David Bennett
 I think we all agree that getting a lot of exercise (within reason) is important, so I am assuming that if you are interested in losing weight, you are already exercising. If you are not, then start...right now! I have purposely skipped over adding "exercise" as a tip since I assume it is obvious. Maybe I am wrong. Why is exercising obvious? Well, I just can't imagine hunter and gatherer man, or even ancient civilized man (having discovered agriculture) sitting around all day doing nothing. Humans are meant to move, not sit around in front of a rectangle-shaped box all day (whether a TV or computer monitor), or waste away in a cubicle. The "problem" is that in our modern Western world, we don't have to exercise for survival, so it is easy to avoid exercise, and get bored with it quickly. I know what it is like to get sick of exercising and just give up, because I have done it before. However, I think there are ways to avoid the boredom. I have found that when it comes to sticking with an exercise program, varying my routine is very helpful, even essential. I cannot go to the YMCA every other morning at 5:00 AM and hop on an elliptical machine for 40 minutes, repeating this endlessly for months. If you can, then I offer my sincere congratulations, because I wish I could do that. For me to stay interested, I have to shake things up now and then. Below is what I typically do to vary my intense workouts. Note that I try to lift weights three times a week, which means I usually set foot at the YMCA three days a week, but that doesn't always mean I work out there aerobically that many times. - I run inside at the YMCA, usually with music playing. Studies show that listening to music allows you to work out longer. |
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- I admit that by March I am very sick of the Y, and will do anything to run outside (I have even run on snow before, like in the photo I took above). So, when the weather is remotely nice, I run outside at a state park, bike path, flood wall, school track, cemetery, or wherever I can. Exercising outside is a great way to vary your routine!
- When I run at the school track, I run "outside" the track, over the hills, basically taking the cross country route. This keeps it interesting, instead of circling a black oval for an hour. My old football coach called this a "country mile."
- When I run outside, I try to take in the sights, smells, and sounds of nature, which makes the time pass more quickly. I can tell you all about the changes in nature and temperature, because I am enjoying being outside. Also, studies show that exercising in fresh air is effective in combating mild depression!
- Some days I like to run alone, to gather my thoughts. Other days, chatting with a friend or family member is my preference.
- Occasionally I will use the rowing machine, or a stationary bike when at the YMCA, but often only briefly in combination with running or eliptical.
I also go hiking and walking regularly, which creates a change of scenery, but the above ideas refer to intense aerobic activity, which I find the most difficult to stay interested in. As you can tell, I like running, but honestly, I hate treadmills. The surest way for me to get bored very quickly is to run on a treadmill. We are all different I suppose.
Now, think of ways that you can vary your routine to keep interested.
All images taken by the author during exercise routines.
Tip Number Seven: Build Muscle
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Disclaimer: These tips reflect the insights of one or more individuals about weight loss and other issues of health. These insights are based on personal experience and scientific research, to help you live a life of greater wellness. They should not be construed as medical advice or the services of a dietician. Before beginning any weight loss or exercise program, you should consult a physician.
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