I don't exercise at all except run after my kid...LOL...

About a month before I turned 30, I realized that I was out of shape and overweight by about 35 pounds. I set myself a pretty high goal. I gave myself 13 months to get in shape to run the Cleveland Marathon. My first time out I ran a mile in about 15 minutes and thought I would die... lol

Over a 13 month period, I got myself ready for the marathon. Having never been very athletic, I never figured I would be able to run 26.2 miles... but I did it. Here's me at the finish. No, my feet weren't getting very high off the ground at the end. lol

I'm in shape, but I can't run for the life of me. Never have been able to run well. Sucks.

i've been a firm believer and fan of yoga for years, and happy to say the benefits of a more flexible body (which was already flexible in the first place)is well worth it..i also do some weight lifting and walking/running in any free time i can find
*cough cough* sex is a good calorie burner too ;)

I actually belong to one of the 'girlie' gyms mentioned above. For me it's great... in for 30 minutes 3 times a week and out... and I get my cardio and strength training as well as stretching for increased flexibility in that time. Others have mentioned finding something you like and sticking to it. For me, this is it.

The "Daily Dozen" works.

Walking is a lovely exercise. End up walking to and from work from the train station (30 min each way) everyday at a brisk pace, always with my minidisc in hand. :)

I used to swim a lot but since moving a few months ago, I have not had an opportunity to. Need to find out where the recreation centers in the area are...

But, yes, like others have mentioned, find something that you're comfortable in doing and keep doing it. Soetimes you definately have to force yourself.

I try to get to the gym 5 times per week...mostly I vary between 3-5 times. I try to get in at least 2 "high intensity" 2-hour sessions per week...at least an hour of weights and a full hour of cardio. My other sessions are likely 40-60 minutes total.

Whatdo I do?

Full weight circuit - 7 machines arms, 8 legs...3 sets of 12 reps each, and I step the weights down after each set by 5 lbs).

Then I do cardio -- typically 45 min of elliptical running, then either 15 minutes of bike or 15 minutes of skiing, or 15 minutes of Stairmaster. I used to do 60 min of stairmaster, but I find it gets to my knees if I do it too often.

Then I do between 100-150 situps/crunches and some stretching, and I'm done.

Now...I *was* a bit more svelte last summer when I did 3-4 long sesions per week and added three Step classes to this routine. I've been slipping recently -- gained 10 lbs and eliminated the Step class, etc -- thanks to a job with lots of travel and stress. <sigh>

It's a never-ending battle and I need to get re-engaged. Thanks for reminding me!


Oh, and good luck!! :D :D :D

Skylar_m - congrads on completing the marathon.

Huntersgirl. I found it easier to stick to getting in shape when I had a partner that would join me. We started off by walking, then we started to jog. We now run, bike ride, cross country skiing, and hiking. There is now a few of us that get together.

Skylar_m~ good for you! I think it is so great when people challenge themselves. Inspirational!

campingboy~ I agree w/ the partner thing, it is nice to have someone to workout with.