I hate to exercise. I’m not sure if it’s an activity chicken/egg issue. Do I hate to exercise because I’m inherently lazy and embrace sedentary living which adds to my poundage, or does my excess poundage make it more difficult for me to move and that’s why I hate it? Since one of those reasons makes me sound like a jerk, I’m going with the second. Today I choose to believe that the more weight I lose, the easier it will be to move, and the easier it gets, the more that I’ll like it.
I enjoy the feeling I get when I’ve done any exercise, that tiredness in the muscles that tells me they were worked with good intent. I like the feeling of accomplishment that infuses my spirit after a water aerobics session or Tai Chi class. I’m not setting any triathalon goals, but I am cautiously optimistic that I will learn to enjoy regular physical activity.
I really do enjoy swimming and exercising in the water. I’m thrilled that I’m getting back into Tai Chi. I practiced this steadily 11 or so years ago for four or five years and reaped great benefits.
At this point, I’ll be happy when I can walk more than a block without my knee and lower back hurting. Zumba looks like a hell of a lot of fun and I’d like to try it in the not too distant future.
Right now I need to set some attainable activity goals. Somewhere I have a DVD for Walking off the Pounds. Following along with the instructor for even 15 minutes means we achieve a mile’s worth of exercise. I can do that in the house regardless of the weather. Seriously, even at my laziest, I can push out 15 minutes. So I’m going to commit to doing that every day.
I also had a terrific realization yesterday. I’ve lost enough weight that I can finally, finally use my Wii Fit system. I think I’ve had it for two years but when I brought it home I found out that I was too heavy to use the balance pad. Now I can! That’s a victory. Before the end of the week I’m going to figure out how to hook it up and check it out. Fitness should be fun, right?
What’s on your activity list? Do you work out regularly . . . sometimes . . . hardly never? What does it take to motivate you? What works for you in terms of motivation? Any suggestions?
Weighty Matters 
I’d forgotten about the balance board thingie. I’ve lost enough weight that I could use one. Hmmm. Might have to check that out!
I am like a sloth, nearly so slow-moving that moss grows on me. Movement and I do not get along. However,
three years ago I discovered a very nicely accomodating water class. It was not too bad. Now, I’m the instructor (long story, I told it all on my blog) and I also go for walks several times a day. I incorporated biking into my week this past summer.
Here’s what I learned: observe EVERYthing, see your body and your breating and your neighborhood, actually LOOK at nature. And if you have to be indoors, at least have fabulous music.
Keep up the good work!
Julie
(A note to folks who get a lot out of endorphins, sadly, some of us were born endorphin-challenged, or even lacking them entirely. I can’t say I’ve ever LIKED working out, but I no longer grumble about it as I did for the FIRST 50 years.)
We have the Wii fit, but I haven’t done it for a while. I’ll do it for a bit and then get bored and do something else. Sometimes the little board guy on the screen talking to you gets sincerely irritating. It is fun to use to mix it up though.
Everything I’ve read says that one of the best ways to keep weight off after losing it is to exercise. It gives you a little more wiggle room with your calories and it keeps you in tune with your body.
I’m one of those crazy people who just loves to work out. I think I’m an endorphin junkie. :p
I love working out with a trainer because she switches up our routine so I’m never bored. And she seriously challenges me! I have a Bollywood dance video that’s a lot of fun and not too difficult. It’s really low impact. Plus, you get to pretend that you’re in a Bollywood movie and that’s just way too fun.
Since having my VSG, exercise has been crucial to my success. I try to go 3-4 times a week (twice with a trainer). I love working my muscles and getting my legs moving. I love to push my limits. My husband has been asking about the Wii fit so I’m interested in your thoughts on that. What are the weight limits?
Lorie, when were you sleeved? Keep up the good work! I’ll double-check the weight limits on the Wii Fit when I get home.