I really need to be getting more exercise, and I know that. I used to belong to a fitness club, but it was just too far across town (especially while gas was high) and it was difficult to fit into my schedule.
Finally, I thought, "Why not use some of the things that work for me instead of thinking it's all or nothing?" (And, at our house, any time someone says something "works for me," Eric or I always have to say, "Wednesday!")
So, while I have not come up with a schedule of what I will be doing which day, I have come up with my plan to use ways to exercise that I have right around the house.
Here is my plan of ways to exercise that already work for me that I will be putting into my schedule:
1. Wii Fit -- We already have a Wii, so there was just the expense of buying the Wii Fit. But, for $80, the whole family is getting exercise. I love this game, and it doesn't feel like a chore, much like other exercise. But, I can feel that I am getting a work out!
2. Dance Dance Revolution -- Yes, again with the Wii. Seriously -- I cannot recommend this system enough. Even my Mom and Dad bought one! (And, while my Grandma was in a nursing home for a few weeks, she even enjoyed bowling with it.) Anyway, DDR is another one of those, "I'm exercising, but I'm enjoying it."
3. Recumbant Bike -- One year for Christmas, Eric and I asked my parents to just buy the two of us just one gift -- an exercise bike. This isn't fun like the Wii, but it's great to have one good cardio machine here in the house. If something like this is too expensive brand new, you can look on FreeCycle, Craigslist, garage sales, or go the route that we did and see if you can get it as a gift.
4. Exercise Videos -- I can borrow these from the library before buying (and you probably could too!). This is a great way to try out a variety of types of exercise -- from buns of steel to pilates to yoga. It's just a DVD player away!
5. Take a Walk -- This is a great, no cost option. Of course, this is not the time of year for it around here, but it's a nice time for the whole family. Or, for a more intense work out, I can take a power walk by myself. Just put on my iPod and go! (I don't do this option near enough, but will try more in the spring.)
6. Gardening or Yard Work -- Again, not the time of year for it (other than shoveling snow), but this is a great way to get out in the sunshine (for Vitamin D, as my Mom would point out) and get your body moving. Plus, this is a great way to get the kids working too!
7. Have Fun -- Just the other day, the whole family ran around the house dodging, hiding, and moving all about. No, we weren't dancing (though that would great exercise too). We were having a nerf gun battle. It was hilarious and it ended up with everyone out of breath. Lots of fun and a cardio workout!
What are some of your favorite ways to get some exercise? Anything you want to start trying to do (learn yoga, start running, etc.)? Do you have an exercise schedule?
To see what works for other people around the blogosphere, be sure to check out Works for Me Wednesday at Rocks in my Dryer!
If you are looking for the iPod giveaway, please visit this link for the post earlier this week to enter.
photo by Joachim S. Müller
12 comments:
I recently started Jazzercise and I really enjoy it. GOOD work out. However, it's not FREE.
I often bring up different song videos on Youtube, and my boys and I dance around. It's a good work out, too, especially because I'm usually holding my 18 month old! lol
They love it and ask to dance a lot.
We are hoping to get a Wii and the Wii Fit after the first of the year. It looks like a lot of fun, which is something I need when it comes to exercising!
I once saw a great tip (I think on WFMW) for sneaking in exercize with kids. Bring them to the park, and then use the field to run or walk in. Your kids get to play, you can keep an eye on them, plus you set a great and healthy example.
I have been begging for the Wii. I put it on my wish list this year. Yes, ME! The mom of 3 teens.
They think I've lost it.
But.....I want to play and get in shape too.
:)
You know what I like best about my recumbent bike? The way it makes me appreciate my treadmill!!! LOL I hate riding that bike...but it really is a good workout (which is probably why I hate it -- it makes me work.).
LOL Kris -- I hate our bike too! I will only do 20 minutes of it, and that seems like an eternity. But, I like that it's here at our house and that I get a good work out. But, yeah, I think it sucks. ;)
Great ideas. I just did a post similar to this though not as organized!!
We just got a Wii and now I am working on getting Wii Fit. I have heard a lot of good things about it. I also do exercise videos and garden. I would love to learn yoga some day.
Hi! Thanks for visiting my blog!
I also do Jazzercise like Sharon. I try to make housework and yardwork into exercise - raking leaves, shovelling snow, pushing the mower...
I don't know how old your kids are, but matching them step for step on the playground is a killer!
I am so stokked! I just got a Wii. A used one from dh's coworker but it's virtually brand new! Can't wait to try out some of these "games" you've suggested. YEAH!!
When it's nice outside, we like to mix it up. Running, swimming, biking, yardwork, climbing trees (I gave up the latter a few years ago). During the winter I climb stairs or work out to the Fitness channel. They have different workouts to fit every personality. My favorite is Gilad, who has a half-hour cardio followed by a half-hour of weight training. On really busy days I just go to the garage and lifts weights for 5 minutes. Every bit helps!
The easiest and most effective moves are pull ups, push ups, sit ups, and squats.... just what mom's need... simple, effective and can be done in your own home in a matter of 15 minutes/day... (or only 1/4 of an Oprah episode!!)
I bought a pull-up bar about a year ago & had to work up to doing 1 by standing on a chair and lowering myself down S-L-O-W-L-Y, but you wouldn't believe the results.
Enjoy!
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