Question for the Exercisers

I know most of us post in Lori's daily thread, but I was wondering anyway, what most of you are doing in terms of types of exercises, how long, and how many days per week. One of my new years resolutions is "working out smarter" so I am trying to think up some ways of shaking things up in my exercise routine. I work out at home and use exercise videos; in terms of equipment, I have hand weights and wrist/ankle weights ranging from 1 pound to 8 pounds. I also have an aerobic step (adjustable from 4 to 8 inches), a stretchie band and one of those resistance cords with handles. I confess that I don't use the stretchie band or resistance cord very often. I recently bought a stability ball and have used it once. I "HATE" using machines and joining a gym is not an option - I just don't groove on the whole "gym" scene. I basically like all types of cardio, except kickboxing - I'll do kick boxing if I have to, but I don't love it. I like pilates but I am not flexible enough to try yoga (plus I can't get past the idea that something that does not make you sweat or at least breathe heavy is a complete waste of time). Basically, I can realistically commit to about an hour per day for exercise. When I was newly post-op, I worked out for longer periods of time but I have since returned to school in the evening and between that and a full-time job, spending half the evening exercising is out of the question - and don't suggest working out in the morning since I already get up at 5:00 to be to work at 6:30 a.m. In any case, I honestly beleive that I can give my body what it needs in an hour - if I work out "smarter" hence this thread. One thing I have already started doing is shifting to higher impact/higher intensity cardio to get the same calorie burn in less time. So, what do you think? I know we cannot compare since we are all different but we can still learn from each other! Thanks. Hugs, Tracy

Sounds like we are very similar, I hate machines and the gym too! We have this wonderful gym here where I live and every time I go I feel uncomfortable - all these tiny little size 2 girls make me feel like a whale. And I get so bored on machines - just ain't my thing. As for the working smarter question, I'm not too sure. I have seriously though about utilizing a trainer to see if they have some good ideas on how to mix it up. I change my aerobics tapes up so that I'm not doing the same thing everyday, but I haven't started weights yet - I'm still somewhat restricted by my surgeon. I am going to start to do more outdoor stuff, like snow shoeing or cross country skiing. Then in the summer I will start with my hiking/backpacking, which I have always loved to do. I just like to mix it up as wel - keeps me from getting bored. Also, have you tried interval training? I have an aerobics tape that is an hour of interval training and I really think it steps up your training and really pushes you. It might be a good thing to look into. Wish I could help more, but I would really suggest talking to a trainer - they can really help!

Hey Tracy, If you can afford it, you might want to consider hiring a personal trainer for a few sessions, many will come to your house and show you how to use your equipment and put together a good program for you. If this is not an option, you can go to any major book store, and go to the health and fitness section and there are books that will put together whole routines for you (some libraries carry these types of books too). You defintely have enough equipment to do the basics. Resistance bands and light weights are great, and you shouldn't avoid them, and should be a regular part of your exercise routines. The key to any exercise program is to "shake it up" on a regular basis. Meaning to not do the same exercises every time, but to alternate. Why? Your muscles grow by stimulating your nervous system. When you do the same exercise or use the same equipment every time, there is a decrease in the effectiveness of that exercise in making you fit. Therefore if you do step aerobics today, use the elipse machine tommorrow. If you work your arms today, work your legs tommorrow...etc. Work out videos are good, there are some excellent ones out there that will teach you proper form. You can also go to the exercise forum on this site, and get some addional ideas. Personally, I like going to the gym. Seeing thin people motivates me to work out harder, knowing that now I have the opportunity to be one of them. Have you thought about curves? I know some women really like it, no men allowed, and the whole work out takes about 1/2 an hour. Hope this helps. Scott