I want to find something fun to do that will give me a good workout. I was thinking of getting a bike but my town does not have good places that are safe for cyclists. Any suggestions? I need to lose weight around my middle and thighs. Thanks!
I hate to exercise!
- Thread starter Anonymous
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CP Soothsayer says just open your sliding glass door and pick up laundry. That's all it takes.
Weight loss (for me, anyway) tends to be 80% nutrition and 20% exercise. If you're a woman, about a 1200 calorie per day plan is where I start. This is not alot, so you've got to make each one count: cut sweets, cola, alcohol, fat, and empty carbs (white bread, rice). Lots of chicken, veggies, and fruit. And water!!
I hated to exercise too, but have gotten to a point where I hate to not get my workout in. Sometimes you just have to make yourself do it. Start with at least 3 days per week, but 6 is optimal. Since there are no great places to bike, if you must go to a gym I've found the stairmaster tolerable if I can watch TV or read a book or magazine at the same time. Some group classes can be fun if they offer them (spinning, body sculpting, step). Outside of the gym, you could also try taking some adult dance classes (hip hop, tap, ballet). Some people find that working out with a friend makes it more enjoyable and makes them more accountable. I prefer to work out alone, but to each their own!
Finally, if you really want to change your shape, you've got to incorporate weight/strength training. Sounds like your battle is the "pear" shape - it's been mine, too! With aerobic/cardio only I just end up a smaller pear. Adding weights has really sculpted my shape. For legs, if you do nothing else: squat and lunges. I hate them. You'll hate them. But they work!
Oh, one more thing. I have a very hard time working out without music. If you don't have one, invest in an ipod and load it with music that motivates you!
Let us know how it goes!
I hated to exercise too, but have gotten to a point where I hate to not get my workout in. Sometimes you just have to make yourself do it. Start with at least 3 days per week, but 6 is optimal. Since there are no great places to bike, if you must go to a gym I've found the stairmaster tolerable if I can watch TV or read a book or magazine at the same time. Some group classes can be fun if they offer them (spinning, body sculpting, step). Outside of the gym, you could also try taking some adult dance classes (hip hop, tap, ballet). Some people find that working out with a friend makes it more enjoyable and makes them more accountable. I prefer to work out alone, but to each their own!
Finally, if you really want to change your shape, you've got to incorporate weight/strength training. Sounds like your battle is the "pear" shape - it's been mine, too! With aerobic/cardio only I just end up a smaller pear. Adding weights has really sculpted my shape. For legs, if you do nothing else: squat and lunges. I hate them. You'll hate them. But they work!
Oh, one more thing. I have a very hard time working out without music. If you don't have one, invest in an ipod and load it with music that motivates you!
Let us know how it goes!
So what kind of weight training is good for a pear shape? Someone talked about The Firm yesterday, someone else says it doesn't work but that was what I was going to try because there were weights involved. So lost! Can't lift weights with your tummy, lol! I hear endless crunches don't work to make a waist and tummy smaller.
Assuming nutrition and cardio/aerobic exercise are addressed: go ahead and do The Firm. I've not tried it but have heard good things; again, it's better than nothing and a great way to get started.
My pear shape is in reference to bum, abs, thighs. Again, squats and lunges are the best for legs and backside. Crunches work great; I do them. I also will use the Roman chair for leg lifts to work my abs, and use tilted bench for lower abs (also a flat bench w/ your bum at the end and doing leg raises to work lower abs). Use equipment in gym (ask employees to recommend some) to work obliques as that will really whittle your waist.
I recommend weight training all over, though: muscle burns more calories than fat. Even just sitting here in front of the computer.
Many of the fitness magazines, especially those geared toward weight training, have alot of great techniques, advice on proper form to prevent injury, moves to isolate particular muscular groups, and nutrition advice. You feel kind of embarrassed walking up with a Muscle & Fitness at first, but you'll get over it.
I am finding that after I do squats and lunges my knees are killing me. I actually think it is from lunges in particular because those are pretty hard. Should I do some squats with one of those exercise balls against a wall? Would that be easier on the knees? Any suggestions from people with knee issues would be appreciated.
Yeah, no one is taking your fitness advice either, SD. Thanks anyway.
I don't have bad knees, but they used to hurt after lunges too. In both exercises, imagine a line going straight up from your toes - don't let your knee pass this in either exercise because it can lead to injury. Also, you may try using the gym equipment to do leg extensions at the gym - in addition to the entire quad (muscle on front of thigh) it will strengthen the musles around the knee.
My knees don't hurt doing these anymore. Hope this helps.
My knees don't hurt doing these anymore. Hope this helps.
OP said nothing about losing weight, Op was asking for a good workout. Some people actually enjoy getting outside you know.
He is overweight and has diabetes. People, consider the source.
Actually OP did mention losing weight but wanted a fun workout. Wonka, how many calories does jacking off to porn burn?
Wonka
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- Wonka May 10, 2008 at 02:28: PM
Wonka
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Yes, I am overweight and have diabetes. When I lose weight, I do it by dieting. I have lost 50 pounds by a 1200 calorie a day diet and not doing shit for exercise.
Once again, if you hate exercising, you do not have to exercise to lose weight. Exercise is good, but not necessary for losing weight.
Once again, if you hate exercising, you do not have to exercise to lose weight. Exercise is good, but not necessary for losing weight.
If you own a dog, take your dog out for a nice 30+ minute jog or fast walk (daily). They make for great workout partners and I think you will find the benefits to be mutual for you and your dog.
Sounds like quite the healthy lifestyle you have going there for yourself.
Try a bunch of different stuff/classes to see what you like. Spin class, Step, Kickboxing, Hip hop class, Conditioning class, whatever and also important is to try different instructors -- I have a spin class I LOVE because of the instructor. It sucks when there's a sub. Pilates really does make a huge difference in your core. I do yoga somewhat regularly also.
If you want something more adventurous and/or outdoors try something like rock climbing, raquetball, coed soccer, tennis. Bottom line is find what you like and will do regularly. SD, no grown man should be eating 1200 calories a day. Why some of you think you can get away with not exercising is beyond me.
These bathtub exercises can actually get you sweating.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! Maybe he/she is doing lunges incorrectly and that's why his/her knees hurt. We aren't all geriatrics here, Sooth. Go lift some soup cans or something.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! Maybe he/she is doing lunges incorrectly and that's why his/her knees hurt. We aren't all geriatrics here, Sooth. Go lift some soup cans or something.
Holy crap bathtub exercises? Sounds like something they do in a nursing home.