Diamondgrrl, I think Dr. A says that exercise is not required because he doesn't want to see people falling off the diet (or never starting) because of a requirement to exercise.
That said, I think it is very, very difficult to lose weight and become healthy without exercise. In addition, I am not sure how you can ensure that the weight you lose is fat and not muscle unless you do strength training (lifting weights) while dieting.
I totally get you on getting bored of the treadmill. You need to mix it up and do different things! Try getting some video tapes from the library and see what really is fun and motivating to do. I have some Belly dancing videos that I love, and also a great yoga/pilates one. There are tons out there and lots of different things to try! If you have a video game unit, try the dance game called DDR. I know a couple people on here use it. Sounds like fun!
If you can afford to join a gym, by all means, do it! That can be the easiest way to have a variety of choices...elliptical is my favorite cardio machine...so low impact but so good for you! But you would also have bikes, a pool (hopefully), classes, and weight machines. Lots to do and try so you never get bored! If that isn't possible, see if you can do drop in classes at a local Y...they can be cheap (mine are $5/class) and very fun! Also, see if you can go walking outside, as long as the weather is nice, or at the mall, where you have lots to look at (if you go early in the morning, most of the food places aren't open, so you don't have to deal with cookie smells, etc.
). What about biking? Going on planned hikes through the local community center or nature preserve? There is so much you can do to get moving!
Trust me...I hated exercise like crazy. It hurt, it was awful, and I never enjoyed it. This is the first time I have ever combined exercise with a diet, and the first time I have ever been on a diet for so long or lost so much. Coincidence? I think not!
: I'm learning to try things and see what I like, and I'm learning that there is a lot of satisfaction and pride to be found in trying something really hard and succeeding! Every completed Jazzercize class makes me feel like a million bucks!
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