American epidemic of obesity

I want to make a comment on what is happening, after I read this article I felt I should share it with y'all.  ( http://videogames.yahoo.com/feature/the-truth -about-wii-fit- and-weight-loss/1284826 )  the website for the article is in the parentheses.  The article tells of how Nintendo really turned a great profit in appealing to the American desire to get into shape, when in reality most people purchased the Wii equipment, programs, and some have not even opened the box to set it up.  How many of us have unused exercise equipment in the closet, or tapes and dvd's that we don't use?  We all want to lose weight, and get into shape so much that we spend lots of cash on this idea but never put any work into fulfilling it, and the 'media' gets fat with profits.  I am included in this phenomena, as I have an expensive elliptical trainer that I rarely use, rationalizing I use it only during foul weather when I can't go outside, and well, I did use it a lot after my knee surgeries for rehabilitation.  It is a great piece of equipment, but did I NEED to spend so much money on it?  I suppose having it is a bit of a status symbol, as well. 

This is all another reason why I appreciate this CC site, as it lists so many ordinary activities and shares how many cals can be burnt with a simple walk around the yard, or you can turn it up a notch if you are motivated to burn more, it is all spelled out there for our review.  This place is FREE and has many resources for the one seriously looking for fitness.  I will continue to turn here for sharing experiences, encouragement, and plain ol' information when I need it!

Ciao, ciao, ciao

Thanks for the reminder, Swayne. I don't possess such equipment now because it is way beyond my budget but I know several people who do. Guess what? After the initial purchase, they now stand in front of their runner, or cross trainer or whatever and admire it. Great exercise, eh?

I once owned a stair-stepper, and later I owned a treadmill.  They were both great for hanging clothes on, at least until they got too dusty...

For some reason it is easier for me to maintain an exercise program by going to the gym than it is to use that equipment at home.  Or perhaps the only two times I was seriously motivated just happened to be times when I had a gym membership.  Chicken or egg?

My budget like mad4moon is very limited and I do not have any equipment.  However, I find it very amusing to know people that do have equipment and never use it.  But to ask them if they would borrow that equipment to me is like asking for their only leg.  "Oh, I use that on occasion" or "I want that here incase I get the urge to use that equipment"

Now who am I to remind them that the equipment has been sitting there for three years, has dust all over it, and the parts to get it fixed don't even exist anymore.

Exercise equipment is a funny thing.....

Jodijazz

Sorry, it was lemon_orchid's budget

Notes from the other side of the fence...I know I've read a lot about unused equipment, and seen people on this site who buy and buy.

My first exercise bike was donated by a coworker who said "it's broken and we don't use it." Well, considering that with my arthritic hip I could barely walk (used to be my favorite <"only"> exercise, too), it wasn't too broken. I promised myself just 5 minutes every day. Getting into that habit didn't help me lose weight--any more than drinking enough water helped--but it did build up a new habit. My kids made fun of me because I kept the resistance minimized: had to, didn't want to hurt the joint. They were thinking "cardio" (and, honestly, all they do is think about it. Not like they are doing anything daily); but I was thinking movement. It helped me relearn how to walk, kept me flexible.

After using it for many years, I found this program on CC, and decided a good reward for sticking to my eating plan would be a new bike. My sweet son put it together as soon as it arrived, and I used it all right. I actually injured myself doing a "fat burn" routine. So I had to wait, and back off, and start again slowly. But today, I can do the fat burn routine and some of the other routines too. Yep, I keep the resistance low and I don't use it every single day--but I use it most days, and that in itself is a great triumph imho. As long as I am willing to get exercise, I will be able to increase my daily workouts. As soon as I lose that willingness, I lose everything (except the weight, of course).

So I heard all this about wii fit. I had a dear friend older than I am who got it and she and her heart patient husband use theirs daily. They love it and it is helping them lose weight and grow stronger. My counselor thought wii fit would be a good addition to my exercise routines. For my size and age, swimming was recommended, but I hate gyms, changing into a swimsuit, driving anywhere just to spend 30 minutes and go home again, nah, not for me.

My adorable children gave me wii fit for Christmas, and when it finally got in stock, then it was at the house in 3 days. I love it. I like playing video games. Naturally my first thing was to make all the Mii's, such fun. But I knew I had to try the fitness part, and my son was very eager to see how it worked. I have used it almost every day. One big advantage for me is that I look forward to using it, it's a fun game, so I do it after work when I used to just come home and collapse. Using it for just 10-15 minutes a day 5 or 6 days a week, has led to losing weight after a months' long plateau. Plus I have started standing up straighter, walking more without strain or pain. The emphasis on posture and finding my center of balance is excellent and just what this old body needed.

If I were used to exercise, had ever enjoyed sports, or didn't mind the gym atmosphere, having just 2 toys at home would not make sense. You get lots more machines & equipment, plus "expert" trainers, meet people, pools, saunas, classes, etc. at a gym. But for me who will NOT exercise in public and and who has not had much physical confidence in decades...what I have works for me.

Bravo, earth_mom!  Just goes to show, "To each her own"

The important messages I hear in your post is, Find what works for you and work it!  Don't let anyone poo-poo what you are willing to do.  And never never never quit!

I admire your stick-to-it-ness!