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

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Sep 30, 2003

Caroline, you are awesome!! I became a total lazy bones during nursing school.

Now that I am done school, I have really tried to start exercising again and try to go 3 times a week to the gym. It helps that I moved to an apartment complex with a gym, so I only have to walk a few feet to get there-- there's no excuses now!! Anyway, I find that if I DON'T work out, I get really, really sluggish and my mood is definitely affected. Going to the gym makes me feel good about myself and gives me energy. Good luck to all those beginning an exercise program, it is hard to get motivated but it is definitely worth it!

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Sep 30, 2003

You guys are incredible......other than running the floor at work and puttering in the garden, the only exercise I get is pushing my luck, jumping off the deep end, and swimming against the current!

Ruby Vee, BSN · Sep 30, 2003

Congrats on joining a gym, and on deciding to do something about your weight!

Two years after a knee injury, I'm now able to do my power walks again, and I'm training for a half marathon in November. I walked 5.2 miles this morning, and will walk 4 tomorrow and 6 on Friday. (I'm working twelves Wednesday and Thursday, and haven't quite managed to walk after work!) So far I've only lost 7.5 pounds -- 57.5 to go!

Dixen81 · Sep 30, 2003

Originally posted by mjlrn97
You guys are incredible......other than running the floor at work and puttering in the garden, the only exercise I get is pushing my luck, jumping off the deep end, and swimming against the current!

:chuckle :roll :chuckle

You took the words right out of my mouth!:chuckle

allnurses Guide · Sep 30, 2003

I started jogging 8 years ago a few months before a high school reunion (ah, vanity :-). Actually, I walked the track at the high school first. Jogged a little, walked a little until I was jogging 3 miles.

It's addicting . . .I feel emotionally better when I'm exercising. I walk with my toddler in a jogging stroller, work out at Curves at least three days a week, my daughter and I jogged together this evening.

Been on the Atkins Diet off and on . . . .

Why does food have to taste so good?

If a lazy bones like me can start exercising, anyone can.

steph

Tweety, BSN, RN · Sep 30, 2003

Caroline, I was an addicted runner too for many years. But only went every other day. I would go long distances like for 10 miles. I even ran through nursing school. As you said, you just have to make it a priority. I've run through rain, cold and definately heat. But alas, my right knee gave out and now I've got to do other things. For me it's a balance of wegiths, cardio, and stretch.

Your right, for me running kept stress and emotional turmoil at bay.

Keep it up everyone!

kitty29 · Sep 30, 2003

Originally posted by Berta
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

Well I am, I gained after hurting my ankle....and now have been slowly trying to drop the weight. I just purchased Dr Phil's book to and have been skimming it.

KristinWW · Sep 30, 2003

Timely topic - I have been looking at gyms for the past two weeks. When I used to work out regularly I had the most stamina and optimism I ever had in my life. Then I had kids and, well, you know the rest :)

I am lousy at all sports except dance - had 10 years of dance training off and on. What do you all recommend - joining a gym (which includes cardio, etc. but I won't be using the pool, racquetball, free weights) or taking dance classes? I want to lose 30 lbs. And recommendations on a gym? I'm looking at LA Fitness or Bally's - I will NEVER do Gold's again!

CougRN · Sep 30, 2003

I exercise when ever i can. I too have a high triglyceride count. I try to bike and hike as often as i can. cut down on the beer. dont know if you drink but that's one way to reduce the number. best of luck.

colleen10 · Sep 30, 2003

I used to work out religously 3-4 times a week doing a bit of cardiovascular and lots of weight lifting.

I don't go anymore because between work and school no time and it's hard to find a decent gym around where I live.

My advice to you is don't over do it your first couple of times. You will build up endurance and stretch those muscles after a few visits, it may not feel like you are doing much when you first start out but trust me, you'll be feeling it in a few days.

Also, be willing to try everything once to see what works best for you. I'm not much of a group activities person so playing sports or taking an aerobics class just wasn't for me, but I found that I really liked lifting weights on my own. If you try something and don't like it, don't get discouraged, just try another activity til you find what you like best.

Another good piece of advice is ask a trainer or someone that works in the gym to spend some time with you showing you proper use of the equipment. In smaller gyms they usually do this with you anyway, in a larger gym you may need to pay extra by the hour for the persons time. This will keep you from injuring yourself and also help you to maximize your workout by knowing exactly how to use the equipment.

Drink plenty of water!!!!!!! You will need it since your working out anyway but it has always helped me shed weight when I had to loose some extra pounds.

One last thing, if you see that your appetite is greatly increasing after you have worked out for a few weeks please do not starve yourself. You are working your body and your body needs energy to keep you going at the gym thus it will need more food.

I have seen so many people guilt themselves into not eating or eating extra food and then feeling horrible about themselves because they think they should be sticking to a strict diet. Of course you're going to be extra hungry, your literally working your buns off!!! Don't feel guilty for being more hungry than usual and allow yourself to eat a bit more, just make sure it isn't anything high calorie. This is where drinking plenty of water comes in, it will fill you up.

Good Luck to you!!!!!!

healingtouchRN · Sep 30, 2003

I have always had the dream to take dancing classes (like the one's offered @ the university) but they require a partner. My partner has no interest in this. Too bad I don't have a friend (like in the movie "Object of my Affection"!! Maybe one day............

shunda · Sep 30, 2003

I really do appreciate all of the responses. I have a friend that got on the LA diet. I joined Gold's Gym. What was your bad experience with Gold's. I am so glad that you said that it feels like at first you are not doing anything. Because that is how I feel. I have been going to the gym for 5 days so far and I cannot see any difference. I do thank you all for all of the encouaragement and I am going to keep everyone posted and I love to those inspirational stories because it helps keep me motivated