I agree and i liked it . very positive.

I think i should take print out of this article and paste it in my gym. It will motivate all the  members to be more active.

do you really think so many people would run if it didn't make them skinny???

I read quite a lot of articles promoting exercise and I can see that it is a good thing.  

However, no excuses intended because I move a lot around my own home, housework,  going shopping etc. etc. and I consider myself, fortunately, to be very healthy for the age of 71 taking no medication whatsoever and also having no medical problems  .......... but......... I am working on losing weight. 

I live in the Med and swimming is a good option for me because it enables stress free exercise.  However, unfortunately, all this promotion of exercise does tend to make me as an 'oldie' feel a little inferior to the young ones who spend time at the gym.

I do think with a positive mind in respect of my weight loss and my health but I do not want to have to live my life to a timetable....

motoll  -sounds like you have a great life....

This article gives sound reasons for thoughts that pollute some of our thinking -- thank-you, Dr. May, for posting this!

Toroneh- I think that people run and not  only because it make them skinny.  My friends run marathons because they enjoy it.  I am very skinny but I enjoy going to the gym and eating healthy because it makes me feel better and more energetic just like this article says.  GREAT article!

Didn't even read it, I agree so completely with the title.

Punishing yourself for eating with exercise is a big black pit of fail. It's a dangerous trap to fall into.

I absolutely agree with the article and admit to have said or thought some of the negative things in it.

My main problem though is that exercising is either really boring or too challenging for me.

I wish I could find a way to keep my mind entertained whilst exercising... =( Music is just not good enough.
Any tips?

I use my elliptical in the morning before I go to work.  To keep me motivated I use a DVR and record certain shows in the room with the elliptical.  If I want to watch them I have to be on the elliptical.  I have also realized that on some days I am probably not working as hard as I should be and I have to make a conscious effort to not slack off while watching.  Even the low energy days on the elliptical are better than not doing it at all.

The hardest part is getting started.  I agree that once you start you feel better mentally and physically.  I think the key to the whole thing is doing for yourself. I work out 4-5 times a week for 45 minutes each time.  I found exercise that I enjoy (elyptical, Total Gym, Weights, stepping). I work full time, am married and have 2 teenage girls.  Those 45 minutes are ALL MINE and all for ME!  That in itself has helped me tremendously.  You have to like what you are doing.  I don't like running... so I don't.  If it becomes work... you are more likely to quit.

I whole heartedly adore this article....I was planning to quit going to gym this evening for the aerobics class feeling generally sore on the heels..but am going to go and do my spinning instead of aerobics..as I feel myself becoming healthier and more energetic' and not a quitter.

Thank you May for being part of my changed attitude...

Original Post by: toroneh

do you really think so many people would run if it didn't make them skinny???

No, I think runners are skinny because they run! Never seen a committed fat runner, have you?

I've seen me and others that start fat but I could guarantee you once you say to yourself: "I am now a runner", and you commit to do it 3-4 days a weeks. You are no longer overweight.

Love this article!  Now that I embrace my exercise I enjoy it and crave it!  I'm miserable if I don't get to get my workouts in!

Original Post by: hect0r

Original Post by: toroneh

do you really think so many people would run if it didn't make them skinny???

No, I think runners are skinny because they run! Never seen a committed fat runner, have you?

I've seen me and others that start fat but I could guarantee you once you say to yourself: "I am now a runner", and you commit to do it 3-4 days a weeks. You are no longer overweight.

Maybe not completely true!  I may not be a "committed runner" as I only average a 20 minute run twice a week but I have been running for 3+ years.  I think of it as a commitment, though, because I've had relationships that lasted less time, and like other posters said I love what it does for me.  I may not be out of the overweight BMI category yet I have great cardio endurance. 

Thanks to so many of you for sharing your own thoughts about exercise. For me personally, I love hiking (or walking when hiking isn't an option) and yoga. These have become a "get to" not a "have to."

And for those doing housework, yard work, actively playing with children--or swimming in the Med--go for it! Exercise doesn't have to feel or look like stereotypical exercise to be beneficial.

What else are you all doing to stay active?

Honestly...used them all except #6...it's not hard for me to do...just didn't want to do it.

However, once I get started it gets easier and I often find myself going longer than planned just because I get into it.  When I don't do it, I find myself actually missing it!

I do find myself getting bored quickly and need to change it up often.  Even by doing it in a different sequence helps.  (i.e. cardio first, then weights; weights than cardio....even mixing them up!)

Great read!

Yes, the committed fat runner is to be commended. I've run (in races and almost daily) since 1991 and have always been on the high side of a healthy BMI or slightly more. I took time out for a baby and family stuff but basically have been at it, averaging about 12 miles/week, for nearly two decades. My favorite "fat" comment came when I blew past two chatty Cathys who were having fun dissing other runners. As I passed, I heard one say in outrage, "I can't believe she's ahead of us. Her (derriere) is bigger than mine!" A very satisfying moment...I also have been passed by people much heavier than me, always thinking "Go get 'em! See you at the finish line!"

Original Post by: michelle_may_md

Thanks to so many of you for sharing your own thoughts about exercise. For me personally, I love hiking (or walking when hiking isn't an option) and yoga. These have become a "get to" not a "have to."

And for those doing housework, yard work, actively playing with children--or swimming in the Med--go for it! Exercise doesn't have to feel or look like stereotypical exercise to be beneficial.

What else are you all doing to stay active?

Now that she's asked....my favorite form of exercise is dancing!  Believe me, it's a workout.  We do both ballroom and latin dancing....you can burn some calories with this......and it is so much fun!!!

I have written out the positive thoughts and taped them to my wall, I think it will help me when I start feeling low and not wanting to work out.

My latest addition to "keep from getting bored repertoire" is dance workout programs on Fit TV--of all the things I never saw myself trying belly dancing and salsa are the best.

Original Post by: bichinha

I absolutely agree with the article and admit to have said or thought some of the negative things in it.

My main problem though is that exercising is either really boring or too challenging for me.

I wish I could find a way to keep my mind entertained whilst exercising... =( Music is just not good enough.
Any tips?

I am at the beginning of my "getting into exercising" mode and the one thing that I've kept in mind is that exercising/ walking (I'd rather walk the dog) is a perfect time to meditate. It's called a Walking Meditation and when I'm back from my walk, my frame of mind is so much better. Our minds need a break from the every day things. I look at trees, grass, other peoples front yards and just let my mind go.So maybe you just need to stop trying to entertain your mind and let it entertain you for a change. It really feels great.

Original Post by: michelle_may_md

Thanks to so many of you for sharing your own thoughts about exercise. For me personally, I love hiking (or walking when hiking isn't an option) and yoga. These have become a "get to" not a "have to."

And for those doing housework, yard work, actively playing with children--or swimming in the Med--go for it! Exercise doesn't have to feel or look like stereotypical exercise to be beneficial.

What else are you all doing to stay active?

1. I use a pedometer most days. Great motivational tool. I shoot for 5,000 steps, and ideally 10,000.

2. I have a bike at work. And ride it sometimes instead of having lunch.

3. I volunteer to cut the lawn where I live although it's not my house. To make it fun I put on a pair of noise canceling headphones and listen to podcasts or audiobooks. Great workout, my heart rate monitor says so, which leads me to...

4. I have a heart rate monitor which helps me...

5. Keep an activity logs which plays nice with the

6. Food log at caloriecount.com, this one indirectlly helps me keep active, because I often overeat and to create a deficit I need to get my butt moving.

When I do all of the above I lose about 1 lb a week. It seams like a lot of work for such modest result but that's how it needs to be since I will not give up eating what I like and that works for me. Thank you for asking.

Find myself sometimes blocked by the spectre of getting out and training hard. It helps to tell myself, hey, just go for a leisurely, enjoy the scenery bike ride today, no pressure. Then, after a couple miles, the competitive nature kicks in and I end up pushing hard anyway. Works for me.

I seek ways to physically exert my body and alternately shy away from it.  I would like to strengthen my stomach muscles.  For sure but when I do sit ups, my lower back aches more than ever and my sciatic nerve troubles start up worse- I already walk a bit hunched and don't want to go back to really struggling to walk.  I am barely loosing weight now even though I garden, walk my pup and peddle on a recumbent ex. bike at least 30 minutes each day.  I tried a treadmill and a month later had to go to physical therapy so that I could walk at all.  The recumbent bike does not hassle my back or, so far, the sciatic nerve problem.  I believe I am slowly building strength but it is a very slow process and aggravating.  I am trying to figure out what other exercises I could be doing but haven't found an answer yet.  I do leg lifts to help out a wonkers knee and do back stretches- knee to stomach or chest, depending on how much pain I'm in for the day. 

Thanks for the somewhat cliched affirmations.  I'll keep them in mind as I head into this day. I'm not averse to suggestions.

poetnw, sorry for the cliches - or as some would call them, universal truths!

I hope you have asked your doctor for a referral to physical therapy or considered meeting with an experienced personal trainer to learn safe exercises; a strong core will do so much to support your troublesome back!

(And as a yogini, I can't say enough about the benefits - just start with gentle classes and listen to your body!)

Original Post by: toroneh

do you really think so many people would run if it didn't make them skinny???

Yep - I run because it gives me satisfaction.  I was never fit when I was younger, and running a 10k is me thumbing my nose at everyone who ever made fun of me for being the last kid across the finish line!  :)  (waaaay last)

It makes me feel great.  Weight loss is just an added bonus!

I absolutely refuse to do anything that I don't enjoy or that is painful, but I find frequently that I do enjoy many workout classes and am finding they are not painful.  I do push myself, but not in a way that is ever detrimental and I am thankful for every single thing that I am able to do.  If I'm not feeling a specific exercise in a class, I do something else.  No instructor or classmate has ever looked at me any differently for just marching in place or simply resorting to child's pose.  Really truly no one cases what I'm doing!

It is hard to find time to exercise.  I've tried to throw a little extra in every day by walking up a few flights when I catch the elevator. Also, I try to drink a lot of water and when I head to the RR (which is a certainty!) I always go up or down a few flights. Good way to add an extra minute of "breathing" room.

It's SO true no one looks at you, unless you are purposely trying to attract attention with what you are wearing or something.  I also used to worry when I went walking or to the gym that people would silently critique me for going too slow or wearing non-sports clothes or not exercising "right."  The only people who have ever said something to me are friendly - they are working on their own fitness goals and just wanna briefly say, "Gosh, it's hot today!  Good luck!"  When I see someone out of shape but out there exercising - I silently congratulate them for working on their goal.  I've been there, too.  Most people who exercise in public are amateurs just like me.

i use my kids for excercise! i take them on walks, swimming, & skating. the latter 2 burn MAJOR calories & are sooo much fun! i also enjoy hiking but don't get to do that 2 often.

i don't enjoy lifting as much as i enjoy the results, & yoga is a nice break for my body which thanks me.

i have had problems with my sciatic nerve & noticed that it feels fine as long as i am excercising but if i don't do it for a while it starts to hurt so lots of benefits.

I have been to a physical therapist and a chiropractor- 2 chiros now say they can not do anything for me.  I am not a follower of Buddha and don't find meditation to be that useful so am not going the yoga route.  I am trying to strengthen my core but right now its not working.  I used to love to walk in a warm pool but the chiro who ran it shut that down.  I don't mean to be a downer.  These are the facts.  When an affirmation rings true, I remember it and recite it.  When it does not, it goes away.  I find that leg raises to the stomach do help plus I stand as tall as I can against my fridge and try to stretch that way, too- arthritis of the spine plus the sciatica and a bit of Fibro thrown in.  Most of my joints feel swollen.  Like I said, I am a bit active- have a large lot with tons of needy plants to take care of plus the blue heeler pup.

I love this article! Hurrah for powerful thoughts!!! I must admit, I'm guilty of of powerless thought #1 and #4 but i'm working to get rid them foreverr!

poetnw, you brought up an excellent point. A lot of people mistakenly believe that yoga is a religion - it definitely is not. The word yoga simply means to yoke, in particular, to yoke the body, mind, heart, and spirit.

Some yoga classes are taught in very secular environments like a gym where it is primarily physical exercise with the additional benefit of focused attention and mindfulness.

There is also a major Christian yoga movement where the practice of yoga is used as a form of meditation, prayer, and worship. If you are interested, one of the websites about that is http://holyyoga.net/.

The point is that we each need to find those things that we can comfortably do that brings us joy, health, and the stamina, strength, and flexibility to live our lives fully!

Keep looking!

(And sennyctt, guilt would be a powerless thought! You're awareness of the negative thoughts has given you the power to change them so be grateful for them not guilty about them!)

My husband and I  live a mile from our a coffee shop in town (Mountain View, CA).  Every morning we put the newspaper in a backpack, walk there for a latte and bagel, read the paper, do the crossword puzzle, and walk home.

It's a great way to start the day and it never feels like exercising!!

I adopted a dog and started walking him every morning.  Now, I have two dogs and a powerful reason to get up and go walking every day - along with lots and lots of unconditional adoration!  I've even been increasing the time and intensity of my walks and exploring some of the hikes in my area (which are all beautiful since I live in Steamboat Springs, CO).  While I haven't lost tons of weight, the weight I lose stays off.

Of course, it's not for everyone, but I have Cappy and Ty to thank for helping me break the "non-exercising" habit.  Good dogs!

lachix. I also have two dogs and 180 pounds of pup does wonders to get me out and walking/jogging daily!! Even with our exceptionally horrible winter the dogs and i were out at 20 below. We did not have the typical winter gain.

Original Post by: toroneh

do you really think so many people would run if it didn't make them skinny???

I would for stress relief!!!

Original Post by: bichinha

I absolutely agree with the article and admit to have said or thought some of the negative things in it.

My main problem though is that exercising is either really boring or too challenging for me.

I wish I could find a way to keep my mind entertained whilst exercising... =( Music is just not good enough.
Any tips?

I had the same problem. I have an elliptical trainer at home, but it is in a room apart, with only a stereo...I could only ever do 10 minutes before stopping out of sheer boredom! Then I "discovered" podcasts! I download podcasts from iTunes U (for University), and listen to them while I work out....I've worked through ENG 202 (Major English Writers), some History lessons, and now am working on learning German! It keeps me glued to that trainer for 30 minutes, and sometimes longer if I haven't made it through a lesson. Working out my brain while I work out my body! 

My workout times are now, literally, on my daily calendar.  I get up at 4 a.m. on weekdays to workout; the rule is not to disturb me unless someone is sick or bleeding while I am exercising; that is my designated time just for me.  There are some days when I need to adjust my schedule, so I move my workout times to the evening; the exact same rule applies. My weekend workout times vary according to our weekend plans.  Sometimes I use an eight pound hand weight to do additional upper arm training while I'm watching a 30-minute news or cooking show.

I have started getting off of the elevator three floors below my work floor and walk up the stairs to my office; by the end of my five-day work week I have walked up 300 steps. Next week, I plan to add walking down three to five floors after work as well.

I'm presently training to jog the Crescent City Classic 10k in 2011 also.  I've always participated as a walker before.

I now park my car farther away from the entrance doors when I go to the supermarket or shopping centers.

when i started thinking this way instead of thinking that i need to go to the gym to lose weight is when i started loving the gym!!!! Now i cant get enough!

Love the article and it sounds logical.  I get discouraged easily because I can't move as easily as I used to, bad knees and too much weight.  Always looking for new ways to be more active.  Sometimes I think just saying the word 'exercise' can be negative (and scary).  Some of the comments mention 'spinning', forgive my ignorance but what is that? 

spinning is a class in a gym with people on exercise bikes and are pushed by the instructor.  Some times the trainer yells to get moving and music is playing  loud .. mostly a motivational tune. its fun.

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Original Post by: michelle_may_md

poetnw, you brought up an excellent point. A lot of people mistakenly believe that yoga is a religion - it definitely is not. The word yoga simply means to yoke, in particular, to yoke the body, mind, heart, and spirit.

Some yoga classes are taught in very secular environments like a gym where it is primarily physical exercise with the additional benefit of focused attention and mindfulness.

There is also a major Christian yoga movement where the practice of yoga is used as a form of meditation, prayer, and worship. If you are interested, one of the websites about that is http://holyyoga.net/.

The point is that we each need to find those things that we can comfortably do that brings us joy, health, and the stamina, strength, and flexibility to live our lives fully!

Keep looking!

(And sennyctt, guilt would be a powerless thought! You're awareness of the negative thoughts has given you the power to change them so be grateful for them not guilty about them!)

Hi Dr. May,

I thank you for pointing out that yoga is NOT a religion and anybody can practice it without fear of worshiping something they do have any intention of doing so.

I have fibromyalgia and do Hatha yoga as a Christian meditation.  I love how even when I feel as though I couldn't bear to get my tight muscles moving  -it helps significantly!  The mediation gets me into gear to accomplish more than I would ever anticipate possible.

When I feel too tired to walk or do cardio, for me yoga is a wonderful way to exercise gently :)

Thank you again for your reference to yoga for people with fibromyalgia.

Sincerely,

Katie R.

Original Post by: __katie__

Original Post by: michelle_may_md

poetnw, you brought up an excellent point. A lot of people mistakenly believe that yoga is a religion - it definitely is not. The word yoga simply means to yoke, in particular, to yoke the body, mind, heart, and spirit.

Some yoga classes are taught in very secular environments like a gym where it is primarily physical exercise with the additional benefit of focused attention and mindfulness.

There is also a major Christian yoga movement where the practice of yoga is used as a form of meditation, prayer, and worship. If you are interested, one of the websites about that is http://holyyoga.net/.

The point is that we each need to find those things that we can comfortably do that brings us joy, health, and the stamina, strength, and flexibility to live our lives fully!

Keep looking!

(And sennyctt, guilt would be a powerless thought! You're awareness of the negative thoughts has given you the power to change them so be grateful for them not guilty about them!)

Hi Dr. May,

I thank you for pointing out that yoga is NOT a religion and anybody can practice it without fear of worshiping something they do have any intention of doing so.

I have fibromyalgia and do Hatha yoga as a Christian meditation.  I love how even when I feel as though I couldn't bear to get my tight muscles moving  -it helps significantly!  The mediation gets me into gear to accomplish more than I would ever anticipate possible.

When I feel too tired to walk or do cardio, for me yoga is a wonderful way to exercise gently :)

Thank you again for your reference to yoga for people with fibromyalgia.

Sincerely,

Katie R.

I meant to type -yoga is NOT a religion and anybody can practice it without fear of worshiping something they don't have any intention of doing so.

Sorry for the miss type :)

I am not saying that Yoga is something only Buddhists practice.  Yoga stems from their traditions.  I am not a Christian.  I tend to follow the Goddess when I do think about spirituality.  I have fibromyalgia, too- I guess that explains my sleeping very poorly.  I am delighted others find joy in yoga.  I do not enjoy the prevalent push toward engaging in yoga when I go to retreats.  Folks act as though it and meditation is a given.  Its not.  To be female does not mean I crave yoga or meditation.  I do find joy in my garden, my pup, hiking up woodland trails, sharing a downtown walk with my partner.  Thanks for the dialogue.

Original Post by: poetnw

I am not saying that Yoga is something only Buddhists practice.  Yoga stems from their traditions.  I am not a Christian.  I tend to follow the Goddess when I do think about spirituality.  I have fibromyalgia, too- I guess that explains my sleeping very poorly.  I am delighted others find joy in yoga.  I do not enjoy the prevalent push toward engaging in yoga when I go to retreats.  Folks act as though it and meditation is a given.  Its not.  To be female does not mean I crave yoga or meditation.  I do find joy in my garden, my pup, hiking up woodland trails, sharing a downtown walk with my partner.  Thanks for the dialogue.

Hi poetnw,

Sorry for the misunderstanding, I had no intention of pushing yoga onto you.

I too love to hike and walk finding much joy in them as well as you.

I didn't mean to offend or push you in any way.  May your walk in life yield much happiness :)

The best time to workout is in the MORNING! I tried every other time of day and this just seems to be the best option for me sticking to it. I get up, brush my teeth, rub my eyes and stumble to the living room to find a quiet empty house. This is my time to have for myself and I feel sooo great afterwards.  I do aerobic dance workouts with my girls from Skinny Bitch and 10 Minute Solutions and it starts my day off great!