Exercise...

I have to say that I'm not, have never been and am not likely to be one that likes to exercise. That said, I recognize that it's necessary to support my new life;

- It helps me build muscle so that I'm more toned and my body's metabolism allows me to enjoy more of the foods I'd like to have.

- It helps me build bone density that helps me fight osteoporosis.

- It helps me manage my my emotional eating by providing an effective distraction and elevating my mood.

So while I'll probably never be a 'Gym Rat', I've found ways to incorporate it into my routine. Since, I'm not so good at 'exercise', here are a few things that I do to support my health and well-being: 

* Wear a pedometer - it helps me remember to move my tail as I work to make sure that I'm getting in at least 10K steps a day. It prompts me to park farther away from my destination, take the stairs, etc... so that I can rack up those steps. 

* Dance - I never really equate dancing with exercise, so even though I'm no Ginger Rodgers, I will crank up the music in the house and dance while I do my household chores, enjoy a Zumba or Jazzercise class or go dancing. It gets my heart rate up and I feel wonderful while doing it. 

* Gardening - I have never really liked getting dirty or sweaty, so gardening was something I always hired out or got someone else to do, in part because I didn't like doing it and in part because it was just to hard to do. Now, I still don't 'like' doing it, but I love the result I see in my garden and my body, and absolutely LOVE that I can do it. 

* Swimming - Swimming was one of the few exercises I enjoyed even when I was heavy. I used to be somewhat concerned about what I looked like in a suit when I was heavy and I still have concerns now that I'm slender, but it's an activity I enjoy so I do it when I have the opportunity.

What do you do to get moving and how does it impact your life?

 Like you, I still struggle with enjoying exercise for the sake of exercise.  But I love the way it makes me feel afterwards, love the energy it gives me, love the definition of my arms and the muscles in my legs, and what I've been able to accomplish.

I started with walking.  Then joined a team training for a half marathon to raise money for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (both my boys have Crohn's).  Crossing that finish line for the first time was so inspirational to me that I've done 3 more half marathons since.  So there's training for them.  Learning to run.  I do weight/strength training 2x per week.  I like to do my elliptical while watching TV.  And like you, I love to dance.  I take tap classes and zumba classes with friends.  Oh, and go hiking with my husband.  On our cruise last month, DH and I tried spinning classes for the first time and I survived them.

Jan

Hi Jan,

It seems like we have a lot in common... re: Exercise, sons, San Jose, etc... :-) I still hope to meet you in person the next time I'm able to come out. Like you, I find that when I'm able to work on project close to my heart it inspires me and then moving isn't a chore. I've organized a 5K walk to support the ACS Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk here in Raleigh in memory and honor of my dear departed MIL; as you say, I'm inspired to do this and don't consider it a chore at all. I also find walking with friends is also a great way to enjoy one another and gets me moving. 

Keep moving towards a healthier you.

Warmly,

 Hi Barbara,

I would love to meet you the next time you are in San Jose.  Just let me know when. 

Was it hard to organize the 5K?  I need to do a fund raiser for my son's HS soccer team and that was one thing I was thinking about.

Jan

Hi Jan,

I don't really think it's fair for me to say that I'm 'organizing' the 5K. I'm just gathering and leading a group that is participating the Making Strides for Breast Cancer 5K that the American Cancer Society organizes. I wish I could be of more help regarding this issue. However, I now another member of our community who has done this for a living and if you don't mind, I would be glad to pass your information on to her to see if she can either help you or point you in the right direction. Just let me know if that would be okay before I send her a note. She too, is a WLS patient and has an OH account, so she can contact you through OH. I don't know how active she is on OH right now though, so I'll likely contact her directly and have her contact you through your OH user id.

Once upon a time in my former life I paid $1500 for a treadmill - as gym memberships hadn't worked out - so I thought all excuses would now be gone.  I used it regularly for 4 months, then off and on for a year, then it was a great place to drape my clothes (it was in my bedroom) for 3 years.  I realized that a treadmill actually worked stress into my body rather than out of it!

In my new life, I'm on my second years of riding my bike.  It gives me such happiness.  Until yesterday I never really knew how far I was going... I was just guessing.  But I found a website to map walks, bike rides, runs etc.  My best ride is 10k.  I had no idea!  I ride to an from work 3 x per week (would do it everyday but have appointments that require my car) - 3.4 km each way.  Plus all the little errand trips I work in, or evening roundabouts. 

I'm thinking that as it get colder I'm going to transition into some distance walking that will take me through the winter.  I have for my whole life hit the skids in January - March - usually depression, fatigue, sleeplessness  and so forth... will this be the year I make it through w/o depression?  Hope so.

I'm generally more active  - less inclined to sit on the sofa.  But for sure, if I do slow down and sit on the sofa, I WANT TO EAT!!!     I'm thinking about taking up knitting - or something else to keep the hands busy while watching the tube. 

 TrueNorthFriend, can you share the website that gives you the map??  thanks!

I think that more treadmills become glorified closets than not, in general. Congratulations on finding some things to do that engage and interest you. I'm sure that others would love to know the name of the website you have used to clock your routes, so please do share.

Like you, I can find my self wanting to nosh if I'm watching TV, so crocheting, knitting or needlework have been a great way to distract my head and hands. I will often have something cool or hot to drink depending on the season, but doing things with my hands really does help neutralize the snacking issues. I hope that will work for you too. 

Thanks for sharing and I wish you continued success,

 ahhh, bike riding!  it makes you feel like a kid again.  You are not exercising - you are seeing the world at a slower pace.  I love it!!

I have been good with walking - I typically do 3 miles a day.  My doctor said he wanted me to do more strenous exercise, so I'm looking for something that's easy on my knees, yet is as strenous as running.  I can use an elliptical once a week or so, but it's also hard on my knee, and I am looking for a pool! 

I would appreciate other suggestions.