Creative ideas?
peanut613
Posts: 438 Member
Hey friends! So I'm the worst at working out. I just dislike getting sweaty and I really prefer being a couch potato. That's kinda why I'm here haha. So I'm hoping that you, my lovely mfp pals, can help me think of some exercise ideas I'll actually follow through with. I work two jobs and go to school, so I have a tighter schedule than I'm used to. I don't really like the normal gym stuff (treadmill, elliptical, etc) and I can't really afford classes like yoga, boot camp, etc. What kind of stuff do you guys recommend? I just get bored easily and lose drive. Oh, and I can't jump around in my apartment or my downstairs neighbors may kill me! Thanks for the suggestions!
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Replies
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hrmmmm you've basically ruled out everything I would have suggested.
I'm going to ignore the fact that you don't like being sweaty. Weight lifting and HIIT training will give you the most bang for your buck (and you will sweat buckets... get used to it
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But if you really don't want to sweat, try swimming. You might still sweat, but how would you know? lol0 -
That's quite a list of excuses. Honestly, stop making them and get moving. i know it's easier said than done, but you gotta do it if you want to lose weight.0
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Haha I also have someone who lives below me, so I try to be pretty careful to keep my workouts quiet when possible. Sometimes laying down a yoga mat helps.
Here is a workout I've done a few times which is aptly titled the Quiet Cardio Workout (
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaJryQEsT94)
If you've got light weights (or soup cans etc) you can try workouts like these:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAGfBjvIRFI (ignore the title of the video which is dumb)
If you're willing to make a little more noise (or have a chance to workout at a time of day where they likely aren't home) you can try any of the workouts at this link, there's literally everything from Insanity to the 30DS to Yoga on here: http://wakeuphealthy.tumblr.com/post/31175140420/workout-links
I do a lot of at home workouts because I don't have a gym membership right now. You could also consider something that gets you out and about like trying Couch to 5k to start running, or just getting out and doing it yourself (I'm not a big c25k person, I hated it, but I like running on my own terms now after about a month of trying).
Just remember, once you make it a habit and get hooked on those endorphins, you'll want to exercise all the time.
Editing to add that you can also do things that aren't traditionally classed as exercise; go for a walk every day, find a sport to play for fun, become the worlds most awesome hoola-hooper. Do what you gotta do, just get active.
If you need the added accountability join up with a local group that does something; there's lots of running/cycling/walking groups that are either free or close to, and then you can make new friends along the way as well.0 -
Nothing will work until you get rid of the excuses and lose the love of the sofa. After that, do what you want to do that involves moving.0
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Learn to deal with the icky sweat thing first. Then you can move on to the more complicated things like self discipline.I just dislike getting sweaty0 -
How about hiking? Load up a backpack and a couple friends and go out for a 3-10 mile hike on the local trails. It'll be outdoors, it's not too sweaty of an endeavor, there's lots of things to take pictures of, and your attention span can wander. If it's a social or date activity as well, then you could always have conversation. After a full day of hiking you'll be wiped out and you'll sleep like a baby.0
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I am a couch potato too. I walk the mall. I always take the stairs and park at the end of the parking lot. Every little bit counts.0
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Let me get this straight. You want creative exercise ideas that don't get you sweaty, aren't actually exercise, cost you nothing, fit into your schedule, don't annoy your neighbors, and let you be a couch potato?
One answer; walking. If you don't like that either, then you aren't ready to lose weight or get fit. You may as well stay on the couch, because nothing is going to happen unless you actually make some effort.0 -
Let me get this straight. You want creative exercise ideas that don't get you sweaty, aren't actually exercise, cost you nothing, fit into your schedule, don't annoy your neighbors, and let you be a couch potato?
One answer; walking. If you don't like that either, then you aren't ready to lose weight or get fit. You may as well stay on the couch, because nothing is going to happen unless you actually make some effort.
QFT0 -
Got news for ya: A great many people (I will be so bold as to say MOST people) don't really like exercise. We do it because we know we should, and because we like the long-term effects it gives our bodies. It's part of being an adult, doing thing we'd rather not do. Consider the following statement:
"I really want money. I'd love to be rich! But I hate working, you guys. Working is just so boring, my job is really lame. Every morning I just don't have the drive to get up and go to work. Suggestions?"
Does that sound a little whiney and ridiculous? Go re-read your OP and see if you can't find a parallel theme.0 -
Swim.
Get tired of swimming? Tough, you'll drown.
Go swim.0 -
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Depending on the weather - is cycling an option? Bicycles aren't that expensive at Walmart, and you can double-dip by using it to cycle to do errands, like go to the grocery store with an empty backpack, or cycle to work/school etc. Then it doesn't 'feel' like exercise if you have a destination in mind and it can save you money in the long run
I gave up stepping/playing much on the Wii Fit because the downstairs neighbours complained (apparently they couldn't hear their 2 screeching kids over my thumping), and it really did affect my confidence, even though it sounds stupid. Now we live in a building with reinforced floors and I'm still kind of afraid of getting back into it.0 -
Let me get this straight. You want creative exercise ideas that don't get you sweaty, aren't actually exercise, cost you nothing, fit into your schedule, don't annoy your neighbors, and let you be a couch potato?
One answer; walking. If you don't like that either, then you aren't ready to lose weight or get fit. You may as well stay on the couch, because nothing is going to happen unless you actually make some effort.
this.0 -
This. One or the other (or both, alternating if you need change up). Yeah, you're going to sweat, but that's why showers were invented. Wear clothes that are meant for sweating (or that you don't mind getting sweat on) and move.0 -
Exercise usually inspires me and makes me feel good, so not really in a good position to understand those that don't enjoy exercise when they do it. That said, I do understand being lazy all too well, and as much as I've liked to exercise, in the past I've often enjoyed being lazy/ doing nothing instead, lol.
I don't do the gym anymore, and any exercise I get I try to get it outdoors, which right now is walking for me, something I enjoy incredibly and always have. I've also started to do some bodyweight training to take care of my need for some resistance training, and it fits in nicely with my overall motivation to optimise my body. For that reason, things like optimal strength and body flexibility appeal to me a lot, and want to do yoga and either tai-chai or some martial arts in the future. I love the mental and physical aspect of pushing my body, and it just feels so good to increase what I can do with my body
If you're having trouble getting started, I would say to do whatever you have to do, to get yourself up and active for at least 10 mins. After 10 mins, I find you don't want to stop, and keep carrying on, but as I say, if you simply don't like exercising, there's not much advice I could give, aside from getting a wii fit! lol
Oh, if a tight schedule is the main problem, just try get exercise whenever you can, ie take the stairs, walk that 5 min stretch, park the car further away/ get off the bus a stop or two earlier, basically anything you can do to be more active, as it will all add up. I can definitely understand not wanting to do too much after coming home from a long day, so perhaps make plans with friends that involve some activity like a walk, or that involves walking to get there, to get you up and out. I know only too well how easy it is to be claimed by the couch after a long day when all you want to do is de-stress and turn off your brain, lol. Oh, if all those active suggestions don't work, perhaps look to your diet instead, as you may already be active enough, if your goal is just weight loss/ maintenance and not fitness 0 -
For everyone responding like a ****, you're missing my point and you're the problem with sites like this. I'm a fat slob, so let's pause while I bow to your superior meathead physiques.
Now that we can check our egos and get real, I'm simply saying I get bored easily and don't care for jogging on a treadmill and staring at the same ceiling tile. I would rather do something that doesn't feel like a gym sentence. I KNOW that things like biking and kayaking will burn calories. Playing kickball with friends in the park will too. I'm looking for some other fun things that other people enjoy doing that doesn't feel like "work".
All this said, no. I don't like getting sweaty or workin out. But I know it's part of the deal. And yes, I have limitations. My husband leaves for work at 4 am, so I can't leave my 5 year old asleep alone to go to the gym. I drop her at school, then I work from 9-3, get my daughter from school, drive to my other job to work from 4-11. And I'm in school myself. I do have neighbors I have to be considerate towards.
So rather than being self righteous, judgemental ****s, perhaps constructive ideas on how to enjoy exercise when you have a busy schedule might be a better approach.0 -
Let me get this straight. You want creative exercise ideas that don't get you sweaty, aren't actually exercise, cost you nothing, fit into your schedule, don't annoy your neighbors, and let you be a couch potato?
One answer; walking. If you don't like that either, then you aren't ready to lose weight or get fit. You may as well stay on the couch, because nothing is going to happen unless you actually make some effort.
this.
Well, you say "this," but are we trying to imply that exercise is necessary for weight loss?
Sure, resistance training is important to maintain lean muscle mass, but that's not what's being said here.
Or, are we saying that because someone prefers the couch to indulging in "sweaty" exercises, they couldn't be troubled to accurately watch their caloric intake (which, to some, may be quite a stretch)?0 -
Dance and zumba-esque workouts are the best I could think of to kind of sneak it in.
I like to get on an elliptical, jam to the Pacific Rim soundtrack, and pretend I'm piloting a jaeger. Dorky and lame, but let me tell ya 30 minutes flies by and I hardly notice the workout till my legs are screaming the next day.0 -
For everyone responding like a ****, you're missing my point and you're the problem with sites like this. I'm a fat slob, so let's pause while I bow to your superior meathead physiques.
Now that we can check our egos and get real, I'm simply saying I get bored easily and don't care for jogging on a treadmill and staring at the same ceiling tile. I would rather do something that doesn't feel like a gym sentence. I KNOW that things like biking and kayaking will burn calories. Playing kickball with friends in the park will too. I'm looking for some other fun things that other people enjoy doing that doesn't feel like "work".
All this said, no. I don't like getting sweaty or workin out. But I know it's part of the deal. And yes, I have limitations. My husband leaves for work at 4 am, so I can't leave my 5 year old asleep alone to go to the gym. I drop her at school, then I work from 9-3, get my daughter from school, drive to my other job to work from 4-11. And I'm in school myself. I do have neighbors I have to be considerate towards.
So rather than being self righteous, judgemental ****s, perhaps constructive ideas on how to enjoy exercise when you have a busy schedule might be a better approach.
No one's being self-righteous or an *kitten*. You've ruled out almost everything and said you hate getting sweaty. All that's left is walking. You have snapped back pretty meanly when told this, but with your initial criteria... yeah, all that's left is walking. You can sneak it in anywhere, it's low impact, and at least it's something.
Based on this post, I'm going to assume you find biking, kayaking, and kickball fun and doable. These are all activities I would've ruled out for you from your first post.
What I'd do is find a half hour time slot three times a week and do something. Instead of saying there isn't one, find out when there is one and figure out what you could do then. Then decide if it's worth it or not. Midnight to twelve thirty at night for pushups and situps sounds like a horrible hassle to me, but it is something you could do. Somewhere from four am to nine am with a Wii fit game is really low impact, and technically a "game" so maybe you'd try it.
Really, just find a time, a place, and move.0 -
For everyone responding like a ****, you're missing my point and you're the problem with sites like this. I'm a fat slob, so let's pause while I bow to your superior meathead physiques.
Now that we can check our egos and get real, I'm simply saying I get bored easily and don't care for jogging on a treadmill and staring at the same ceiling tile. I would rather do something that doesn't feel like a gym sentence. I KNOW that things like biking and kayaking will burn calories. Playing kickball with friends in the park will too. I'm looking for some other fun things that other people enjoy doing that doesn't feel like "work".
All this said, no. I don't like getting sweaty or workin out. But I know it's part of the deal. And yes, I have limitations. My husband leaves for work at 4 am, so I can't leave my 5 year old asleep alone to go to the gym. I drop her at school, then I work from 9-3, get my daughter from school, drive to my other job to work from 4-11. And I'm in school myself. I do have neighbors I have to be considerate towards.
So rather than being self righteous, judgemental ****s, perhaps constructive ideas on how to enjoy exercise when you have a busy schedule might be a better approach.
JSF0 -
Gotta agree with DavPul--No effort, no gain. However, if you truly want to gain some level of fitness, start with walking. It's amazing how that time can pass and people you can meet in your neighborhood. Understanding that you don't want to be jumping around in your apartment, I'd also recommend trying yoga. There are numerous free apps for this. Good luck!0
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I like to get on an elliptical, jam to the Pacific Rim soundtrack, and pretend I'm piloting a jaeger. Dorky and lame, but let me tell ya 30 minutes flies by and I hardly notice the workout till my legs are screaming the next day.
I'd love to be able to use Doctor Who as inspiration and run from the daleks. Unfortunately I'd be exterminated at this point x0 -
I'm simply saying I get bored easily and don't care for jogging on a treadmill and staring at the same ceiling tile. I would rather do something that doesn't feel like a gym sentence.
If resistance training appeals to you, I find bodyweight training quite good in the bang-for-your-buck stakes, especially when time is an element. Its also definitely handy to fit in when you have a few spare minutes too if you want to take a less structured approach.0 -
Get a bike and do some of your errands on it. Ride to work, ect. I think biking is the greatest excercise EVER. It gets you places, it gets you outside, it's burn lots of calories, it helps you comtemplate life...
When I ride, it NEVER feels like excercise. It feels like JOY!!
OR maybe, just find a sport or activity that brings you joy and do it.0 -
If you have a smart phone there are several body weight app - try Freeletics. When you are at home, work and school, take the stairs. Don't park close to the bldg in order to get in longer walks when you run errands or go to school/work.0
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Let me get this straight. You want creative exercise ideas that don't get you sweaty, aren't actually exercise, cost you nothing, fit into your schedule, don't annoy your neighbors, and let you be a couch potato?
One answer; walking. If you don't like that either, then you aren't ready to lose weight or get fit. You may as well stay on the couch, because nothing is going to happen unless you actually make some effort.
this.
Well, you say "this," but are we trying to imply that exercise is necessary for weight loss?
Sure, resistance training is important to maintain lean muscle mass, but that's not what's being said here.
Or, are we saying that because someone prefers the couch to indulging in "sweaty" exercises, they couldn't be troubled to accurately watch their caloric intake (which, to some, may be quite a stretch)?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it was the OP that posted in FITNESS AND EXERCISE asking about non workout workout tips, no? No one here knocked on her door and told her that she HAD to exercise. She said that she wanted to workout, then gave a list of stipulations as long as her arm. That's what people, including myself, are responding to.0 -
Swim.
Get tired of swimming? Tough, you'll drown.
Go swim.
I lol'ed
And yup, swimming is a great low impact exercise that doesn't involve tons of sweating0 -
For everyone responding like a ****, you're missing my point and you're the problem with sites like this. I'm a fat slob, so let's pause while I bow to your superior meathead physiques.
Now that we can check our egos and get real, I'm simply saying I get bored easily and don't care for jogging on a treadmill and staring at the same ceiling tile. I would rather do something that doesn't feel like a gym sentence. I KNOW that things like biking and kayaking will burn calories. Playing kickball with friends in the park will too. I'm looking for some other fun things that other people enjoy doing that doesn't feel like "work".
All this said, no. I don't like getting sweaty or workin out. But I know it's part of the deal. And yes, I have limitations. My husband leaves for work at 4 am, so I can't leave my 5 year old asleep alone to go to the gym. I drop her at school, then I work from 9-3, get my daughter from school, drive to my other job to work from 4-11. And I'm in school myself. I do have neighbors I have to be considerate towards.
So rather than being self righteous, judgemental ****s, perhaps constructive ideas on how to enjoy exercise when you have a busy schedule might be a better approach.
Oh, well now that you've rephrased your question and I understand you more clearly, I'd like to change my answer to the following.Let me get this straight. You want creative exercise ideas that don't get you sweaty, aren't actually exercise, cost you nothing, fit into your schedule, don't annoy your neighbors, and let you be a couch potato?
One answer; walking. If you don't like that either, then you aren't ready to lose weight or get fit. You may as well stay on the couch, because nothing is going to happen unless you actually make some effort.
this.0 -
I like to get on an elliptical, jam to the Pacific Rim soundtrack, and pretend I'm piloting a jaeger. Dorky and lame, but let me tell ya 30 minutes flies by and I hardly notice the workout till my legs are screaming the next day.
I'd love to be able to use Doctor Who as inspiration and run from the daleks. Unfortunately I'd be exterminated at this point x
Well... luckily... Daleks aren't real... so you can still start running, while pretending they're after you... and if you're the type of person who would actually daydream themselves dying then pretend you're in a video game and you have extra lives... and start running again
Problem solved.0
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