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Original poster

What exercise do you do and why?

80 replies

christmas2022 · 05/12/2022 21:10

Why do you exercise?

What exercise do you do and why?

I haven't been able to find something that I like enough to do it consistently.

I like to exercise as it helps me to eat better feel better and look better. But I don't really do it enough for any of those things to really come to fruition.

I tend to run, gym or home workout. Don't particularly like home workout so reason for doing that is logistically easier.

OP posts:
TheChosenTwo · 05/12/2022 22:09

Walking and spinning.
I purely do it for the mental health benefit, don’t give a crap about my weight, I just know how much better I feel about life with the regular endorphin rushes.

FLOWER1982 · 05/12/2022 22:10

Hit classes at my gym. They are 45 minutes so once you get started you know you’ve not got long to go! Sometimes they are a killer but such a good workout. I used to go to the gym and just use the machines doing the same boring things. Much better having a structured motivating class.

Strokethefurrywall · 05/12/2022 22:11

Boxing 5 x a week. I also run.

Smashing the shit out of a heavy bag brings a sense of satisfaction little else can.

I never ever finish a session and think "I wish I hadn't done that".

FLOWER1982 · 05/12/2022 22:12

Oh and I do it to feel good and healthy. I joined a gym at 16 and have always gone. I love exercising and having a good swim.

Duchess379 · 05/12/2022 22:13

I'm on a weight loss journey and have just started going to exercise classes twice a week. Tonight I've been to aerobics & Thursday I'm at a Zumba class. I thoroughly enjoy them. Hoping it'll help to loss another 1.5 stones.. 🫰🏻

Nanalisa60 · 05/12/2022 22:13

Spin, swimming, hill walking, road bike but only in the summer.

FlowerArranger · 05/12/2022 22:15

HIIT (Growingannanas)
Weights/5-12 kg dumbbells (Caroline Girvan)
Abs and planks

60-90 minutes a day.
Totally worth it.

Strangerontheshore · 05/12/2022 22:19

Aqua aerobics. Kind to joints but still feel like muscles have had a good work out.

jackstini · 05/12/2022 22:19

Walking

I usually go with a friend once a week, dh once a week and odd ones with others

Put the world to rights as we walk so very therapeutic - get things off my chest, listen to them without distractions

With dh talk about all sorts - sometimes domestic stuff, kids etc. or future plans

Take a coffee or a sandwich if it's a longer walk
Am discovering and exploring beautiful places that are not far away, getting fresh air, being in nature - very calming

I can't do high impact as hurts my joints
Like swimming but cba with hair drying!

BogRollBOGOF · 05/12/2022 22:24

Running- efficient, cardio, good for bone density, calorie burn, mindfulness, scenery, good for goal setting.

Strength (weights and bodyweight)- bone density, reduce injury risk, get stronger

Yoga- flexibility, mindfulness, easy to fit in

Swimming (outdoor and lanes) whole body, low impact recovery exercise, outdoors is so immersed in nature, in winter it's definitely a challenge!

Spidey66 · 05/12/2022 22:25

I do exercise classes at the gym, mixture of LBT, step, sometimes zumba or aqua aerobics but they don't fit in well with my work hours. I used to enjoy body pump but got out of the habit after breaking my shoulder but that was a year ago, I can't use that as an excuse any more!

I swim occasionally, need to do that more.

I walk the dog, though more in the lighter evenings. My husbands retired, so ye does it more in the winter weekdays when I'm at work.

I've got an ebike which I love. I know it's easier than cycling but I'm an overweight middle aged woman! This time of year I mainly use it on dry days at the weekend but from late March to early October I cycle to and from work 7 miles each way unless its raining. I'm not confident cycling in the dark and hate doing it when it's cold or wet so dont do it much in the winter.

PinotPony · 05/12/2022 22:53

Half an hour resistance training in a studio class at 0545 every day. Includes push ups, planks, lunges, squats, sit ups.

I love it because I get to start the day having a laugh with a lovely group of people. And we don't do any of that awful HIT bollocks that makes me feel like I might puke.

pictish · 06/12/2022 06:43

Trail running. Scenery, outdoors…can go when I like, for as long as I like and where I like. Costs nothing but wear on my trail shoes.

Rebelyells · 06/12/2022 10:15

Pilates and swimming - I resent going along to both and mentally stomp my way there like a miserable teenage. However, I feel fabulous afterwards o it's always worthwhile

vitahelp · 06/12/2022 10:18

Outdoor running, spin bike classes, HIIT classes, yoga classes. I alternate these and try to do 5-6 days a week. All 20 minute sessions and all done in home gym.

Honest reason why - to stay slim as it matters to me. However other health benefits are obviously useful as well.

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 06/12/2022 10:49

Running - road and fell. I bloody love it, am quite good at it and find training for PBS/ winning races quite motivating
Riding - always have. Just love it.
Hiking - I live in a beautiful part of the world and rude not to.

I do a bit of swimming/yoga/weights to help with the running but probably not as much as I should

Fizbosshoes · 06/12/2022 11:08

Strokethefurrywall · 05/12/2022 22:11

Boxing 5 x a week. I also run.

Smashing the shit out of a heavy bag brings a sense of satisfaction little else can.

I never ever finish a session and think "I wish I hadn't done that".

I feel the same about running. I often regret the sessions I skip, but I never regret actually going for a run*

*although I did do a long run in a thunderstorm recently and I regretted it and thought it was horrific for at least 6 miles!

Strokethefurrywall · 06/12/2022 13:33

@Fizbosshoes I live in the Caribbean and have run through many thunderstorms! It's fun to start with but I've lost count of the number of earphones I've destroyed from the torrential rain!

RayKray · 06/12/2022 20:48

Strength training because I absolutely love it. It gives me a buzz like nothing else. And I was never one for doing exercise consistently before. I'm training to do powerlifting now cos im addicted to going heavier and heavier. I love every single session. Absolutely life changing.

Stellaris22 · 07/12/2022 01:01

Gym with a PT.

I love strength training and hitting PBs. Weight loss is nice, but knowing I'm helping future me is great.

I don't do cardio (running) as it's boring and doesn't interest me, but envy those who can.

I exercise to see what my body can do and aim for heavier weights.

hollisatze · 07/12/2022 07:01

Great range of different types of fitness - I'll need to remember all these options for the times I don't fancy a mundane gym session but want to do something.

The strength training has influenced me the most but I can't afford a PT and don't really know where to start.

RayKray · 07/12/2022 10:32

hollisatze · 07/12/2022 07:01

Great range of different types of fitness - I'll need to remember all these options for the times I don't fancy a mundane gym session but want to do something.

The strength training has influenced me the most but I can't afford a PT and don't really know where to start.

I have a PT now and it has had a big impact on my lifts and I needed this to go heavy. But I did a lot without a PT and still made great progress and built lots of strength. There's things in my form we're now unpicking but that's because I'm at a more advanced stage. For a beginner it's accessible and low entry point as you can start with lower weights.

I read this The New Rules of Lifting for Women: Lift Like a Man, Look Like a Goddess amzn.eu/d/iwR2NLs which was recommended on MN. I also watch lots of TikToks that break moves down. If you're using dumbbells, and you can do loads with dumbbells then I think anyone can start trying. Machines are also good as they do some of the form work for you. I'd probably avoid barbells without some input from someone that knows what they're doing. But to just start out and try and see if it lights your fire I don't think you need a PT if that's not an option.

If you get as hooked as me then you might find a way forward with a PT, I'd now prioritise it over pretty much anything as it's my thing. But I don't think you need to make that decision to start with. Starting lifting is the best thing I ever did.

CoffeeBoy · 07/12/2022 10:42

Cycling. I enjoy it. I can happily cycle for a few hours so that burns a load of calories which is good for me.

MintJulia · 07/12/2022 11:37

Running - cardio, gets me buzzing

karate - great for maintaining suppleness and core strength

speedwalking - because I can do it between train and office.

plus occasional cycling & swimming

samthebordercollie · 07/12/2022 12:10

I'm 57 and until 6 weeks ago just did cardio, running daily 50 plus miles a week, cycling, swimming and dog walking. Had foot surgery in October so no running and took up Pilates and weights instead. Was shocked to lose 3 kg in a month (I wasn't remotely overweight) and love what strength training is doing to my body. At my age it's far more important to do strength training so when I can run again I'll run less but keep going with the weights and Pilates.