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Question of the Month - April 2013
This month’s question is: What are your favorite weight loss exercises? Do you exercise on a daily basis? How many minutes/day? Do you work out at home or go to a gym? Alone or with a partner?
We see all types of questions on the forum asking for ideas on exercise. There is such a wide variety and we all know that we have to pick those exercises that we enjoy and will stick with. We also know that it’s important to combine aerobics with strength training.
There are no right or wrong answers; simply what you find most enjoyable for exercise.
We see all types of questions on the forum asking for ideas on exercise. There is such a wide variety and we all know that we have to pick those exercises that we enjoy and will stick with. We also know that it’s important to combine aerobics with strength training.
There are no right or wrong answers; simply what you find most enjoyable for exercise.
I love Zumba compared to my other exercises, it's painful, but that's good, means it's working haha. I like it much better than traditional exercise. Do you know which dvd you have? I have the Activate dvd and it's great, when I get a little more used to it I'll switch to one of the more intense, longer dvds, I just don't want to plateau. I was doing a very intense dvd before I had my daughter and I ended up with shin splits, so good sneakers and stretching is important before that kind of exercise of course, otherwise I think that will be my key to weight loss. I'm not much of a runner or traditional exerciser. I like to not be miserable the whole time haha!
I've just went through something similar, a month ago on the 10th my very, very, healthy uncle died unexpectedly of an an aneurism, and he was only 46, so it really has opened my eyes to my health and how short life is, I really want to be as healthy as I can for my family.
My husband also doesn't like me walking alone, especially with the kids, and he definitely needs to get into gear exercising too, so he will be joining me when the weather gets nicer, otherwise I have no alternative. I really need to get a treadmill.
I'm so glad I found this forum. I've been on MedHelp for a while throughout my pregnancy, breastfeeding, and now hopefully on my journey to a healthier weight!!
I've just went through something similar, a month ago on the 10th my very, very, healthy uncle died unexpectedly of an an aneurism, and he was only 46, so it really has opened my eyes to my health and how short life is, I really want to be as healthy as I can for my family.
My husband also doesn't like me walking alone, especially with the kids, and he definitely needs to get into gear exercising too, so he will be joining me when the weather gets nicer, otherwise I have no alternative. I really need to get a treadmill.
I'm so glad I found this forum. I've been on MedHelp for a while throughout my pregnancy, breastfeeding, and now hopefully on my journey to a healthier weight!!
COMMUNITY LEADER
Do you like the zumba? I have a dvd that I haven't tried yet...... I currently have a walking partner and we go for at least an hour, most mornings. She'll be leaving in 2 weeks to go back to OR for the summer and I'll be on my own.... right now, that scares me death, because I've been through a pretty tough winter, losing an elderly Aunt that I cared for, for 7 years.......
My husband doesn't like me walking alone, though I don't see a problem....
Of course, you can't take a 3 month old out walking in severely cold weather, so it's great that you're alternating the zumba and walking. Actually, that's what my doctor has recommended for me, so I once my walking partner is gone, I'll be doing the same thing...... only my summer walking is done on the treadmill, because it's too hot, here in the summer to walk very far and it really has to be more of a "stroll" than a walk because of the heat.
We're in this together......
My husband doesn't like me walking alone, though I don't see a problem....
Of course, you can't take a 3 month old out walking in severely cold weather, so it's great that you're alternating the zumba and walking. Actually, that's what my doctor has recommended for me, so I once my walking partner is gone, I'll be doing the same thing...... only my summer walking is done on the treadmill, because it's too hot, here in the summer to walk very far and it really has to be more of a "stroll" than a walk because of the heat.
We're in this together......
My favorite exercise right now is Zumba, I did it for about 4 months before getting pregnant with my daughter and lost over 15lbs. I don't think it's as "fun" as it's said to be, but it's definitely more fun than running, haha! I also love taking my kids for walks on nice days, unfortunately it's still pretty cold out here, and with a 3 month old I can't take her out if it's really cold, so we're waiting for the weather to warm up. I will be alternating Zumba and walking every other day, so I will be doing one or the other every other day. Right now, building up and just starting, I'm doing Zumba every other day. The routine I'm doing right now is about 41 minutes, and I do it alone, I don't think I would do Zumba in a group, just not comfortable with it!
COMMUNITY LEADER
"This statement matches up with my understanding that muscle weighs more than fat, the heavier weight of muscle owing to its density."
A pound of muscle is not heavier than a pound of fat, because a pound is a pound, no matter what it's made of. The pound of muscle is smaller (takes up less space) because it's denser, than the pound of fat, but it still weighs the same.
I know you're right, for the most part, about one person exercising being able to get others in the household going; I wish it worked that way for me!! I walk 3-6 miles, most days and I wish my walking would get my husband going!! Or my dancing would get him dancing...... He's very tall and thin and thinks "exercise" is walking to the bathroom and back to his chair...... LOL Makes it much harder for me, going it alone.
A pound of muscle is not heavier than a pound of fat, because a pound is a pound, no matter what it's made of. The pound of muscle is smaller (takes up less space) because it's denser, than the pound of fat, but it still weighs the same.
I know you're right, for the most part, about one person exercising being able to get others in the household going; I wish it worked that way for me!! I walk 3-6 miles, most days and I wish my walking would get my husband going!! Or my dancing would get him dancing...... He's very tall and thin and thinks "exercise" is walking to the bathroom and back to his chair...... LOL Makes it much harder for me, going it alone.
Yes, I know a continuously high rate stresses the heart. I'm thankful I don't have it continuously!
You said: 'A smaller muscular person can actually weigh more than a larger fat person, because the muscle is so dense, it doesn't take up much space, whereas fat just kind of "spreads out".' This statement matches up with my understanding that muscle weighs more than fat, the heavier weight of muscle owing to its density.
Back to exercise- I find that if one person starts doing their walking exercise at home, it can be an encouragement for someone else in the house to follow suit, which is really nice & upbeat music that makes a person feel like moving is a plus.
You said: 'A smaller muscular person can actually weigh more than a larger fat person, because the muscle is so dense, it doesn't take up much space, whereas fat just kind of "spreads out".' This statement matches up with my understanding that muscle weighs more than fat, the heavier weight of muscle owing to its density.
Back to exercise- I find that if one person starts doing their walking exercise at home, it can be an encouragement for someone else in the house to follow suit, which is really nice & upbeat music that makes a person feel like moving is a plus.
COMMUNITY LEADER
We all have to try to look on the bright side of what ails us. Lord knows, I have enough going against me to make it nearly impossible to get a pound off; I try to keep a happy face.......lol
Cardio is important, as is getting the heart rate up during exercise, as that strengthens the heart; however, the heart rate should go back down, once the exercise is done. Having a continuously high heart rate, puts extra stress on the heart. But I'm sure you know that.
"Building muscle and not letting it break down into flab and bone health are positive goals when it comes to physical exercise. When muscle building, people just have to keep in mind the goal of inches lost around the waist and hips versus being so focused on decreased weight, because muscle weighs more than fat."
Totally agree that getting inches off is just as important as getting the pounds off; too often (and I'm guilty of this, too) we only look at the scale and when it's not budging, we get discouraged. I'm sure you know that muscle doesn't really "weigh more" than fat. A pound is a pound, no matter what it's made of. You can compare muscles and fat to rocks and feathers. Muscles and rocks are very dense and compact. A relatively small rock can easily weigh a pound; same goes for muscle. Neither the one pound rock, nor the pound of muscle will take up much space. Then compare fat and feathers...... both are big and "fluffy", so they take up a lot of space. A smaller muscular person can actually weigh more than a larger fat person, because the muscle is so dense, it doesn't take up much space, whereas fat just kind of "spreads out".
woman15r - If one can afford a gym/dance studio and it helps them stay on focused and on track, that's awesome. My problem is getting to the gym; it's too easy to put off.
Jannie411 - while I like to work out with others, I'm really more likely to work out if I do it at home, because I can do it whenever it's convenient and/or I'm in the mood. I have a treadmill, as well, and when I'm not able to walk outside, I generally do about 5-6 miles on the treadmill, varying the speed, so I can get in some "interval" training.
Cardio is important, as is getting the heart rate up during exercise, as that strengthens the heart; however, the heart rate should go back down, once the exercise is done. Having a continuously high heart rate, puts extra stress on the heart. But I'm sure you know that.
"Building muscle and not letting it break down into flab and bone health are positive goals when it comes to physical exercise. When muscle building, people just have to keep in mind the goal of inches lost around the waist and hips versus being so focused on decreased weight, because muscle weighs more than fat."
Totally agree that getting inches off is just as important as getting the pounds off; too often (and I'm guilty of this, too) we only look at the scale and when it's not budging, we get discouraged. I'm sure you know that muscle doesn't really "weigh more" than fat. A pound is a pound, no matter what it's made of. You can compare muscles and fat to rocks and feathers. Muscles and rocks are very dense and compact. A relatively small rock can easily weigh a pound; same goes for muscle. Neither the one pound rock, nor the pound of muscle will take up much space. Then compare fat and feathers...... both are big and "fluffy", so they take up a lot of space. A smaller muscular person can actually weigh more than a larger fat person, because the muscle is so dense, it doesn't take up much space, whereas fat just kind of "spreads out".
woman15r - If one can afford a gym/dance studio and it helps them stay on focused and on track, that's awesome. My problem is getting to the gym; it's too easy to put off.
Jannie411 - while I like to work out with others, I'm really more likely to work out if I do it at home, because I can do it whenever it's convenient and/or I'm in the mood. I have a treadmill, as well, and when I'm not able to walk outside, I generally do about 5-6 miles on the treadmill, varying the speed, so I can get in some "interval" training.
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