Confession about exercising...
clewliss
Posts: 640 Member
okay, I guess we are suppose to be honest with each other right? I have been telling myself that after I lose all this weight, I would tone up by exercising then! I HATE exercising- and to be honest, I usually give up after a few weeks of exercising because I get burned out on it. I have a treadmill, an elliptical and many videos and just have them sitting in "park" all the time! I have lost 9 lbs, but I read about the p90x and results people get with that and I'm starting to think of trying it (I have that one, too) I really have no excuses, but how long will it take to see results? I don't measure myself b/c I never can come up with an accurate measurement. I am more of a "scale watcher" than an "inch worrier". It seems that EVERYONE but myself here exercises, so I feel a little embarrassed to admit that, but I am willing to change if I know what to watch for. I think I have matured enough to hang in there and give it time, but I would like to know with p90x approx how long I should give it before seeing a change- days, weeks, months...years LOL?
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Is there nothing you like doing, exercise wise? Exercise when your only goal is losing weight is a little bit depressing, but if the weight comes off while you are doing something you like it is win-win. Even if you like something you can only do once a week or so, the gym machines seem to have more purpose as they are helping you improve at that. I don't think another weight loss fad is the right thing for you, can you not try out some more interesting sports (climbing, canoeing, badminton, surfing...) and find one that you like?0
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Don't be embarrassed. Exercise isnt' always fun. The trick is to make it fun. I always hated it too, but I've realized in the past few weeks that when I eat right and get a little cardio every day, I feel SO much better. I have more energy, I'm in a better mood, it's just good all around. So I like to do it now. But I've also found something to make it fun for me. I do Wii Fit Plus and EA Sports Active 2, and they're fun because I get instant feedback on how well I'm doing, so it's kind of like trying to beat my own high scores.
I don't know about P90X, except that I've heard it's REALLY intense. I know I wouldn't be ready to take it on, personally. I think you have to have some base level of fitness before trying it. Other people can weigh in more on it though.
Whatever you decide to go with, try to make it fun. Whether it's good music, or maybe watching a movie while you run on the treadmill, or whatever, if you make it fun and change it up from time to time, you'll be more likely to stick with it. Good luck!0 -
okay, a couple of things. First of all P90X is a fabulous program from the fabulous makers of Beachbody. However, it is for the serious person who is in some good athletic condition already. I would urge you to please consider Power90 AKA P90 instead. or even ChaLEAN Extreme, again made by beachbody as well. I am doing CHlean Extreme and lost 10-3/4 inches in 3 weeks and I am not a skinny person.
Next, just do something to start with, Jumping into a major ex3ercise program is very discouraging when you are around 200 pounds (trust me that is where I am, I know). I first dropped about 40 pounds before I started to exercise, and the only reason I started was because I was feeling fabulous, that my body was screaming at me telling me to exercise. So I did, and have never missed a day since.
For now, listen to your body and just eat right and get some light exercise. The rest will fall into place.0 -
Not everyone !! :laugh:
I do not exercise except cycling to and from work 20 minutes each way ... when I lost 84 pounds a year ago, I got into exercise really heavily and was really toning up and I looked much smaller than I actually weighed .. but exercising at a gym is not for me, I prefer being with my son and boyfriend, otherwise it gets selfish, spending all day at work, then nights at the gym and I'm not prepared to give everything up for it.
My friends and I go for 2 hour walks, a couple of times a week (when the weather gets better) quite brisk walking (take the kids), so with that and the cycling it's enough for me .. I'm happy to accept who I am at 43 - I know how heavily you can get into all this exercise, obsessed even only for it to falter a few months later having purchased all the equipment, all the new work out gear etc, etc.....Am still paying for a gym now I don't use ...
Im not ashamed I don't go to the gym, or run, or use any hi-tech equipment .. It'll only gather dust in the long run anyway.
So - u r not on ur own, but at least you want to do exercise ...... go with what feels right for you, don't worry what others are doing, even if you just walk the dog / run up the stairs etc .. it's all good stuff0 -
I hate excersising to. I hate being fat more than excersise. So off to the gym I go :flowerforyou:0
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I tried P90. I love exercising, but I HATED that video. I did not stick with it. I recommend trying to stick with something you enjoy that burns calories.0
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It takes 21 days to form a habit....and 1 day to break it I use to be the same way, I HATED exercising!! But one day I decided to join a bootcamp class and I promised myself I would stick with it for a month and if I didnt like it then I would quit. I am happy to say that after a month I had met some really nice people in class and actually enjoyed going to class. That doesn't mean that I looked forward to it EVERY day, but I always managed to push myself to go and slowly it became easier and easier. Now I can actually say I enjoy exercising!
What I would suggest is find a buddy, a RELIABLE buddy that you can workout with, whether its in your home or at the gym, if you know someone is counting on you we usually hold ourselves more accountable....you can do it !0 -
I totally agree with "ajweekley". Exercise isn't fun, unless you make it fun, or find something you'd like to do. And like ajweekley, I too Wii Fit Plus, and also an awesome game for the Wii called "Just Dance 2" Dance to your favorite songs, shed the pounds, and have fun doing it.
gawds I sound like an advertisement for Nintendo lol But yea, it's key to keep it fun and interesting. But it's not just exercise it's watching what you eat. I found all the exercise in the world wouldn't do me any good, I'd go till I couldn't but as soon as I got watching what I ate, I was slowly at first cause I've just kinda started about two weeks ago, but it does put you in a way better mood about yourself, and about the day.
But yea, I digress...0 -
That is a pretty intensive program for a non exerciser! I have known a few people who worked through it and would suggest starting out with something not as intensive and build up to this program.0
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My wife reached her goal weight and the most strenious "work out" she did was walking and Wii Fit. She just started Zumba a few weeks ago.
I agree with the others. Don't do P90X right away. You will likely not complete it. In Fact, I only know one person who has.
Find something active that you like to do. Tennis, golf, cycling, swimming, hiking, geocaching (www.geocaching.com), frisbee golf, anything that gets you moving. You don't have to exercise for exercise sake. I wrote a blog last week that touches on this subject: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/iplayoutside19/view/i-worked-out-today-i-can-eat-that-636250 -
I agree with the others. Try and find something that you enjoy doing and you'll be more likely to stick with it. I have done P90X and it's HARD. I loved it but I was already in shape before I started and I wouldn't recommend starting it without being in decent shape. If you hate exercising, I can almost guarantee that you will hate it.0
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(I love geocaching!)0
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P90X is awesome! My wife and I did it together for the entire 90 days. The videos are great because Tony does a proper warmup and cooldown, and is brutal in the middle. BUT it requires a HUGE commitment. 6 days per week for 60-90 minutes each day (actually, most workouts are 1 hour...except Yoga which is 90minutes). When we were done with the first 30 days, we went on vacation with a group of friends. We received a lot of compliments. My muscle tone was improved, and my flexibility was 100% better, not to mention my cardiovascular health.
The only downside is that you need to purchase equipment: dumbells, pullup bar, bands, and yoga mat. It is a pretty big investment if you don't follow through. But if you "just keeping pushing play", as they say in the video, then you will see results in a few weeks.
With all of that being said, I have to be honest with you..P90X is HARD. If you don't like working out, then you probably won't be able to stick to the schedule. Before we did P90X, we did Jillian Michael's 30 day shred. It is suprisingly difficult and will get you sore. But the great thing about it, is that each workout is only like 24 minutes. You are supposed to do each video 10 times before moving on to the next video. It requires less time, less money, and less equipment. It might be a better place to start.0 -
For now, listen to your body and just eat right and get some light exercise. The rest will fall into place.
Good advice.0 -
That kind of depends upon what your body looks like now. If you're carrying a LOT of excess body fat, there's a good chance that no amount of exercise is going to give you visible results super quickly. Your body might be changing--your muscles might be growing larger and firmer, and you might be dropping body fat, but it will be difficult to notice these changes visually at first. If you're a bit thinner to begin with, you could notice small changes within a few weeks.
I've used some of the P90X workouts (especially the Kenpo one), but I've never done the whole program. I have, however, done the Power 90 program, and I noticed increased definition and striation in my arms, chest, and shoulders, within a month or less...maybe even a few weeks.
Good luck reaching your goals! And hang in there! I know it's easy to become discouraged, but if you stick with it, the results WILL come.0 -
Hmmmm. I guess you call it exercising but I call it taking my dog for a walk, snowshoing through the forest to hear the wind , or hiking with my dog through the hills, skating with my little girl who actually skates better then me. I guess its exercise but to me it's spending quality time with myself, my daughter and my dog. If it helps me lose a few more pounds all the better.0
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Only exercise I do is the Wii Fit and walking the dog. The only exercise I enjoy is swimming but I have seizures so don't like to go alone. I lost weight doing weight watchers and just walking for about 2 hours a day a few years back so hopefully will be able to lose this time round too.0
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If you are a scale watcher, then P90x is NOT for you. You will build muscle, you will get stronger, and you will see big changes really quick in your physical appearance. Having said that, the more muscle you have, the faster you burn. I didn't lose much (maybe 5 lbs) on P90x like other have claimed to but now that I am done with my 1st round and moved on to more cardio based exercises, the weight is falling off quicker than it was before I did P90x because I have more muscle.
The nice thing is that the video are different daily, and you aren't just doing the same BORING repetitious things that you would do on a treadmill.
If you like a challenge like I do, then go for P90x. I say give it at least 4 weeks and you don't just feel good about how your body is looking and feeling, then switch, but at least give it that 4 weeks.0 -
Thanks for all your advice! I have decided that p90x is NOT where I'm going right now I guess I sounded a little lazy and I'm really not- I live on a farm and I'm forever out with the animals feeding, walking, sometimes running after some or whatever the case, even going up in the hills to check on the cattle daily, so I'm at least moving around alot, but I just consider that all in a days work! I do get out with the hubby and kids and play basketball and from that point of view, I do quite a bit. I just feel guilty I guess b/c I don't log any of that and feel like I should be on an exercise routine. But like some of you said, maybe I should listen more to my body and keep doing whats working! Thanks mfpers0
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I haven't worked out in probably for 6 months before starting P90X. I was in the worst shape of my life! But I'm still a pretty athletic guy and I've always enjoyed working out. So I don't know if I'd listen to others about you need to be some what in shape before starting or not. But I do know that P90X is tough. If you hate exercise and normally quit after a few weeks, I honest don't see you sticking with it. It's 60 mins of high impact work out. From lifting weights, yoga to cardio.6 days a week! But you will see results. At the end of my first week I noticed my stamina was way up. I drop about 10-15 afters 2 weeks. I'm sleeping a little better and just more energy. I love this program!0
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I think you should start seeing weight drop each week, maybe just a pound or two but that is GOOD progress Also I think if you aren't very into exercising/can't seem to get yourself to do it that P90X may be a little too intense to start out with, it might discourage you and that wouldn't be good. We have it at home and I've seen the stuff they do, I know I couldn't do it not yet anyway!
I started off with Slim in 6 (by the same company) because it looks pretty simple but boy does it kick my butt, pretty sure I'm going to do Turbo Jam (also same company, they have so many different programs) next and then maybe try P90X if I feel up to it. I've never really been big on exercise videos in the past because I felt silly but I've gotten over that and found that I enjoy doing Slim in 6 each night, I just started last week and I'm already seeing some progress so I'm happy. Like someone else said it takes 21 days to form a habit so even if you don't like it by the end of those days you will be doing it out of habit0 -
Hi
what about joing a class thats fun, something that you can meet people and work together in? Any of the BTS classes will give you this eg bodypump, bodycombat, rpm etc etc give it a try ! good luck0 -
hi Clewliss,
thank you for being brave enough to share!!
i wanted to be a runner and when i started i realized i didn't like running. so, now i walk to leslie sansone's videos a couple of days a week. i didn't necessarily feel better afterwards and had some weird muscle stiffness. so i tried a few other things, bootcamps, wii games, including zumba and then found american power yoga, which i LOVE and look forward to.i feel so relaxed after and feel like i can carry that feeling into the rest of my day. i guess the secret for me was to try different things until i found something i really liked and will stick with. also, i love that it's group classes and there's a camaraderie there.
i wish you lots of luck!
-rachel0 -
I really dislike the gym-- people always turn on the TV there (I really dislike television, and find the noise of it in the background detracts from anything else I'm trying to do), so I prefer running alone along the wooded trails near my home, hiking with my best friends, walking the dog-- anything outdoors, really. I've also found that I REALLY love yoga. It is wonderful, and I feel so great after going that I actually WANT to go as many times a week as I can make space for. I go to the gym every once in a while, but I don't live there by any means.
I think that's honestly the most important thing-- finding something that you truly love-- because then the exercise isn't a chore anymore, but a beautiful thing that helps connect you to your body, your loved ones, the outdoors, or whatever your passion is.0 -
Thanks for all your advice! I have decided that p90x is NOT where I'm going right now I guess I sounded a little lazy and I'm really not- I live on a farm and I'm forever out with the animals feeding, walking, sometimes running after some or whatever the case, even going up in the hills to check on the cattle daily, so I'm at least moving around alot, but I just consider that all in a days work! I do get out with the hubby and kids and play basketball and from that point of view, I do quite a bit. I just feel guilty I guess b/c I don't log any of that and feel like I should be on an exercise routine. But like some of you said, maybe I should listen more to my body and keep doing whats working! Thanks mfpers
I'm the same way, I hate exercising, but 5 days a week I jump on the treadmill while my house is empty or asleep, I look at it as "me time" it eases stress and I feel like the 30 minutes i'm just walking I can really think and clear my head. When I don't make it on there it's usually because I've been out on my little "farm" tending to animals and cleaning. That's a pretty good workout carrying around 50 lb sacks of feed and bails of hay. So I agree with PP's, just listen to your body, if you have the desire and the energy exercise, If not then just try and take the harder path when doing your chores. I have MFP friends who don't logg exercise and they're are still losing, every ones different.0 -
I hate exercising. I am a naturally lazy person. Even when I was a kid, I would rather read a book than play a sport. Now, I like watching a movie, reading, taking a bath, etc, WAY more than exercising. I dread it before, I hate doing it during, and I am tired and hate it afterwards. That's honesty.
However, I KNOW I am not going to get anywhere if I don't exercise. I love food. I love food much more than I love being lazy. That was the decision I had to make: laziness or food. Food won. So I allow myself a few more carbs and a few more calories than I think a "dieter" should eat (MFP has me at about 1540 a day before exercise) but I also work out 6 days a week (minimum) and try to burn about 3000 calories a week on average. For me, it was about finding something quick. I do a lot of 30 minute programs, I have kick boxing and dancing and interval training.
When I am really not feeling motivated, I head outside. I have realized that walking forces me to exercise because once I am out there, I can't get back any other way. I HAVE to walk home. I usually start losing oomph about 25 minutes in, but then I realize I am only 1/2 way home so I keep it up. The faster I walk, the faster I can get home. It's absolutely ridiculous, and I know it, but it works!
Like others have said, P90x is REALLY intense. If you aren't already in pretty good shape, you could burn yourself out or even injure yourself. There are a lot of high impact exercises that can be hard on your joints, but if you are in OK condition and you don't have joint problems you could try it. Especially if you already have it.
Good luck!0 -
I agree with what a lot of what has already been said - find something you love and do that. I don't care for exercising, especially in a gym. It's boring and I stop going after a week or two. I'm able to do Jillian Michaels videos because they're short workouts, but for my longer workouts, I loooooove doing dance-type stuff, so I take a Zumba class, got Zumba for the Wii, and have a bunch of high energy "dance type" videos on my Amazon wishlist. If I like it, I'm much more apt to keep doing it and not get bored.0
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I enjoy outdoor exercise only. I wasn't successful at sticking with it until I realized I didn't need a home gym to walk or run. I just needed to walk out my front door. Easy to say from Sunny Florida, but if you really want to do something, you'll find a way to do it. Good luck.0
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EXERCISE just sounds awful. You lilve on a farm, so you're already exercising, you just dont' call it that. Exercise can be anything you want it to be - walking, lifting things and carrying them, swimming, playing with kids - anything that gets you up and moving. It can be hard (weights, that P60 thingy you mentioned), or it can be easy - walking, cleaning. I don't mind walking alone - I put my iPod on and listen to my books on CD. I LOVE to exercise in the Zumba classes with a friend - we talk about it, laugh about ourselves, and it's fun because my friends are there to share it. I think whatever you do - you need to LIKE it, and if you have someone you can do it with - it makes it more fun.
I read that P60 thing you mentioned is 60-90 minutes a day? NO WAY, JOSE. I'm doing Jillian Michaels' 30-day shred. It's 20 min, it's a little intense, but it's fast and you move thru it - before you know it, it's done. I'm on Day 6 of level 2 - so I'm 1/2 way there.
Hopefully you'll find something you like - and someone you like - to do it with!0 -
Confession: I hated all forms of formal exercise up until this past year. I liked being active - hiking, walking the dog - and being strong enough to rearrange furniture and stuff like that, but the thought of exercise for exercises' sake... bleah.
But I was jealous of my older brother's ability to run in 5k races with his 25 year old daughter. I envied them, but didn't think I could do it. Until a friend of my niece's was talking at a party about the Warrior Dash, a 5k obstacle race where you jump fire and crawl through mud, and get a viking hat and a beer at the end of it all. It sounded like a crazy good time, and the friend wasn't exactly Ms Athlete, and she was going to do it. It was six months away, and I made that my goal.
Somewhere along the line, probably when I started seeing major changes to my body and health, I realized... this exercising thing is kind of fun! I'm a convert! It became a habit. I'd be lying if I didn't say there weren't some days when all I want to do is stay in bed, but more often than not, I look forward to exercising because I feel so damn good when I finish. (And admittedly, some days, it only feels good when I do finish...)0
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