How do YOU get active?
 

Yet another old face, returning to the forums. Back with some motivation and looking for some input on exercise options. I'm at the point where if I don't take control of this weight now, I'm going to have some major health problems. We all deal with it. I don't want to allow this weight to restrict my life any longer. So let's all continue to empower one another and work together! :hug:

I have a treadmill at home, but it's kinda old and the incline is broke. I'm starting my healthly life today and the plan is to walk on the treadmill for about 30 minutes a day. I also have two of the Biggest Loser dvds, though I don't like the second one. That Kim chick just angers me instead of motivating me. I luv me some Trainer Bob though! :carrot:
I also have a heavy bag (punching) downstairs for arm work, but that's pretty intensive. I have to start slow because I am beyond out of shape.

So what activity/exercise do you do and how do you keep the workouts fresh in order to maintain the motivation?;)

I do lots of stuff! :D I walk/jog on our treadmill, I go to the gym and lift and do cardio on the elliptical, I take ballroom dancing lessons, I ride my bike, and I swim.

**Having so many different options for exercise means I can pick what I want to do according to my mood. It doesn't get boring because it's always changing!

**I also use music heavily, and update my workout playlists regularly with energizing new songs.

**I have a workout partner who goes with me about twice a week, too.

**I have multiple events this year that I'm preparing for, including a Grand Ball in June; a 20-mile bike ride in August; a 50-mile bike ride in September (obviously I won't make the jump from 20 to 50 miles in one month, I'll be trained enough so the 20 miler is easy!); a triathlon in October; a 3k fun walk to benefit the Zoo in November; and a chance to take a Spinning class taught by an internet friend of mine (whom I have never met) in December.

**I regularly revisit my goals, and look at how what I'm doing *today* is helping (or hindering) me in achieving them. Every morning I look at my day and my plans, and I see how I can make the two line up. Try it, it helps! :)

Good luck with your quest to become more healthy. We're here to cheer you on! :cheer:

I've found I have to get outside to exercise. I have videos and hand weights and used to have a stationary bike, but I just stare at the clock and wonder when will it end when I'm indoors. Outside the time seems to go by quicker and the fresh air puts me in a better mood. I strap on my pedometer and ipod, get the dog and off we go.

Right now it's cold and snowy, so I take care to dress warmly, but I also look at it as my "me" time, so I really want to go out no matter what the weather.

If you don't like being outdoors, I suggest you switch things up a bit so it doesn't get boring and focus on how good you're being to yourself!:)

I do try to do a variety of types of exercises -- which is good for my body and keeps me from getting bored.

For cardio I either do the elliptical at the gym -- in many ways this is the most intense workout. When it's nice I walk outside, or bikeride. Sometimes I shovel snow! (less fun). I have a treadmill at home, but tend to not use it so much.

I weightlift, but try to do different exercises on different days.

I do yoga too...

I hope to add in more variety this year. I'm at the point where I do exercise very regularly and really do recognize the benefits, but I want to push myself to be more of an "active person"...

I am a gym girl. I get home and I just want to sit down on the couch or in front of the computer - I don't want to work out.

You could try different dvd's - check out your library, on-demand cable station or Netflix. Watch a tv show you love while you are on the treadmill. Getting into something can really help pass the time. When I was doing the elliptical at the gym I also got into reading large print books, which I also got out of the library. Another option is books on tape/cd.

I use the treadmill and in the summer I swim. I have some hand weights and a toning DVD, but I don't use them as often as the treadmill.

right now I use the WATP dvd. I really like it. I can do the whole thing! I am also going to introduce weights as soon as I get my "cheat sheets" made.

I live in Arizona...BUT it is really cold here this year..i know most yall think 57 is not cold..well to me it is! LOL So no outside for me right now!

Right now I do Tae Bo and indoor walking workouts. I got a dance workout that I haven't tried yet. We're going to get 10-12 inches of snow tonight so for right now I don't do anything outside. But when it does get warmer I will do my walking outside.

I borrow and buy workout dvds all the time. Most days I run on the treadmill, as I do not have the confidence to get outside and run right now...I always change my music in my MP3 player, to keep my mind from being bored and zoning on it :)

I am really struggling with this.. I am starting out slow using my recumbent bike. I am finally getting some releif from my joint problems which making me a little more motivated.

Exercise is my Achilles heel. When I am sitting at my desk at work I have all the best intentions to get off my butt..."later...later"....well you guessed it, later never comes!

I know I would feel so much better if I moved my body more. The only active thing I am doing right now is taking a ballroom dance class once a week. I don't practice in between though...

It all starts with a commitment....and I guess I'm just not committed enough yet.....:(

Edited to add: Welcome, SRobertson! Looking forward to your expertise!!

I have Dance Dance revolution at home and I try to do the Standard mode with all the jumps for 20 minutes a day. It leaves me so winded. I'm near here by the way. I 'm just jumping in. I also do some strength training exercises 20 minutes a day every other day. I wear a pedometer as well and I try to get 10,000 steps a day in.

Jen 415 even though you're at your desk you can still move around a little bit. I turn on some music and just move around in my seat or you can tap your toes. I read in a book that people that fidget burn 300 calories a day as opposed to people that don't fidget, so even though I'm stuck at my desk I try to move around a little bit.

I have a collection of Biggest Loser workout DVDs. I also have other workouts like Walk Away the Pounds, some Kathy Smith, etc. These are for my cardio workouts. I have an assortment of hand weights and resistance bands to go along with them.

I have a 25 pound kettlebell -- that is one great muscle trainer. I have a book that shows how to exercise with it.

I also have a mini trampoline and a recumbent bike. I bought both years ago and forgot I even had them until I started planning workouts. I had all good intentions when I got them, but now I actually use them and they add variety to my workout week.

Basically, I plan a week's worth of exercising in advance. I try to mix the DVDs and cardio workouts so I'm not always doing the same thing.

This week I have:
Monday - Jillian Michaels Frontside
Tuesday - Kettlebell workout and mini trampoline
Wednesday - Kathy Smith Aerobox (cardio workout)
Thursday - Jillian Michaels Backside
Friday - Kettlebell and recumbent bike
Saturday - Walk away the pounds

If I plan the whole week I don't have to think about it,,,I just do it. Sometimes my body quits - kettlebells are hard and some of those exercises are too much for me, but I keep trying. I can only get through 4 circuits on the Jillian Michaels DVDs, but that's up from only being able to do 2...

When summer comes around, I will add walking and bike riding.

For me it’s just walking and motivated myself to do little things like walk to the supermarket or post office rather than jump in the lazy mobile as I’ve nicknamed my redundant car outside now! Lol

I have a bike that I ride. I have a question on this though. By bum gets so sore after about 15 minutes. I have been putting a pillow on my seat but that slips around and slides all over and doesn't work so well. Any suggestions? Wi ould like to be able to ride for 30 minutes.

I'm with Heather on the variety of excercises.. have to shake it up a bit to keep myself interested. I tried Pilates for the first time this week....OMG!! I was sore for 2 days. but I can feel a difference.

There are three options:

1) Get a gel seat cover that just slides over your saddle. They work in a pinch, but there are better options for longer rides.

2) Upgrade your existing saddle to an actual riding saddle. They look funky and uncomfortable as all get out, but TRUST ME. Trust the thousands of people who have been riding on them for years. They really truly are more comfortable.

3) Buy padded bike shorts. You can find these at bike specialty shops. They honestly are padded, and at first it feels a bit like you're wearing a diaper. You don't look like it, but it feels like it. But you get used to it, and they really really help. I'll never give mine up. They'll have to peel my padded bike shorts off my cold, dead corpse! :D

The first few months I walked... I varied the places I went to keep it interesting... then for a few months I was doing DVDs at home. Endless variety there. Now I'm learning to run which involves lots of walking again.

Sidhe what is a riding saddle? Where on earth do you find them?

I find that on days that I am less motivated, I allow my self to spread my workout over 3-4 "mini" workouts. I did this when I first started b/c I couldnt last 45 minutes at one time anyway. Often once I get started I just keep going...Good Luck!!

I go to the gym
 

I have started going to the gym. I walk 10mins and then lift weights for 45 mins or so. My doctor told me that weight lifting was most important.

As for me I HATE to exercise, so I do activities I love such as photography. I walk around outside with my camera and take photos of everything which does count as exercise! :)

Ambie, saddle = seat. I forgot to ask...I just assumed you meant a bike you ride outside, not a stationary bike. What kind of bike do you have?