I was walking on my treadmill this weekend thinking about how much I enjoyed it. I wasn’t loving it because I was in my poorly-lit basement surrounded by clutter (that I am working on eliminating). It was because I had the TV in front of me, and I was watching shows that I don’t normally get to see. It is that hour of watching TV that I so enjoy, not necessarily walking/jogging and getting nowhere. For those 60 minutes, I can watch whatever I want, as loud as I want. For me, it makes the workout seem much shorter, and I feel great afterward. I also like the treadmill because I am one of those people that likes to see progress, and with the treadmill, I can have measurable goals. I also like to walk outside, but that is more for leisure.
I had tried so many different exercise programs before I found something I really liked. My absolutely most hated workout is aerobics at the fitness center. The last time I went was years ago, and I never went back because the militant aerobics teacher kept harping on my technique. She ruined aerobics for me forever, at least in a group setting. I also tried P90X, and it became a chore for me. (Not knocking P90X, many people have found success with the program. It just was not right for me.) My favorite exercise is a couple hours of tennis, but that option is rarely available.
In the end, I am convinced that if you are going to stick to an exercise routine, it has to be something you truly love. Others may find a treadmill incredibly tedious, and that is fine. The key is finding the right fitness program for you that can be done on a regular basis. The most important part is just getting up and moving. It doesn’t have to be a pre-defined, ‘perfect’ workout, just a program that fits your fitness level and your schedule. Even if it is sitting on an exercise bike and reading the paper, at least it is something!
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I re-arranged part of my basement so the treadmill faces the tv. It worked! It’s not such a chore anymore.
I find fun to be the most important ingredient for me. If I don’t like it, then I’m not going to keep doing it. no matter what it is. I found about 3-4 different things i really like and I jump around between those four things so I don’t get bored to stop working out, but I am always looking for more fun stuff at the same time.
And teachers can completely change your mind on if you like something or hate something for the rest of your life.
I need an exercise partner since I’m socially motivated. My last walking partner was flaky so I guess it’s time to start looking again…
You can always email me, I walk every day!
Kris, if we lived anywhere near each other, I think we’d hang out. You sound awesome!
BFS – I know! Well, not that I know that I sound awesome, but that we would hang out.
Hey, lets just admit, we are both awesome. 🙂
I walk by feet everyday after work 🙂 nd I love it
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