Exercise *RANT*

I hate it too.  I walk.  I was up to 3 miles two weeks after surgery...BUT! I only walk...I was just cleared to do more, but I haven't moved on to riding the bike or the things you are doing.  I know that for me, walking consistently is still new to me...less than 6 months...so I need to make sure I'm gonna be able to keep that up 5 days a week before even thinking about moving on.  If I have a day that I really have to push myself to get out the door, I make myself walk further.  (yeah, that happens a lot which is why I'm up to 3 miles)  Lately, my hubby has started walking with me too so that helps.  He make the comment that he's not into it like I am...into it??? I freakin hate it but I know that I need to do this to be successful.  Just push through.  Don't try to do so much that you give up.  If walking is what you can do right now, get that down before you move on...just push yourself to go a little further each day.  :)  just me 2 cents. 

Thank you for the advice.  I'll try faster and longer walks.  At least it'll get me out of the house and away from distractions!

I started with walking.  I went up and down the street (1/4 mile) the first day I was home and added a "lap" until I got to 4.  

Then I felt good enough to go to the gym and walk on the treadmill.  I started at 20 minutes and increased 5 minutes a day (3x a week****il I got to 60.  At 2mph.  

Then I worked on increasing my speed until I could get to 4mph.  I increase by .1mph each time.. so that took a while!  

Then I thought, "huh, maybe I could try this running thing."  I live with a runner, so I have him to encourage me which helps.  Then I signed up for a 5k which I'll be running in 10 days - I hope I don't die, but I'm not sure.  

I tried running for the first time 3 months post-op.  I'm 6 months post-op and it was only about 2 days ago that I declared, "You know, I think I like this running thing."  But I've also lost 100 pounds since the beginning of the year and everything is easier than it used to be.  I took things REALLY, REALLY slowly and have tried not to judge myself.  When I feel ready to do more, I've done more.  

That's for the "boring" part of my exercise.  

Then there's the exciting part!  My local community college has a gym and offers a lot of classes that you can pick and choose for a fixed monthly/yearly price.  I signed up and pretty much went to every single class that sounded remotely interesting and fit into my schedule.  I gave each class 4 tries to see if I'd like it, because, like you, I have the tendency to hate exercise and really wanted to make sure I was giving things a fair try.  

I found things I didn't like (pilates with one of the instructors - ugh) and I found things that I LOVE (yoga, tai chi, and pilates with the other instructor) and I found things that are hugely outside of my comfort zone but I want to do them anyway (zumba and bhangra) and I found things that I do just because they fit into my schedule and I don't dislike them (water aerobics).  

The saying goes that the best exercise is the exercise you'll do.  And, for me, it took just trying and trying again to find things that would stick for me.  I knew, pre-op, that making exercise a part of my life was going to be important, and I knew I'd have to force myself until it clicked.  That whole "fake it til you make it" thing.  These days, I really look forward to my exercise but I had to do lots and lots of self talk in the beginning to get off my butt to do it.  I still do somedays, but it's less and less frequent.  And it is so much easier at 212 than it was at 319.  That helps too - reminding myself that it's going to keep getting easier if I keep at it.  (If I don't keep at it, it'll always suck.)

You have a lot of good advice.  I have tried doing the "add a little extra" each week thing and then I found (especially on my stationary bike) that I literally stare at the timer the whole time which makes it seem like it takes even longer to hit 20, 30, 40 minutes!

I wish I had a placed around here where I could try some classes.  There is a University nearby but I haven't checked to see if they do anything like your community college.  There are a few YMCA's around but they are SO expensive it's not even worth it!  I'll definitely keep looking though until I find something I enjoy.  You are right about one thing.. I'm about 255 now and it's a lot easier to do things than it was at 322.  Just like I hope that when I'm 6 months out I'm as successful as you and then hopefully look back at this post and laugh at myself!

I was that way on the treadmill.  I switched to walking/running outside in late August/early September and it was a revelation.  Everyone told me that the treadmill sucked compared to being outside, but I thought they were crazy.  Turns out, they were right.  Being outside is awesome.  (And another thing I disliked 100 pounds ago.)  Sure, I have to get a bunch of layers so I don't freeze, but I think I'l be okay :D  

It's worth checking out the university.  There might also be dance studios in the area that do yoga and other things too.  I'm always surprised at the options that are actually out there.  Even in my dopey little town!  

(I should also note that I HATE weight lifting, so I don't do it.  I will give it a try again once I'm closer to goal, maybe in another 40 pounds or so, because I might like it better then.)

I hate exercise too don't get me wrong I do it but hate it.

People say you'll lean to love it but I'm still waiting. 

I hate it too.  It wasn't so bad during the summer when I could swim in our pool and work resistance using water barbells.  I bought a recumbent bike that stares at me, and I stare right back.  I'm walking about 1.5 miles at night in 30 minutes.  I listen to music on headphones and it helps to clear my head.  But I still hate it.  I bought some resistance bands and starting using them in my office during the day for 15-30 minutes while watching You Tube videos on resistance exercises.  I don't hate it as much, but I still need cardio.

I think Gwen is amazing at the variety of exercises she's incorporated into her routine.  I'm jealous as hell that I don't have enough time to attend these types of classes   but I think she has the right idea.  Mix it up, try something new.  I'd love to try yoga but I'm not flexible enough at my current weight.  I am getting close to joining a gym and probably will force my husband to go with me.  

You're absolutely right.  We did not get fat because we enjoy exercise.  But I KNOW that I have to do it as part of my lifestyle change.  When I was in high school, I played volleyball and basketball and worked out regularly.  Then I got fat and lazy and do NOT like to sweat.  

I would suggest that you don't compare yourself to others on here.  Everyone has different starting weights and levels of physical exertion.  Take it slowly, increase your stamina and find something you like. And when you do, tell me what it is because I wanna know what the hell it is  

Organized exercise bores the living snot out of me! 

To get through my first winter post-op, I would do a few rounds up and down the stairs of my building at work (6 flights).  Once the weather turned warmer and I was down 60+ lbs I really enjoyed going around and "doing things".  That became my exercise  It was no longer organized, I moved with real purpose.  My favorite activity early post op was wandering around our local amusement park and riding roller coasters.  We were fortunate to live only a mile away, had season tickets and did this nightly after dinner instead of watching television.  My son LOVED it.  I gardened,  went to festivals, etc.  Doing stuff is so much more enjoyable than exercise. 

I've found that I really love swimming. It provides a good workout, you don't feel sweaty, and it makes me feel like a kid! I've been told the key is finding something fun. My friend does belly dancing....not my thing but she loves it. I also started weight training and really like it. I hate cardio equipment but have found I enjoy walks in a pretty area. Not to say I always WANT to....but I am enjoying discovering what  I can do as I lose.

I've got good news for you: Exercise is a terrible way to loose weight.  Turns out 80-90% of weight loss comes from the dietary choices you make.

Eat a high fat, medium protein, low carb diet, don't bother counting calories, and everything will work out fine.

However, exercise is important for other health reasons.  I'd suggest a trainer, sounds like some of the exercise just isn't right for your personally.

I'd suggest a cross training type gym where you can participate in a regular group training program.  You'll find it less boring.