How Often Do You Workout?

I am trying to find a balance between exercise and diet to maintain my current weight. I've lost about 100 lbs and would love to stay this way 

Anyhow, it's been tricky trying to figure out a workable elliptical schedule that doesn't feel like I'm overdoing it, or, doesn't feel like my day has to revolve around it. I generally use my machine after 9 PM when my family is asleep.

Currently, I workout practically every day. I go for 45 mins a day, 22 to 25 days a month. My heart-rate averages out at about 80% max, and I keep the tension setting high enough that my legs feel it.

What do you do?

I workout five days a week usually Monday through Friday at 6 in the morning before my family wakes up. That way I know I get my workout in and I don't have to worry about it the rest of the day. I don't work out on the weekends because too many things come up and I don't get it in. I also think the weekends are for relaxing so that is another reason. I also tend to watch what I eat more during the week and I am pretty lax on the weekends. I have been able to maintain a 50 pound weight loss this way for going on 2 years. I don't usually know what my heart rate is, but I have an elliptical that has the Ifit trainer built in and I love that. I workout 30 minutes a day and the workout changes everyday. I like that it mixes things up and the trainers voice keeps me motivated. I really like this feature on my machine. Well, I hope this helps, I am comfortable with this routine and if I miss a day I get right back on track the next! It's great!

That's awesome! I am always happy hear from folks who have kept the weight off. I also like your sensible approach to your schedule, and your philosphy about the week-ends. I am looking for that kind of attitude, but am willing to sweat it out until it comes.

Cheers!

I am lucky. I work in the evenings (3pm-11pm) so I have plenty of time to do my thing before I go to work. My boyfriend goes to the gym at least 5 days a week so I have absolutely no reason not to get up and do it other than lack of motivation. Usually that is my biggest problem.

As for my workout... I go for 30 minutes, I start off at a lower resistance and just kind of work my way up until I'm sweating pretty good and then I go backwards for five minutes (really burns my thighs) and then I start my cool down. I am trying to work my way up to 45 minutes but it seems like the more I do it, the harder I go and the longer the miles I go, which makes my workout better each time I do it. Today I went for 30 minutes like normal, but I added in about 5 minutes of super fast speed and I really broke a sweat. It also caused me to burn about 75 calories more than I usually do, and I also went a longer distance, all within my 30 minutes.

Any tips on making it past a 30-minute work out? I get kind of bored easily which is probably why I like to keep it at 30 minutes.

horvathsgirl-

I also get bored pretty easily on the elliptical.  If you are working out at home, try watching a favorite hour long TV show while you work out.  In my experience, I am more motivated to keep going for the entire duration of the show.  (I like Oprah or Law & Order SVU) If you work out at a gym, look into downloading the shows onto an Ipod.

Also, you could try flipping through a magazine for your last 30 minutes of the workout.  I do the first half with just my music, then I get to read my magazine, it definitely keeps me going.

As always, it is most important to keep your form correct while doing either one of these ideas.

Hope it helps!