Good Way To Get Started Excercising?

[johnjohn320]

I don't wanna go to the gym, I don't want to buy weights and start pumping iron, I don't want a treadmill or anything like that. Basically, what's something that I can do that's just relatively short and free? Here's why I want to start:

I have read that excercising releases endorphens (sp?) which lift your mood and make you feel happier; more content with life. I could use that lately.

So, I've been running with my sister for the past couple of days, I'm sore as all hell, but hanging in there. How much of that (if any) do you suggest I do? What about biking? Unfortunately, I don't feel any lift in my mood since I started running, but it's only been for a few days. Does it take awhile? Any tips are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[tontod]

Try to play some sports that you might like. Do you like basketball, football, swimming, tennis, soccer, etc? You can also go hiking mountain trails and such if you like that.

 

[datalink7]

Get a friend to run with you. I have been running for a while with a friend and it works great. You kind of force each other to go, instead of just relying on making yourself do it (which often times fails). And the competition is great for a run, we generally race the last part. We started out at a 1 mile run, 15 pushups, 6 leg lifts, and 30 crunches a couple of months ago. Now we are up to a 3 mile run, 30 pushups, 10 leg lifts, and 60 crunches.

But the friend part is key. It is much easier getting up the energy and drive when running with a friend than running by yourself.

This can also be applied to other forms of excercise such as weight lifting and such.

 

[johnjohn320]

Sports are fun, but I have to find someone to play them with. Yes, I have friends, but they're even less active than I am. I suppose I can try and push it over on them, we'll see. Any other suggestions?

 

[jsbush]

I love biking. Get your slef a cheap bike (if you don`t already have one) and start biking. Or you could always jog.

 

[trikster2]

Running is great but do yourself a favor and get a HRM (heart rate monitor). Get the type that uses a chest strap, polar is the best and can be found starting about $50.

Find out what your "zone" is and stay in it, even if you have to walk at first.

If possible stay off roads and sidewalks, get on some trails, it'll be more fun and be a lot easier on your feet than pounding the pavement.

You really should think about doing some lifting. A cheap set of dumbbells fit in a corner and can be had for about $40. Don't worry about benches, get your self an exercise ball, you can do tons with it and it does not take up too much room.

 

[GoldenGuppy]

Jump around your house... when nobody is watching ... since you want something that doesn't require going to the gym or it seems like getting out of the house for that matter, I suggest jumping around your house every chance you get.

And don't think I sound crazy, because I've taken my own advice... back in the day when I was training for basketball, I'd jump all over the place to get the muscles in motion... and seriously before I knew it, I was sweating big time.

It's also really fun and highly effective. Everytime you see a commercial, jump around w/ it.. they're usually pretty fun to jump around...

Buy a jump rope too, then start to incorporate that into your jumping routine...

As far as Endorphins are concerned... you'll get happy all right! And once you hit that high, you won't want to stop until your mom and dad walk through the door and ask, "Son?!! What, what's the matter!?" and you look like a total idiot.. if you're anything like me though, you wouldn't care...hey, whatever works right?

I'm glad to see that you have been running - it'll grow on you eventually and you'll never know how you lived w/o it... it's a highly effective cardiovascular excercise, make sure have the right shoes though... you don't want this to happen to you:




Good luck

><GG> GG'S Weakness

 

[johnjohn320]

Well, I want to avoid the weights because I'm a musician, and I've heard that it can do more harm than good to our tonality and touch, and cause some serious tension problems.

 

[johnjohn320]

<< since you want something that doesn't require going to the gym or it seems like getting out of the house for that matter >>



Uh...where'd you get that I don't want to leave the house? LOL I have no problem with going outdoors, I just don't want to go the gym and I don't want to spend money. (going to the gym costs money).



<< Everytime you see a commercial, jump around w/ it.. they're usually pretty fun to jump around... >>



Huh? You mean, like to the beat of the music?

 

[GoldenGuppy]

JohnJohn320-Tension problems? Weights can actually be theraputic when it comes to releasing tension (I'm sorry, but I forgot where I read that)... I'm sure that a little weight will do more good than harm for you.. just don't excercise the muscles that you're going to use to play the instrument (what instrument do you play btw? I play the violin and it doesn't effect me at all )

Work out your legs w/ weights, that will get some muscle into your body and make you an overall better person, and you'd have nothing to worry about, unless you play by leg (haha, damn sorry, musician joke)

Edit: Reponse to jumping around: Just jump around... go crazy, who needs a beat? Just go bonkers =)

Sorry, I assumed you didn't want to get out of the house, that was just me, I'm so lazy sometimes

><GG>

 

[XMan]

How about swimming?

 

[Alienwho]

Well I just barely got back from a 3 day backpacking trip. I had a 65 pound backpack, hiked 8 miles to camp. Day 2, hiked about 4 miles with my pack. Day 3, hiked about 10 miles back to base. Now my legs are sore, my knees are weak, and my shoulders are SO FREAKING SORE.

I love the pain.

 

[imported_vr6]

i think then mood lift is also caused my improved physical appearence. Since u want to start excersicing, your should also correct your diet. When u start to see your physique improve i think you'll be alot happier.

 

[imported_vr6]

opps double post.

 

[UberNeuman]

Here's a workout video in the DivX format that'll get your blood pumping...

Just try to keep up with him!