Easiest exercise for someone fundamentally lazy - do I have to run?

[TooStressyForMyOwnGood]

So I have two DC, youngest is 3 and am finally starting to feel a bit more like 'me' again. Feeling as if I should really be doing more exercise but tbh I just can't be arsed.

It's for fitness rather than weight loss although I'd like to tone my tummy a bit. I used to be super fit pre DC (martial arts) but I just don't have the inclination for that now and also I don't think I have the pelvic floor .

I'm not actually that unfit, walk frequently and run after DC all the time, am often late so lots of running to get places. Starting to miss the feeling of being really fit though. Money is tight and it needs to be something that takes me out of the house as I get interrupted in the house and would rather spend my evenings on mumsnet!

It's running isn't it? I just find it so boring. Also DH is a semi serious runner so I am bored enough of hearing about personal bests, etc.

Basically is there an easy exercise for lazy people? And if I have to run, is half an hour a week enough?

[nailslikeknives]

Sounds like the holy grail - watching with interest

[yeOldeTrout]

Half hour a week would be crap -- you'd feel worse than doing nothing.
What did you do b4 that made you fit, what do you "miss"?

[TooStressyForMyOwnGood]

Ha! It probably doesn't exist then! The thing is I half heartedly go for a 5k run every couple of months but am unsurprisingly making no progress with fitness as I don't go often enough.

[ilovelamp82]

Running does seem boring to begin with but those personal bests that you don't like hearing about will be the thing that gives you motivation to improve and something to aim for and be proud of. You can sign up for charity runs to give you something to focus on and train for.

[TooStressyForMyOwnGood]

Sorry cross post. I did taekwondo. I hated it towards the end and don't miss training until I was nearly sick as routine.

I miss knowing I can run for ages e.g. if late for school pick up. I miss the feeling of my heart pumping. If I'm honest I miss not finding really good sex hard work.

Interesting that you say half an hour a week would be rubbish - maybe that's why I keep starting and stopping.

[TooStressyForMyOwnGood]

I'm not evil, I am impressed with personal bests. It's just the constant talk of them and the comparisons with others that annoys. Re. the charity run type things. I am always the person on the sidelines with the kids or the one amusing the kids at home as DH does them all. Don't really want him to miss out because I quite like him being fit as well!

[KanyesVest]

I'm back to circuits. It's a hellish hour but it works. I plod up to 5km a couple of times a week too - find some good podcasts or audio books and it makes the running less painful.

[TooStressyForMyOwnGood]

Ooh didn't think of circuits. Actually I used to do them in a previous life. Do you join a group to do it?

[yeOldeTrout]

I run a lot & I don't have any PBs. I could not care less about PBs.

Kettle bell routines are supposed to be more aerobic than running (they claim...)

[KanyesVest]

I do it in a class - no way I manage it solo these days. For about a year (3 years back?) I did the 30 day shred and some other JM workouts as my entry to exercise. They are great if you have/want to exercise at home. I find classes better as I need someone to push me.

[IhatchedaSnorlax]

Would a half hour run 3 times a week not make a difference? Especially if you do some core exercises before finishing off (plank, sit ups etc with a few press ups & squats thrown in).

I've signed up to the Ron Hill run everyday in October challenge - think it's the only way I can commit to getting out more once a week.

[VioletBam]

Cycling. I love it...I'm not one of those cyclists in all the gear etc but I have a normal mountain bike and I ride for about an hour a day...more some days.

[TooStressyForMyOwnGood]

Just googled kettle bells. looks pretty brutal actually. Might be good. I think the PB thing is that I know a lot of runners, they all talk about their times and put their runs on Facebook etc and it makes me irrationally irritated. I do understand that they are proud of it, I just find it irrationally annoying.

[Kathsmum]

Find a nice group. I go to these girls can run, can't say I love the running but they're so nice I like going if that makes sense. Good luck

[TooStressyForMyOwnGood]

Sorry loads of cross posts. Violet Cycling, no, sorry but thanks. Don't want to start a mumsnet fight but it's not for me!

Kanye (awesome username!) it's a hangover from my martial arts days but I have really had my fill of shouty instructors. I don't mind a class but can't be doing with being yelled at. I had years of that.

Half an hour three times a week? I know I sound really moany but that would be two evenings a week and once out at the weekend and the kids are still terrible at bedtime and DH often away.

I might have to do a DVD and then a run once a week. Best DVD? Am happy to put the effort in but the less time spent on it the better? Is 30 day shred a DVD?

[ilovelamp82]

I wasn't critisising you about the PB's. I totally understand where you're coming from. Just meant that if you started running and are the kind of person to push yourself and be competitive that hearing about/talking about PB's would become more interesting.

[TooStressyForMyOwnGood]

Ha! Don't worry didn't take it as that. I'm just not competitive, even with myself so I can't bring myself to care.

[KanyesVest]

If you taking on kettle bells and thinking of doing it at home, go to a few classes to make sure you get the form right. You can do a lot of damage with poor form. Done properly it's great though, my previous circuits instructor used them a good bit and they are very good for core toning.

[ilovelamp82]

Haha. Fair enough.

[BagelGoesWalking]

Loads and loads of keep fit vids on YouTube. Pilates, yoga, walking or free Sworkit app on your phone.

I can't stand the thought of running, I just can't and don't know if my knees would thank me. I did do Body Pump for a couple of months and liked it, but missed it for a few weeks and yet to go back

Sure you'd find some local Zumba, dance of aerobic pay as you go classes if you looked, there seem to be tons around my area.

[TooStressyForMyOwnGood]

I'm thinking maybe more a DVD now that I can do with no kit / limited kit. Would love to do the gym. I actually enjoy going but don't have the funds or the time at the moment.

[TooStressyForMyOwnGood]

All the school mums do the local classes and I hate small talk with them! I really am just a miserable bitch in this thread, sorry!

[TooStressyForMyOwnGood]

Will check out you tube.

[KanyesVest]

Crossed with you there. Tbh, I've done a few different boot camps and circuits classes and none have had shouty instructors (unless outdoors and we were on the other side of the pitch). All have been keen to push hard, but always recognised the fuck off face when I pulled it.

Shred and most of JM's workouts are on YouTube, so it's very easy to try them out. They are good in that you need minimal equipment and space. Fitness blender, also on YouTube, is good to mix it up too.

[evelynj]

I could have written this if I'd added that I'm unfit & obese! Used to do body pump & loved it so might do that & at least 1 other good walk a week would be a start. May look at the 30 day shred as was big upped on another thread recently