Okay, I know some people aren't going to like me for this and I know where you're coming from-trust me-I am in no way preaching to anybody. BUT exercise is really helping me out in a lot of ways.
I am by nature a very lazy person. But I quit smoking, I gained weight and I had to lose weight so I figured I'll try some easy exercises. I found an old Denise Austin tape-it's like 5 minutes of an easy warm up, 20 minutes of low impact aerobics and 5 minutes of an easy cool down,I told myself, can do that- and I did.
I've been FORCING myself almost everyday for the past 2 weeks. I'm telling you in the past week and a half I've felt a lot better, I'm sleeping better so I'm not as tired, I'm not as sad and it's made me feel good about myself. You don't have to do it everyday, just 3 to 5 times a week but I do it 6 times a week because I've gotten really fat and I want to lose as quickly as possible and also, when I don't do the exercises I feel icked out.
Anyway, I hope I could inspire someone to try it. I know it's not fun but it WILL make you feel better then after awhile it is actually kind of fun.

[Sujin]

Jax, how wonderful for you! I wholeheartedly agree that exercise does make one feel better, and it can be addicting, though in a good and positive way!

Sujin

[altonwoodsdrphil]

sounds great jax,just don't push yourself too hard! and try to throw in some rewards for yourself (besides lookin/feeling better) maybe new clothes? keep us posted with your progress!

[Rapunzel]

I found a Denise Austin tape at the library that I really like. Something about Dancing to the Oldies. It really is fun. But I don't have my own copy and haven't done it in a long time. I pick up yoga videos any time I see them for a good price, and I like those too - they feel good. And I have some Paula Abdul dance videos, but the Paula Abdul ones are a bit hard for me - I'm just not that coordinated and you have to learn the steps, and I don't keep up too well.

Exercise is good, and so is acknowledging and responding to your own physical needs. I'm recognizing that more, but not so good at doing it. It's inspiring to read about it here (this thread as well as others).

[(JD)]

I'm sorry you think someone would hate you for something that not only worked for you, but is a great suggestion! I know part of my depression is due to not being able to exercise and be active (due to disability)...just can't do much about it. Good wishes on this!

[Taipans]

Aww come on guys, even you older folks, "Denise Austin" you guys can find some better workouts, and newer routines out there. lol Sorry

Tae Bo for one, will atleast make you feel like you can kick some butt.

Anyways I was just messing with you all, and Its awesome you are sticking to it and making your mind and body better. I have started the same thing and over the past month have lost 24lbs and 4% body fat. And it does make you have an entire different outlook on life. The hardest part is keeping with it! Good luck to all of you, even if your dancing with the oldies with that little skinny guy in his tiny shirts... hehe

Mark

[Rhapsody]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
Taipans said:
Aww come on guys, even you older folks, "Denise Austin" you guys can find some better workouts, and newer routines out there. lol Sorry

Tae Bo for one, will atleast make you feel like you can kick some butt.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

Oh but please remember that many of us older folks cannot kick butt with out falling on our own - lol - or worse yet we get laid up in bed for weeks at a time, for one lousy butt kicking hour.

BTW - Denise has many tapes out there - new & improved ones - gotta love the woman for sticking it out.
LINK: http://www.deniseaustin.com/index3.asp

Gotta Love Me,
Rhapsody -

[Rapunzel]

I didn't know Denise Austin was just for older folks. Hmm, I wonder how old you think I am. I've been 29 for several years. I don't bother to keep track of how many, but it's still less than 10.

I fall out of the habit too easily though, especially in the Fall when I need it the most as SAD kicks in. I really need to do something outside during daylight. I do pretty well at that when it's Spring.