How much do you exercise/work out and why?

[ZerasPride]

This question has been on my mind for a few days and I have been meaning to post to see what others are thinking. When I couldn't get to the gym this morning and felt frustrated, I knew it was time to post a thread about it!

I have been going to the gym twice per day for the past two weeks. I love it! I get up at 5:00 in the morning so I can be on the 6:00 bus and get to the gym by 7:00. I run a couple of miles on the treadmill after a nice warm up and cool down. I shower and get to my desk by 8:00. Then at lunch time I take a class at the gym (this is a corporate gym in my building). It might be weight lifting, core, slideboard or an advanced step class. I love it!!! One of the ladies asked me the other day why I exercise so much. My first thoughts were because I want to get these extra pounds off quickly that I have gained back. But the more I thought about her question, the more I realized there is more to it.

I work out twice per day because I love how powerful and fit I feel. I work out so much because I love that sweaty I pushed my body to the limit feeling. I work out so much because it's one of the things that I do for me and me alone that has nothing to do with my family (whom I love of course), job or anything else. I also work out because just about nothing beats an endorphin high.

I was wonding how much and why do you all work out? I mean as Dr. Phil says, we don't do it unless there is some benefit to us, right? So, if you all don't mind sharing, I would like to know just how much exercise per day or week do you do and why do you carve the time out of your busy schedule to exercise when so many Americans are sedentary?

P.S. Plus, I'd like some reassurance that I'm not a crazy work out fanatic if I know other people love to work out too! Thanks for sharing!!!

 

[nbodyhome]

I work out pretty much every day - I started running a number of months ago (intervals with walking) to help me get leaner and fitter. Weight loss hasn't been a major priority, though I really could lose another 20 (I've lost 80 over 4 years).

I need to get back into strength training a few times a week - but the walking/running has been something I really enjoy. I also just make activity part of my life - walking to the store, even sometimes standing when I type, etc.

 

[mogulskr]

I work out some way everyday. This winter has been running, weights, basketball and skiing. Come spring it will be bicycling and running. When I exercise I notice I have a lot more energy. Also it is a great stress reliever. When I am running or riding my bike I tend to get into a zone where my brain shuts off and it's really peaceful.

 

[denecarter]

I'm usually at the gym 2.5 - 3 hours per day. I keep my exercise and food journals there... so that accounts for a "little" of the time. Varies between Cardio classes, yoga, treadmill (getting too easy now... trying to do elliptical), weights, talking to the trainer, and a little socializing.

Why? I enjoy it. Beats the 1.5 hr/day commute I no longer make... beats watching the same old junk on tv (I just record anything I really want to watch)... beats eating from boredom. Plus I've got the whole endorphin, serenity, feeling stronger, looking better, and losing 50 lbs thing going, too.

Trainer has tried to tell me to take a day off every once in a while... so I'll do less strenuous stuff... like a 5 mile hike along the town bike path and park.

Seriously, though... I started for the weight loss, I'm sticking with it because I enjoy it.

 

[newholidayx2]

30mins on the treadmill M-F mornings - doc told me years ago to get at least 30min cardio every day
some nights before classes Im also on the treadmill

Mon - Yoga
Wed - Pilates
Thurs - Instructors Choice
Fri - Strength training
Sat - Cardio/Step

Sun - walk to/from Dunkins for a coffee - takes about an hour total

I love the gym I joined this past Oct and have formed many new friendships
we go out dancing monthly too!

 

[AKASnowWhite]

I work out twice per day because I love how powerful and fit I feel. I work out so much because I love that sweaty I pushed my body to the limit feeling. I work out so much because it's one of the things that I do for me and me alone that has nothing to do with my family (whom I love of course), job or anything else. I also work out because just about nothing beats an endorphin high.

That about sums it up for me.

I absolutely REFUSE to grow old gracefully. I'm going to fight it every step of the way!!! I LOVE knowing that I am stronger, fitter, and faster than most women 20 years younger than me (I'm 40 ).

I used to say that my fitness goal in life was to be stronger than my oldest son is heavy. I have always wanted him to know that I could (without hesitation) TAKE HIM OUT should he ever get out of line and you know what? At nearly 16, he's taller, heavier and dare I say stronger than me finally....but I can STILL take him....I arm-wrestled him not to long ago and he was humbled. Yes, he is strong, but I have endurance. THAT's why I work out.

 

[ZerasPride]

Snowwhite- I love that attitude! I am so there with you. I turn 40 in 2 months and I will not be the old lady on the walker or the scooter chair if I can absolutely help it.

Thanks so much everyone for sharing. I'm bumping this back to the top for any other work out fanatics that want to post!

 

[PlainJane]

I dance for two hours three times a week, and try to go to the gym at least an hour and up to three hours a day on the days I'm not dancing. I excercise so much to 1. help with my dancing and 2. keep my weight in check. It is hard, but I get really depressed if I'm not working out.

 

[ZerasPride]

PlainJane - I totally understand what you are saying. I feel absolutely retched when I don't work out. It has such an effect on my mood when I do as opposed to days when I cannot seem to get a work out in. Thanks for the reminder that it's just as much for my mental as well as physical health!

 

[katerkat]

I do about 30 minutes of running every other day (I'm doing the Couch to 5K program) - this is training for Bloomsday in May. I love the program so far (but I'm dreading Week 5, Day 3!!) Today was my first chance to run in the morning - usually things are too hectic and I end up running during my son's nap. What a difference the morning makes!! My appetite today is totally different than the last few days, and I have so much more energy.

On my off days (and sometimes on running days too) I do 25-50 minutes of Denise Austin from Lifetime with my sister. This is cardio/kick boxing/pilates, etc - lots of stretching and working different muscles. This I do to tone my whole body (especially the tummy and butt!) and just generally, to make myself feel better and sleep better.

 

[ZerasPride]

katerkat - is the Denise Austin a DVD work out on is it actually on Lifetime? I'm looking for a few new videos to spice up my home work outs. I want to add more Firm but I would need to buy the new transformer and I really don't want to have to buy any more equipment if I can help it. Plus I'd like to try something different.

 

[katerkat]

It's on Lifetime - here, at least! (Here being NJ at the moment.) Her show is on either 7 or 7:30 am, but we DVR it and do it after my sister gets home from work. She has one "Fit and Lite" (Tues & Thurs) which is more Pilates-based, and one "Daily Workout" (Mon, Wed, Fri) which will be anything from kickboxing to step aerobics. I actually prefer it to any of my exercise tapes, since there's always something different to do instead of the same 1-5 workouts on the DVDs.

 

[Mom2Ty&Lins]

I exercise six or seven days a week, twice on most days.
I work two days a week. On those two days I walk 3+ miles in the afternoon.
On the days I don't work, I workout in the mornings (exercise dvd or video) and then walk 3+ miles at night.
Usually the only reason I take a day off and not exercise at all is if my body is telling me to back off a little. I have minor knee and back issues that slow me down every once in a while.
On the days I don't exercise, I feel like a slug! I love the energy exercising gives me, plus the satisfaction of knowing I am doing something totally beneficial for me and only for me.

 

[disneychrista]

I exercise about an hour - an hour & half per day. I have been walking 30 mins in the AM. I get to work early and I go for a walk before I head in. Then I do 30-45 mins of WATP tapes/dvds in the evening. I also try to walk another 15 - 30 mins at lunch or break.

I do it beause I "need" to in addition to the fact that it is the best way I know to help get the extra weight off. I dont feel as good if I don't exercise.