Add variety to exercise options -- get less bored with it

Generally I wouldn't add to this because my ID is my real name but this seems important.   I am not really fond of exercise, although was in best shape of my life at about 50 years of age (worked out at gym 4 times a week...then auto accident...then back surgery... then chronic but managable pain. . . well you get the picture).  I "woke" up last October when doctor though I was having a heart attack, it was just bad vital signs due to ignoring health for many years.  All vitals OK now.   I am following the "cherry emerson guide to good health and weight loss" which is eat less, eat better and exercise.  The exercise is the hard part as I am 66 and weight started at nearly 225 pounds.   I like hiking, but not the drive to it (live near hiking mecca), don't like the "walking the neighborhood."   Why do I tell you this?  Because I have found having OPTIONS in exercise seems to be the key.  I can't get into the two miles on the treadmill at the YMCA routine even with TV at the treadmill station at my control...    I am ADDING other options at a slow rate,  walking malls, volleyball with grandchild, swiming (I am not very good), hiking, walking and am now taking "ice skating" class for adults tonight, and there is a bicycle in the garage...that is next.   I figure the more options for exercise the more likely I am to have something tweek my interest to do.   I have been sitting and watching my grandchild "free skate" for three years, which burns few calories above normal breathing.   Going to get on the rink!  Got all the safety equipment, knee pads, helmet, elbow pads, good new recreational skates...  wish me luck.

Congratulations on finding something that works for you. I also like to mix things up. (My basement is living proof) I have an exercise bike, elliptical, Reebok step for aerobics, jump rope, a few small free weights, treadmill and a regular peddle bike for biking around outside. Oh, yeah almost forgot the roller blades. I'm not very good at those, but it's fun. It seems like alot but it's the way I stay active. If it wasn't fun I don't think I would be able to stick with it. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who like to mix it up. All the best to you and good luck.=)

I love ice skating!  My skates are so dull.   I haven't been on the ice in over a year.  Best thing about it is when you fall, you've already applied ice to your new bruise.  LOL!  It's good to have lots of options for your body to enjoy.  That goes for activities and your menu. 

Have fun!  I'm so jealous!

just wanted you all to know I survived the lesson!  Actually did OK.  Fell once by rail, but knee pads saved me.  GOT up ok.  No injury.  Was finally getting the hang of it.   Did have to ask the instructor to help me (guess overweight grey haired old ladies really are invisable).  I asked for help and said, there are only four of us and it is a half hour group lesson, but I would like more than the 35 seconds of time you have given me so far, I really need the help I want to learn to skate.       Attitude change and she really did help me and I improved quite a bit.  I told her she was a good instructor, she is, and easy to follow... but it was an example of "invisibility fat and old"...   Speaking up for yourself really helps.    She even stayed after the lesson to give me some more pointers.   At least she didn't SPEAK LOUD like I couldn't hear!    I think I will like it.   I guess just getting over being a rail hugger made me feel better.  Thanks for the support.    I have 40 pound more goal by the first of the year.  This should help.   I AM putting my activities and foods onto this site, helps a lot.  I am having a little trouble keeping my proteins up to 65 grams a day.   I would suggest NAKED (naked juices) Vanilla Chai or Chocolate or Original drinks.   Good tasty way to get protein grams.  Just remember there are TWO servings in the container. 

if you want to leave the rail, you can always opt for pushing a chair if they allow them on the ice.  I know that's how I learned  wayyyyyy wayyyy lonnnng ago...  about 2 days after I learned how to walk.     ;)  Hey, I grew up on a lake in MN.  I think everyone up there skates!

A good metal folding chair makes a good balance tool on the ice.  Just ask before taking one to the ice cuz some arenas don't like the ice getting roughed up by chairs.