Fitness for the exercise reluctant

... this place seems to have, predominately, two types of person. Those who want to lose weight and those who want to get fit.

Keep in mind that a lot of the people in the "want to be fit" group started out in the "want to lose weight group". It's very common for those nearing their goal weight to re-evaluate and change their goals to fitness.

I've tried joining gyms, paid personal trainers and the like, tried classes, swimming, all sorts but when it comes down to it I really hate it.

Sounds like you tried doing too much too fast. For some people (myself included) starting slowly can help with establishing regular exercise as a habit. I started out by walking. Very short walks at first, but I made it a point to walk every day. Walking is easy. Once you've establish a habit of walking you can build on that by walking longer, adding body-weight exercises or some other activity that you don't hate.

The most import thing is to keep your diet under control. If you can do that you will lose weight regardless of exercise activity. Over time you may even find yourself in that "want to be fit" group. When that happens the obstacles to exercise (excuses) are not nearly as difficult to overcome.

I'd say there is a third category - those who want to lose weight but want a bit more to eat, so they add some exercise. I started by doing a little bit of extra walking, and I keep finding opportunities to add more.

But if you have the opportunity to ride horses, go for it. There are other horsey chores that are also good exercise, like cleaning stables and grooming. You're right; for this to work long term it has to be something you're willing to do

Walking.....basically the only exercise I have done during my weight loss. Costs very little (good shoes are important) and getting outside can be a great mood booster. I also invested in a used treadmill. In order to motivate myself to use it when I first bought it, I recorded my favorite soap opera. If I hadn't already walked three miles that day, I would not let myself watch it unless I was also walking on the treadmill.
Good luck!
Kaye

So if you aren't willing to try any other exercise, what exactly is the point of your post? Trolling?

I totally get OP, lol. I don't like exercising either. I've done several DVD programs but I typically don't follow them exactly because I can't really stomach it. I suffer through 35 minutes of weight lifting 3 times a week because I pretty much have to, and at least it doesn't take too long, but that's about it... probably why I don't seem to get much results and seem to still have a high bodyfat, but heck...

Otherwise, I walk. I get a break, I can think, listen to music etc in peace, so I don't mind at all.

The only thing I go to a gym for is the weight room...I'd love to have one at my home and just forgo the whole thing, but that isn't going to happen anytime soon. People really need to get over the notion that "exercise" means droning away on some cardio machine or doing some kind of DVD...there was "exercise" far before the elliptical was invented and long before Jillian ever made a DVD.

- I'm an avid hiker...I love nothing more than taking a nice long hike in the mountains here or down in the bosque by the river.

- I love riding my bike...I often lose track of time and next thing I know I've been gone a couple hours and covered 25 - 30 miles.

- My dog loves the fact that I like to get up and move now...she goes for way more walks

- I take my 3 y.o. to the park every Sunday and we kick the soccer ball around and chase each other

- I'm an avid golfer in the spring, summer, and fall

- I'm partial to jogging and I also like swimming

The list could go on and on

Back in highschool I marched snare in the drumline, and that was definitely exercise without meaning to do it! I wish I had also been paying attention to what I was eating then because I probably would have lost 15-20 pounds each season. I could have been skinny by graduation!

Nowadays, about the only exercise that I would say doesn't feel like exercise is organized sports. I've played soccer and flag football and never resented the physical exertion of either because I was too wrapped up in playing well and winning. I understand what you mean about hating exercise, as I am pretty much like that. The only thing that I tolerate well on a regular basis is walking on my treadmill because I can watch netflix while I do it. I'll occasionally do a zumba video, a jillian michaels video, or some bodyweight exercises in a bit of an attempt to retain muscle, but I have zero intention of joining a gym while I'm trying to lose weight. I even am halfway considering buying a set of free weights so I can legit work on strength training. Eh, we'll see.

My point is that you need to find some activity that has an interest for you that overrides exertion from also having a physical aspect. Just like horse riding. Or Dodgeball.

I'll have to add yoga in front of the TV or out back in the yard, etc. I know it sounds like exercise, but it doesn't feel like it. You have to do it a few times to notice it, but it does this relaxing/invigorating thing that feels the opposite of the sweaty hard stuff. Granted, there are forms of yoga that get all sweaty, but try the slow kinds. It feels like a good stretch in the morning But it builds strength and increases blood flow, etc. It's exercise in it's most inviting form, imho.

Splashing around in a pool is also a nice way to chill out and have fun while exercising, imho. Just play around in the water; you don't have to swim laps to get some nice movement in It's great on a hot day, particularly!

If you like the fast fun of riding, you might also like ice skating! That one takes a bit of a learning curve, but zooming around a refreshing rink is really great fun. Roller skating is kind of similar, but I like the chilly air of an ice rink!

You don't necessarily have to go to the gym to exercise. Since you're not used to exercise, just start off small. Add steps by parking further away from the store, turn on some music while cleaning the house, dance around, play with your kids, if you have any, go for a walk outside, if you have a store near you, within walking distance, the next time you need something, walk there instead of driving. Personally, I was never the type to really like exercise either. I started out doing zumba in the circuit at a Curves facility, and loved it. Unfortunately, they closed down, but my group and I followed our instructor to a local gym, so now we do it there. I was used to doing the hydraulic machines at curves, but now I've stepped up my weights by going bigger and heavier. Now I've even gone a step further, and started the most awesome book ever, New Rules of Weightlifting for Women. Never thought I'd like lifting weights so much, personally, but I do! I've always loved to dance, so the Zumba love's no surprise to me. Lol. Anything that gets you moving is considered exercise, and you'd be surprised how much it can add up throughout the day. I also have a Bodymedia, that tracks how many calories I burn all day, I have to wear it all the time, but I'm used to it, and hardly notice it now. It makes me want to exercise more, to burn more calories, so that's a plus. Good luck OP!

You either really want it or you don't

The end