[Mynameishappy]

By the way, Debbie, I kinda recognize you. I think we may have met before. Any ideas?
Brandy

[fkjghfg]

You might try some of the Leslie Sansome walking videos. There are a bunch (over 100, I think), including one mile, two miles, three miles, etc. I bought the four mile one and it is easy to use, combining walking/marching, low kicks, knee lifts and side steps with a brisk pace. Your kids can do it along with you, if you want. You don't need much room to do them and you don't have to be particularly coordinated (a problem I have with a lot of videos that expect you to be a regular at the aerobic classes). She does talk too much - but that seems to be the norm for most videos. I hate perky!

As others have said, just dancing or moving to music works too, if you can discipline yourself to keep it up for a half hour or more. Create your own dance routines. It's fun.

[Abaanto]

Yes, we do a little walk each day, but the kids are 4 and 5, and I want them to enjoy it, so we go slow. We walk mostly around the yard because our road is gravel, and very narrow-only one lane. If a car comes while you are walking you either have to hug the mountain on one side or jump off the cliff on the other
Fortunately, we can walk in the pastures or hike the hills. We're thinking about putting in a jogging trail around the property.
-Brandy

[Ingeborga]

OMG...I find myself in the 'Fitness' thread! I am very bad for not getting enough regular exercise, but now that the weight is coming off, I actually feel like I might want to do something!

Just reading about all of you motivated people is helping to motivate me.
Thx.

[anconueys]

I'm in Salem, Oregon. We should get together! I love thrift stores-which is good because that's what I can afford! I think I might have hubby cut me a compilation CD with lots of good dance music so I can bebop around the house.
Thanks for the support and suggestions!
Brandy

[dicemets]

Brandy, it sounds like videos might be the thing for you. (coyotes would certainly scare me off the path ) There are all types of videos, some not nearly as "dancy" as others. There's a site called videofitness.com that gives descriptions of all types. They used to have a "video finder" where you enter your level and what type you are looking for - I couldn't find it now, tho.

I think Richard Simmons has cornered the market of larger people. I know that Karen Voight sometimes has all different shaped people in her videos (she does in Energy Sprint), but she herself is all perfect. Kathy Smith also makes some great beginner videos.

I prefer videos that use a step because they're usually low impact. I also like videos that use weights, but not all are required. I also like to have a variety of videos so I'm not doing the same thing every day. Instructor's little jokes and remarks get old real quick when you watch them every day.

[oranowdenda]

Something I love to do... and that I think is good exercise... is dancing! I'll bet your kids would love that too! You could pick some good music with a good beat and make up your own little routine, and the kids could just have fun dancing around.

Even doing that a couple of times a week is a good thing! (Yikes, I sounded like Martha!)

Are you in Washington, Brandy? I'm in Everett myself. I intend to get an exercise bike when I get my tax refund, but checking Goodwill or St. Vin's is a good idea too! You would think I would have thought of that first, I'm such a ThriftStoreaholic!!

~Debbie~LoveSong~

[Lebybynctisee]

What about taking the kids out for a walk every day (weather permitting) and making it part of their studies? Would that work?

Just a thought...

~Debbie~LoveSong~

[Shemker394]

I figured it out. You look alot like my husband's cousin Christy. She's blonde though. Have you ever considered going blonde? I'ts a good look for you! Of course, you look beautiful as you are!
Brandy

[xFZ3k8Mw]

You are welcome Brandy! I think you will have fun dancing, and any exercise is good

I don't know if we've met or not--it's possible, of course. I am originally from Indiana, and have lived here in Washington for 6 years--all in Everett. So, if we haven't met, maybe we will someday! That would be great

~Debbie~LoveSong~

[Theorsell]

Excercise is the hardest part for me. I homeschool two kids on a pretty rural piece of land. I can't afford machinery or a gym membership and wouldn't go if I could afford it. I know it isn't logical, but gyms seem like something for skinny people only. Last night I vowed that I would walk the dog in the morning before my husband leaves for work (6 am) but then in the middle of the night there was a pack of coyotes in the pasture, and this morning I couldn't face walking in the dark . Also, it was raining so hard I could barely see the barn. I went anyway, and walked the path that goes around the barn a few times for a total of 8 minutes of excercise. I know this doesn't sound like much, but to me it's still a victory because I had plenty of excuses not to walk at all. I'm thinking about trying Goodwill or St. Vincent De Paul for a stationary bike. Excercise videos are so uninspiring for me. Just a bunch of skinny chicks in cute clothes doing stuff I can't. I propose a new set of videos-for fat people by fat people. Sort of a 'sweatin to the oldies' thing but without Richard Simmons.
Sorry if I'm just whining here! I know there are people out there with real obstacles to fitness, like those in wheelchairs etc. I think I'll pop in a movie and try my hand weights for a bit.
Brandy

[Fegasderty]

Brandy - You are getting a great start with the 8 minutes, and like you said, it is much better than not walking at all! Try adding additional time, maybe 2-5 minutes additionally and see how you feel. Or to increase the burn in those 8 minutes, bring your hand weights along for the walk and keep those arms pumping!

You are doing it, and I know you will find the best exercise that works for you. You mentioned hiking, which is such a wonderful workout. And yet another crazy idea - I have a very close friend who doesn't own a gym membership or a treadmill - so - she kicks up the music and walks/jogs around her house to get a workout in. Her kids think it's a fun game and run around after her! Might sound bizarre, but could be an option on coyote days!

Just a little anecdote about me if I can offer any insight: The first time I ever got on a treadmill I was able to only do 8 minutes at a speed of 3.0 mph and was extremely winded. Now I go for an hour between 4.0-4.8 mph, alternating between jogging and speed walking.

Anyway, my point is - the possibilities for you are endless, you will find an exercise that will work for you!

[discountviagraman]

No, I've never thought about being a blonde! My hair in this pic looks darker than what it really is, altho it is fairly dark brown. I have thought about streaking it, but time is taking care of that for me on it's own!



~Debbie~LoveSong~