How to start exercising - every other day

Starting with every other day is a great idea.

You have to not give yourself the choice to do it or not do it. Say you are going to do it and do it no excuses.

Pick up heavy *kitten*, put down heavy *kitten*

Put on Socks and shoes and run till you cant run anymore

Repeat

debubbie wrote: »

When I first started out, my goal was to get 20 minutes of exercise every other day. Over time, I increased my time working out and the number of days I would work out. I think if you start small and build up you are more likely to stick with it than if you start trying to do a full dvd every day without any rest days and avoid burnout.

This was my experience too. I'd had patterns in the past where I'd gone really intense/long from the beginning and then just dreaded it or felt like I had no time on multiple days. So this time (when I was really out of shape too) started by just saying I was going to try and increase my walking in a normal day, and otherwise work in 3-4 days a week of 30 mins on the stationary bike or walking on the treadmill or swimming. I mostly did the bike, and started at pretty low intensity, but found I could move up levels and time reasonably quickly.

The hardest thing for me early on was just sticking to my schedule and making it routine, and I recall being surprised when I realized that that part had gotten easy and habitual, such that when I had to miss lots of days because I was freaking out over a work project I really missed it and had no question I'd be back at it as soon as the bad work week was over.

As my fitness increased everything got to be more fun and I did start doing much more intense things (the period I am talking about was last February, and I ran a half marathon in late August), but focusing just on working in regular activity and not being too demanding at first I think was one of the best decisions I made.

Great that you are pushing to get healthier! YAY YOU.

Personally, when I have had periods off of exercise, I take my time getting back in. Too much too fast and you can injure yourself and that really can feel like a big set-back.

You will need to find what you like and works for you. I'm not sure of what DVD you are looking at - You may find that a full-on full-length DVD may be too much too soon. (e.g. many people end up hurt trying to do P90X full-on from a standstill start) You might consider starting with 20 minutes at a time, then add time as you progress. I encourage you to set a schedule to work up to your full workout and not pound out every day starting on day one.

You can do this!

I think it's great, but, if you have never exercised, it might be a good idea to check with your doctor, depending on your age and physical condition.

I just started walking. Walking at breaks, parking on the opposite side of the parking lot. Walking was my exercise tool that got me 40lbs lighter.

One video that is good for beginners is Leslie Sansone's walk away the pounds. There is one that you can do 1, 2, or 3 mile walks and there is a new one with hip music I want to try sometime. Also good for people who live in colder climates to do a good walk routine when it's too bad of weather to go outside.