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Escort - I guess I've had a view of gyms much as you did - right now a gym would be a waste of $$ since I have too many others things that need my attention and I would never use it. I get tons of exercise now that it's summer (landscaping - hauling rock, stone, mulch, digging). So far it's keeping me in shape.
I do believe exercise should be at the top of everyone's list for so many reasons, but it doesn't have to be in a gym. I'm currently reading: "Change Your Brain, Change Your Body" by Dr Daniel Amen. Excellent book! Amazing how exercise can help keep your brain young which keeps many older ailments at bay. The more physical activity I do, the better I feel both mentally & physically.
Yes, all doctors should be pushing exercise if they aren't. I used to think gym memberships were a waste of money. After all, we can exercise out of doors, which I did, off and on, for years. One of my outdoor jogging routes led right past the floor to ceiling windows of an L.A. Fitness gym near my town house, and I used to think, look at all those people wasting their money. Then five years ago I had a scare with blood sugar control and decided it might be easier to exercise regularly at a gym so I joined. It was the best thing I ever spent money on. First, all those days when we might say "forget it" (105 degrees outside and smoggy, or pouring down rain, etc.), the gym is there waiting (no need for sunscreen, even). Second, there is a wide choice of modes: Don't like treadmills? Try the ellipticals, or the stationary bikes, or the stair machines. Third, there are all kinds of group classes, which are normally free with membership. At first, I just used the treadmills, but then I decided to try some classes. Best move I ever made. I had my first ever experience with yoga there, and started doing a weight class twice a week, which is just great for us seniors who are all naturally (if slowly) losing muscle mass. I met some fantastic instructors (and some mediocre ones too of course). The view from here? Take the plunge!
Wow, what an inspiration, thank you!! Now the burning question is....did your body change much? Slightly or radically? Did you lose weight, see visible results over time?
Escort - I guess I've had a view of gyms much as you did - right now a gym would be a waste of $$ since I have too many others things that need my attention and I would never use it. I get tons of exercise now that it's summer (landscaping - hauling rock, stone, mulch, digging). So far it's keeping me in shape.
I do believe exercise should be at the top of everyone's list for so many reasons, but it doesn't have to be in a gym. I'm currently reading: "Change Your Brain, Change Your Body" by Dr Daniel Amen. Excellent book! Amazing how exercise can help keep your brain young which keeps many older ailments at bay. The more physical activity I do, the better I feel both mentally & physically.
Umbria, what do you do for exercise in those long cold Minnesota winters??
Umbria, what do you do for exercise in those long cold Minnesota winters??
Winter is more challenging but our winters are not nearly as bad as many think. We had a rotten one last year, but usually, except for a week maybe two, it's sunny and very pleasant to put on some clothes and go for a walk with the dogs, with your neighbor's dog, or no dog. I had neighbors that would come and get mine - they claimed people were friendlier when they had a dog with them. We have gorgeous city lakes to walk around and there are lots of people doing this. We have an area close by, Centennial Lakes, that has trails, lakes, canals that curve around where people ice skate. You actually get HOT. Life is what you make it There's no better work out than walking through snow - great cardio and great for your legs (and butt). Walking through snow is much like walking through sand.
I also live in a 4 level house - lots of up & down. Plus, let's not forget shoveling snow. As much as people - and me - complain about this, it's a great way to stay in shape.
Wow, what an inspiration, thank you!! Now the burning question is....did your body change much? Slightly or radically? Did you lose weight, see visible results over time?
When I joined the gym, I was only about 10 or 15 pounds above my ideal weight. So my weight didn't change much, but I did add some muscle mass over time, making my shoulders, arms and chest look slightly better. (My natural body build is not muscular). My blood sugar control improved, I felt better, and I had more energy. While external apparence is not unimportant, I think we should not over-emphasize it. Our health and well-being are even more important. So in that regard let me mention a "danger" of gym membership; a majority of people there will be young, slender, and quite fit-looking. The "danger" is allowing ourselves to get discouraged by the comparison. We are there for ourselves, not for anybody else. Our own well-being is too important to get side-tracked by such things. Besides, it would be a mistake to assume that these athletic types are looking down at us. I remember being on a treadmill once and watching an elderly woman come in using a walker, get on another treadmill, walk slowly on it for about 15 minutes, then walk off with her walker. My interior thoughts were, "Good for you!" And my attitude toward her was entirely positive and supportive, although she had no way to know that. Those of us who are struggling have the greatest need and right to be at the gym.
When I joined the gym, I was only about 10 or 15 pounds above my ideal weight. So my weight didn't change much, but I did add some muscle mass over time, making my shoulders, arms and chest look slightly better. (My natural body build is not muscular). My blood sugar control improved, I felt better, and I had more energy. While external apparence is not unimportant, I think we should not over-emphasize it. Our health and well-being are even more important. So in that regard let me mention a "danger" of gym membership; a majority of people there will be young, slender, and quite fit-looking. The "danger" is allowing ourselves to get discouraged by the comparison. We are there for ourselves, not for anybody else. Our own well-being is too important to get side-tracked by such things. Besides, it would be a mistake to assume that these athletic types are looking down at us. I remember being on a treadmill once and watching an elderly woman come in using a walker, get on another treadmill, walk slowly on it for about 15 minutes, then walk off with her walker. My interior thoughts were, "Good for you!" And my attitude toward her was entirely positive and supportive, although she had no way to know that. Those of us who are struggling have the greatest need and right to be at the gym.
This is a great post, thanks. Part of what keeps me from the gym is looking at my body and saying "there's no way"! But the truth is I'm not in that bad shape despite my physical disability that gets in the way esp on impact.
You've convinced me to at least go to the Y (a 20 minute drive each way) and throw myself on the desk and say "take me"!! I'll probably sign up for water aerobics first. I can do absolutely no impact exercise unfortunately, but there's weights etc. I could do and maybe yoga. I'm going today! Thank you!
What people seem to forget about REGULAR exercise - is that most people are looking for pounds to drop and physiques to improve. One of the best reasons to continue to exercise - aerobic and non-aerobic - is that your body physiology changes. Blood sugars drop, blood pressure stabilizes. Mental processes improve.
I've struggled with losing the last 20 pounds - which recently became the last 40 pounds thanks to job stress. Even if I don't see changes on the scale - I know I'm doing myself a huge favor. I've lost 13 pounds in the last 17 weeks (thank you Weight Watchers) - and am going for the rest. But more importantly - my fasting blood sugars are now normal. I come from a Type II diabetes gene pool and my siblings are falling fast to that disease. I've never had a bad blood pressure. I attribute that to walking - EVERYWHERE.
I belong to a county rec center gym - and no one there has an idyllic body. Besides WHO CARES what other people look like? I'm lucky in that my gym membership is free - thanks to my employer.
This is a great post, thanks. Part of what keeps me from the gym is looking at my body and saying "there's no way"! But the truth is I'm not in that bad shape despite my physical disability that gets in the way esp on impact.
You've convinced me to at least go to the Y (a 20 minute drive each way) and throw myself on the desk and say "take me"!! I'll probably sign up for water aerobics first. I can do absolutely no impact exercise unfortunately, but there's weights etc. I could do and maybe yoga. I'm going today! Thank you!
You are very welcome. Please let us know what you think about your gym after a couple of weeks. (And don't be impatient for instant results - think of it as a long-term thing).
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Escort Rider
...The view from here? Take the plunge!
My thoughts too! (not exactly...) I am an avid lap swimmer without access to a pool. If you like (need) them and have one you can afford you are very blessed.
My recent 'gotta-move' shopping trip to South Dakota found me content in the community pool while it was snowing outside (yes, May in Lead, SD!). It was pretty spendy for me at $4, but I can't do 'impact' excercise, so I swam well over 100 laps enjoying every splash.
It really helps to have a few friends, or a progress chart to keep you 'engaged'.
Quote:
One of the best reasons to continue to exercise - aerobic and non-aerobic - is that your body physiology changes.
Gravity sure is winning I can get back to my High School weight, but 'bean-pole' WIDTH is very elusive.
As a shoestringer, I won't be joining any clubs, unless it is for a part-time job w/ benefits. Best wishes for those who can participate and gain from clubs, I think I will stick with 'farming-for-exercise'.
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Now the burning question is....did your body change much? Slightly or radically? Did you lose weight, see visible results over time?
. If you like (need) them and have one you can afford you are very blessed.
I can get back to my High School weight, but 'bean-pole' WIDTH is very elusive.
Best wishes for those who can participate and gain from clubs, I think I will stick with 'farming-for-exercise'.
