The Exercise Motivation Thread - 2021

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allmykitties

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I'm currently doing a few exercises as part of my weight loss plan. I bought myself a stepper (to avoid having excuses when the weather is "too cold" or "too hot" or raining, or ....) I'm so out of shape that I'm still aspiring to the 5 minutes/day "start" recommended in the book that came with it. I've increased from 1 minute to 1:15. Baby steps. :lol: The eventual goal is 30 minutes daily.

Also using the "Take It Easy" exercise set from the book Reverse Diabetes for Good (there is a very strong family history for type II, and getting my weight/diet under control is the only factor that I *can* control). This is a series of four strength/four stretch exercises grouped for upper body, lower body, core (then a day of rest and repeat the series). I will say I recommend that book for anyone concerned with diabetes risk, in addition to the exercises, there are some pretty tasty recipes in there.

Then I'm also using the exercises from the orientation level of the JFK era Official US Physical Fitness Program. I've been thinking about moving up to Level One, but it is a sharp incline to that level (which includes 6 of the 10 orientation level exercises as a warm up and adds 7 new exercises, one of which is called "the sprinter" which involves alternately kicking one leg out straight back from a squat.
 

susanm9006

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Good for you allmykitties allmykitties . When I first started exercising, I didn’t even have enough energy to walk around my house picking up for more that a couple minutes at a time without needing to sit down. So that is where I started, with a timer and a goal to spend a little more time every day on my feet. It is far better to start slow than to push yourself to hard or too fast and then drop out because you are too tired or sore.
 
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rubysmama

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I agree, it's best to start slow, and gradually increase your time, workout level, etc. Trying to do too much at first can either leave you exhausted, achy, and/or just plain discouraged.

I've been trying to get up to a 40 minute walk for a long time, but most days I get tired or bored, or both (LOL) around the 20 minute mark. Today's walk I made it to 27 minutes. So better than usual. :thumbsup:
 

Norachan

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I've had a few more walks this week. I noticed that I'm slipping a lot, even with my chain spikes on my boots. Then I took a closer look and realized I've worn the spikes down to little nubs!

I guess I've been using the same chain spikes for about five years now, so that's not bad. I need them on my walks for about 3 months of the year here.

I've been doing yoga every day too, working on backbends an inversions this week.

It's starting to feel a bit more like spring. I can't wait to see a bit of new greenery again.

:clover::clover::clover::clover::clover:
 

Norachan

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I'm feeling very proud of myself. I walked for two hours today! I'm pretty tired now, because I'm out of practice and walking in the mud and snow takes a bit more effort than walking on dry trails does. But I did it!

I did 45 minutes of yoga too. Going to go and have a hot bath to sooth my aching limbs soon.

How's everyone else doing this week?
 

Norachan

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At least it didn't interfere with the upper body work.
That's good. It makes sense to switch from walking to upper body work and back again. Hope your knee feels better soon.
Not much exercise happening for me, except for snow shoveling.
Great for your arms though. We've been pretty lucky here, no fresh snow for about a week now.

I didn't have time to walk today, but I did 90 minutes of yoga.
 

Norachan

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Today was sunny, and just below freezing
It's still kind of chilly where you are, isn't it? It's feeling warmer every day here.

Yesterday I walked for 90 minutes then did 30 minutes yoga. It's raining today, so no walk, but I've just done 90 minutes yoga. I'm glad it's raining, it's going to wash the last of the snow away.

A few deer pictures from my walk.

Deer60.jpg
Deer61.jpg
Deer62.jpg
 

rubysmama

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Norachan

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Wow rubysmama rubysmama I hope you're living in the blue bits and not the pink or purple parts.

I've had a manic week.

Only 30 minutes of yoga on Tuesday, but a lot of cleaning. Wednesday I did an hour of yoga, Thursday an hour walk and 45 minutes yoga.

Today was my day off but it wasn't very relaxing. I had to go to the dentist and run loads of other errands. I did manage 75 minutes of yoga though.

Hoping things won't be quite so hectic next week and the sun stays out.


:crossfingers:
 

rubysmama

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Wow rubysmama rubysmama rubysmama rubysmama I hope you're living in the blue bits and not the pink or purple parts.
Yes, thankfully in the warmer area. But we're getting more snow tonight/tomorrow. :sigh: Next week looks like a stretch of above freezing temps, so hopefully I'll be able to get in some outdoor walks. Maybe even today, if the sun stays out and it's isn't too windy. ☀
 

Norachan

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We've been having some lovely weather here. Today will be the third day in a row that I've turned the heat off and opened the windows.
:bunnydance::bunnydance::bunnydance:
Saturday I spent about an hour doing yard work. Picked up loads of dead wood, sawed off a few sickly looking branches and brushed off the deck. Then 30 minute yoga.

Sunday I walked for 90 minutes and did 30 minutes yoga.

Thinking of sitting out on the deck while I repair one of the birdhouses this afternoon.
 

Norachan

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I'll just assume you're all out exercising
Yep, that's where I was.

:biggrin:

Got my bird house fixed and repainted and did 90 minutes yoga yesterday.

I'm just about to start doing yoga again now. I'm thinking of going for a walk too, but the pollen is murdering me today. Really got to get some antihistamines!

Maybe walking in a mask will help.
 

Norachan

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Well, I got some allergy meds and then it started snowing again. I feel much better today, but that could be because there is less pollen around.

An hour of yoga and an hour walk on Wednesday, 90 minutes walk and 45 minutes yoga today.
 
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