How much exercise is too much?

I think that's the part I'm worried most about - I've spent the last 37 years ignoring my body, you know?  I feel like I'm having to learn a whole new language since my body and I no longer have one in common!  It's really challenging to figure out what my body is trying to tell me after all these years of abusing it.  Does it even want to talk to me anymore?

I have always exercised at a gym.  When I was in my 20's my nickname was cardio queen and doing that much exercise at such a heavy weight I think has caused me to have joint issues.  If it hurts I stop, sometimes it's hard too because I like the endorphins from exercise, but my rest day is as important as my work day.  But that yoga stuff is golden I think you can always do that.  It's just stretching.  But what do I know I'm not a Dr.

That's what I always say after yoga, "it's just stretching!"  Then I ache all over the following day ;)

I worried about this too.  I worried I was becoming slightly obsessive about my exercise.  My therapist thought 1-2 hours per day most days is perfectly reasonable for a healthy person that wants to stay fit.  

I am trying to listen to my body.  I do not schedule rests days, but like today, I am feeling run down.  So I am planning to just do some yoga or a swim.  Nothing too intense.  I really just feel better when I work out.  

I don't think this is too much, but I do think you should listen to your body.  Soreness is ok, but if you feel run down all the time take a little break.  Otherwise enjoy the exercise!

I think it is great you have such a solid routine.  I love working out and think we should take advantage of all of the healthy stuff that we enjoy!

I've definitely got the transfer addiction thing in the back of my head.  While I've joked that I'd like to transfer my addiction to exercise, any addiction at all is suboptimal!  And, I admit, it gives me a little pause when the physical therapist suggests I consider cutting back and I'm totally resistant to the idea :P  

I definitely like the idea of listening to my body and it's something I really want to learn how to do.  As I said to someone else in this post, I feel like I've spent 37 years learning how to ignore my body, so I'm not sure that my body and I even speak the same language any more!  But I'm working on it.  And I really do well with routine.  (Plus I quite enjoy all of the exercise I'm doing, and that's really important to me being able to keep up with it.)

GwenMo, I think you're AWESOME! and I wish I could be as disciplined as you! I think it's great that you work out as much as you do BUT maybe you can take a break in between, like maybe REST on Wednesday? or not do so much on Tuesday or Friday? I never heard of to much working out but if your therapist is recommending you do, then that's what I would do. Anyway, you're one of my main GO TO GIRLS, so I'm sure you'll figure it out!

Aw, thanks for the cheers.  I appreciate it!  It's funny since I feel like Wednesday is a rest day - I only do one thing! ;) 

I take a slightly different approach. I incorporate only as much exercise as I think I can maintain over the long haul. I limit it to activities I enjoy, which means they aren't always 'formal' in nature. Personally, I detest going to the gym, but I could work in a garden all day long.

I incorporate only as much as I can do without increasing my hunger and/or calorie intake. I think of it being about moving my body, rather than exercise, if that makes sense.

Now with that said, I'm a distance runner. I love it! I recently had to stop training because of an injury, but stopping or starting running has no impact on my weight, hunger or calorie intake. That's what is sustainable for me.

Your approach is the same as mine - maintainable and enjoyable :D  

I wish I had that kind of time. I travel so much that I do good to get in an hour on the treadmill at the hotel. I usually only have time to do a few days a week. I know this is not helping my weight loss either.

When I am home I try to get to the gym at least 4 days a week. I do cardio and then some toning. I try and meet with the trainer at least once a week to see if there is anything that I need to add or to stop doing. Still trying to get into some kind of routine. Doesn't work well with my schedule though.