Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Mando Miami FL — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 15:59:51 GMT

Cross-training is my secret. I do Karate 3 times a week Mon, Wed Friday...On Saturday or Sunday I'll go to the gym and leisurely lift weights while wainting for my friend to show up, and we play about 3 games of basketball halfcourt....The variety let's me do a bunch of stuff without getting bored.

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Carol - Broken Arrow, OK — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:26:59 GMT

I have a work out buddy, and we split the cost of a personal trainer. Knowing that someone is expecting me to be there and the fact that I am paying for it keeps me on schedule.

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Dara Carvalho, RN, fitness trainer, wellness coach - WPB, FL — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:08:52 GMT

Make exercise a routine part of your life instead of exercising to see results.
If it becomes habitual and part of your life just like eating or watching TV - you will wake up one day, look at your body and be amazed!!!

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Joe Gray, Midlothian, Texas — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:40:41 GMT

These 7 points are excellent...I'm in my mid-50s, and have performed light stretching and cardio, in the mornings before work...and try to squeeze something into the evenings...and twice a week I do light weights...When I get away from my routine, I wind up taking too much time off...

Also, another point you may want to consider adding...
"What to do before, during or after a vacation"...Often times people go on vacations, and don't know what's available when they arrive to their destination...
I try to find out before I leave...But, at a minimum, I get in good, long workout the day before, or the morning of my departure...and get one in the day I come home...
Just a thought...

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Lydia Grand Rapids, MI — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 18:19:27 GMT

Thanks for those words Dara that's a great idea! I just joined a health club and that's the way I'm going to look at it cause you're so right..

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Julie, San Diego, CA — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 18:23:33 GMT

I work out six days a week. I do cardio, weight lifting, a "pump" class that is mostly weight lifting with plyometrics and abs, swimming and Pilates. Variety!

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Kathy, Cleveland, OH — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 18:39:46 GMT

I can tell you that a combination of walking and strength training will work wonders for your body and your attitude! I walk 5-6 mornings a week and go to the gym 3 evenings a week. I maintain most of my routine even on vacation. It's not optional!

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

W.Barnes — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 18:50:23 GMT

I have a new exercise method I think will work: I have started jogging to the refrigerator.

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Brandon, Mississippi — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 19:24:39 GMT

I have a two year old black lab that I run with everyday. I started taking him with me as soon as he was old enough to keep up. Since I started taking him along he makes sure I don't miss a single day. His persistence definitely keeps me in my routine during rainy days and winter. Knowing that he has spent the day alone in the backyard waiting for me to take him on "His" run when I arrive home definitely insures I don't take a day off.

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Suntanama, Long Beach CA — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 19:26:02 GMT

Having a work out buddy is huge motivation. When me and my friend worked out together, i never missed a gym session. But now that i exercise on my own, its real easy skip a day and tell yourself you'll make it tomorrow.

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Caroline, Bridgewater NJ — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 21:47:28 GMT

I used to be a gym rat, but got soooo bored over time. Plus, I found myself catching colds pretty often because of all the germs in the air and on the gym equipment. Now, I take to the trails! I've become an avid hiker and trail runner. There are tons of state parks and nature preserves out there. I get to appreciate beautiful landscapes, animals, fresh air...and yes, an awesome full-body workout!

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Pat, Persnickitty, NJ — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 22:44:17 GMT

The key is to go to a gym where you know at least a few attractive people of the opposite sex will be working out. I find you will be motivated to go regularly and give it your best. I am so dedicated to this system, that if I go to the gym and its only a bunch of guys working out, sans ladies, I pass on my workout for the day.

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Joe ezz, Maplewood, NJ — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 23:12:47 GMT

consistency is the key! But it doesn't mean that you should workout the same intervals at the same time. Mix and match and just do it! Anytime you can. Sometimes, i'm running at three in the morning; other time i'm riding my bicycle in the evening. And in between i'm lifting weights in my bedroom! Of course, just as i need days off work, so, does my body. No excuses! It's my toubib and my shrink

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Brion, Murrieta Ca. — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 00:06:51 GMT

I'm 52 years old and been surfing for most of my life. A couple of years ago I got back on a Bogie Board for the first time since before I was 10 years old. I had a blast and found that I got a much better upper body workout in addition to the fact that I was in constant in motion for hours at a time. I really look forward to days in the water now. I walk every day, I never avoid stairs, I ride my bike and play frisbee with my dog whenever possible. Nothing very hard or complicated. I try to think of those things that I loved so much while growing up, and do them again. Oh Yeah, get a dog, preferrably a Corgi, That will get you up off of your behind. You don't need to have a trainer or some super workout. Discover again what you love and get back into it.

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Renee, Colorado Springs, CO — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 00:32:14 GMT

Great input everyone. This will help me get back into working out again.

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Marsha, Kansas City — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 06:10:50 GMT

I never use an elevator. I live on the fourth floor and work on the fifth. At work I park on the lowest level of the parking garage and walk up every morning. When I'm not worried about getting sweaty, I take them two at a time.

I'm a 45 year old woman with the ass of a 30-year-old!

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Jared, San Dimas, California — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 12:14:29 GMT

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Jared, San Dimas, California — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 12:16:11 GMT

The thing I always skip is progression that leads to overtraining as I push myself to hard. I just have to remember to take things slow and progress over time.

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Melanie, Waukesha, Wisconsin — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 19:20:10 GMT

Looking at exercise as a way to deal with stress keeps me going, even if i don't want to, because, in the long run, it makes life easier and less stressful!! Plus it makes you look really good, esp. when you lift as well. Women, don't be afraid of free weights, or machines for that matter.

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Kasi — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 21:26:38 GMT

One thing that keeps me going is to read atleast one article a day about fitness.

When I read the article I get motivated.

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Todd, Philadelphia — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 18:24:14 GMT

I've been working out regularly (3-6 times/week) for about 13 years and for me the biggest hurdle was to workout on the days where I just didn't feel like it. Often enough, I'd be in a mood where working out just didn't fit my mental state. Most of those days, I would turn out some of my best workouts and feel better when I was done!
I run/bike/elliptical 3x/week and weights 3x/week

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Sue McIntosh Benton, Ky. — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 19:27:13 GMT

Thanks to all, I have joined a gym 1 month ago-have lost 19 lbs. Feel good, but can always use good advice and modavation. I'm 55 years old and hate the process of aging gracefully.

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

ANN ARBOR MICHIGAN — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 20:35:20 GMT

I am 58 , and have had a 50 yr.. love of physical activity. I have tried everything from horse shoes to competing in marathons . Then progressing to triathlon when no one knew what it was . Like 1980 . After that I progressed to distance sports from swimming to cycling..The more the better.. At 52 I got a life changing back injury..I have been told I would not walk again, would use a walker , cane etc.. I never accepted any of that crap.. I am not handicapped just hurting! i recently had a tremendous experience with a thing called Healing Touch.. It has taught me that a serious exercise program is again possible.i AM CYCLING 200 MILES PER WEEK GETTING BACK IN SHAPE AND LOVIN THE HELL OUTTA EVERY MINUTE. I have alwaYS set aside MY TIME..Everyone needs MY TIME.. it is your time to do what makes your motor run. After awhile exercise become so much a part of life it is a bad day without! But most important enjoy the living hell outta what you are doing. another day is not promised to any of us!.You cannot imagine how it feels to go without! It was the worst of the torment.. Body cast and all never deterred my head from wrapping around a workout.It just changed it to meditation BE WELL ALL! MARLEY.

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Randy Hudson, Brooklyn, NY — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 20:45:36 GMT

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Barry from Sydney Australia — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 11:11:58 GMT

Hi. I'm 67 and walk 3 miles every day. I do weights at home three days a week and work on a farm one day a week. In the summer I race a catamaran.
If I didn't involve myself in this exercise regime, I could join all the others of my age in getting old and fat and becoming lounge lizards. Take it from me, exercise is the key to longevity and quality of life.

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

hans weber, kapelsestraat 47/2, 2950 kapellen, belgium — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 11:32:51 GMT

all nice stories but all missing the clue............
it starts with that split second decision of getting up and put on your track suit.........in short it all starts between the ears.
a strong mind gets you a perfect body whatever your age.

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Ron Sorrels, Asheville, NC — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 14:32:25 GMT

I am 60 years old, jog 5 days a week, lift weights 3 days a week. Doing this for 35 years. I get up at 5 am and get it done before work at 8am. I agree with all but number 5 and 7. I do not vary my workouts. I think you have to be very, very consistant to be sucessful I do better if I control my workouts, so no buddies. However, I think all seven could help create a successful exercise program. Just do it!!!

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

marifour — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 21:34:10 GMT

I'm 80 years old and have been exercising for over 25 years. I've gone from jogging, to aerobics, to bench step, to treadmill (which I had to cut back on because of my knee)to bench step. Although I can't do what I used to, I'm still hanging in there. I can still get up from a chair without holding on to anything and can get up from the floor easily. I also do weights and a full body stretch after each workout, using mostly yoga stretches.
When I had a back problem years ago, the orthopedist told me that exercise is everything. I still believe it.

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

marifour — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 21:36:22 GMT

As to my comment..I now use the eliptical walker, not bench step.

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Suzy , Brighton & Hove, Great Britain — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 14:27:07 GMT

Thanks to All for the inspiration. I joined a gym 4 months ago to feel fitter so I could kick smoking when the UK smoking ban started in July. I absolutely love exercising and the way my body feels both during and after a workout or any form of exercise. It is also "me" time, where I just let go and my mind is clear with none of the daily worries. Exercise is therapy for the mind as much as it is for the body. We all should make time for this everyday, switch off the TV and really concentrate on ourselves. Get moving and get motivated.

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Ryan, Denver Colorado — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 22:12:45 GMT

The key for me has been to find a hobby or hobbies that involve working your body. I was bored with the standard workout so I took up Mountain Biking and Rock Climbing. When I get up in the morning and go for a long ride through the mountains I am thinking about the scenery and nature and not at all about working out. Finding a hobby that you enjoy which includes working out is great for motivation and I am in the best shape of my life!

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Linda, Olympia, WA — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 15:28:18 GMT

I do 'Jazzercise' twice to three times a week for my cardio. I travel for work and Jazzercise is everywhere, and is consistent. Before a trip, I log on to Jazzercise.com, find the closest class and go. So much better than sitting around the hotel room watching TV. I joined a gym and have been working with a personal trainer for two months. Now, in addition to Jazzercise, I either use the gym in the hotel or find a gym closeby. For $15 or so you can get a 24 hour pass, that means two days of workouts if you time it right. Planning my exercise before I travel is key for me.

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Lisa, Chicago, IL — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 17:53:02 GMT

Even when I can't find the time to do an "official" workout session, there is one thing I do religiously. I walk every morning from the train station to work and that's two miles of speed walking five days a week! I do it all year long and the only time I don't is if it's raining or snowing! I have long legs so sometimes even the joggers have to step it up to pass me. Not only does this help keep me in shape, but it also is a great way to get my adrenalin pumping and prepare me for my crazy day.

I normally am a night owl and work out around 9 at night, but walking in the morning really starts my day off right. I really do believe that whatever form of exercize you can fit in to your busy schedule makes a difference!

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Tricia, Knoxville, Tn — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 17:59:28 GMT

I began with a generic aerobic dance (choreagraphed routines)class when I was 37, and moved on to "Jazzercise" when I was 40. I am now 64 and am still in to "Jazzercise" - The Number One Fitness Program Worldwide 4 times a week. This year "Personal Touch" (Instructor and 6 students) class was added where we use the exercise ball, tubes, and 5- to 10-lb weights, and the instructor monitors each person to see that they are doing the exercises properly. This has made a difference in how my body responds to the exercise, particularly since I am going through physical changes at this time in my life. I highly recommend this program to anyone who needs a change in their routine or who is just starting out. There are ages 16 to 75 in the class I attend. It is also a great support group!

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

CAPT ED Camblin US Army RET — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 19:55:59 GMT

Good advice! I am an injured American soldier - lost not only career but also home and wife- apparently wheel-chair bound! To boot I LOST MY MEMORY! Yet I heal! Like the Holy Father who celebrates the MASS daily I bicycle to a US Military gym and exer-cycle daily! Amazingly and thankfully the wonderful American people pay me more than when I was fit to fight or sail! I once learned it only takes 12 minutes exercise of a muscle to trigger maximum growth in the next 24 hour period. Provided you exercise the muscle at 80 to 100% capacity

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Al Crick, Fair Oaks, CA — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 19:18:38 GMT

I need help! I am 58 and I have severe arthritis where my joints swell especially my elbows. My knees are also very sensitive and swell up like softballs whenever they get stressed. I also have two herniated discs at L4 and L5 which make it hard to do crunches. I have been putting on waist fat. I try to watch my diet which is mostly salads, chicken and cranberry drinks. How can I lose weight and stay in shape? I used to have a pretty good body but once the arthritis got going I couldn't do my regular exercises and drifted into inactivity. What can I do? I've thought of Isometric exercises and doing something those stretchy surgical tubes but I run out of variety quickly. What else can i do?

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Lincoln, CA — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 22:56:13 GMT

If you have really bad arthritis, I would try water aerobics. It's pretty low impact on the joints but you still get a good workout. They also try to change the routine so you don't get bored. I know California Family Fitness holds water aerobics classes and even has water classes designed for arthritis sufferers. I would check with your local community rec department to see what they offer.

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Ej, Lemoore, CA — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 17:48:42 GMT

Hi everybody, I just started working out about a month ago, about 4-6 times a week in the mornings , and to tell you the truth it really does start my day off right and I feel great. I also use a health product that helps me with energy and fatigue. The product is called tahitian noni juice, this is actually the original brand - not the knock off's you see in most stores, and does great wonders. Not only does it work for my energy but also for anybody who has diabetes, high blood pressure, pain, skin problems, arthiritis, basically it can help treat anything. If anyone is interested in getting some of this product just email me or leave a message.

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

dollpapaw@aol.com — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:27:00 GMT

Seven secrets to avoiding fitness failure

Doris Mora Nacogdoches Texas — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:30:54 GMT

I am 67 years old F. I walk 3 miles 7 days a week I have lost The weight I needed to so Can I cut my walk to3 days a week ?