[RedPanda]

Originally Posted by lin43

People who have struggled with losing weight for much of their adult life often have habits that would be considered "obsessive" by people who have either not had a weight problem or by people who have a weight problem but don't plan on doing anything about it. It seems that a certain level of "abnormality" is often needed by formerly overweight people to stay trim. Take a look at that famous book Thin for Life, which details the habits of those who have lost weight and kept it off. Most of those people monitor their weight more closely than the "average" person does, but that is one of the habits that has helped them keep off the weight. I think the same goes for exercising. Many of us are out of the mainstream with eating and exercise because that what is takes for us to actually keep the weight off.

Exactly! People who have never had a weight problem will never Get It.

My husband often says, "You're obsessive!" but he means it as a compliment, because he admires my dedication. He says that anyone would need a certain amount of obsessiveness to lose as much weight as I have, and keep it off for a long as I have. As long as he Gets It, I really don't care what other people think.

Originally Posted by lin43

I'm through with giving into mainstream ideas of how I should live my life.

That too.

[RedPanda]

Originally Posted by Mudpie

Are we "normal"? Probably not. Do we care? I don't. I will continue to be as strong as I can for as long as I can (I'm almost 55 years old) and that involves a lot of exercise.

From one 55 year old to an almost-55 year old, I know exactly what you're saying.

[Precious Little]

I must be an exercise junkie, to an extent. I try to get a workout in at least every other day, plus walking every day. I sure spend a good chunk of my time thinking about what my next workout will be. And if I miss my running on the weekend I go absolutely bonkers.

[memememe76]

My exercise regime is similarly systematic and time-consuming. I wonder if my exercise plan was something like "I am in a hockey league that plays 4 times a week, and I hike up mountains on the weekend!" the response would be more positive. I must admit to being irked when people/posters wonder why people would spend time running on a treadmill in a stuffy gym when they can run in the fresh air. Maybe because it rains 9 months of the year, nature is kinda overrated, and I hate getting grass stains on my shoes?

I can understand the reaction. Exercise is perceived to be boring and not fun. Most people have done some exercise so have an opinion on it--which is normally negative. So, why do something unpleasant so often and so regularly? Although I can derive some pleasure from exercise, it's hard for me to say that I *enjoy* the experience.

It's also hard to express enthusiasm over working out without looking *really* earnest about it. I can't describe the pleasures of exercise while still being able to maintain my normally ironic, detached self. I tend to come off like Oprah.

[freelancemomma]

I'm a bit of an outlier in this group. I don't think I'll ever LOVE exercise. I feel good after working out and at some points during the workout, but I always look forward to being done. Three or four hours of formal exercise per week is about as much as I'm willing/able to do without resenting it.

F.

[lin43]

Originally Posted by memememe76

I must admit to being irked when people/posters wonder why people would spend time running on a treadmill in a stuffy gym when they can run in the fresh air. Maybe because it rains 9 months of the year, nature is kinda overrated, and I hate getting grass stains on my shoes?

I thought I was the only one! Don't get me wrong: I love nature . . . from afar lol! For some reason, I've always disliked walking outside for exercise (I don't mind wallking outside for a leisurely stroll). Just in the last year or so, I've gotten to where I like riding my bike, but I don't think I'll ever be a nature gal. Camping would be my idea of torture; give me room service any day!

[krampus]

Exercise is the best addiction! I don't feel "right" if I go more than one day without at least a brisk hour long walk. I also tend to tell myself "no showers until post-workout" which is gross - yet effective!

I'm a big fan of being outside when possible - I hate getting tan and I hate bugs, but I am too ADD for treadmills. Maybe the key to making yourself enjoy outdoor running is to belong to a gym that smells absolutely terrible and has nothing interesting to look at in it?