block, go up and down your stairs, dance in your living room-- SOMETHING.

That's the original message here-- yes? No excuses. There is something, no matter your circumstances, that you can do to help your body.

Love, love, love this post--

questionablemethods

Imagine the millions of dollars Nike would have lost had their message been--

"Just think about, if it's not too much trouble, and you're not too uncomfortable, and it fits into your schedule, and see how feel about maybe trying to DO it."

Hilarious. I need to print that out and paste it everywhere in my house.

lotusfromthemud

Imagine the millions of dollars Nike would have lost had their message been--

"Just think about, if it's not too much trouble, and you're not too uncomfortable, and it fits into your schedule, and see how feel about maybe trying to DO it."

Hilarious. I need to print that out and paste it everywhere in my house.

:laugh:

We all need to move our bodies, according to our own needs and abilities! Just move your booties.

jennylynn84

I'm raising 9 kids on unemployment at the moment-- wanna talk stress? Oh my-- and if that's not enough......

I have psoriatic arthritis-- I'm one of the lucky 10-15 percent of psoriasis sufferers who also develop rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Lovely stuff-- NOT. My toes and fingers are swollen like Italian sausages. I can't walk without a limp, can't turn a doorknob and my kids have to start my car for me.

BUT-- I still run 3 miles and do 45 minute aerobics videos. I still found a way to hit the floor and do my pushups. I can still lift free weights if nothing else.

OMG, girl, you are AWESOME!

Marla64

I'm raising 9 kids on unemployment at the moment-- wanna talk stress? Oh my-- and if that's not enough......

I have psoriatic arthritis-- I'm one of the lucky 10-15 percent of psoriasis sufferers who also develop rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Lovely stuff-- NOT. My toes and fingers are swollen like Italian sausages. I can't walk without a limp, can't turn a doorknob and my kids have to start my car for me.

BUT-- I still run 3 miles and do 45 minute aerobics videos. I still found a way to hit the floor and do my pushups. I can still lift free weights if nothing else.

OMG, girl, you are AWESOME!

You're so sweet-- thanks-- but, I just see it as not giving up.

I've spent too many years of my life fat, out of shape and making excuses-- no freaking more.

vixey2906

:happy: Be my trainner !
Good post, i enjoyed it. Sometimes (especially as im off uni for easter) Ill sit at home on my *kitten* and watch telly and i should be working out, and after joining this site i have been, even if its just on the exercise bike so i can watch telly at he same time. As has been said you never regret it and I feel like i havent wasted a day! :flowerforyou:

Mary_Burris

What's scary is that with these views, she's a trainer.

I agree..no offense to her but I wouldnt want her as a trainer..I'd feel like a lazy piece of crap every day.

I'm absolutely not offended, i'm not for everyone, only for those serious to take on a challenge. I'm tough, I give little to no slack, don't waste my time. There's no way I was rude, my point is if you CAN move then you need to be doing it, if you have reasons you cannot, c'mon, i'm not an idiot then obviously don't do it. My post was about staying healthy and fit, you don't gotta like it, maybe because I hit a nerve?? that's a good thing if I did, obviously I hit something, if you post more then once, to tell me i'm rude, i've been called worse by people, once i'm done training with them, thank me for helping them. You need to find a trainer that works for you, I DON'T coddle, seems to me that's what you need...you wont enjoy any of my posts then, I'd suggest maybe if they offend you so much, don't read em!

I would TOTALLY want you as a trainer! So far, I'm doing okay at kicking my own butt. I don't work out long, but I workout as hard as I can 5-6 days/week. My boyfriend is always like, "Really? We're gonna workout again? But we just worked out yesterday!"

"Uh... yeah!"

Thanks for the reminder.

Next up, I need to add a bit more. I was getting back in shape to run 5Ks when my hip socket started acting funny. I'm hoping that was just a little pull and it is better so I can start running again. Kettlebell class starts on Sunday!

Me too!!! I would Die to do the Last chance workouts that they do like on Biggest Loser! I even go to Cross Fit for them to Kick my *kitten* but couldnt afford it for long [its super expensive] but I dont think you were rude at all! You are obviously an awesome Trainer!!!!!