Exercise for the exercise HATER!!

[Claire4dpins]

Well, here is my confession - I have been on my diet for just over nine weeks - during that time the amount of exercise I have done - none!!

I hate exercise - probably even more than I hate being this over weight. I am 32 and I still have nightmares about PE at school!! The worst on the team, never picked and last every time!

I have managed to loose a total of 21lb so far - without exercise - but I know that this had only been possible because I have such a lot of weight to loose.

The only thing I did enjoy was swimming - but I feel far too fat for swimming at the moment. The other problem being that I live in a village - and can't drive - so it is not really possible to get to a pool in anycase.

Has anyone got any advice as to how I should start off building in some exercise?
Is there anyone else who feels the same about exercise - most people on the boards really seem to love their exercise - I could never imagine it being anything but I chore that had to be done!

Any advice welcomed,
Claire

 

[bicker]

Not only did I hate exercise, but I hated ANYTHING outdoors, even barbecues, despite the opportunity to eat!

For me, getting healthy was a lifestyle change. Part of that was changing my attitude towards exercise (and being outdoors). When I met my wife, I wasn't at all interested in horror novels. Now I read every Stephen King book that comes out. In order to get to know her better and share some things with her it became important to me to change the reperatoire of what I enjoyed, to expand it, really, to include some new things that she enjoyed. The same sort of thing applies here: I needed to change the reperatoire of what I liked to do, beyond just watching television, going on drives in the car, and eating at restaurants. <grin> It was, at first, a conscious decision to change my lifestyle and adopt a healthy lifestyle. That implied, implicitly, enjoying exercise.

So the decision and the commitment came first.

One of the first things I did was key into things that drove me already. I have an interest for all things Eastern. I was very interested in the culture of India, and the surrounding nations, etc. So the first exercise I started doing was yoga. Building on current interests I think gives added motivation.

I caught one of the first broadcasts of the Eco-Challenge on television a few years ago, and that gave me the motivation, not to ever do ANYTHING like THAT, but to start hiking seriously. Whatever interests I can capitalize on I capitalize on, to build more physical activity into my life.

Here's another one. I do like sushi, and it's very healthy, but still, all that rice, lots of calories, eh? So I walk the six miles roundtrip from work to the sushi restaurant when I want sushi for lunch. My wife and I walk the five miles roundtrip to the sushi restaurant when we want sushi for dinner. I call it "Body as Transportation." Occasionally we go to the mall for pizza. Very occasionally. Yes, we walk the eight miles roundtrip. We don't have any food-treats unless we walk to get them.

 

[TigH]

Hi, Claire!

I can relate! I hated PE in school. I was always chubby and very uncordinated, and lacked confidence. I remember standing in the outfield during kickball or softball thinking, "Please don't hit/kick the ball over here... please!"

I hated exercise and thought it was a four letter word. I much preferred watching TV (and eating junk food!). It's not that easy to get started, but you are moving in the right direction already! You have the desire to exercise (even though you claim to hate it) because you posted this message! So I say GOOD FOR YOU!

The best thing you can do is get out and walk! Of course, I am jealous that you live in a village because I can only imagine how beautiful it is! If you just get yourself out for 5 minutes a day to start, you can build up your walking time from there!!! A friend of mine had some big heart problems recently. He decided to quit smoking and get healthy. He's been walking 10 minutes a day for 2 weeks. At first he said it was the longest 10 minutes of his life, but now he is actually finding it easier! I know walking seems like such a simple thing to do, how could it be considered exercise, but REALLY, it's the best start!!! I would encourage you to go swimming too, but it doesn't sound like you are quite ready for that yet (but walking will pave the way for you!)

Good luck! ANYTHING you do that is considered more movement than you are currently doing is a good thing! If you decide to start with walking, try going out for 5 minutes a day for 5 days a week, then next week try 10 minutes, then 15 minutes, etc. until you work up to 45 minutes. I think you will be surprised how much you ENJOY exercising once you make it a habit! I know I love it now!!!

 

[MsDisney]

I agree, Claire, just for now, get out there and walk...a little each day and work up from there. It gets the body moving and it boosts the metabolism...if even a little...every bit helps! As you go, you'll find you'll be able to walk longer and further, and your pace will quicken in time...
If it helps, bring a tape/radio/CD player along with something you enjoy playing...it takes your mind off of the "task". Eventually, you might want to try the Walk Away the Pounds 1 mile...it's only 18 minutes of your day, and while it might not be enjoyable, it's still only 18 minutes. You can modify the movements to suit your level too, which is great!

And as Bicker said...perhaps if you have a particular interest in learning something, you might find a beginner tape interesting to help you. I find it much better to have someone in front of me telling me what to do than to do it on my own.

Exercise will end up giving you more energy and help you to feel better, and eventually, you probably won't want to give it up...it's a great feeling!

Hang in there and don't give up, you're still losing, you just need to move around a bit more to help it along!

Karen

 

[elisebutt]

Hi Clare (waving from over in Leamington).
Another exercise hater here - I utterly despise it - blech!!! But I do it every single night, basically cos if I don't I will end up all loose skin and flabby bits!!!
I've lost 56lbs so far and the wobly bits are now even wobblier without the fat plumping them out so I'm into week 2 of exercise now.
I'm doing most of it at home in my bedroom, away from the distraction of the telly etc. i have go one of those ab cruncher frames and some light weights plus some velcor ones to put round my ankles. I do 200 crunches, about 15 mins arm, 15 mins leg work and a load of stretches. Plus I don't drive either so I walk everywear (one reason I've always lived in a town or city!!!) The school is a mile away so in term time I do at least 4 miles a day. I'm making sure now that I go out and walk for at least an hour a day with the kids. I can't do any swimming either for the simple reason I have to stick with the kids in the pool - 3 year old no good at laps yet!!!
Are there any buses to the nearest pool - I bet they have aqua-robics classes - they are great fun and usually everyone else is trying to lose as well so it doesn't matter what you look like. Anyway most people are too busy worrying about what they look like to notice anyone else!!
The best thing tho is just to get out and walk, even if it's just to the end of your nearest road - just 10 mins a day to start with, then build up. Or go up and down your stairs. Try and get slightly breathless but not so much you can't talk as this means you are starting to burn fat and work your heart.
Hope all goes well.

 

[Mom2Princesses]

Claire--

I wish I could say I love my exercise program, but I HATE it! It is only because I have sooo many videoes (about 12 total) that I make it every week, the rotation keeps me going. I also think walking is a great place to start. Also, I would look into the sitting exercises that are out there. I know there are books about them, but you may be able to find it "free" on the internet. I personally am going to start looking into these as well, simply for when I am sitting, it would be nice to be able to do some additional stuff while sitting on my, well, you know!

Also, simple things like arm curls (no weights) and leg curls would be an easy way to start, too. You can do these while cooking, on commerical breaks (I do that with Oprah a lot, get up during commercials and do simple arm/leg curls), or just while you are standing for any other reason.

If you are just starting out, I would also suggest Richard Simmons. If, of course, you can stand him! He has really great workouts for those just getting into exercise, they warm you up, cool you down and are pretty easy to learn. I have the Broadway series (I like theatrical music) and it is definitely the quickest 30 minutes of exercise that I do.

Just remind yourself no matter what you are doing that it is helping you reach your goal, or how proud you will be to come to WISH and proclaim that you exercised today! We all have faith in you!

 

[Jenzebelle]

I completely understand where you are coming from. Not only do I detest exercise - I'm really out of shape and it hurts!

The best thing to do is walk. If you don't have time, just get Leslie Sansone's WATP tapes. They are a great workout and it goes by quick.
Calisthenics while you watch tv are also not bad. What about yard work? Weeding is tons of great exercise. I hate doing it, but it needs to be done.

 

[Rajah]

Do you like dance? I *HATE* exercise as well. Shoot, I won't even go walking on a treadmill or just around the block unless a friend or DH is with me. The only three forms of walking I like are mall-walking (aka shopping), touring Disney parks (or similar), and hiking in Colorado or similar National Parks. None of which are things you can do regularly. LOL!!

So I looked around and after 2 years of looking, finally decided on a combination of yoga and Tai Chi. I'm *loving* Tai Chi. I've found an *excellent* instructional DVD as well as a message board that is a companion to the DVD. People aren't NEARLY as friendly as they are here, but it's still informative.

Anyway, point is, try some things that are a little more off the wall or uncommon that you might enjoy. Exercise doesn't have to be walking in place, lifting weights, walking on treadmills, or running in circles.

And, the benefits I've found already in just 3 weeks of exercising and two weeks of Tai Chi... My diet is naturally changing. Many times in the past 3 weeks, I've shunned the Chef Boy R D ravioli in favor of a chicken ceaser salad, or I've gone for some other healthier alternative in fast food. This is someone who thinks lettuce is for rabbits, and I'm ordering it because I *want* it?? Then I'm on the whole sleeping better. I'm not nearly as tense as I used to be, I feel much less stressed. All of this from nothing more than 20-60 minutes of exercise, usually Tai Chi, 5 or 6 nights a week for three weeks.

If I can do it, you can!!

 

[MelanieC]

Boy what a difference in culture. It sounds like such a cool place to live. Even though I live in a small town, the only place I walk to is the mailbox across the street!! I guess it's probably because I live in a rural area and without walking MILES, I wouldn't have anyplace to walk to. Well actually I do have a mini-mart at a gas station down the road, but I never buy anything there!


I hate exercise too, and have lost all 24.6 pounds so far with only some WATP's (very littel), walking in the park, walking at amusement parks and walking in Boston. I don't do anything religiously.

Today I did purchase the FIRM DVD"s, so I guess that's my way of saying I am going to get serious.

I agree with the getting out and walking in your village. I bet it is such a beautiful walk! Just add to it each day, and soon you will be getting into such great shape. Each time you do it, you'll feel greater!

Good luck,
Melanie

 

[Claire4dpins]

Hello All

Thanks so much for all the replies, advice & encouragement. I know I have to begin to add exercise into my life for weight loss and health. I plan to start by having short walks - just around the block and then see if I can build it up from there.

I do have an exercise bike - it is here next to the computer with a 'throw' over it - almost never used - so I am going to start off with short 'trips' on that - probably listening to music.

I like the sound of Leslie Sansone's WATP tapes - I don't think they are available in the shops over here. Amazon have a 6 week delivery because of it being the UK. I plan to take a look for them on my upcoming trip to Orlando.

Thanks again all,
Claire