Comments on: What does it take to start an exercise regimen?

By: Eden

Eden — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:03:10 +0000

@Free From Broke – good tip. I think I got about as far as I could with just limiting calories. I really need to kick the exercise up a notch or two, and that is what I am working on doing now.

By: Free From Broke

Free From Broke — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 02:33:09 +0000

Congrats on starting your program! Just keep in mind that weight loss is as much your diet (not dieting) as it is exercise. I would say the best way to keep up with exercise is to get out of the house. For me there’s too many distractions and reasons not to do it at home. Also if you can get a friend involved that is great to for motivation. And if you can join something involving a group – it’s like taking the buddy idea further. Personally, a friend and I started training in Aikido almost a decade ago. It’s kept me in shape both physically and mentally and I’ve made great friends in the process. Good luck to whatever path you take!

By: Eden

Eden — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 01:56:45 +0000

Wow, thanks for all of the great comments!

@wealthy_1 – a buddy does help. I told my wife about my plan and I have this blog, so I should find plenty of accountability between the two.

Also, thanks for the offer to match my exercise. I’m helping a friend move tomorrow so I think that should cover my cardio and weight training for the weekend.

@Dawn – I’ve tried making deals like that with myself before, but it never works for me. If I had that amount of discipline I wouldn’t need to make a deal in the first place.

I’ll have to post more about what I’ve gone through with my weight and exercise in the past. This conversation has given me some good ideas. Thanks!

By: dawn

dawn — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 01:04:14 +0000

Me again, I remembered one more thing I wanted to tell you…
(I had to check your “about” section, because I forgot your age).
And my memory was correct, you’re still very young.
Which makes me want to advise you, to really try and tackle this issue now, because it only gets more difficult as you age…
The whole metabolism slowing down, etc.

By: dawn

dawn — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 00:55:50 +0000

Maybe you could set up a system, where you only get X amount of computer game time for X amount of working out time. Whereas you “earn” your computer time. Maybe that type of a reward would help motivate you.
It might work…

By: wealthy_1

wealthy_1 — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 00:55:49 +0000

I think you need a buddy. Someone who will work with you and hold you accountable. I know how easy it is to skip the workout when there is no one to hold you accountable.

Also, I agree with Dedicated. Find a way to afford to hire a good personal trainer. They’re experts and they know what they are doing. I’m not an expert yet, but I do believe that you need strength training as well as cardio. If you read any reputable fitness article, it will explain that strength training helps burn fat. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your body changes when you add strength and resistance training.

Finally, remember nutrition and water. It’s equally as important as exercise. I’ll tell you what, I hadn’t planned to do any cardio tomorrow (Saturday), but I will get on the treadmill and do 45 minutes of cardio in the morning if you will get on the treadmill too. And I’ll even commit to going to the gym to lift Monday night. I can’t go over the weekend becausing I’ll be snowflaking.

By: Eden

Eden — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 23:43:21 +0000

@dawn – good point. My problem is that it’s easy to give myself 2 1/2 hours of the week to play a video game or read stuff online, but not so easy when it comes to exercise.

I’m just lacking a bit on the desire and motivation still, but I do think it is getting better. Thanks for the support!

By: Eden

Eden — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 23:42:03 +0000

@Dedicated – thanks for the advice. I agree, keeping the heart rate and intensity up is the key. I’m sort of loosely combining some tips I’ve heard here and there (so obviously I’m not an expert either), but my plan is to do the high intensity cardio for 3 days and the 2 days in between are for maintenance and giving my body time to recover. I will see how it goes and post more details about my plan soon. Good luck to you too!

By: dawn

dawn — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 22:10:25 +0000

You have to give yourself that gift of 2 1/2 hours of exercise a week…
I think for some of us, its really hard to “put ourselves first,” but that is really an important step to take.
You can’t really do well for your wife, friends, and career if you’re not taking proper care of yourself.
Just think how changing your mindset from exercising as a chore to a gift to yourself will make you feel.
And who know how it may improve the other aspects of your life?
Good Luck Eden…We all have faith in you

By: Dedicated

Dedicated — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 19:51:27 +0000

Hi I saw your post and see the similarities between us. Recently, I too have had big changes in my workouts. I’m not sure if you read my blog and I don’t want to sound like a “know it all” cause I know little, but I do want to share what I have learned from my trainer.

Prior to August, I spent a few years going an hour a day on the treadmill. I never lost a pound although, my breathing did improve.

When my doc, referred me to a personal trainer I was skeptical and only thought about the money. It is what it is and I am who I am.

I did jump and it did cost, but it is working. The first thing the trainer did, was limit my tread mill runs. Instead of an hour, I was only allowed 2 20 minute runs a day. And only on the days I was not with her, strength training, which lasts 1 hour 3x’s a week.

As my body has changed she has kept modifying my workouts to grant the best results. I am currently, strength training 3 days a week and running 3.1 miles 3 days a week.

I guess what I am saying is, if you can’t go to trainer, keep things moving. Each time you step on the treadmill, try to increase your speed and distance. Pace yourself by your exhaustion. And weight lift on the days you do not run.

Good luck to you!