I joined the gym! How many truly exercise on a regular basis?

redshiloh · Sep 29, 2003

I was 'forced' to change my ways when my doc said i looked prediabetic, and my triglycerides were above 300. I just started at a local health club. Problem is, all I can think about after work is SLEEP!

I hope you are successful, you might try the Dr Phil book...it has some good common sense advice.

Good Luck!!

healingtouchRN · Sep 29, 2003

I walk two mornings a week for about an hour, but would like to do more but work 80+ hours weekly. Try to take the stairs often, & I park about an 7 min walk from my dept. I love to dance, so do that as oft as I can with my friends!!!! :chuckle

Repat · Sep 29, 2003

Whew, you do sound stretched to the limit! However, exercise is one of the best "cures" for stress, so good luck to you. I am enrolled as a full-time student, I work Baylor shifts, and I have two young children. Stressed is an understatement! However, I play tennis three times a week, and I ride horses once or twice a week. I NEED my stress relief, and I am at a point now that even if I'm feeling rough (Monday morning tennis is always a struggle after two busy twelve hour shifts), I know I'll feel better after getting out and running around the tennis court. Stick to it - as time goes on, you'll feel better and it will become easier. You deserve time as much as anything or anyone else in your life - be good to yourself!

healingtouchRN · Sep 29, 2003

thanks, Repat. I plan on walking tonite, the weather here is GORGEOUS!!! 50 degrees when I got out this a.m.!!! 70 now!!! I just love to walk in the fall!!!

Berta · Sep 29, 2003

shaunda,

I pm'd you.

Also, anyone else who is in the process of losing over 50 lbs, I'd love to corrospond with you. I am trying to lose 100lb. So far, I've lost 26 and would love to hear from others on this journey.

Berta

Tweety, BSN, RN · Sep 29, 2003

That's awesome! Good luck.

I go to the gym about three times a week, plus go to yoga class twice a week, and walk the dog. I would like to fit in one more day of aerobics at the gym, but the hours of the gym on weekends and 12-hour shifts throw me off.

JJFROG · Sep 29, 2003

I work 11a-11p for the sole purpose of being able to run in the mornings. I am addicted. Good luck Shunda!

PlanetCaroline · Sep 29, 2003

I get 60-120 minutes of exercise 7 days a week & I am in nursing school. I've been doing this for over 1 year & to be honest my exercise is a major priority in my life. It helped me lose over 25 lbs, keeps me sane, & prevents me from relapsing on cigarettes.

How do I do it?

1) On weekdays I get up at 5 am to run in the DARK. It is scary b/c I can't see potholes, but I don't have to deal with cars, harrassing men, dogs, and perky people. Anybody up at 5 is definitely not perky, LOL. By the way, the only time I ever saw 5 am before was staying up all night.

2) Any break I get in classes, I take a brisk walk. Smokers go outside during breaks why shouldn't exercisers? I let myself skip my 5 am run if I do brisk walking during lunch & 10 minute breaks.

3) Daily exercise can risk overuse injury, but making exercise a daily habit like brushing my teeth works for me. I don't think about exercise. I do it first thing in the morning. I cross train to give my body a break by lifting free weights (at home, don't go to the gym) & walking. Also, being "playful" can be a good workout. Many people plod when they walk. Try skipping, jumping, running backwards, or taking steps two at a time. Exercise can be fun. Makes me feel younger.

4) I do homework & study during class. So much of lecture time is wasted with technical problems, longwinded lectures, etc. I am more alert in class when I study & listen to lecture. If I don't get my work done early, I'm screwed. By 8 pm, I am a wreck and ready for bed.

5) I feel proud when I get out there and run. I don't mind that my belly is bigger than my breasts because I work hard, sweat a lot and make my body BOUNCE. The emotional rewards of exercise can almost outweigh the physical benefits.

6) There are few good excuses for not exercising. I have run in pouring rain, freezing cold (10 degrees F), blazing heat, 25 mph winds, snowstorms, etc. I noticed the weather was nothing compared to the volce in my head telling me to give it up & sit home with a pint of Ben & Jerry's. My obstacles have been primarily mental. Find out what your obstacles are & learn to overcome them.

Be careful out there. Do whatever you can to avoid an injury, which can sideline you for weeks. Just make it fun & do it EVERY DAY. I mean it, even if you have to dance to the radio for 45 minutes, just do it EVERY DAY. Be gentle on yourself. My early runs were 30 minute walks with a little jogging thrown in.

Keep us posted on your progress.

---

Caroline

Repat · Sep 30, 2003

Caroline - You have inspired me!! You are so right in all you said. One of my biggest obstacles (and it still gives me a pain every once in a while) is that I felt too fat to exercise. Now, I don't care because I have gotten past the hurdle and it feels great! Thanks for the comments - can't wait for tennis tomorrow!

healingtouchRN · Sep 30, 2003

I walked again tonight, watched the sun go down while walking thru our famed Festival Park!!! Oh how gorgeous!!! The wind was nipping at my legs & hands, but I felt refreshed. I plan on driving over there again to walk. It was a treat, really should make it a habit but sooooo out of the way. But thanks for the vote of confidence. It is so easy to find 100 things I could be doing. Wishful that my hubby would join me but he hates walking. He is more a tread mill kinda guy. I like the scenery & smells of the seasons. Caroline is awesome!! I will think of her when I walk again & try to go the extra mile!

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Sep 30, 2003

I do yoga, situps, pushups everyday. I go running 3-4 days a week for 3 miles, walk one mile to get started, walk another to finish up. I also eat right, and consume nothing but water after 9 pm.

Lost a lot of weight at one time, gotta keep it off.