Exercise

[jazzactivist]

I think that I have worked out why I am not particularly motivated to exercise. I love reading, making craft items, cooking, gardening etc and, although I love being out in the countryside, walking or cycling just doesn't give me the same pleasure as there is no 'end result' to feel proud of. Losing weight or getting fitter just doesn't seem as valuable to me as creating something artistic or improving my mind. Does anyone else have this 'split' in interests, or have any suggestions as to how I can make exercise more satisfying?

[Crocus]

Hi Jazz, I bought the UK magazine "Country Walking" (Nov. 2008 edition)last week and there's a interesting article on walking about in the Lake District, amongst other lovely walking trails. Have you perhaps given it a thought, of going on a walking tour so to speak? It's something both you and your OH can do, it's out in the lovely countryside, fresh air, beautiful surroundings and exercise thrown in for a bargain I think. xx

[jazzactivist]

I buy Country Walking magazine too, crocus, but haven't read this month's yet. OH and I moved to the Lake District as we do like walking and enjoy being out in the countryside, and it is exceptionally beautiful here. We usually buy the packs of walks from the Tourist Info and follow those, as they are so well marked and timed. I was really meaning going out walking or cycling on my own. To me, it isn't as enjoyable as staying in to do more artistic things which produce a visible result. However, all of these things involve sitting down to do them! I am not sure how I might incorporate these types of arts / crafts activities in a more active way, so if you or anyone else has any ideas it would be very welcome...

[Crocus]

I also find it difficult to get into the habit of walking everyday, but in the past when I did manage to walk everyday, I tried to go early in the morning, just before the rush of the day starts. I also tried to set a goal for myself of walking a bit further than the day before. Perhaps you can do something along those lines? I'm sure there are some lovely paths you can walk each day? Or Jazz, combine if with photography?

[dragonfly]

In winter I find it dificult to get motivated to go out for a walk and prefer to stay indoors doing crafts or on the computer to Jazz. In summer I love to be outside gardening or going for a walk, I get so desperate for some sun that I find going for a walk much easier. Plus there is lots more to see of interest in spring, summer and autumn. I put a lot of weight on in the winter and now can't lose it in summer as I used to. If you find an answer please let me know.

[souter girl]

People I know who do a lot of exercise just love it and say how it makes them feel happier - I wish I could get that addiction! Still, partly to get fit but mostly to raise money for Cancer Research I have signed up for the Race for Life. I walked it 2 years ago and will be walking again but for any of you who have not done one or gone to support someone, it is the most amazing experience. Absolutely brings a lump to your throat as everyone wears a thing on their back saying who they are running for - often their own recovery. One woman had "I'm running for my left breast". Sadly it's often in memory of a Mum or Nan or Aunt. Anyway, to make sure I don't chicken out I have set up a fund-raising site (www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/unlikelyrunner) and have already got £475 in donations PLUS of course the tax on these - so over £500!!!!!
Go on - have a go at it, there are so many people on RM we could be running for and at the end of the day, it will be research which will beat this beastly disease. Sorry to go off on one, but I have been so grateful for the research which enabled OH to have his treatment , not to mention all of you - Clunk, Sheds, Primrose, Swmbo, CJ's OH and others I don't know about. The training (?) might shift a pound or inch or two and the end result provides the motivation!

[Crocus]

That sounds like a brilliant idea SG! x

[eleanor2]

because i dont like driving.i have to walk or bus everywhere.jazz pilate bands are good. they are called a gym in your bag.you can exercise and tone all your body.whilst sitting in your own home.watching t.v or whatever.

[dinger]

You are doing very well with your fund raising S G . I hope you manage to make even more money people will benefit so much from your efforts . Well done and let us know how it goes.xxx

[cindy]

I used to walk a couple of hours each day with my dog but since she I lost her it isn't the same walking by myself. My OH has just cleared all his junk off our tabletennis table and we are determined to play for at least 1/2 hour day. Well, we said that yesterday but decorating and chores got in the way today! Will try again tomorrow.

[jazzactivist]

That sounds like good fun, cindy. I haven't played table tennis for years, but always enjoyed it. I have started to go out on my bike again, which I do always enjoy as I like that it takes quite a lot of skill not to fall off and I can move quite fast. It's like the pleasure of driving, but with more effort. I am taking my camera along too, as suggested by crocus, but haven't quite managed the skill in stopping quickly when I see something worth a photo! I do enjoy walking in the countryside, but always feel that I could be doing something more productive. I went to a weight watch session with the nurse at our local GP's surgery last week and she told me that the recommended amount of cardio vascular exercise now is 1 hour per day every day - that's fast walking, jogging, running, cycling, fast dancing or whatever. That seems an awful lot of time per week to me, and how on earth would people who work manage it?

[Crocus]

I suppose if one does 2 sessions of 30 minutes each in the morning and later during the day, it might work even fo working people.

[jazzactivist]

Is anyone able to fit in 30 mins exercise before going off to work? I know that I could barely keep my eyes open and make coffee at that time in the morning! Earlier on I went out on my bike for a 3 mile round trip and was glad that after spending all winter sitting inside I was able to do it with only one 5 sec stop adjust my bum. It was lovely and bracing, and I spotted a whole bank of yellow primose blooming away - forgot my camera today, though.

[Crocus]

Apart from a tissue, perhaps your mobile, your camera is the most important equipment you must have with you at all times Jazz. Look out for interesting stuff, I'm sure there's a lot that around where you live.:)

About doing 30 minutes of excersise in the morning before work might prove a bit difficult I must say. My friend though gets up an hour earlier every morning to do her excercise.:eek:

[Katelb]

I am off to the gym this morning for my circuit training class which happens each week on Wednesday morning,it is a brilliant way to get everything working well and we don't stop moving for one hour.Once warmed up,we have about twelve different stations each with a different activity to work at for a minute,then about 10 minutes before the end we wind down.Its a good class and we have a lot of fun doing it.Our oldest member is nearly 80 and swims every morning before the class!!
When I'm not going to a class,I walk for miles with Ella ..weather permitting... and chase around after her!

[Crocus]

That in itself is almost enough practice Kate, chasing after Ella!

[jazzactivist]

Maybe someone should start a baby and toddler hire company for people who need more exercise, kate! I know that friends have shifted their baby weight pretty quickly nce they start running anround and getting into everything...

[Crocus]

....seems I'll have to borrow a baby from someone......

[sheddie]

Jazz I walk each morning up the park and have done my exercises there to regain my movement in my arm.I would suggest take your camera or even a sketch pad, I enjoy the changing seasons and maybe you could use some of nature in your craft work. Why not combine the two? X

[souter girl]

I had to give up my gym membership as it was an expensive luxury (plus, I hated going!!) I'd rather be out in the fresh air with the dog enjoying a brisk walk! By the way, my sponsorship for Race for Life is now over £750 !!! (what a responsibility - is anyone else from RM doing it where they live? If you're dithering go on it's a great experience!)

[franbee]

If you no longer have a dog of your own to walk, is there anyone nearby who might like you to walk theirs? You have the incentive to go out and exercise, and they get their dog walked, especially good if it's an older person.

There seem to be walking groups near here, a lady I know goes to one, and I see another group setting off every Thursday whilst I'm driving to work. And I did go through a phase of walking with my neighbour.

I started going to the gym with a friend, knowing I had to meet her there gave me an incentive, even though we might only spend 10 minutes together. Now we go at different times, and the incentive isn't there.

[annie fenbug]

I go to the gym twice a week (subsidised by the NHS, not quite sure how I managed that but I'm very grateful!) and try to get in an hour's swim at least once, but that's about as much formal exercise as I can fit in. Living in the sticks means travelling time has to be factored in. However the charming and very very very patient lady who supervises my attempts to avoid getting on the exercise bike (which I loath with surprising passion; don't mind the cross-trainer at all altho' it's much more of a killer) pointed out that going at the housework or the garden in a brisk and meaningful manner is as good as a workout, so in fact I probably do manage the prescribed 1-hour-a-day. Can't say I'm losing much weight in the process, but I have noticed I'm sleeping much better!

[jazzactivist]

Well, I am delighted as after one week of eating set portions of food and cutting out all snacks, plus riding my bike every day when it isn't raining, I am able to tighten my belt (literally!) down to the next notch. Not bad for one week of sustained effort. My neighbour isn't well at the moment and has a collie dog to walk so I have offered to walk it for her, as you suggested franbee, starting tomorrow.

[Crocus]

Wow Jazz, good for you! Remember your camera eh?;) There's lots out there to click and it's waiting for you....... enjoy walking Collie.