I am not a gym person, an exerciser or anything close. I hate to exercise. Big word - hate. But I hate it, hate it, hate it. Nay - I despise it!
The main problem with all this exercise malarkey is that it works. And works really well. Exercising lowers stress, lowers weight and strengthens the body. It's really, really good for us. Kind of distressing news for an exercise-hater like me.
Then when I do start a regime, I get told to add this and add that and don't do this or that. One person told me if I couldn't work out first thing in the morning not to bother at all. And I thought - seriously? That can't be right! In this day and age if we can only work out at 2am or 4pm or noon, let's do it! Let's take our exercise when and where we can!
So since I started reading about the walkers and runners on Empowher, I put aside my hate and started power-walking in the evening. It's free, it's my only alone time (ever) and it....works. Really well!
I power-walk my way into a sweat, almost panting and for 40 minutes non-stop, four days a week, using my arms as well as legs. I was sore at first but a good kind of sore. I still dislike it (note, I now 'dislike' rather than hate - a big step up!) but combined with a healthy diet I have reached and stabilized my weight at 138 lbs with a BMI of 21.0. (I am 5'8")
So right now I am not doing weights, I am not doing Yoga and I'm not working out at the crack of dawn. We work with what we have.
If you have a bunch of kids, if you have no money or time, seriously consider power-walking at least four days out of seven. More if you can but every day isn't always possible. Don't beat yourself up if you aren't following the latest fads or using certain equipment and know that not everyone is a born athlete. Let's live in the real world!
Watch your nutrition (I have eliminated all white foods like white bread, pasta and rice) and power walk. That weight will drop off and you'll firm up, in addition to the health benefits of regular cardio. All you have to do is put on some sneakers and open your front door. I feel amazing. I'm wearing clothes I never thought I would again after 3 c-sections and if a dedicated Exercise-Hater like me can do it, you can too!
See www.powerwalkersworld.com or http://www.prevention.com/cda/article/power-walking/4ee850d1fa803110VgnV... for further inspiration.
Does anyone else power walk or walk for fitness? Is it working for you?