Hi, all. Well, today was the first time I've exercised in months. About 2 years ago when I was really gung ho into weight loss, I was exercising at least 5 days a week (usually 6) for about 1 - 1 1/2 hours a day. I lost 50 lbs. and looked good. I started a new job in 2005, got stressed, and pretty much stopped my healthy eating and exercising. I regained 30 lbs. Anyway, my local gym is having a special ($60 for 3 months), and I took advantage of the offer, thinking that if I'm consistent, I'll purchase a longer membership. I just worked out a mere 30 minutes today (20 cardio, 10 minutes of various resistance exercises: "girl" pushups, assisted pull-ups, some situps, walking lunges), and I'm already sore tonight (can't wait for tomorrow-- ).
Anyway, this time around, I don't want to hurl myself gung ho into the exercise thing because I know I'll never stick to a rigorous schedule longterm (I didn't last time). So, I'm thinking of working out just 3 days a week for a maximum of 1 hour at a time (I'm starting w/ 1/2 hour while I build up my stamina). Does anyone else here exercise only for about this length of time? If so, what have your results been?
Wow - compared to me, your plan sounds like LOADS of exercise!
I started week two of the Couch to 5K running programme yesterday, so I am basically doing that three days a week. I might get out on my bike on the weekends, but honestly, so far, that's it for me - half an hour, three times a week, so yes, I guess I only exercise a little bit.
Your story sounds just like mine...I began losing weight in 2004...lost almost 50 lbs between the end of 2004 and the beginning of 2006. I was working out almost an hour and a half at least 5 days a week. The end of 2006, I bought a house, moved, and got a promotion at the job...and my weight suffered. I have put back on 30 of the 47 that I lost, which is why I'm here now.
I started out with only 30 minutes a day...but the good thing that I've found is that on the days where I REALLY don't feel like going to the gym, I tell myself to go and do 20 minutes, because that would be better than nothing at all. I NEVER end up doing just 20 minutes, I always end up doing a lot more.
I just worked out a mere 30 minutes today (20 cardio, 10 minutes of various resistance exercises: "girl" pushups, assisted pull-ups, some situps, walking lunges), and I'm already sore tonight (can't wait for tomorrow-- ).
Does anyone else here exercise only for about this length of time? If so, what have your results been?
This is a great workout, don't beat yourself up about it. I started at this rate too (about a year and half ago) and I'm miles ahead now. You're sore- which means your resistance work went well. Remember, you just have to keep challenging yourself. Your body will adapt in a few weeks and you will just keep getting stronger and stronger.
I started at a 20:00/mile pace... I'm down to sub- 8:00/mile... I also started at 10 girl-pushups, I'm now at 80+ military push-ups... ***just be patient, keep challenging yourself when the time comes, and have faith that it will work!***
I also started at 10 girl-pushups, I'm now at 80+ military push-ups... ***just be patient, keep challenging yourself when the time comes, and have faith that it will work!***
Oh My--that's fabulous! You've really given me hope. Pushups are one of my greatest challenges, and I'm reallly focused on building up to at least 25 pushups in a row. As far as resistance training, this time around, I really don't want to focus on weights. If I can do pushups, pull-ups (that's a REAL challenge for me), situps, and lunges with ease, I'll be satisfied. I'm hoping that the portability of these types of exercises will help when when I'm not in a situation where I have access to weights.