How do we all keep fit?

[strawberriesandcream01]

Hi. Not sure where to post this but thought it would be a good one for tips and ideas. How many of you work out at a gym? I go to the gym 2-3 times a week, do lots of weights but now getting really bored and don't like my body shape. I have a few options.

1. stay where I am and be bored.

1. join a gym on my way to school everyday which has a creche for DD2 who would probably love it. This will cost more.

1. Quit the gym, do things at home like cycling and running and maybe a bit of weight work.

I am also horse riding twice a week.

[Stargazing]

I think that getting bored is probably the worst thing that can happen to a fitness regime... might be time for a change. I'm not a fan of the gym ... I like to be alone and switch off when I exercise. Hence run, swim and yoga. If you don't like your body shape, a new type of exercise (pilates? yoga? swimming?) can be great for using diff muscles and redefining your shape.

I also use the wii fit, not sure how beneficial but quite fun!!

[maidamess]

I too am losing interest in the gym, altho its classes i do rather than equipment.

My job means I can't do the classes I wanted to anymore...so I have invested in an ipod and can now be found dragging myself round RIchmond Park. Its fun!

[strawberriesandcream01]

My current gym doesn't do classes but the one I could join has loads of classes. I used to love running, built up to 5 miles at one stage but now suffering badly with shin splints and been told to take 6 weeks off (week 4 now) and they still hurt. I really notcied a difference when i did the running.

[Jewelsandgems]

I do pilates and love it! I don't get bored as I look f orward to it, and afterwards the ache is very satisfying. Also, I have aches in muscles that I never knew I had!

I saw something on TV that said there's no point doing weights unless you find it very hard to lift them - that using the light weights don't actually build that much muscle and stength. But, that is just what was in TV - not sure if that's true.

Personally, I know if I didn't go the classes, that I would not get around to doing any home-based excersise. I'd just find something else to do. But with the class, I get ready, grab my ipod for some inspiring tunes to listen to on the way (the gym is only a short walk from my house) and have a good chat to the girls afterwards.

Sounds like you do do lots already! Maybe you haven't found one thing that you're really into? And this is why you're getting bored, even though you have the variety?

[strawberriesandcream01]

I do lift really heavy weights, yes! But the problem now is I have built up quite alot of muscle (nothing like a bodybuilder!!) but I want to loose a few pounds and don't know how to. Stop the weights and do more cardio? My main interests are riding but I worry that wont keep me fit enough. Maybe if i rode and ran that would be enough.

[foofi]

I swim. I hate gyms and can't be doing with exercise classes.

[southeastastra]

i run to the car after the school drop off and i sweep up with a dustpan.

housework keeps you fit

[peacelily]

I do ashtanga vinyasa yoga twice a week and sometimes pilates as well.

I cycle to these classes for the cardio (1.5 and 3 miles away so not really that much of a work out )

Sometimes go hill walking. I like to do exercise that has several benefits e.g. yoga good for body AND mind, same with pilates, cylcing gets you somewhere and walking is enjoyable in the fresh are, rejuvenates the senses.

Which is why I find gyms boring and pointless.

[peacelily]

air not are

[Anna8888]

I walk everywhere I can - to school, to the shops, to the park etc. I only take the bus/metro when it's raining hard or I have to go outside my local area (I have been known to walk right across Paris though, with the pushchair).

I cannot stand gyms.

[Fillyjonk]

i have an exercise bike at home, its the only way I get ANY exercise

Oh and no car, that helps

i used to drive to the gym, fgs

I always think it would be good if gyms were hooked up to a power generator thingy and we could thus recoup the food expenditure in electricity.

[SSSandy2]

Can't face the idea of a gym really either Anna. I walk a lot too and I play tennis once a week but it isn't enough. Matter of fact a woman at school told me today I'd put on weight (gee thanks) and I was wondering just this morning what to do about it.

I think some kind of dancing is more my type of thing. Don't see myself jogging through town really.

[francagoestohollywood]

I hate the gym too.

I walk everywhere as well. I often get fed up of waiting for the bus for more than 2 mins, so I walk. I don't drive.

My parents' present this Christmas was to pay for a course of 10 sessions of Pilates. I go with a friend once a week. It's great, not boring at all, as the exercises are so varied. But I have the feeling it should be done at least 3 times a week. But then I'd have to be a millionaire to afford it

[francagoestohollywood]

I'm also thinking of going back skying next year. But we live in Italy now, the slopes are only 1 hr and half away...

[Anna8888]

I find that stopping croissants and wine for a week or two normally deals with the excess kilos .

I feel quite fit and healthy, though at nearly 42 my thighs are no longer as firm and smooth as I would like...

[francagoestohollywood]

(anna, lol, I walked miles and miles pushing the buggy...)

[SSSandy2]

I tried pilates franca but found it stullifyingly BORING. Maybe you're having a good natter right through it? I didn't get the hang of it properly either I don't think. I need to move to a strong beat, something that makes me feel a bit alive. Actually I was wondering just this morning if I should force myself to try a gymn. Wondering whether tap dance is any fun or just a bit fiddly

[Anna8888]

I do sometimes think of pilates - nearly all my close girlfriends do it.

It will only happen if at all when my daughter is at full-time school next year though.

[francagoestohollywood]

Mil told me that walking/cycling a lot in your 30s helps against osteoporosis..

[francagoestohollywood]

Pilates is great. I go to an evening class, on a day dh is home early.

[SSSandy2]

never believe anything a MIL says though franca!

I suppose getting up off my behind would be a start. I don't know I have just been eating too much junk lately and it has piled on so fast. Sigh.

Walking should be good for your thighs though Anna.

[francagoestohollywood]

SSSandy, yes, I go with a friend and it's a group of 4 people. I like the variety.
What about aerobics? I loved it in my 20s...

[MABS]

in answer to the op, some of us dont