Hi friends! I’ll start by saying, I hate lifting weights or doing any kind of resistance training. That being said, there’s no going around it, if we want to live long, stay strong, and avoid falling and quickly deteriorating when we get older, we need to lift. Here’s what has helped me –
My two favorite YouTube exercise channels
If you’re a morning person and like to work out as soon as possible so you’re too tired to resist and you can just get it out of the way, you may have also discovered this pet peeve.
I hate when instructors talk during a workout.
I discovered these two channels above because they don’t talk during the workout! It makes for a peaceful morning to not have to listen to anyone huffing, puffing, and yelling at me on the tv.
I also love an at home workout because I’m too lazy to have to wear appropriate clothing and drive to the gym and I’m too frugal to spend on a gym membership.
YouTube workouts save time, money, and effort! Also since I hate lifting so much, I often invite a friend over to suffer through a 30 minute weight lifting session with me while our kiddos play.
My weekly exercise routine
I really aim to move my body at least 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week. Most days of the week, this translates to brisk walking for an hour with my dog, up and down hills around our neighborhood. When he stops to smell something, I do lunges and squats. Most weeks, I do an hour hike with a friend. It’s all uphill half the way, and all downhill on the way down. If I don’t go for a walk, I do a 30 minute session on my favorite exercise machine, the vertical climber. Makes me sweat more than an elliptical, but feels like a better workout. It’s also pretty compact and can fit in my closet when I’m not using it unlike a treadmill or stair climber.
I have given up on working out hard like doing HIIT or running. This article sent by my friend has made me rethink strenuous exercise. I’m also relieved because strenuous exercise makes me hate life. 😆
Lastly, I try to fit in 1-3 30 minute weight lifting sessions using the above fitness instructors on YouTube. I lift heavy and move slowly-currently 20lb weights. Here’s why-
The podcast that motivated me to lift heavy weights
This podcast episode is one of those things that makes you realize you are a women of a certain age. 😭🤣 After listening to it, I was convinced to lift heavy – meaning I’m fatigued after 6-8 reps. At this point in my life, I want to be as strong and capable as I can be for as long as possible. I don’t just want to live long. I want to live well. Sounds like muscle is the key to that.
Anyways, I’d love to know what you do to stay active! Or what motivates you to move? Comment below!