There's just no way to get fit, healthy and/or lose weight without working out. It can't be done. We have to participate in some form of working out.
Since the very first time I decided to get fit/healthy/lose weight I've gone through quite a lot of workout options. I finally arrived at the walking/running combo but check out this list of the things I tried before I got there (in no certain order):
- Wii Fit- fun but didn't last
- Yoga Booty Ballet- Holy Cow! This is intense and works great but was short lived.
- Tae Bo- OUCH! I never figured out how to breathe AND workout to this.
- Richard Simons Sweatin' to the Oldies: couldn't do it. I hurt myself from laughing.
- P 90x- WTH?!
- the treadmill- LOVED this but stopped when I started walking outside every day.
- the gym- short lived but sure did enjoy watching those 30 year old guys lift weights.
- Walk away the pounds- B.O.R.I.N.G.
- spin class- LOVED this! But my rear didn't. I never did get adjusted to that seat.
- biking- this was fun and done in combination with walking. Tuck even had a basket on the front. But DoodleBug's bike was stolen from her house downtown so I gave her mine. College kids downtown must have bikes.
- Pilates- LOVE this! Will probably take it back up at some point.
- Zumba- I actually liked this, might have to pick it back up.
- Wii Just Dance- still do this but mostly for fun.
- Aerobics- dance: I would have enjoyed this if they didn't do stupid steps and repeat them for ten hours.
- Yoga- HA! NEVER again
- Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred- I really like this which is surprising because I hate her. But this is good and I am going to start alternating this with running next week. Thanks to Momma Brown for the idea!
- Walking/running: I'm doing this now and I LOVE it!
But here's the point I'd rather you take from my list: Just keep trying different things until you find what you enjoy doing! If you find the thing you enjoy, you will easily find the time to do it and you won't stop!
The benefits will blow you away! You will, to name a few:
- have more energy
- breathe easier
- tone your muscles
- build your endurance
- improve your mood (endorphins do a mood good!)
- lose weight
So share- what's your workout like?
This is the twenty-third day of the A-Z April Challenge. I thought I might try a theme this year and focus on my personal journey to health and fitness, including weight loss.
Today's letter is W and my word for the day is WORKOUT.
Hiking is my favorite form of fitness. I like to be outdoors and the satisfaction of climbing up to see something spread out in front of me. I love to swim too. I will get on a treadmill at the gym and also use some free weights but I don't love it.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
I'm with Joyce. And Hiking in England is my favorite form of exercise. :-) And you're so right - that exercise, especially OUTDOORS, whether walking, running, raking, whatever, so improves the mind and the mood! And it does give more energy.
ReplyDeleteJoyce- I enjoy hiking too! Though I prefer to do it around some hills- it's all flat around here and the trails seem to lead you in circles. LOL
ReplyDeleteJudy- Agreed! I haven't missed the treadmill at all- outside walking/running is so much better!
i kinda like the walking thing--great suggestions
ReplyDeleteI think you're right - try different things and see what works for you, what you enjoy. This might even vary depending on weather, season etc. My first choice is bike riding but sometimes the weather doesn't permit that (raining or too hot!) so there's always the indoors - a video or the treadmill. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm a walker, but I've recently started running and I'm loving it!! Great post!
ReplyDeleteTrying new things is a really good idea. I normally go to the gym and alternate between upper body and lower body each day but I find after a month or two that my body gets use to it and the workout doesn't seem to work for me. Great advice!
ReplyDeleteYou sound a bit like me, Pam. I get bored very easily as well. I've tried numerous gyms, and did manage to stick it for a year at a time, but now I use my Wii-Fit when the weather isn't good, and my step machine and exercise bike (and weights for my arms). But I also love walking by the sea when the weather is dry, and will walk for about 8 miles or so. I think I've mentioned this before, but I so want to be around to see my grandchildren grow up, so I think I owe it to them to keep as fit as I can.
ReplyDeleteLP- I like to walk too! But I really am enjoying running lately!
ReplyDeleteBetty-Let me know how you like it! It really is a good workout!
MMS- If we don't enjoy it, we just aren't going to stick with it. We are lucky with the weather around here- until it gets really hot. I just go out there before the sun comes up.
Lisa- Walking is fun and running is a blast! Which I never thought I'd say! :)
Jennifer-Excellent point- switching things up confuses our bodies and keeps them working hard!
Diane- There's no doubt that you're quite fit girl! What with all that lawn to mow. LOL I want to be here to see some grandchildren arrive.
I'm a walker and when in Sedona I hike but I agree doing what you like and mixing it up is the best. I wish I could find a Dance one I like but I have yet to find one.
ReplyDeleteLucy- Those dance ones seem so lame. Maybe it's just me. But I do like mixing it up!
ReplyDeleteI think if I ever ran my boobs would kill me...honestly they're kinda big for running comfortably.
ReplyDeleteI like to walk. But finding something else to strengthen my legs more would be great, the gym is just to darn far from my house to drive..
Glad you found what you like and what works! Me? The gym 3 mornings a week, after I've walked with the dogs a few miles here at home...:)JP
ReplyDeletejen- Try the 30 Day Shred. It's brutal but it works!
ReplyDeleteJP- That's me. I walk the dog 7 days every week. And then I run. You'd think I'd be nearly skinny by now. LOL
I love the endorphins from exercise! I don't think I've ever had an official 'runner's high' as my "running" is a little on the pathetic side - but it's still fabulous!
ReplyDelete