Winter Exercise question.

[Rhayne]

One of my new years resolutions is to lose weight. I know we all make that resolution and some of us never follow through. I've made the resolution several times in the past and never do it. This year I really want to buckle down and do something about my weight. While I don't consider myself a "fattie" or "obese", I know that I am chunky and could be a little thinner. I was wondering if anyone had any exercise suggestions or advice for wintertime? On days that it is nice enough I plan to go walking (and eventually running) in the morning and again in the evening if time allows it. But what can I do indoors? And on those days that it's snowing/raining or just too darn cold, what can I do to substitute my walking? I've tried workout videos in the past but after 2 days I'm bored or just not into it anymore so I'd rather not do videos. Also does anyone know any good websites for exercises or anything? I currently eat pretty healthy so I'm not looking for food or recipes help.

[mombottoo]

Don't know of any websites, but our local schools open their doors early and stay open late for walkers...as does our mall. Lots of schools also offer community ed classes for low or no fee, maybe you could check and see what's available in your area.

[Contrary Housewife]

This year I really want to buckle down and do something about my weight. While I don't consider myself a "fattie" or "obese", I know that I am chunky and could be a little thinner. I was wondering if anyone had any exercise suggestions or advice for wintertime?

The first thing you need to do is set definite goals. "Do something" and "be a little thinner" are not goals. "Work out for at least 1 hour, 3x a week" and "lose 10 pounds" are goals.

It is easier to achieve when your have a mindset with quantifiable goals.

For exercises, you can walk the length of your hallway, back and forth. The view is not great but it is the same exercise you'd get outdoors.

Stay hydrated, even though it is not hot, your body needs it as you burn calories, in this dry winter air.

As for eating, with so many holiday treats around I find it is best not to skip them, but to limit the mount you eat.

[shoiji]

Make sure you have warm winter clothes for the outdoors. Will make the walks much more enjoyable during the winter. I even have snowpants that I will put on. If it gets really cold I will duck into a store and look around. But I am usually very warm.

If you like tennis or ping pong try the Zone 40 wireless fitness games. I bought mine at CVS. It is a knock off of the wii but a lot cheaper and the graphics are not great but it does get you moving. Plus if you find out you don't like it you can return it to CVS.

Be sensible as far as what you will or will not do when it comes to exercise. No sense in buying expensive equipment or gym memberships if you never end up using it.

Try looking at what is offered at the adult evening school or local community college. May be cheaper way to exercise. I have done yoga and water exercise through the adult evening school. The classes were fun and cheap.

Even just walking in place while watching tv will help you get exercise. Or a pair of dumbells can be used when watching tv. I have bought dumbells at the thrift store.

If you have a regular bicycle you can buy a part so that you can use it indoors like a stationary bike.

Personally I enjoy getting outside and walking. But when it is icy or snowy outside I try to find something else to do indoors. Sometimes I will run up and down the stairs to get some exercise. The key for me is to do it as fast and quietly as possible.

[Rhayne]

The first thing you need to do is set definite goals. "Do something" and "be a little thinner" are not goals. "Work out for at least 1 hour, 3x a week" and "lose 10 pounds" are goals.

It is easier to achieve when your have a mindset with quantifiable goals.

For exercises, you can walk the length of your hallway, back and forth. The view is not great but it is the same exercise you'd get outdoors.

Stay hydrated, even though it is not hot, your body needs it as you burn calories, in this dry winter air.

As for eating, with so many holiday treats around I find it is best not to skip them, but to limit the mount you eat.

I do have real goals. I was just generalizing on here for my question. I don't have a hallway though lol.

Oh and for the other answer... I have no car and no way (don't live close to anything) to get to any community places that might offer classes.
Great ideas so far though.

[Grainlady]

We use a mini trampoline, an exercise ball, stationary bicycle, and the Body Flex - http://www.bodyflex.com/ This way we don't get bored and it includes stretching, resistance training, and cardio. If I had to pick one thing to use, it would be the Body Flex Gym Bar.

Additionally, start watching your food serving sizes - http://www.nutritionexplorations.org...d-servings.asp - and the number of portions you consume - http://www.mypyramid.gov/.

-Eat only when you are hungry.

-Eat a wide variety of foods (as close to nature as possible - avoiding highly-processed "dead" food) from all the food groups.

-Eat only until you are no longer hungry.

-Give up your membership to the "Clean Plate Club", especially when that extends to your kids plates and serving dishes/pans (LOL)....

I was a certified instructor using Lucy Beale's methods. http://www.lucybeale.com/wellness/

Good luck!!!

[frugrrl]

Also does anyone know any good websites for exercises or anything?

This site has full workouts you can do. http://www.exercisetv.tv/workout-videos/

I currently eat pretty healthy so I'm not looking for food or recipes help.

To lose weight you need to eat less and exercise more. Make sure you are eating less calories than you are burning. Often times we think we're eating healthy, but even if we are eating healthy that doesn't mean we aren't eating too much or too many calories. It helps to write down everything you eat so you can know.

[duva1080]

There is a lot you can do.

First do you have any friends that can come to your place and you can work out with? If not, find someone online that has similar goals, and have a challenge. I know the videos can get boring, but if you each have the same copy, a challenge between you might be good, and the competition might help motivate you.

Now, do you watch/do the same video each day? If so that is probably why its gets boring, see about acquiring at least 7 different videos, so you have some variety. Don't do the same video two days in a row, that might help break up the variety.

Do you have cable or satellite? Do you get the fit channel? They have different workouts all the time.
Try your library and get videos there too...

There is always push ups, situps, jumping jacks, and remember different angles and modifications. For example pushups on the stairs, or with your feet on the couch. Modification can also help reduce the boredom.

Now in the past I have followed different eating guidelines, which ever one you chose stick with it, but allow your self at least two cheat days to start, and after a couple months go to one cheat day per week.

Also, make sure you are drinking enough water. Water is what most people think about the least, and yet can impede your goals very quickly.

Good Luck!!!

[lparker]

Try starting your own "health club" with 4 or 5 friends and neighbors. Working out with other people gives a little more incentive to keep at it. Trade off working out in living rooms/ family rooms every week when the weather is bad. Just be careful of snacks..........

Lee

[NcsstyBrdsIngnty]

Rhayne, I don't know what your living space sqftg is like, but I have found that many people sell very cheap treadmills on craigslist that won't go very fast or let you run on them - but are perfect for walking. I bought mine for $50 and walk on it at night while watching TV. I have bad knees from 20years of being very hard on them (and I'm still under 30btw), and the treadmill is really helping me get back down to my goal weight and be healthier in the middle of winter.

Obviously, if you don't have a car you might have to ask a kind someone with a truck or SUV for help, or to help you Uhaul it over. That's an added expense of $15-30, but in my opinion is well worth it.

Also, I occasionally do pilates on the floor at night and it really helps while keeping it low impact on my knees - and doesn't disrupt neighbors if you live in multifamily living. I believe the muscle improvement helps burn calories.

[ladykemma2]

my friend and i have been walking every evening in the dark, at 6pm. we discovered a large well lit, well populated, parking lot at the local high school.

2 laps is one mile.

[mauimagic]

Great ideas - especially like the lucy beale linke - she has great ideas that seem to cover all aspects of health!!