I hate exercise but need to start doing it. Got ideas?

Question

I like to walk and ride a bike. I am joining a gym. I just want to lose about 10 pounds and tone up. I don't want an exercise plan that is overwhelming, just something simple. Anyone have any ideas? What worked for you?

I have already completely changed my eating habits. I eat lots of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and keep fat and sugar to a minimum.

I'm not overweight at all. I just want to be in shape.

Answer 1

Had the same problem as you. What got me motivated was something that motivated me. Makes no sense really but it's simple.

I wanted to lose weight so I could fit into a dress for prom. Like you, I wasn't overweight. In fact, I'm just a pound above the average thing. Like if my average weight was suppose to be 93-98 for example, I was 94. But I wanted to lose the "pouch" on my tummy area.

So, I used the dress to motivate me. I would exercise everyday for about 1/2 hour, just doing sit ups. It took a while... well, about 6 weeks to be exact till I totally lost that "pouch".

For your case, since you like to walk and ride your bike, what I can suggest you can do is, take morning (around 7 or 8 plus) or evening (around 6 or 7 plus) walks. The reason why I say morning or evening instead of afternoon is because you won't sweat so much. Sweating and feeling sticky makes some people feel very frustrated. (Like me) That way, you are losing weight doing something you enjoy. Or you could ride your bike instead of driving or something like that. Do it for about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes if you can.

If you think 1/2 hour is a lot, and your term of "overwhelming" then well, all I can say you are not going to get much result that fast. It is a lifestyle factor though to exercise at least 5-6 times a week for at least 25 minutes.

Of cos during that period, I didn't drink pop, ear crackers, or much fried food. I substituted pop with those flavored water, like Fruit2O, crackers with carrot sticks, fried food with fresh fruits and low fat yogurt. I calculate my daily calories and total fat. (Sound like some health freak I know, you don't have to go to that extreme like I did... but just saying) And it worked.

What I think is that you simply need some motivation and determination, andit CAN work.

Hope I could give some advice to you. I have some more, but somehow while I was typing that whole chunk above, that thought just decided it was going to "seeya later" and flew outa my head. So when I remember it again, I would let you know. So, hopefully the above information would be enough to help you through a while. (((:

Answer 2

Join the club. I hate to exercise. My sister works as a nurse. She said that the women she knows with the best figures do nothing but walk as their exercise. If you join a gym, you may not stick with it, but you'll be stuck with the monthly fees. Walking costs you nothing. However, the time I lost the most weight was from doing aerobics 5 days a week. I slimmed down in 30 days! Good luck.

Answer 3

for women curves works quite often. it's simple and quick and there's a sense of comaradarie. make sure you look the gym over carefully, and that you'll be comfortable with the atmosphere and the clientel.if you choose to work out at home pick something fun. i enjoy sweating to the oldies, richard simmons is fun, i also enjoy the goddess workout a bellydancing tape by dolphina, david carradine tai-chi , and denise austin pilates. try checking out the selection at your local library before spending any money, also check and see there may be a local walking group or exercise group through the library, the local community center or school, good luck and happy sweating!!!

Answer 4

If you like to walk outside, or bike outside... you may want to reconsider the whole 'gym' thing. Do not only what you enjoy but do it where you enjoy it. If you don't really like the idea of an exercise plan right away, set time goals and push yourself moderately.

Sprinting right out of the gate won't help in getting you to your long term goal. Don't get discouraged if you falter.

Answer 5

my dear, you are already getting the exercise you need to tone up. in your gym, you can probably ask the instructors to give you a plan to add up to your normal gym routine. otherwise, you can just increase/extend the time you spend walking or do it in a more regular basis (such as daily, if you don't). walking alone will already help you achieve your desired weight. also you can try using the stairs in your office or school instead of elevator/escalator, or walking a block or so than taking a bus and alighting on the exact location you needed to go to.
prior to doing exercise, try eating more fruits. it will help you build up your needed energy plus lessen your daily calorie intake.
goodluck! =)

Answer 6

stick with the walking and bike riding, and if you join a gym, hit the pool. For faster results work with the weights a bit too. Not a lot of weight, but a lot of reps.

Answer 7

Pick something that you like/love to do. I like to dance so I just put the tunes on and dance all over the house. Or just in one spot. I tried jazzercise because you get toned but there isn't one located conveniently for me. The gym you joined might have some classes that interest you.

Answer 8

walking! its very good for you , if you have a dog take him/her along for company it will benifit both of you , if not borrow a dog from somewhere or go along with a friend , another great way to walk is to take your ipod/mp3 , it makes it so much more enjoyable , but be sure not to have it up too loud so that you cant hear traffic etc. just a tip =) good luck and you could also take a camera with you if you have some pretty scenic sights . If anyone thinks this is a good idea cllick on thumbs up ! lol i really want a thumbs up :P!!

Answer 9

Yes eat six small meals during the day. Drink plenty of water. Park far enough away from the store and walk. Take the stairs when necessary. Crunches and walks will help.

Answer 10

Easy! I had this same question and here is the answer! Go in your room or somewhere private. Turn your favorite music on ....loud and DANCE WILDLY! Pretend you are on one of those dance shows! Go crazy! You will go into a sweat in no time and try and dance for at least 15-20 minutes a day. It is great for your mood too! I have my favorite band in concert on DVD. I pretend I am at the concert and jump and dance. It is fun. If anyone sees you...They will think you are whacked out but who cares!