Excercise

[luv1another]

I am looking at starting to do a little exercise in a few weeks and try and get fitter :smile:
what sort of things are best to start out with?
I have never ever ever enjoyed or liked excercise since I was never a very co ordinated person and got teased lots for not catching balls etc.
I know walking is supposed to be a good place to start... but then I go worrying about where I walk and who's around and if I walk just along the road I have to keep stopping and checking for cars going past and watch for dogs that are lose. :sigh:
I also have some videos I could start with but without encouragement I find I end up stopping those pretty quick :sad:
I was just not made to be someone who likes or even wants to excercise... :bawl: but I need to all I do is sit in front of this computer and do housework and the minimum of that I can :doh:
and yeh I have done jenny craig etc before ... I failed :lol: ok not failed I lost what I needed to almost so I could fit my wedding dress on :wink: but I gained more back :sad:

[{Tim}]

Well Kaz... FWIW I have found that walking from the train to university was really good for me - obviously not directly applicable to you, but here's why it was good:
1) it was regular (well, at least as long as I was not skipping lectures :blush:)
2) I couldn't avoid it, since I otherwise wouldn't get there (admittedly there is since then a free city circle bus, but usually I am too lazy to wait for it to arrive... yes I know that being too lazy to stop walking is really weird, but it's true!)
Can you find a way to fit exercise into your lifestyle?

I must admit I've never given much thought to being safe where I walk.. it comes of being male and 6' tall I guess. But you could do what my aunt did, get a big dog - then you can take it for walks without having to be worried about nasty strangers.

Also, my mother finds swimming laps is very good. She always says she feels lots better on days when she has been for a swim, as opposed to when she hasn't. So, if you have a local pool you could consider that... (although it's probably true that any exercise will make you feel better).

I don't know if any of that helped at all, but if they did I'm glad. :smile:

Tim

[BeHereNow]

Try yoga. Get a video tape so you feel involved.

[learning]

luv1another, when I pulled a muscle in my back, the Dr. told me I had to get exercising again, especially try pilates or fitness class. I joined a woman's fitness class, but then, between an eye inflammation and a bad cough, I couldn't go (I only got to two classes) So, now I really want to work at getting fit. I got a 'easy on your back' (actually about strengthening your back too) type of pilates video, and I have older videos, from a Jane Fonda 'start up' to Kathy Smith's (hers are good). So, I am going to start tomorrow and try and do at least one video (it's too cold to go walking) and hopefully, I'll build up my lungs again. Since that cough I had for a month, I find I'm really short of breath, and I don't smoke, though we do have a wood stove in part of our house.

So, you hold me accountable, and I'll hold you accountable if you want. I read just trying to be more active (which I have, trying to do more housework, go up and down the stairs more to put things away rather than ask the kids to do it, etc.) has helped too, though the stair climbing is what's opening my eyes up to just how short of breath I am at times. I'm supposed to go on a mission trip in April, so want to be in shape! Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, so we should take good care of them if we can.

[luv1another]

Hi thanks for the input Tim.BHN and learning.

BHN I don't agree with yoga as something a Christian should participate in, but thankyou for the thought :smile:

Learning I have a couple videos from the past but hmm they are ok for a week or two then they become boring :shrug: but it may be a good way to start out :smile: cool a mission trip that should be fun :smile: and yep you might want to be a little fit depending on what you will be doing. I have been to classes before but I feel stupid because I am not a very co ordinated person and so can never keep up with what move I am supposed to do and by the time I get it they have moved on :doh: so all it does is frustrate me :doh:
I will think about the acountability part that hasn't seemed to work out for me before but I will give it more thought :smile:

Tim I love swimming :smile: maybe it's because it's one thing I used to be able to do I was actually in a swimming club as a kid and came 3rd in a inter swimming club race :smile: problem is though being overweight now I get embaressed putting on bathers and going out in public pool :sad:

[learning]

I agree, the religion of yoga is something we should NOT get into, but some of the stretches are OK. I've done them in a simple fitness class, and they do feel good. The lying down and bending one leg over and stretching out and reaching the other way is a great one.


For instance, when I hurt my back, my therapist showed me a few stretches, and one was (I'm not sure if this is yoga or not, but I think she said they were) 'rock the baby' which is really good at stretching out your hip (which is part of where I pulled a muscle, I actually was lifting correctly, my muscle was just too tight at the time I pulled it) Anyways, you sit on the floor, cross your legs, and hold your leg from knee to foot or ankle, and pull it towards you. Does a great hip flexor stretch! (my explanation might not be too good, so don't try this, look up 'stretches' anyone, if you want to do something like this) Here's a link, and if you look up 'Rock the Cradle' No. 17, that is what I'm talking about here! www.hathayogalesson.com/index.htm under link 'Yoga Postures' and the other stretch I mentioned is no. 11 under 'Stress Postures'. One can do just the stretches, and only what seems safe to your back, etc., without getting into other parts of Yoga.

I understand about swimming, I used to love it, but need to lose weight too. I almost joined an aqua fit class, but didn't like the idea of not knowing if I fit my bathing suit either. I did fit in it this summer, but it was tight then, and I have gained weight. I have the opposite thing right now of anorexia, I used to be a skinny minny, and I find it hard to realize the weight I've gained.

The mission work will be in a mountainous area, so I need to get my lungs in shape for that. I don't want to be left behind on some hikes! Most of the work, from what I've heard, is building a church, for which the men usually do the sand, cement, carrying blocks bit, and we women are supposed to do something with bending some wires. So I need to work on hand strength, (which I can with some weights or those 'sqeeze balls' or 'stress balls' etc.

[TuckEverlasting]

I am looking at starting to do a little exercise in a few weeks and try and get fitter :smile:

Wow, that's awesome, Kaz! I'm always glad to hear when people decide to try and get into better shape. :thumb:

what sort of things are best to start out with?

Well, it depends what level you are at right now. Like you said, walking is a great place to start.

I have never ever ever enjoyed or liked excercise since I was never a very co ordinated person and got teased lots for not catching balls etc.

Well, one of the great things about 'exercise' is that there are thousands of different ways to do it... There's pretty much something for everyone, you just have to find it!

If walking around your house is definitely out, is there a club or something nearby where you could walk on a treadmill? Swimming is one of the best exercises, if you can find a pool nearby.

If none of these types of things are an option, your best bet is probably to get some type of 'aerobics for beginners' videotape. I'm not too familiar with those types of things, but just make sure that whatever one you get is recommended by the people who know what they are talking about.

One often overlooked component of fitness is stretching - make sure you learn how to do it! And, make sure you drink enough water.

I was just not made to be someone who likes or even wants to excercise...

I bet this attitude will change after a while if you keep doing it. Just start a little bit at a time. :wink:

but I gained more back

Hmm, well keep in mind that although it is good to lose weight, there is more to being fit than just your weight. Some people just can't get down to a weight they would like, but it doesn't mean they can't get in shape. :smile:

[luv1another]

I bet this attitude will change after a while if you keep doing it. Just start a little bit at a time. :wink:

umm I have been fit before and nope it never changed :lol: I still didn't like doing excercise :shrug:

Hmm, well keep in mind that although it is good to lose weight, there is more to being fit than just your weight. Some people just can't get down to a weight they would like, but it doesn't mean they can't get in shape. :smile:

hmm a weight I would like would be losing about 40 kilos :lol: I can't see that happening :sigh:
I don't even eat much :sigh:
I have always found if I eat the same as I normally do and exercise I lose weight :shrug: I think I have a slower metabolism.
my kids are not overweight but my oldest is starting towards it funny thing is my two oldest you can see a little fat on, but my youngest I think should be a model she is thin not unhealthy thing but naturally thin and man she already worries about weight which I don't thinks a good thing :sigh:
I don't even know where she gets it because it's not like I go on about being overweight I am not the kind to worry about it :shrug: gave up long ago worrying :teeth:
but then the youngest is also fashion concious and doesn't like to wear things unless she chooses them :doh: the oldest is only just now getting to that point :eek:

I think the treadmill Idea might work tuck I think there is a place I could hire one from :smile: might look into that.

[BeHereNow]

luv and learning, what's the problem with yoga from a Christian perspective? I've heard this before, but was never told where the conflict lies. Is there something in the Bible about stretching and deep breathing that I don't know about?

[brahmabull]

I never understood the problem with Yoga either...

I figure Christians would love it, because they would get a chance to meditate and pray while excercizing....

For luv1another...
I have started my own abbreviated version of body 4 life. It promotes a good mix of diet and exercise, and I know some people that have been majorly successful while on it. Even after having children.

I like it so far. I say abbreviated though, because I do not feel the need to lose major amounts of weight very quickly. I just want to be healthier.

Check out the website:
www.bodyforlife.com

Good luck

[elysian]

Exercise isn't so bad once you find one you like. I have degenerative joint disease, so many forms of exercise (jogging, weight lifting, etc.) are strictly off-limits for me. Swimming is about the only one that doesn't wreak havoc on my joints, so I try to get to the pool at least three times a week. Just 30 minutes of swimming laps, treading water and doing light resistance exercises in the water makes a big difference in how much mobility I have. Pilates are a good form of exercise for mobility as well.

I don't have much self consciousness about wearing a swimsuit in public. Because I have some really bad scarring/adhesions, etc. left over from my c-section I have to wear the old-lady swimsuits with the skirts otherwise all the other pool goers would be treated to a rather grisly view. So what, I can't wear a French cut bathing suit. I can't tan because I am very fair (and generally go to an indoor pool anyway, even in summer, to avoid severe sunburn.) What's the big deal? There are ladies (and men too) at the pool who are larger than me but far less modest. I wish modesty were a trend. As in other areas of clothing I buy swimsuits for modesty and coverage. I don't need the "puppies" flying out of containment when I go off the diving board (and yes, this happened to me one time, when I was 13 and wasn't wearing a swimsuit with proper, uh, reinforcement- buxom women do need some sturdiness up top if you actually intend to dive or swim.)

I like the pool because it's good aerobic exercise, and this time of year walking outside is not a good idea (winters in Central Ohio are dismal, cold and very damp.) I do like to walk when the weather is good and ride my bike (I'm allowed walking and bicycling along with swimming and stretching exercises.)

Not all of us are a perfect size five (especially not me, not even close!) and most of us would be unhealthy if we were as thin and emaciated as the models in fashion magazines. A woman's worth and beauty are not defined by her ability to look like Demi Moore in a swimsuit.

[anthrogirl]

luv and learning, what's the problem with yoga from a Christian perspective? I've heard this before, but was never told where the conflict lies. Is there something in the Bible about stretching and deep breathing that I don't know about?
actually, if you've ever had a session with a physical therapist, you have probably practiced yoga without even knowing it...

ag

[elysian]

Yoga is not anti-Christian unless you start getting into TM. (Transcendental Meditation) The concern many Christians have about yoga is where are you focusing your mind when you do the exercises?

TM basically teaches the self is a god, or that the self is part of a "collective consciousness" that takes the place of God, which to Christians is idolatry.

[learning]

The only problem I have with yoga is sort of what el said, and also, I heard once (so you can correct me if I'm wrong, but from a brief look at that web site, I think it mentions it sort of) that yoga is sort of a thing where one is supposed to get the body and mind and spirit in such a state that one can avoid being reincarnated again. So, from what I've heard, yoga is a sorta thing where one is trying to (almost) die, so one won't come back. (I did actually hear it explained this way once) So, the exercises, are meant to slow one down for an eventual complete death, same with the breathing and meditations. Now, we don't want to slow down to avoid being reincarnated, but the idea of slowing down, the deep breathing and stretching parts, are not bad for the body to release stress, and it fits a little bit of the idea that Christ said about 'dying to self so one might live', so the philosophy of relaxing and being peaceful is not a bad thing, just the ultimate goal of it from the orginal beginning of yoga. I believe one can take the good things from it, (even meditation can be used to focus on God or on good thoughts, not just a mindless thing where one's mind goes anywhere) and the 'good stretches' (there are a few that might be bad for one's back, so one has to be careful, use common sense and work up to flexability) then I see that Christians can take it and use it just like we took other pagan things and redeemed them for God's purpose, like the Christmas tree, etc.

I was in a book store and looking at some yoga video tapes, though I'm sure from looking at some of those stretches, I've done them in exercise classes (the one's I've mentioned, the cat stretch, and others) and I've seen them in some of the videos I have.

Please pray for me, I've NOT done any exercise these last two days, been busy with other things, but also feel a lot of, I don't know, feels like I'm under spiritual attack or something. Just really getting down about myself and need prayer. Thanks.

[luv1another]

luv and learning, what's the problem with yoga from a Christian perspective? I've heard this before, but was never told where the conflict lies. Is there something in the Bible about stretching and deep breathing that I don't know about?

firstly the word yoga is derived from sanskrit and is possibly from the root underlying the greek word iògè, shelter, and Latin jugum, yoke.
if these linguistic associations are anything to go by, to practice yoga is to put oneself under a yoke, or to seek shelter from a protective power.
for a good introduction to yoga, Maurice Ray's book Joga, ja oder nein? is recommended.It is the best discussion of yoga from a Christian viewpoint known to me.
the first stage of yoga has the aim of helping the student of yoga to gain control of his conciousness and his body. This goal is acheived by means of mental and physical excercises.
the mental excercises include meditation,autogenic training, concentration and "koan," a litany involving the continious repetition of a mantra(secret word).
the physical excercises include breathing excercises and various bodily postures like the lotus position, the Cobra position and the headstand.
there are many Christians who believe that it is possible to participate in this first stage of yoga without harm. It is merely a matter of relaxation excercises. If only this were true! Counselling experience tells otherwise. This technique of relaxation and these "emptying excercises" so highly spoken of by yogis lead to the inflowing of another Spirit-other Spirits. The students of yoga do not notice it.
The second stage of Yoga involves the control of the unconcious mind. When a person has mastered the second stage, he can control and guide, for instance his visceral nerves. I have met masters of the second stage who can perform astonishing feats.

yoga does not liberate it enslaves. Yoga does not free; it binds. Yoga does not enlighten; it brings confusion. Yoga does not prepare the way for Christ, as father J.M. Déchanet (Cahaier du Val) claims,but makes people immune to redemtion through Christ. Yoga does not open the dorr for the Holy Spirit, but for spiritist spirits. This will become even plainer when we describe briefly stages 3 and 4.
The third stage of Yoga is concerned with mastery of the natural powers. I have found very few examples of this in the west, but very many in the eastIt is the speciality of the tibetanyogis to combine magic and yoga. After 3 years of apprenticeship under Lama, who is the master of this art, the adept(apprentice) has to be able to produce energy in the form of heat in natural objects, such as melting ice by means of mental concentration.
I have still more frequently come across the converse of this , where yogis are able to produce heat and even flames. we find this among the fire worshippers, who also practice fire magic.
those who are still in doubt as to whether stage one or two of yoga results in occult processes must admit that when it comes to stage 3, Yoga leads to the powers of the abyss.
Maurice ray writes"Everyone who seriously engages in Hatha yoga gains new powers. These include telepathy, presentiments, second sight and all powers of a supernatural order which are indispensable for occult activities."
At the 4th stage, the yogis gains mastery of the dark arts. The lamas of tibet are paticularly well known for this, I have collected many examples of stage 4 yoga. Tibetan yogis are masters of trance, materialization. excursion of the soul, teleinesis, levitation, perfectly controlled telepathy, and all the arts of spiritism. at stage 4, which I have met in this intensity only with Tibetans,Zombis,Alauts,Maccumbas and voodooists, yoga can no longer, with the best will in the world disguise it's true character. Here yoga reaches its ultimate master- Satan, whose desire it is with his promises and his wiles to snatch people away into the abyss.
there is no need for further comment on the religious side of yoga.
Yoga ends not only in self redemtion and atheism, but in the cult of demons.

there is some examples and a bit more in that book but we as Christians need to be aware of of where things lead... some things start out as innocent to lure people in but what happens after the first parts.
for me personally I don't have a problem with people using some of the excercises as stretches stretching your body is good BUT when you do the rest of it is when it becomes dangerous.
anyway thats the way I see it :shrug:

[learning]

I do believe we have to control our minds, and not let anything get control of that, at least not consciously. I remember once, years ago as a teenager, I was laying quietly on my bed in my room, and I started to let my mind sort of 'wander' and my Mom, (who is a Christian) came in and said 'What are you doing, you better stop that.' and so I did. I wasn't involved in anything at all, just a daydream thing I was doing, but it was starting to get beyond a 'daydream' thing. I believe she sensed that if I 'opened my mind' like I was doing,I might be too vulnerable and something evil might enter. I do believe that we need to be on guard with our minds and not to let evil in.(Much easier said than done. Hard to tell something is 'evil' at first, so many times.)

I find it hard to believe that the 'stretching' would 'invite something in' but in letting one's mind go, to a certain extent, I believe it could 'invite something in.' Now, we can use our mind to meditate on scriptures or Psalms or Proverbs of the Bible, and I think that's OK.

(You know, my head's even aching thinking about this! ;) I think this is something important. Thanks luv.)

[decoski]

Try Combat Conditioning. It is the most amazing and effective exercise program I have seen. I will be starting a thread to explain it. Here is the link to the book: www.mattfurey.com.

[HerodionRomulus]

I too have never been one for sports or most types of exercise but I do walk and do enjoy it.

Some tips: find a park with walking trails
get a walking stick or hiking staff to carry. This is for the dog problem.
I have this one and I love it http://www.fashionablecanes.com/store/77002.html

Also for dogs, when you see one, don't show fear, they can smell it. Be aggressive:Usually if you charge or yell at the dog it will run away.

Walk during your lunch time at work.
Use stairs and not elevators if possible. On bad weather days I take the elevator up to the 11th floor and walk down to the basement level of the building. I do this several times during my lunch time. Ok why do I use the elevator: I have a bad knee and walking up stairs is pain city but walking down is just fine.
Walk both up and down if you can.

Have a set time and routine like your lunch time or right after work or dinner or whenever.

[db8man]

there are heaps of options WRT what sort of exercise you use, and others have pretty much covered a fair range of these. as long as it is low impact, any will do. my one suggestion would be to find a partner in crime. that way, those days when you just don't feel like it, someone is waiting for you to arrive. found it really helps keep things regular...