Something that I enjoy doing. The elliptical for any amount of time is dreadful! Find something that you enjoy that doesn't feel like exercise to you. Maybe that's a dance class, or kickboxing, running, or swimming. If I don't like something chances are I'm not ever going to be motivated to do it.
Indorow and spinning are my favorites. And pilates. My studio has combo classes too where we will spin for 30 and then finish the hr with pilates. Love those. I'm trying TRX / row combo classes soon.
I like swimming (for exercise, not for speed) and walking on the treadmill. That's when I get my reading done. I don't have a Kindle, so I bought a FlipKlip. Worth every penny.
I love group fitness classes. I just like the upbeat music, the camaraderie with other class members, and because there is a definite start time, it's hard to put it off or procrastinate it.
I absolutely hate just doing cardio machines inside. I really only use my gym membership for group classes (about 4 times a week) plus I will use their free weights and weight machines to strength time.
I also like being active outdoors when it's nice. Biking or hiking with H doesn't feel like working out because it's enjoyable.
The spinning/pilates class sound awesome. I only like spinning for a half hour tops. It can't hold my attention for longer than that. I mean you can only climb so many hills before you start to watch the clock lol.
I also have been loving my heart rate monitor/calorie counter. It is very motivational to keep pushing myself to keep my heart rate elevated. And it is fun to see how many calories were burned in the end!
Definitely group fitness classes but you might have to try a few to find the right class and the right instructor--you'll find something that's a good fit. I LOVE kickboxing and step but the instructor can make all the difference.
Also walking/running are great; I listen to Podcasts the first half and then loud music to keep me going until the end!
I think the key is to make it part of your daily schedule; make it into a habit so you get that guilt when you don't do it.
Classes! I used to love running on the treadmill and just haven't been able to get into it lately, so I started taking Body Step, Body Pump and a Boot Camp class. I love them and actually look forward to working out now (usually)!
I also have been loving my heart rate monitor/calorie counter. It is very motivational to keep pushing myself to keep my heart rate elevated. And it is fun to see how many calories were burned in the end!
:Y: the only downside is that I also do weight lifting routines on some days, and even though I know the health benefits of it, the calorie count at the end is disappointing.
Yup this is my go to, plus after a while of being into the routine you feel bad and guilty abotu NOT running. Running is def an addiction, for me at least
I've tried basically every type of workout class. Spinning, Cardio kickboxing, pilates, step classes, zumba, yoga. I've also done the elliptical, treadmill, and biking on my own. I cannot find anything that keeps me coming back. Right now I'm on an xbox kick. I'll do an hour of Wipeout, which is surprisingly a great workout, or an hour of Your Shape: Fitness Evolved.
ETA: What hrm/calorie counter do y'all use? If you use one? I've been looking at the fitbit.
I need an end goal other than "to get in shape". I trained for a 5k for two months...and after the actual 5k I stopped running for two more months. heh. But I've also taken zumba, plus done elliptical and weights. Those things are the most fun for me. Going with someone also helps.
Post by RoxMonster on Jan 13, 2013 11:48:49 GMT -5
For HRM, I have a Polar F6 and really like it. It was around $100. For running I would love a Garmin one with GPS, but haven't gotten around to buying one.
ETA: No matter which one you get, I would highly recommend one with a chest strap for accuracy.
Crossfit. I enjoy the class aspect and the variety of the workouts.
Pre-Crossfit, classes motivated me. Even if I was not in the mood, I knew that if I dragged myself to the gym and got to the class, I would fine and ready to go. Much easier for me to push myself in a room full of people!
And I miss Body Attack so much. I moved to TX and couldn't find a gym that was near home or work that had a class!
Running makes me feel the most productive and accomplished. Yoga is my guilty pleasure, what I do when I can't motivate for a tougher workout. I love yoga.
I also use Polar adn have had it for 2+ years. My model is Polar F4, but you can't find it on amazon right now...I just googled it, and you can get it on ebay for 50 bucks.
I like to do classes at the gym (step, zumba, circuit training) because it keeps me going for the full hour. Also if it gets hard i can't really walk out and look like a wuss, so I have to stick it out.