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Post by needtime2scrap on Aug 19, 2019 13:25:58 GMT
this is something that I've been really thinking about lately. If you regularly exercise what are your reasons for doing so if not for weight loss? Currently I'm struggling with commitment/desire to exercise and I know that I *should* but I have zero interest. I'm over 40, healthy, sleep well and while I'm not super thin I'm happy with how I look. I used to run and loved it and now I feel like I should still love it but I don't. I just feel like I should be doing something, kwim?
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ashley
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,400
Jun 17, 2016 12:36:53 GMT
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Post by ashley on Aug 19, 2019 13:27:54 GMT
I am in a similar place. Except I’ve gained like ten pounds and it’s making me feel gross. But I look at older people struggling to get around and think I should be more active... but then I remember it’s work and I don’t like it and I figure I can put it off for another decade or so.
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Post by mom on Aug 19, 2019 13:34:23 GMT
I hate to exercise. I am clumsy and nothing athletic comes easily for me. I am *almost* 40 and have found I enjoy working out once I am there. I feel better about myself, and I am a happier person over all. I don't do anything fancy - I just do the elliptical and weights (mainly legs).
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ellen
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,482
Jun 30, 2014 12:52:45 GMT
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Post by ellen on Aug 19, 2019 13:36:08 GMT
My mom had a serious stroke in her late 40s and a fatal stroke when she was 69. I run and do other cardio because I know it's one thing I can do lower my risk of having a stroke. I'm not overweight or a smoker. A few years ago I had to start taking cholesterol meds and I want to keep the dose as low as possible, exercising helps. You don't have to go back to running if you don't want to. You can walk or you could do a combination of running and walking. I was starting to lose interest running and decided that it would be ok if used an app to help me do a combination of running and walking. Yesterday I ran for 7 minutes and walked 45 seconds. I repeated that five times. I mix the times up a bit and sometimes just run thirty minutes with no walk breaks. I figure whatever gets me out running rather than sitting inside is helping me. Listening to podcasts when I run instead of music makes the experience better for me. My mind is a little more engaged.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Aug 19, 2019 13:43:11 GMT
Same here. I look at my older friends and neighbors gimping around and I don’t want to be that person in another 15 or so years. I don’t have another decade to put it off. But then things get complicated when you end up having mobility issues that take a long time to resolve and that prevent you from doing the activities you actually wouldn’t mind doing, and it becomes a very slippery slope. For the meantime, I’m doing what I can to resolve those underlying issues first and get to a place where I can do stuff without pain, and then from there work on the rest.
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Post by librarylady on Aug 19, 2019 13:48:03 GMT
I have walked for years as my exercise. It is too hot to do it outside now and I walk on a treadmill. Why: It helps my depression/mental health. It keeps me mobile. (Going to a class reunion and seeing so many on canes or walkers was a shock) It helps most organs in the body. It is harder to do it now that I am retired. This morning my body is resisting.
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Anita
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,628
Location: Kansas City -ish
Jun 27, 2014 2:38:58 GMT
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Post by Anita on Aug 19, 2019 13:51:10 GMT
It helps regulate a lot about my body, helps me sleep what little I do, and helps manage my depression. Also, it helps keep me in shape. I put on weight if I don't walk. Oh, and I have the resting heart rate of an athlete even though all I do is walk. So there are a lot of reasons to keep exercising for me. Much as it annoys me to get started some days, I know it will be worth it.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Mar 28, 2024 23:05:17 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2019 13:54:14 GMT
I hate exercise but I enjoy walking. When the weather does not allow for a good walk, I will go to the gym for a 30 minute fast paced walk on the treadmill.
I do not do it to lose weight although I could stand to lose 10-15 pounds without looking sick. I am not fat but I am not skinny. I walk to maintain my weight more than anything. Lifting weights, burn camp, and similar stuff will never be my thing. Give me a good 5K walk and I will be there.
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Post by busy on Aug 19, 2019 13:54:50 GMT
Two main reasons: 1. I want to live a long and healthy life. I’ve seen many struggle with chronic illness when older in part because they didn’t take good care of themselves when younger, and I’m doing what I can to avoid that. 2. I’m 46 and my son is 11. I like being fit so we can have fun and be active together. I don’t want to be on the sidelines because I’m not capable of keeping up.
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Post by pierkiss on Aug 19, 2019 13:55:11 GMT
I like the feeling of accomplishment I get when I finish a workout. I also train for aquabikes in the summer, and I REALLY like seeing my distances go up and my times go down! 😁
I also like the calm feeling I sometimes get after I finish a workout.
Also maintaining my current level of health is a reason I do it. I know that if I stop altogether, that I will deteriorate (for lack of a better word). I have back problems, and I know that I need a certain level of core strength to help me avoid a future reinjury. Sometimes my knees hurt. I know that I need to strengthen my thigh muscles and my calves in order to have a stable and healthy knee.
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Post by tracyarts on Aug 19, 2019 14:00:19 GMT
Walking on or off a treadmill helps keep my joints from stiffening up and helps with circulation in my legs. I have to be careful not to overdo it or try and move too much during a flare up though, or else it does the opposite and just makes things worse.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Mar 28, 2024 23:05:17 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2019 14:06:57 GMT
To stay supple and have good joint movement. A good sense of balance is essential as you age to prevent falls.
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Post by cadoodlebug on Aug 19, 2019 14:10:48 GMT
I was diagnosed almost 2 years ago with Type 2 Diabetes. I have NONE of the usual warning signs. After attending the workshops to learn all I could about the disease I upped my exercising. I walk about 14,000 steps a day and go to the gym every other day. At 71 I'm probably fitter than I was in my 50's. Do I enjoy it? Yes, because I know the alternative isn't pretty. When it is too hot or cold out for walking, I read or watch TV on my treadmill which makes the miles fly by.
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Post by ExpatBackHome on Aug 19, 2019 14:25:42 GMT
My reasons: Cardio - I want a healthy heart and avoid heart disease Strength- I want to remain strong (& get stronger) and as injury free as possible Mental health - I feel good when I exercise
I don’t like exercising. I have to leave the house as soon as the kids get on the bus before I have time to change my mind. If I walk back into the house after he bus leaves, I have about a 10% chance of going. If I leave when the bus leaves, I have a 100% chance of going.
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Post by candygurl on Aug 19, 2019 14:34:16 GMT
I run because I feel better overall each time I do so. Whether it be 2 miles or 10. I love the feeling of getting it done each morning and feeling productive. I’m not fast at all. I want to continue to run for my whole life so I take it easy. It’s also helps mentally. On a run I can zone out, think about upcoming stuff or just listen to nature. I believe everyone needs to find some outlet. Whether it be walking, running, weight lifting, biking, dancing etc. Something to get the body moving.
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likescarrots
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,879
Aug 16, 2014 17:52:53 GMT
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Post by likescarrots on Aug 19, 2019 14:36:11 GMT
Mostly because I see how people who don't exercise are aging compared to people who do, and I want to be in good shape as i get older. I want to be strong and able to move around and get up 4 flights of stairs and go on long walks and hikes and travel well into old age, and I don't want to wait until it's too late (I will be 40 in December).
Also, weight lifting increases bone density counteracts risk of osteoporosis. There are tons of health benefits to exercising that aren't just losing weight.
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Post by alexa11 on Aug 19, 2019 14:49:11 GMT
I lift weights at gym almost everyday for a few reasons. My family has a history of arthritis and osteoporosis and I was diagnosed around 50 with a little of both. Weightlifting is great for bone density.
Also, I love how at almost 60 that I'm cut pretty well. My friends will complain about their bat wings and saggy butts, but they don't want to commit to doing anything about it. It's also addictive once you start seeing how your body changes. Now I'm not as lean as I want and I definitely need to get back on the cardio train- kill me now... I carry most of my weight around my middle and it's very tough to flatten without giving up dairy.
My mom, who is almost 88, decided to stop taking her walks a couple of years ago- despite my pleading. Now her balance is not good at all and she has fallen a few times- no broken bones, yet. She just finished a month of in-home therapy and now has an exercise routine to help strenghten her legs. You have to keep moving!
I just feel better overall when I workout and being retired it gives me something to do- a routine. Otherwise, I would be out spending money...
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Post by auntkelly on Aug 19, 2019 14:50:28 GMT
I kind of have the opposite problem you have. I am overweight even though I exercise a lot. I generally walk on the treadmill an hour a day at a pretty fast clip plus I walk my dogs every day, and do yoga classes twice a week. Every once in awhile I find myself saying "What's the point of exercising if I work so hard and still have a flabby body?"
However, I know exercise is good for my mental and physical health. I am 59 and when I went in for a colonoscopy a few years' ago the nurse was surprised when I told her I was not on any medications. She said it was unusual for someone my age not to be taking any medications. (I'm sure she was thinking it was unusual for someone my size and age not to be on medications). It could be that I'm just fortunate, but my dad dropped dead of a heart attack at 40 and my mom was on medications for high cholesterol and high blood pressure by the time she was in her late 40s, so it's not like I have great genes. I think exercise is one of the reasons I am enjoying such good health.
I know there are a lot of people who have taken very good care of themselves who are on medications, and I can't be certain that I would be on any medications if I wasn't exercising, but things are working out well for me, so I'm not going to quit at this point. Plus, I really enjoy exercising. When I walk on the treadmill, I read my kindle. (I can walk at a really fast pace and still read). I do my yoga classes with good friends and we go for coffee afterwards, so that is our social time.
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kibblesandbits
Pearl Clutcher
At the corner of Awesome and Bombdiggity
Posts: 3,305
Aug 13, 2016 13:47:39 GMT
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Post by kibblesandbits on Aug 19, 2019 14:55:47 GMT
Exercise is for health and well being, not necessarily weight loss. I do something every day - mix it up a lot - helps me keep my mind right.
I was just at my HS reunion - 40th - and it was GLARINGLY obvious who took care of themselves with exercise and fresh air, and who did not. Like, seriously. I don't want that for myself. I like looking like I take care of myself.
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Post by gar on Aug 19, 2019 15:04:36 GMT
Essentially - move it or lose it. I see the way old/er people move and it scares me. I will resist that if I can.
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Post by tentoes on Aug 19, 2019 15:08:11 GMT
It helps regulate blood pressure and cholesterol, it keeps muscles in tone, it gets endorphins flowing in the body which helps with depression, it helps with balance, keeps you strong and independent. It helps with body, soul, and mind.
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stittsygirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,576
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Jun 25, 2014 19:57:33 GMT
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Post by stittsygirl on Aug 19, 2019 15:10:32 GMT
I’m 50 and at a healthy weight, but I have joints that think they are 80 and I hurt a lot. I actually feel better when everything is warmed up and moving, so I do that as much as I can.
I fortunately have a job that helps me with that (18,000 steps in during yesterday’s shift) and at home you’ll find me on my treadmill and using my Total Gym a lot. I want to stay strong and mobile as I age and movement is a big factor in that I’m learning.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Mar 28, 2024 23:05:17 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2019 15:13:03 GMT
If you're looking for motivation, just check out the 50ish thread. It's shocking how many 50 year olds have mobility issues. I'm assuming, yes assuming, that a lot of those problems come from not being active and doing regular exercise that requires effort. Many people are now living into their 90's. Just as I'm planning for that possibility financially, I'm also doing now what needs to be done to up my chances that I'll remain as healthy and happy as I can be for as long as possible.
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Post by Rainy_Day_Woman on Aug 19, 2019 15:16:11 GMT
I never really liked exercise either. I liked it enough, I should say, but I am really bad at establishing routines and just can't keep up with doing it. I do need to lose weight, and it's always my first intention when I take up exercise, but weight loss is slow and painful and not enough to keep me motivated to continue.
My anxiety the last few years has gotten out of hand, so I have been jogging in the mornings for quite some time to burn off the nervousness and just trying to learn to like it. Still not there but maybe one day.
I broke my toes a few weeks ago and haven't been running, so I recommitted to swimming every night and I am doing much better with that than with running. I am trying to be mindful and focus on enjoying the movement and the feel of the water, and it's become very meditative for me. I think I will be better at keeping this up, and I am trying really hard to find the pleasure in it. I sauna for 10-15 after and meditate and I have been feeling much better.
I work with the elderly, and I always see a marked difference between those that are active and those that aren't. Health wise, attitude and motivation wise. I mean, it is entirely anecdotal and could be a chicken-egg situation, but it's enough to keep me trying.
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Post by LuvAgoodPaddle on Aug 19, 2019 15:16:23 GMT
We are both getting close to hitting 50. We hit the gym together (each others motivation) 3 times a week and we are also very active on the weekends. This summer we've been out paddle boarding almost every weekend. I don't need to lose weight, but I after turning 40 I started getting saggy and soft. So I started weightlifting to stay toned along with keeping myself strong for the fun stuff we like to do like kayaking, tennis, hiking, skiing, etc.
We saw a huge difference in my husbands grandparents once they started slowing down probably late 50's, early 60's. Once they stopped walking and staying active, they both deteriorated so quickly where they rarely left the house. Now my husbands parents are a different story! My Father in law is almost 80 and Mother in Law is over 70. They walk every day, go on long hikes, they just bought their first kayak and have been out as often as they can it in. They are very active and neither of them look even close to their age! They will be visiting us for the month of October and they are going to run us ragged trying to keep up, LOL!
We have both vowed to stay active so that we can live long healthy lives and be out kayaking together in our 80's!!
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Aug 19, 2019 15:17:04 GMT
I have always done some form of exercise and worked in the fitness industry for 19 years. For many of those years, I taught the classes in part because it meant I had to show up for them! You can't slough off exercise when you're the instructor. I'm still not very internally motivated for exercise though despite knowing all the tremendous benefits I get from it. I frequently change up my types of exercise and resort to tricking myself with various external motivations to keep myself on track. I do allow myself more leeway now to be freer about my exercise and not so routine-bound.
The benefits for me are weight maintenance/control, increased energy, more stamina, greater flexibility, more strength, better balance, sounder sleep, more toned body, and a general sense of accomplishment. I love that my body is capable of movement and I rarely have to pass on anything that I can't do. I refuse to take that for granted. I appreciate good health and am willing to do my part to help maintain that for as long into my life as possible.
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Post by needtime2scrap on Aug 19, 2019 15:44:07 GMT
so what would be the top recommendations for excercise? Walking? Running? Weight training? Yoga?
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Aug 19, 2019 15:48:30 GMT
Walking is about the easiest and purest form of exercise you can do. Start there.
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Post by Susie_Homemaker on Aug 19, 2019 15:55:41 GMT
I'm 50 and have never loved exercising. My default setting is sloth. I run 3x/ week, slowly, but I run. I do it for cardio health, because it reduces chances of many types of cancer and other diseases. It keeps my brain fit as I age. I get a real sense of accomplishment when I do it- even though I never really 'want to'. I've never once regretted exercising. I do it to set a good example for my DDs (23 & 19) and even my DH. I do it to be proud of myself and it gives me a real sense of being in control of my fitness- as opposed to when I'm not exercising and eating whatever I want. A big reason is to stay fit, active, mobile, and as healthy as possible because if I'm blessed with a nice long life I don't want to be in ill health and decrepit (as my 81yo fit mom says).
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Post by prapea on Aug 19, 2019 16:15:43 GMT
“Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't kill their husbands, they just don't.” - Legally Blonde I workout to make sure I don’t kill my husband. That’s what I tell anyone who asks me why fo I work out. Real reason: It just makes me feel good and helps me cope with my depression better. I take medication for my depression. Exercise is just an hour of getting some mental health. The physical changes that happen due to me working out regularly is just an extra bonus. I also made friends from my boot camp who are now like family. We keep each other accountable. This helps me on those days that I don’t want to get out of bed. So I will get a text from my friend or the trainer asking if I am coming for 4:30 class or 5:30 class. On bad days, I will either not respond to the text or say”not feeling well so skipping “. And my friend will say, “i am picking you up for the 4:30 class.” And i know i have no choice but to be ready. Once I get there, I am perfectly fine . It also helps that she lives in my neighborhood. I used to think workouts are for losing weight but now I think workouts are more for my mental sanity. I also sign up for half marathons just because I like the medals. My thing for doing those races is: #irunforbling and #irunawayfromdepression 😀
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