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Original poster

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

76 replies

TooStressyForMyOwnGood · 26/09/2016 22:31

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 Blush.

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?

OP posts:
Lapinlapin · 26/09/2016 23:22

Following with interest as I'm in a similar-ish position. Well, I've never done martial arts, but I used to be fit and toned ( but not anymore!). My youngest is also three so definitely time for me to do something about it!

I do actually quite like running, so maybe this doesn't work for you, but how about if you managed to run once a week, do a dvd once a week (30 shred is a dvd. It's sitting on my bookshelf looking rather dusty atm!) and then maybe a class once a week? I really should take my own advice but how about something like Pilates or Zumba or a (non-shouty) circuits class? I particularly like the sound of Pilates as it's supposed to be good for toning.

Also, have you thought any parkrun? Perhaps too much emphasis on pbs for your liking, but I've started going to my local one and find it's friendly and quite fun.

Original poster
TooStressyForMyOwnGood · 26/09/2016 23:23

Oh was it? Might have to start there. Ugh. I hate that exercise is just to be endured.

Would be great to find something I actually liked!

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sycamore54321 · 26/09/2016 23:24

I know you said it needs to be out of the house but for fitness, fast, I would definitely recommend the 30 day shred DVD. If you can manage it, wake up 30 minutes earlier than your family, have exercise clothes laid out the night before and go for it. It's only just 20 minutes long per workout so you don't have a chance to get bored and you can have it done without thinking about it by making it an automatic part of your routine. Then you just shower and dress as normal and start the rest of your day.

As it is essentially a high-intensity interval circuit, it works really well to increase your fitness and make you sweat! I also get a huge sense of achievement from seeing my progress from week to week.

Original poster
TooStressyForMyOwnGood · 26/09/2016 23:26

Lapin parkrun is on Saturday mornings and my DDs have ballet so have to take them to that. Add to which lots of my colleagues do it and, again, compare their PBs in Facebook later and tag me in it Angry. I know some people love it though and I think it's a great idea.

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Original poster
TooStressyForMyOwnGood · 26/09/2016 23:27

OK so it's 30 day shred then. Please tell me I don't have to do it every day!

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KanyesVest · 26/09/2016 23:37

Nope, start with three times a week and if you want to up it, do. She has some longer circuits too (banish fat boost metabolism is good) so you can increase your workload and cake consumption relatively easily.

Original poster
TooStressyForMyOwnGood · 26/09/2016 23:44

Ok thanks all, so I could do two 30 day shred workouts and one run per week? I could manage that. Might start next week though...

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Ilikecakes · 26/09/2016 23:49

Oh my goodness OP, I could've written your posts! Hate hate running but used to do a little pre DCs-bare minimum, 3 X 5km a week or something, and it was all I needed to stay super fit.

Since my last 'baby' (in fact he's over 2 so I've no effing excuse!), I've done nothing and desperately need to start exercising again. So bloody lazy but really miss that feeling of just always feeling fit, being able to eat anything I want etc.

So I've faffed, procrastinated and half heartedly looked at alternatives (sweat-dodging geriatric yoga anyone?!), but know deep down that running is the easiest, cheapest and quickest way to get and stay fit. Still doesn't help me get my lazy arse out the door get motivated.

Where are you based OP? Any slight chance we could motivate each other to get out there together?!?!

Original poster
TooStressyForMyOwnGood · 26/09/2016 23:51

I'm reluctant to say as I have had a couple of threads about work and am paranoid about being outed - niche job with horrible boss.

Happy to do virtual motivation though! Starting next week Grin. I need a good few days to slob about first.

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cloudjumper · 26/09/2016 23:52

Try barre. No running, no jumping, but all muscles get worked, and you definitely work up a sweat! I've been doing it for a few months now and love it.

Original poster
TooStressyForMyOwnGood · 26/09/2016 23:53

That sounds ace! I always wanted to be a ballerina. Is it a class or can I get something similar on DVD? Don't think there are any classes near me as I remember looking before in another half hearted get fit attempt.

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BagelGoesWalking · 27/09/2016 00:05

Ooh, I'd like to know as well. Am completely lacking in coordination so anything that can be done without too much jumping around is welcome!

cloudjumper · 27/09/2016 00:19

I think that there a lots of tutorials on YouTube, but I would def try and do classes with a teacher, if you can!

Original poster
TooStressyForMyOwnGood · 27/09/2016 05:23

Thanks all Smile

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allegretto · 27/09/2016 05:53

How about a personal trainer? I am about to start with one as I need motivation. When my sporty 11 year old heard that he offered to do the same for a fiver Grin

moodykingfisher · 27/09/2016 06:02

I can't be doing with exercise classes or running, none of it is fun. I play tennis and go to yoga, how about netball?

Original poster
TooStressyForMyOwnGood · 27/09/2016 06:07

Would love a PT but just couldn't justify the cost of it unfortunately. On day maybe. Did think about yoga but will it really improve fitness that much?

Think I need some motivation. Tell me what makes you all actually get on with it and exercise please? I might get flamed for this time can eat whatever I want usually without weight gain so that motivation doesn't work. I think I burn it all off in nervous energy!

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cloudjumper · 27/09/2016 10:18

I only do exercise I enjoy, that's my motivation. And how good I feel afterwards for dragging myself out of the house and off my butt Grin
No point doing exercise you don't like, life's too short!

Lapinlapin · 27/09/2016 11:22

Motivation for me comes from either doing something I genuinely love or something I feel I 'have to do'. Horse riding is good exercise ( more toning than cardio but you can definitely feel the benefit) and I love it, so easy to motivate myself.

For exercise that I don't love as much i.e running /mini triathlons, I only motivate myself by signing up for an event. So if I enter an 10km event then I know I need to train for it, so I do. Otherwise, I just keep thinking 'I'll do it tomorrow, and I never do! Blush

Or if I arrange to do something with a friend - like go to a class or go swim, then I'll do it because it's all arranged.

Original poster
TooStressyForMyOwnGood · 27/09/2016 11:22

Had to run to get to work on time today (recurring problem, while other thread!) and had to stop so I need to improve things. Have realised that I actually have a couple of half hour gaps in the daytime in term time when in not at work and child free. I usually spend them drinking coffee and regaining my sanity but may have to give that up.

If I did 2 x 25/30 minute hard running sessions and then went out running once at the weekend to do 5k would that be enough to get results? Or swimming?

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Cockblocktopus · 27/09/2016 12:09

I'm the same OP. I was doing weekly yoga and definitely noticed a difference in flexibility. I was surprised by how much I loved it and looked forward to it.

the only way for me to get it done is to schedule it in. Tuesday night is yoga night. No ifs or buts.

DH also works and kids are little sods difficult at bed time. Is there anyone who can baby sit for you when your DH is away?

I'm struggling from moving on to more exercise. I want to be fit and lose weight but I'm struggling to get on with it and find something and I want to lose weight and I can't fit in another yoga class with the small DC

Cockblocktopus · 27/09/2016 12:10

Agh Blush worst grammar ever. Sorry. Multi tasking and proof reading fail.

Original poster
TooStressyForMyOwnGood · 27/09/2016 12:55

No babysitter so struggle to commit to a once a week class unfortunately.

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BagelGoesWalking · 27/09/2016 14:02

I did this earlier (well, the bits I could!) loads of 30-40 min workouts on YouTube.

Going to try as well although it might be too easy for you. I have zero motivation but going to try and do 30-40 mins at least twice or three times a week.

Original poster
TooStressyForMyOwnGood · 27/09/2016 17:20

Thank you! It hadn't even occurred to me that this kind of stuff would be on YouTube.

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