How do You Exercise?

[Bastet]

I'm a bit of an on-again, off-again exerciser - currently off. When I do exercise, I walk (had gotten up to 4+km each day, before I quit last time), and do yoga. The yoga probably gives me more of a workout than the walking does, but I enjoy the fresh air that I get walking by the beach. That said, I still think there's only one good reason to sweat.

 

[Hope]

I like to do a variety of things to stay in shape. I run, lift weights, do squats, crunches, rock-climb, and hike/walk whenever possible. I can't stand the feeling of being 'out of shape'!

 

[Druidus]

Is it better to run at night or at morning, and are their any modifications you would make to my schedule?

I'll be going out for my run soon, so please reply quickly, if possible.

 

[Bastet]

I have always preferred to exercise first thing in the morning, but I read somewhere recently, that it's actually better to do it later in the day, or in the evenings. Apparently your body takes a couple of hours to get going first thing in the morning, and if you exercise before your body is really ready for it, it weakens your immune system and you're more likely to get sick. If I could remember where I read/heard it, I'd provide a link. Of course, I'm sure there are people who have always run first thing in the morning, and are fighting fit. Go with what your body tells you.

 

[Ceridwen018]

Spinkles, you have got to be kidding me. Please don't tell me you wear Asics too...:areyoucra

 

[SoulTYPE]

I am Death for Pete's sake, why do I have to adopt a healthier lifestyle? Muahahah.

Carry on.

 

[Simon the Cat]

Druidus -

Let me tell you catalogs are great for finding running shoes for cheaper and in the right size. The trick is to know what the right size is. A few years ago, I went to one of those fancy running stores that make you run up and down the sidewalk and then tried on seven different pairs of shoes and ran around in them and then bought an incredibly expensive pair of running shoes. First, they lasted longer (because I really only wore them for running) and secondly, the really were good for the feet and made running a lot less destructive than it can be on the body. Since then, I just go and buy the same basic shoe at a catalogue or where ever because I know the size and that it will work. Don't forget to buy your running shoes about a half a size larger than your regular shoe size as well.

As for the colder weather. Layers. One of those scarf gaiter thingies over your nose and mouth. I am biking and running in Chicago these days and find that a long underwear layer, a polar fleece jacket and a windbreaker with some heavier wind proof leggings are perfect. When the weather gets colder, a scaft, hat (or ear muff) and heavy mittens become crucial - as well as finding indoor tracks. If you can't find an indoor track, swimming is a pretty good replacement activity- or going to a mall and running laps in there.

Best of luck to you.

I am trying to get in shape for a mini-triathalon next summer and lose the twenty pounds I neglected to loose after my last child (four years ago - the weight is so mine). Ugh. Weight watchers here I come!

 

[Hope]

Druidus, I'd say run whenever is most convenient for you. ( Though that is a very interesting piece of information, Bastet, as far as running in the morning goes--never knew that. ) I tend to just run whenever I can fit it in my schedule, and not having a fixed schedule at my job means I may run in the morning, or evening. It also depends on the time of the year, at least if you run outdoors, which I mostly do. In the summer it gets pretty hot and humid where I am, so running in the middle of the day is definitely out of the question. Since the days are longer, I tend to run in the evenings in summer. In winter, with the shorter days, it's more often in the morning.

And as far as shoes go, everyone has different requirements there, but my absolute favorite brand--I wear no other--is Saucony. I have tried others, such as Nike, Asics, etc., and none were as comfortable as Saucony. I highly recommend Saucony's. They make great, high-quality running shoes.