Let's Be Workout Freaks Together

[The Albatross]

Sad to report that every time I do a workout in pilates... my accupressure lady or my chiropractor have to put me back together again. But... still doing okay with the treadmill... it's just sort of boring. Not anything I'm really very passionate about. BUT that's not a reason not to do it.

 

[EloiseLandau]

One mile in 7:30 and the other 4 in 9:30. And an extra one for luck. Did some free weights too

 

[SeekingSerenity]

Ran the 7km to work yesterday in 43:21.

Not an amazing time by any standards, but for me its fantastic.

I started exercising again for the first time in November, after almost 9 years of absolutely nothing. I would be out of breath just getting out of bed, it was an effort to change my mind!

I have also started a gym program that will get me into a better shape than round :D

 

[freakofnurture]

... it's just sort of boring.

I always listen to a podcast during training, which is also a good way to measure time, because if you don't stop me, I work out for hours and hours. A friend of mine uses audio books.

It's a good way to keep you going and also to take your mind off the pain and exertion. When I'm on the bike and just have a timer running, 10 mins seem like an eternity. When I listen to something the 10 mins are over quickly.

 

[The Albatross]

Thanks FoN... I do actually miss group activity/exercise classes. But it has cost me plenty between wrists and cervical issues I need to find something else low cost to do. I spend alot of solitary time still and am missing the social interaction I think.

 

[EloiseLandau]

There are TV's in my gym. Sometimes there's a game I play with a friend of mine; I'll find a movie on Turner Classic Movies or something, and take a picture of the screen on my cell and send it to my friend. He has to be able to guess what the movie is. It helps pass the time.

 

[Saphy]

Doing some small exercises since I'm becoming a bit more non-functional.... moved back in with parents and I can't even brush my teeth and take a shower properly anymore :\ really embarrasing to say out loud but you guys dont know me so I suppose it's alright to pour out my feelings here. Anyways, this post was supposed to be about excercise.

Started doing some small excercises 3 sets of 10 with squats (on tippy toes with weights), crunches, hip raises... not even sure I'm calling them the right thing haha...then I finish up with some light yoga and I feel a small boost of energy and then gets me going. I used to depend on coffee but I'm trying not to make that the only thing that gets me running around in the mornings.

What types of exercises do you guys do to get more energy throughout the day?

<Edited for improper use of capitalization>

 

[SeekingSerenity]

Hey Saphy,

Its not just the exercise, its a holistic lifestyle change :)

I gave up smoking, took up exercise, started eating much more healthily, and am trying to get my mind in a good place too. All of these add up to making each day just a little better than the last. Some days there are a few storm-clouds, and some days it actually rains. But generally its getting better and better... :tup:

ps. I also don't know what all these fancy gym exercises are called either, I have a gym partner who does, he just says do that, and I do it. Some days I would hit him, but only if I could lift my aching arms..:cautious::D

 

[freakofnurture]

Its not just the exercise, its a holistic lifestyle change :)

That's a really good point. It doesn't depend so much on which specific exercises you do, it's more important that you do some, and regularly. This is what will raise your overall energy level, mood, motivation etc.

@Saphy: I do some work with weights, mostly upper body, and a lot (alas, still not enough*) of stretching. Both types of exercise give me a kick because I'd love to have less stick-like arms and be able to do a side split. Moving in that direction is satisfying.

I'm not a friend of goals, I think they put pressure on a person. But you could for example look for a direction in which you'd like to go with your workouts and then select a set of exercises that will help you move there :) Moving somewhere feels good.

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*Really, the most annoying thing about exercise is how having a bad day or a little too much 'rest' or a case of too low outside temperature can set you back; it's not that it destroys your progress alltogether, but it sure feels like it -.-

 

[Anna]

I work out every day. I love circuit training or long walks in the fresh air.

Training:-

20 squats
20 lunges
100 sit ups
20 stomach crunches
20 press ups
20 leg curls
20 high kicks
plus weight lifting 4 kgs on each arm repeating 50 times

Brisk walking 2 -3 times a week
or cycling for an 1 hour each week

burn off that energy!

 

[Loveneverfails]

I just started a routine about a month ago. Started slow a month before that with just ten minute sessions to get my lazy mind wrapped around the idea of working out. For a month now I've been doing a roughly hour long routine. I time what I do rather than the amount because my mind wanders and I lose count! :p

I do:
20-30 minutes jogging/running
15 minutes calisthenics(planks, leg lifts, crunches, push ups etc..)
10-15 minutes of kick boxing/kung fu(which involves a lot of punching, kicking and blocking type exercises and has me literally dripping with sweat after 5 minutes)
5 minutes varied lunges

I am out of shape enough I feel like I need all that and have been doing it just long enough I'm starting to see results in how my clothes fit and how I look. Very exciting stuff! - I also listen to a really great playlist of motivational chick power songs while I go. I find it really helps when I can't hear anything but the music to get myself to do the full time.

 

[Anna]

I also listen to a really great playlist of motivational chick power songs while I go. I find it really helps when I can't hear anything but the music to get myself to do the full time.

Ditto. I do the same. Really keeps you going!