To think that moving more every day is just as beneficial as going mad at the gym?

[Sunrise6875]

Is it better to just make sure you are moving briskly every day, I.e as many steps as possible, than flogging yourself at the gym a few times a week?

I’ve gone through phases where I’ve been at the gym a few times a week, absolutely exhausting myself and then feeling achey for the next day or so, and repeat.

For the last month I’ve shaken up my routine and made sure that I am going on at least an hour of brisk walking every single day, even when it was awful weather this weekend.

I have to say, that routine, coupled with cutting out snacks but eating proper meals (no calorie counting) has done, I think, wonders for my mental and physical health.

AIBU to think that actually, it’s more important to do something active every single day, even if it’s not enough to get you really sweaty (but still raise heart rate)? Have we been conditioned to think that the only way to keep fit is to ill ourselves at the gym?

How much do you move in an average day?

moorserp
In my teenage years I lived in Cheshire when I first started going to the gym for weights. I moved to Lancashire in my late tens and carried on from there!
I wish I didn't give up my fitness ( only in the last 5 years due to depression) however I'm enjoying it again now the guy are open. It's nice mixing things up between being on the moors and feeling strong in the gym!

I move around a lot anyway as I’m a fidgeter, and I’m slim enough.

But going for it at the gym is the only thing that’s ever properly toned me up and reduced my cellulite. I just don’t exercise to that intensity anywhere else, wouldn’t get the motivation otherwise.

@Mooserp there were most definitely women's gyms in the 1980s. Mostly with equipment which you either set the weight limit with manual weights and a peg, or they were adjustable with a dial. There were also free weights in the corner .

@workhomesleeprepeat there are municipal badminton and tennis courts. These existed in the 1970s and still exist. A lot cheaper than a private gym . Not sure why you consider these 'privileged'.

Whatever you do you should try and get your heart going a bit. Brisk walking that includes a hill would do that for me and I'm fit.

Do what suits you.
And that’s great.
Why do snotty about people who go the gym route?
I like walking, out and about etc. I swim outdoors a lot in summer, and need something hard work for winter. I like the gym because I like lifting weights which keeps me toned in a way walking doesn’t. We all need cardio / aerobic excercise for our hearts and lungs, but weights keep our bones and muscles strong. Very important for women.

Plus I like the community at the gym.

Many ways to exercise, get out there and enjoy ourselves. Including indoor.

[quote shinynewapple2020]@workhomesleeprepeat there are municipal badminton and tennis courts. These existed in the 1970s and still exist. A lot cheaper than a private gym . Not sure why you consider these 'privileged'. [/quote]
I did mention other sports not just tennis - in my area tennis lessons are definitely expensive and it is more common for more privileged people to play it, but I do take your point about municipal courts, even though I’ve never seen any evidence of them around me!

@shinynewapple, i bung Magic FM on for my 80's retrospective ! The Beginners routine is easy to remember & I've added bits from her other area specific routines too as I hate my stomach.