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Exercise

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Original poster

Non-weight-loss benefits of exercise?

58 replies

eleanorsos · 28/07/2021 11:50

After having a baby 8 months ago, I am overweight and do need to lose some but that's not why I'm here.

I really want to get back into exercising regularly and keep to it, I've been doing the very occasional swim or run but not nearly regularly enough. Whenever I focus on weight loss I find it even harder to stick to - I can get a bit too obsessive and then if my diet falters I get all demotivated and give up on exercise too. So I think I need to look at exercise in a different way this time.

Can you tell me how exercising has improved your life in a way that isn't linked to your weight or body size/shape? If physical, more like being able to run for a bus than being able to fit into skinny jeans!

OP posts:
JaninaDuszejko · 28/07/2021 13:41

I swim which I love so much, in the first lockdown I actually would dream about swimming I missed it so much. I also do yoga which I've done regularly for years but did every day during lockdown.

Benefits:
I swim first thing in the morning and it means I'm bright eyed and bushy tailed for starting work.

I love that my body is strong and flexible and I have control over it. Yoga means I don't get back pain and it maintain flexibility in my joints (including things like movement in my finger joints, it's very good for arthritis apparently).

It's good for your mental health. Swimming and yoga both require concentration to improve technique which stops you thinking about other things.

I once saw a great quote: 'when I exercise I never think 'Well I wish I hadn't done that''. Which spinning excepted is how I feel. Starting an exercise routine is hard but you've got to keep in mind how you feel afterwards.

Hermione101 · 28/07/2021 13:42

@lljkk yes to all those things, I love it. 100% agree with you on ending a day bone tired.

Original poster
eleanorsos · 28/07/2021 13:43

@BarbaraPapa Ahh that sounds so fun! Does it feel like a proper workout afterwards? I think I definitely need to take myself less seriously.....

OP posts:
ifellintoarabbithole · 28/07/2021 13:45

Being able to lift my toddler on to my shoulders on my own! Its probably only been the last 3 months where he is now too heavy for me to do it and he is 2.5. I would never have been able to do this pre pregnancy (never exercised).

I never actually saw much of an improvement in terms of size/ weight (unfortunately). But my goodness I felt so much more strong and capable. It became a habit working out 4-5 times a week. Now pregnant again, and have not been able to due to fatigue and sickness and I really miss it!

yoshiblue · 28/07/2021 13:47

Agree with the comments about thinking about movement rather than exercise. What physical activities would you like to try that would also offer exercise? Look you Tally Rye on Instagram who takes this approach to suggesting exercise to those currently inactive.

I went back to ballet after a 20 year break and absolutely love it. Alongside this I've added in yoga/pilates and now go to the gym too to build my strength and help manage back pain (from an office job!)

Personally, I look at my PILs and they are so inactive and unwell in their early 70s. My FIL can't walk without a stick and is already struggling to climb stairs. I refuse to let myself get like that and want to be an 80 year old doing yoga!

Original poster
eleanorsos · 28/07/2021 13:59

That's a good way to look at it @yoshiblue. Thanks, will definitely check that out!

Yoga's come up a lot on this thread and I did do a bit before DD came along, might be time to revisit! Definitely need to rebuild some strength, I'm 28 and feel like an old lady some days!! Grin

OP posts:
Nsky · 28/07/2021 14:01

I had some nasty medication side effects, 5 mins of physio ( in my case private) has helped solve it.
4 excercises max 5 mins a day.
I imagine at stupid times, how difficult it would if my muscles wasted by injury or illness, so I try to remind myself to make my muscles work.
Only 1 body and 1 life

BarbaraPapa · 28/07/2021 14:06

[quote eleanorsos]@BarbaraPapa Ahh that sounds so fun! Does it feel like a proper workout afterwards? I think I definitely need to take myself less seriously.....[/quote]
yes, definitely a proper workout! According to my fitbit, I burn about 550 calories per 45 min session, it gets my heart rate right up, but it doesn't ever feel like 'exercise' because it's fun. The gym recorded a session online for use over lockdown and my very fit SIL gave it a go - she wasn't expecting to be quite so knackered at the end! Obviously you can take it at whatever pace you like, but if you want to go for it, you really can. There are no mirrors in the studio.

Body Balance never feels like a workout at the time (and there's a 5 minute guided relaxation at the end), but the next day you feel the difference in your muscles if you've pushed yourself a bit.

Sidge · 28/07/2021 14:07

I started exercising properly 18 months ago. I was menopausal and had gained weight, and was flabby and unfit.

I now run regularly as well as using the gym for cardio and weights, and yoga at home.

I’m fitter, stronger and more supple. Exercise is “my” time - I’m a busy single mum to teenagers, one of whom is disabled, and I work in a demanding job. It’s harder now my children are home for the summer but I make time for it - literally schedule it into my day.

I get immense satisfaction from seeing my body change. I’m now 2 stone lighter and whilst I’d like to lose a few more pounds I’m enjoying seeing my muscles develop, my clothes look and fit better, I’ve lost my bingo wings and bra fat.

Mentally I love the endorphins, I sleep better overall and feel calmer generally.

Practically I’m so much stronger. I can bring the sacks of water softener to salt into the house now, they’re 25 kg and I use to have to tip then into a bucket to bring them in in stages. I love to challenge myself in the gym and see the amount of weight I can lift, press or move increase.

I’m in healthcare and can tell which elderly patients of mine have been physical and active in their lives. Their bodies are so different, inside and out. Being sedentary and weak has a very significant effect on our bodies especially as they age. I don’t want that for myself.

MaggieFS · 28/07/2021 14:10

For me it's cheesy, but since having the kids, I want to make sure I am there for them. I lost my Dad a couple of years ago and it really makes me determined to be as healthy as I can be so I am around, well and active for as much of my kids' lives as possible.

Also, do they still do parent races as sports day? I have the fear, when the time comes, of being the blancmange who comes last, or lets my children down with lame excuses as to why I can't do it, when the reality is I'd be too embarrassed.

swampytiggaa · 28/07/2021 14:16

I love running. I’m really slow but I’m very proud of all my medals 🏅 I started with parkrun it’s like a gateway drug 😂😂

I’ve made so many friends it’s amazing. Plus I have lost inches (not necessarily weight) and look loads better in my clothes 👍

Original poster
eleanorsos · 28/07/2021 14:22

Might just have to leave my inhibitions at home and give it a go then @BarbaraPapa, thank you!

That's really impressive @Sidge! Well done for sticking to the change, that's the hardest part for me!

@MaggieFS that's exactly it for me. I want to be here and enjoy DD and live to meet any grandchildren... and set a healthy, active example for her that isn't centred around weight.

Great endorsement for Parkrun @swampytiggaa, wish me luck! Grin

OP posts:
Nerfelite · 28/07/2021 14:22

The best thing is to stop focusing on weight loss for a start. Also stop focusing on what you should be doing and do something that you enjoy. If you hate an activity, why put yourself through it? You won't stick to it in the long run.

I WFH and go to the gym 3 times a week as a way of making sure I get out of the house in the evenings. Everyone will tell you focusing on cardio is terrible etc, you should do XY and Z instead. But I enjoy it. I do an hour or so of cardio, I pop my headphones on and I am in my own little world. I don't enjoy other exercise and anytime I try to do something else, I never stick to it. It's better to do something 'less effective' than nothing at all!

cannotfindanickname · 28/07/2021 14:25

Exercise releases feel good endorphins. There is also the social aspect if going to a class.

paddlingon · 28/07/2021 14:33

Paddleboarding is great OP.
My dd is turning into a reserved teen and the time we spend out on the water together is precious to me.

My regular Pilates means I have the core strength to do this.

I'm feeling inspired to add cardio to my life, even if just in small doses.

Original poster
eleanorsos · 28/07/2021 14:41

Exactly @Nerfelite, I need to shake up the thought process a bit! At the moment I'm a little restricted by what I can do with a baby at home but the occasional hour to run or pop to the gym is definitely achievable!

OP posts:
BlueCowWonders · 28/07/2021 14:57

I started Pilates (on zoom) during the first lockdown hoping it would give me a flat stomach. Lockdown overeating meant that was never going to happen Hmm but I realised recently just how strong my core has got!

Pre pandemic I did Zumba weekly and couldn't balance at all during the cooldown/ stretching bit at the end. Now I can stand on one foot for ever! I'm so bizarrely proud of the achievement Grin

Original poster
eleanorsos · 28/07/2021 15:02

You've all inspired me....... packed schedule now of running, swimming, zumba, pilates, yoga, crossfit and paddleboarding!! Grin

OP posts:
swampytiggaa · 28/07/2021 15:11

@eleanorsos on a serious note I started running in my 40’s after losing a number of relatives including my father and brother very young to cancer. I knew that running wouldn’t prevent it but I wanted to be as fit as possible in case I needed treatment. I have 5 children I owe them that.

Fortunately I’m currently ok but lost a running friend last week to pancreatic cancer 😢 so it’s a reminder of what my original goal was and that it’s still an important one.

Original poster
eleanorsos · 28/07/2021 15:25

Oh @swampytiggaa I'm so sorry for your losses. Flowers

Completely not foolproof but it does help give you a sense of control over your own body doesn't it? Hoping for all the best of health for you.

OP posts:
swampytiggaa · 28/07/2021 15:32

I am so much happier now I have my running family too so it’s fantastic for that. We like to go out and eat cake or drink alcohol as well as running. I am off to the theatre on Sunday with one friend. I have no idea what I used to do with my time before running 😂😂

Dontbeme · 28/07/2021 15:53

Just completed couch to 5k (last week) so very new to it but love it, I started, like a pp, as in the past two years lost FIL and my sister to cancer, my older sister is now battling cancer too. I just needed to move for my own sanity, my mental health feels better, I feel stronger and just proud that my body is capable of much more than I thought possible. Some runs are great, some are a battle but the battle days I feel so proud that I stuck it out and completed the run.

EBearhug · 28/07/2021 15:53

when I exercise I never think 'Well I wish I hadn't done that''.

I've certainly thought it in the middle of some yoga poses, though... Grin

Dontbeme · 28/07/2021 15:54

@swampytiggaa sorry for you loss Flowers

swampytiggaa · 28/07/2021 15:59

@EBearhug

when I exercise I never think 'Well I wish I hadn't done that''.

I've certainly thought it in the middle of some yoga poses, though... Grin

I think it regularly in the middle of long runs 😭😭
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