I hate exercise! Always have, although when I was younger I loved to ice skate and bike ride. These seemed more like fun and not so much like a chore… I guess what bothers me about machines is the monotony, but I know that I have to do something to improve my health. Reducing stress is only the beginning. I need to lose at least 20 pounds to get my BMI back under 25. And, DH is seriously talking about a trip to Machu Picchu in the next year or two, so unless I build up stamina, he’ll be hiking the Inca trail alone. Although I enjoy walks around our complex, this doesn’t provide the strength training and aerobic exercise that will help me develop my lung capacity and a stronger heart.
DH goes to the gym about 5 days a week for an hour and he loves it. I, on the other hand, hate anything that makes me feel sweaty. I’ve belonged to Curves twice before but for me it was a waste of money. It always seemed that I was too tired, too busy, or the place was closed when I finally mustered up the energy or had the time to go. And, I am simply not disciplined enough to exercise at home in front of the TV, although I have plenty of exercise tapes. The only one who uses the Ab Lounger that DH bought me last year is TC… it’s her new favorite place to take her catnaps.
DH’s gym is having a special… $49 to join and $10 a month for a year. Maybe I will give it a try. Now that I’m retired I will have more time, so I can’t use that as an excuse any more. The gym is about 5 minutes from the house so it’s definitely convenient… and it opens early and closes late, so there goes another excuse. My goal: to go at least 3 times a week and stay for 30 minutes (and exercise the whole time, of course). Doable, definitely affordable, and the facility is very clean and well-equipped. Does anyone @SA have tips for making going to the gym bearable/fun/exciting/successful?
DH is always trying to get me motivated.
Allergic to Exercise
August 29th, 2008 at 02:53 pm
August 29th, 2008 at 03:50 pm 1220025042
What I've found out works the best is to have someone to workout with. For example, walking around the park or to and from somewhere is much better with a conversant friend than it is by yourself.
That or perhaps redisover the things you used to enjoy again? Like bike riding?
I too struggle with the allergy.
August 29th, 2008 at 05:19 pm 1220030387
August 30th, 2008 at 03:06 am 1220065592
August 30th, 2008 at 05:20 am 1220073649
Your goal is health and getting fit enough for trips. DH can serve a bit as your gym buddy who can get you there on a schedule. Can he also serve a bit as your trainer - show you the machines, help you with your form, and figure out what weights you should start at? Gym is also close. I assume that its 5 minutes by car? Walking works - you have to change your speed, go up hills, skip and lunge to spice things up.
Another psychological trick that helped me was from my scientific training. I treated myself as a scientific project and asked as many questions as I could.
Also, there usually scheduled events like yoga, pilates, spinning, etc that you can participate in a group. There might be incidentals that can help you get interested.
August 31st, 2008 at 04:40 pm 1220200833
September 1st, 2008 at 09:18 pm 1220303924