Fitness, fitness, and more fitness!

Am I the only one that enjoys leg days?

Jogged 3.65 miles in 1hr, 5min

I am soo hungry now!

Okay, for all you fitness gurus on this thread, I need help!

I am an overweight, 54-year-old woman with arthritis. I've just been diagnosed with high cholesterol, so I really need to start losing weight and exercising. The problem is: I HATE EXERCISING! I mean, I really hate exercising. I don't like getting all sweaty and smelly.

So, you got any suggestions for me? Keep in mind that I'm really out of shape, so I need to start small and build. The good news is that I'm really motivated because I want to get my cholesterol down and get off the meds. I feel as if I have the food element down -- I know what I need to eat -- but exercise has always eluded me.

Thanks in advance.

Leg day is my hardest day.

Which is why I do them on Mondays, the very first day of the week.

But I like leg day, too.

I really like squat day, bench day and deadlift day. The only day for me that is just so-so, ho-hum, is overhead press day. Probably because I move the least amount of weight on that day...

I don't know what you have access to, but if you have a place where you can swim that would be good and easy on the joints. Going for bike rides would be good too, if you have a gym you can attend I'd use the stationary bikes there; a lot easier on the knees than walking or running. Make sure you stretch every day. Stay firm in both your diet and exercise. The biggest thing is to just stick with it. I know it's easy to get frustrated, but it is a process. You may not see results in week 1 or week 2, but if you stick with it, the results will come.

If you just need home workouts, YouTube is probably the best place to find them. There are many on the site and you can kind of find what works for you. Here's a few you can look at:

Low Impact/Joint Friendly Cardio - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waPCCrftvQA
Cardio on a Chair - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOYaGBDO9vo
Low Impact Cardio - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50kH47ZztHs

If you find something you like on YouTube, the most important thing is just to get through the workout. Don't worry about keeping up with the instructor, if you have to stop for a five second breather then stop and keep going when you're ready. Go at your own pace.

Thanks for your input, BruceWayne. Got any advice on how to change my attitude toward exercising? I can't tell you how much I hate doing it...

Hi Santuzza,

Kudos to you for deciding to live healthy. Everyone wants to, but it's more than just food and exercise--I can only speak for myself, but I've found that what can be hardest to accept is that it has to become a way of life, almost like our Christian faith, in which little decisions add up to our entire lifestyle.

As Bruce said, I don't know what options you have but like you, I am a lifelong hater of exercise. I'm also clumsy and uncoordinated. How I envy people who actually LOVE sports or biking or just can't wait to do one more set of reps! I am not one of those people.

But here are some things that have helped me:

* Use what you have and combine it with something you DO like, if possible. I hate exercise in general. But I love sunrises, so I'll get up 20 minutes before the sun rises on my day off and go walking so I can watch the sun rise and get in my exercise at the same time.

If you have access to fitness machines, take along something to entertain yourself with. I started out with picture books on the treadmill (I was actually nervous that people around me were judging me for not "really" reading, ha!) but have eventually taught myself to read short articles while walking. Time on a treadmill or stationery bike can also be used for reading, surfing the web, or even catching up on your favorite show or email, depending on what electronic devices you have. I often use the time to page through fitness magazines from the library that provide a lot of information on healthy eating, as well as recipes (this saves me time from having to look for them later.)

I have a rule for myself that if I'm going to read (which I love), at least 30 minutes of it has to be while on a machine. I often now tell myself I'm going to have my "reading time" instead of "working out" because the nerd in me finds that much more appealing!

* Check out your local gyms to see what they have to offer. I used to go to Curves for Women for years--I loved that it was an all-female atmosphere and felt a lot less self-conscious there. But they kept raising membership dues, so I took a year's worth of fees and bought myself an elliptical trainer instead.

* Try out different things, and there can be many free options. You can sometimes find free or introductory classes at the library, at churches (many churches have walking groups), or at your local YMCA or community center. I've heard of people who hate exercise but have found classes they loved (Pilates, spinning, etc.) Do you have a friend you can exercise with? Maybe you just haven't discovered something you like yet.

* Do you have a large store or mall you enjoy visiting? I'm known to walk around Walmart several times (on purpose, in addition to getting the things I'm looking for) during a shopping trip. I'm not only running errands, but am fitting in a workout as well. Take all the stairs and "long ways around" that you can. Park your car several lanes away and force yourself to get that extra walk in. If you're shopping at a strip mall, park at one end and walk up and down the entire length of the mall, not just in front of the store you want to go to.

* I know workouts can leave you with a grimy feeling, so plan around taking a shower right afterward if possible--pack a bag for the gym or come right home if you can, and if that's not possible, freshen up with dry shampoo and baby wipes, or a light sponge bath. Changing clothes as soon as you can and spritzing on our favorite scent really helps you feel clean and refreshed.

* I try to combine my workout time with "getting something else done", if possible. For instance, if I know I'm going to spend an hour at the gym, I'll put in a load of laundry or round of potatoes in the oven. This way, I'm getting my daily chores done too and it feels like I'm actually accomplishing something.

Many of us do understand what it's like to hate exercise. It's a lot like paying bills or having a tooth pulled--believe me, I know the feeling. But I know that for me, I've spent a lot of time around older people who are very unhappy and very unhealthy, and many times, it's because of excess weight and lack of exercise. I concluded that spending time and money on fitness and healthier eating now is (hopefully) going to save me thousands of dollars and hours of pain and grief in the long run.

So, I can zone out and watch TV for 3 hours... or I can get my butt up and make it to the gym. Or, you can do both, if you have the right equipment! I try to tell myself that if I watch TV, 30 min. has to be while I'm on the elliptical.

These are just a few ideas I try to incorporate in my own life. Don't feel too badly though, I went to the gym today and it was the first time in over a week!! We all know life gets busy. As Bruce said, take it at your own pace. Challenge yourself bit by bit (I'll tell myself, "I can finish this one chapter... I can wait until this next song is over...") and treat it like any other priority in life.

We all have to do things we greatly dislike. But sometimes there are ways to help make them tolerable, or even fun! Keep us posted on how it goes!

Seoulsearch gave better advice than I could. I actually hate exercising too; It's not fun. For me, I just focus on the goal and where I want to be. I think that once you start seeing results and know that you're getting healthier, you really get that motivation you need and exercising kind of becomes a love/hate thing lol.

You should try crossfit. They'll use peer pressure to embaress you in front of the class if you don't complete the exercise. Plus you have to pay in advance almost $400 so you'll feel guilty if you don't see results. It's boot camp for fatties. Or you can join weight watchers. It worked for Kirstie Alley and everyone knows scientologists can't lie. If that doesn't work you can always try steriods. (I am prescribed predisone steroid and it helps with my energy)

Healthy weight loss success begins with renewing your metabolism to proper functioning status. This also involves stabilizing your hormones, in addition to using food as fuel, along with moderate exercise. You don't need to kill yourself in the gym to achieve real results, in fact, 20-30 minutes of moderate cardio 3-5 times a week is enough exercise, however you can do this, do it. You can lose 30 lbs in 90 days, with understanding, planning & commitment.

That's 2.5 pounds a week, you can do it, if you get your metabolism on track and your use of food in order. This takes understanding & self education. At this stage just trying to eat healthier, more fruits/veggies, less junk foods, won't cut it. You need to understand how to eat, what to eat and when to eat it- protein, carbs, (good) fats.

My #1 suggestion as part of your schedule, upon waking, drink 8oz of warm water every morning. This not only hydrates, but jump starts your metabolism. #2 very important to eat within the first hour of your day. It can be a quick bite to eat, hard boiled egg & sandwich thin, or string cheese & 3oz quality deli meat, or cottage cheese w/tomato & avocado slices. #3 no sugar, at all. Water, water and more water. Good luck


jillian michaels hormone balance - Bing

This is a cruel and idiotic response.



Thanks for being so very helpful, compassionate and understanding! *sarcasm*

I used to like to go to McDonalds after my 3-5 mile run and get a fruit smoothie. They were really good.

One of those times I went through the drive through and my son was working there.

He said (really loudly) "What are you doing here fatty? You shouldn't eat here."

I thought it was funny because I'm not really fat. I gained 15lbs but I'm muscular so I carried it well...


The look on the managers face was priceless. He looked at me with such alarm. When he saw me smiling I could see his whole demeanor change. That's probably not the kind of thing the manager likes to hear come from his employees... lol

Also understanding calorie intake.

You can't lose weight if you take in too many calories.

Just keeping track of your nutrition alone, like a diary or journal, has shown to be helpful in losing weight. It gives you a goal to shoot for.

I am actually doing the opposite right now. I am exercising 5-6 times a week and keeping track of my nutrition that I take in so I DON'T lose weight. I am trying to burn off some fat but keep the muscle. So I am limiting my fat intake and calories. I don't want my calories to fall too far below 2850 and I don't want my fat intake to go too much past 85g. That probably sounds like a lot to most dieters but I am trying to maintain 205 lbs. If I fall or rise 5 lbs over a couple months that's ok. But no more than that...

Yeah, being mindful of calories is important.

There is definitely a necessary method to getting healthy again, I'm not just talking "skinny/thin" either, but real health. I am no professional expert, but another word of advice to the poster, do not skimp or skip meals and snacks. And, eat real foods, self prepared is ideal. There is this thing about retraining your body to use food, burn fat... instead of store it, because it has a habit of retaining a starvation mode reflex.


It can be overwhelming, but try to get the right mind & energy toward yourself, be positive, be patient, be kind to yourself throughout, get excited from right motivation. You are endeavoring to change your life, your health, because your wellbeing is important and so are you! That is inspiring, good for you,

Hey babes and bros! I love working out (more lifting than running) but I've found myself in a place where I don't have access to a gym or even to any weights higher than a 20 pound plate (not even a bar w/ it)! I've been workout starved and I've tried YouTubing some body weight workout schedules, and I'm on a plan right now, but I miss the intensity of heavy squatting/deadlift/snatch! Any ideas?

If you're ok with not relying on equipment, you can get some vigorous workouts for free online at Fitnessblender.com

Hey lady!

Shoot me a message. I can help you out and get you some workouts that do not require jumping or anything

i seriously need to get back to my treadmill time. the scale says i'm not gaining weight, but i feels it. i feeeeeeeeeeeeeeeels it.

Yesterday was my inbody analysis day. I was taking my analysis after nearly 50 days. Over this period, I have gained 4lbs, but they were more of fat than muscle. Now my body fat percentage has gone up to 21%, which is not a healthy sign. My trainer has changed my workout and diet pattern now - more cardio and less calorie consumption.

Oh and I'll be happy to post the picture of my inbody analysis if anyone wants to know what an inbody analysis looks like.

This little lady should do the trick. Her workouts are really intense and they are all plyometric (body weight only). And her youtube channel is very popular and she's a licensed fitness trainer too.

https://www.youtube.com/user/ZuzkaLight