Exercise -- you should do it, but do you do it?

mgriffin · April 20, 2009, 11:24:42 AM

I think exercise is incredibly important in so many ways, especially now that so many in our modern world sit at a desk all day, in front of a computer, and then go home and sit in front of a TV or another computer, or maybe lie down with a book.

If I look back at the times in my life when I struggled to do the things I wanted in my life, when I had negative thoughts about myself, and when I felt physically poor, it always coincides with the times when I've allowed myself to stop exercising, gain weight, and become sedentary.

The main reason most people exercise, which is to burn calories and lose weight, or at least make up for an excessive diet and gain a bit less weight than they otherwise would, is second or third on the list of reasons for me. It helps my sense of overall well-being, makes me feel stronger, more capable, and more energetic in the rest of my life. I'm more able to meet the challenges of a busy life when I stay fit, and I have more confidence about trying new things.

I think most people agree that they should exercise, but some of us make excuses for why we can't, or don't have time. Or we try, but don't manage to actually work on it as much as planned. So, how about you, Hypnos Forum reader?

;)

SunDummy · April 20, 2009, 11:46:53 AM

You been watching The Biggest Loser, and feelin' guilty? ;D ;)

I totally agree with you; exercise is a major component of mental health. I've also found my lowest points are when I get lazy, and nothing gets me out of the doldrums as effectively as a good workout. The hardest part is getting off the couch; the first few weeks are also hellish, but once I'm over the hump, it actually becomes fun, and I wonder why I was such a crybaby about it.

Some little elves crept into my house this winter and exchanged all my summer clothes for slightly smaller versions; looks like I need to step up the exercise.

Goals: From Nov. to now, I ski 2-4 days a week. Now, I'll probably ski one or two days a month until next fall. I also try to ride at least 100 miles a week on the roadie; I'm hoping to get an hour on the trainer on days when a long ride is impossible. I suspect I'll fall short of both my skiing and riding goals, but even if I hit 50%, I'm still doing pretty damn good.

Brian Bieniowski · April 20, 2009, 12:17:41 PM

I agree with all of your comments regarding the sedentary lifestyle. It was amazing to me after only a few weeks of exercise how dramatic the mood changes were. Now I can't imagine stopping for fear of going back to being moody and lazy.

I try to swim several times a week for forty to forty-five minutes non-stop, which I've maintained pretty regularly for several years.

Wayne Higgins · April 20, 2009, 12:58:29 PM

Did my wife get you to start this thread? >:(

I plan on exercising, really.

mgriffin · April 20, 2009, 01:04:18 PM

Quote from: SunDummy on April 20, 2009, 11:46:53 AM
You been watching The Biggest Loser, and feelin' guilty? ;D ;)

Actually I'm in the best "spring shape" since college. Lena and I have a kick-ass home workout room and we've been working the treadmill and the weights and the stationary bike while watching Star Trek Deep Space Nine on DVD all fall and winter.

Saturday we went on our first outdoor bike ride of the spring and it felt more like our tenth ride of the year usually feels -- didn't accumulate the usual rust this winter. Also my weight is lower than it's been since about the time I started Hypnos, mid-90s.

So, I'm not posting this topic out of guilt, but out of supremely tough machismo confidence! ;)

Seren · April 20, 2009, 02:34:06 PM

I don't exercise enough at present, but this spring have been walking more and done some reasonably heavy work in our daughters garden....

I hate 'doing' exercise, but have really enjoyed physical jobsin the past such as tree surgery and forestry - got very fit, very strong, had great stamina and worked in a stunning environment.....

mgriffin · April 20, 2009, 02:38:03 PM

It looks like several others have experienced what I described, which is that the psychological benefits of exercise are at least as significant as the physical gains.

Whenever I take a period of time away from exercise, as soon as I start again I feel so much better that I tell myself never to forget what a difference it makes.

Saying "I don't have time to exercise" is about as short-sighted and self-defeating as saying you don't have time to eat or sleep or laugh. When I do exercise, I'm so much more energetic and productive that the time spent working out more than pays for itself in other areas of my life.

jim brenholts · April 20, 2009, 03:13:55 PM

as one who has had a plethora of health issues - including a 3rd m/i in feb - i am now a big fan of exercise. the cardiac rehab gave me more energy than i have had in quite a while. i had another scope on my left knee friday and the pre-surgery rehab saved my ass big time.

sraymar · April 21, 2009, 12:43:42 AM

My reasons for exercise are health related, fear is a good motivator. My blood sugar was pre-diabetes, cholesteral was pre-hypertension, and my blood pressure was upthere as well. All have been brought down to normal with a change in diet and exercise. My weight is twenty pounds lighter and more or less locked into place after years of yo-yo dieting and fasting. I'm in much better shape now than a couple of decades back.

I used to keep a diary of what I ate and just couldn't figure out what was wrong. Recently I took a look at it and I wasn't suprised now for all the sugary stuff on it along with salt-laced cholesteral boosting crud. I used to eat right before going to sleep too, major no-no.

Steve

DeepR · April 21, 2009, 12:20:15 PM

yeah, most of us should exercise to compensate for our modern lifestyle (too little movement, bad food)... but I believe exercising wouldn't be necessary if you'd eat healthy and would be (much) more physically active in general, throughout the day...
it's not like wild animals have to 'exercise' to stay in good health...they get their basic body movement naturally

mgriffin · April 21, 2009, 12:23:15 PM

It's not just about moving around, and slowly burning calories. It's also about working hard enough to build or at least maintain muscle mass as we age. Without strength work, we gradually lose more and more muscle as we age. That's why even when a person maintains a steady weight, say between age 25 and 45, they will end up looking much worse than they started. Maybe at age 25 they had decent muscle ton and 18% body fat, then at age 45 they've lost half their muscle and they're at 30% body fat despite weighing the same amount... and they have a saggy, flabby body.

sraymar · April 21, 2009, 04:06:59 PM

Quote from: mgriffin on April 21, 2009, 12:23:15 PM
It's not just about moving around, and slowly burning calories. It's also about working hard enough to build or at least maintain muscle mass as we age. Without strength work, we gradually lose more and more muscle as we age. That's why even when a person maintains a steady weight, say between age 25 and 45, they will end up looking much worse than they started. Maybe at age 25 they had decent muscle ton and 18% body fat, then at age 45 they've lost half their muscle and they're at 30% body fat despite weighing the same amount... and they have a saggy, flabby body.

Interesting. I'm 51(closing in on 52) now and I have as much or more muscle mass than I did 25 years ago but I only started regular weight training and jogging about one and half years ago. However way back then when I lifted weights the muscle grew quicker. Also I made the mistake of putting on about 60lbs. of extra weight in my 30s and when I took most of it off near 40 my skin didn't retract like it did back in my twenties so now I have a turkey neck and a little over an inch of flab around the middle that needs laser surgery to remove it.

I was also diagnosed with the onset of osteoperosis and had some bone loss. I was advised to start taking calcium with vitamin D which I did immediately and reversed it back to normal and exercising helps build bone mass too, very importanto. It also reversed some arthritis I had as well. Ya gotsta get yer exercise in kids! The studio ain't no exercise room.

Steve

zzzone.net · April 22, 2009, 03:35:18 AM

As a physician, I find it hypocritical for me to recommend diet and exercise to my patients while I sit around loafing and drinking gravy.

I've been exercising for about 25 years with light weights and some form of aerobics in a 50-50 mix. I usually get to the gym 3-4 times per week.

I really enjoy, it turn outs, to exercise while listening to my some of my favorite tunes on a portable player. Surprise.

Medically I have a strong disposition toward heart and bone disease which hopefully I can overcome and have so far.

Get thee to the gym!

jamiem · April 29, 2009, 10:48:18 PM

I do yoga most mornings, & I find it is one of the best times to listen to ambient music.

;D

Seren · April 30, 2009, 05:06:38 AM

Quote from: mgriffin on April 21, 2009, 12:23:15 PM
It's not just about moving around, and slowly burning calories. It's also about working hard enough to build or at least maintain muscle mass as we age. Without strength work, we gradually lose more and more muscle as we age. That's why even when a person maintains a steady weight, say between age 25 and 45, they will end up looking much worse than they started. Maybe at age 25 they had decent muscle ton and 18% body fat, then at age 45 they've lost half their muscle and they're at 30% body fat despite weighing the same amount... and they have a saggy, flabby body.

I'm one of those 'lucky' people who has always been slim, even when I did regular heavy physical work I put on no extra mass and I was eating a lot too. So as I get older my balance of fat to muscle has not changed (as yet)....I suspect I'll always be wirey (and hope it does not make me complacent).

lena · April 30, 2009, 09:36:22 AM

Seren, you lucky!!! ;)

I have to work really hard, but I'm getting into pretty good shape now & I'm pretty happy with how things are looking these days. :)

mgriffin · April 30, 2009, 09:44:47 AM

My wife is so tough!!

:o

petekelly · April 30, 2009, 12:23:16 PM

I think walking is one of the best forms of excercise. especially If you can get out somewhere into
the natural world. A long walk really clears the mind, I get some of my better musical ideas this
way. It's free too.

On a related note, the amount of short car trips most people make is crazy. I live in a small
village and notice people driving to each others houses which are literally just around the corner.

Think yourself fitter :)

Seren · April 30, 2009, 12:53:22 PM

Quote from: lena on April 30, 2009, 09:36:22 AM
Seren, you lucky!!! ;)

I have to work really hard, but I'm getting into pretty good shape now & I'm pretty happy with how things are looking these days. :)

what can I say without incriminating myself? :o ;D

Seren · April 30, 2009, 12:59:16 PM

Seriously though, you're looking good -
Problem with being slim is that even when using chainsaws with 4 foot guide bars and hoiking large lumps of oak around all day I did not put muscle on so I've never been able to have 'physique' - but I could hold peoples fingertips in the sinews of my forearms and walk around dodgy areas of London without feeling scared....