Exercise: How Much Do You Do?

[IAmJbo]

Hey all,

I have a question about exercise: How much do you do? How integral do you think it is to Atkins?

The reason I ask is that, on weekends, I don't exercise so I can give my body a break and enjoy myself a bit more. I notice that I lose much less, if at all, on the weekends. During the week? I'm a high flying weight losing machine. What are your experiences?

I know Atkins says that exercise is a non-negotiable part of this diet. I do exercise, so that is not the heart of my question. I just wonder about the losses of those who don't exercise much vs. those who do, and perhaps those who have done both?

Thanks,

Jason

p.s. btw: 190.5 And I bought new clothes yesterday!

[Lisa]

That's cool about the high flying weight losing machine during the week!

My "normal", or what I considered my "prime time of life" in exercising is when I sweated really hard 5 days a week and light walk or something fun on the 2 days of the weekend. If my muscles were screaming for mercy and my body needing the rest, also listened to it by backing down the intensity. Now with that being said, I have to rebuild up to that "prime time" again after taking too much time off from it.

There's no doubt about it though, we have to exercise to lose weight, take off inchees, build muscle, and grow brain more cells

[ttdriver]

You can lose weight without exercise IF your goal is to look like a balloon with the air let out of it.

I've been exercising since day one on Atkins (January 19, 2002) and I can't begin to tell you the change in my body AND the improvement in my health and fitness. It absolutely amazes me and has blown my doctor away when she sees my bloodwork.

When I started Atkins, I was a bonafide couch potato at age 46 who was on track for knee/hip replacement before age 60 ... I had aches and pains just about everywhere. I knew it was do-or-die time. I mean, how many opportunities do you get to turn things around in your life?

I lost the weight easily enough, but there's no question I'd never have been a 6+ year successful maintainer without the exercise. Not only that, I'd still have those aches and pains I had before ... NONE OF WHICH I HAVE NOW, even though I'm 52 !

I'd continue to exercise regardless of the impact to my weight. I simply love what its done for me !

I run 30+ miles a week (4 running days) and on my non-running days, I do core conditioning and weight lifting. Since November 1, 2003, I've run over 7,000 miles, including countless 5ks, 10ks, 15ks, 3 half marathons (13.1 miles) and 2 full marathons (26.2 miles). I have a third marathon planned in February 2009.

Betty

[IAmJbo]

Betty,

Question: how much time do you devote to your exercise per day...and why don't you take a rest day like many experts suggest?

Thanks,

Jason

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by ttdriver

I lost the weight easily enough, but there's no question I'd never have been a 6+ year successful maintainer without the exercise. Not only that, I'd still have those aches and pains I had before ... NONE OF WHICH I HAVE NOW, even though I'm 52

Betty

That's so cool, Betty! I can only hope to be as fit as you at 52!

[Outback Jess]

Hey Jason,
I exercise at least half an hour, 6 days a week. I lost all my weight first riding a stationary bike in the house, and eventually moving to a treadmill, biking outside and then to triathlons....Nothing came easy, but as the energy increased and the weight came off, I started to find myself addicted either to the my new ability or to the endorphines that are released...In the book there is a chapter, "exercise is non negotiable." That should say it well enough.
I think a rest day is very important...and if you are over training, your body holds water to heal with....
I would suggest working out with the goal to sustain it on a weekly basis...No weekly marathons, but weekly amounts that lead to health and managability.

[clogger]

I'm exercising with the intention of becoming healthy - to build cardiovascular endurance, a strong heart, strong bones, and a toned body. I have hopes that all the exercise I'm doing (an average of 1 hour per day) will leave me with tight skin after my weightloss! I hope, I hope, I hope .

[chinadoll]

Hi, I walk 5 to 8 miles a day at least five days a week. I try to lift weights at least twice a week and hope to be doing core work twice a week. Although I do crunches or something daily.

Jason, regarding your rest question-- I view it differently. I rest my body from walking on the days I lift. I rest my body from lifting on the days I walk, etc. I think the idea is not to do the same thing every day so that set of muscles get rest. My belief is it does not necessarily mean complete rest, but somedays I do that too.

[chinadoll]

I think it is also the number one factor in my cholesterol improvement. Last set of numbers: total cholesterol 149; LDL 45; HDL 70, triglycerides 40!

[ttdriver]

Originally Posted by IAmJbo

Betty,

Question: how much time do you devote to your exercise per day...and why don't you take a rest day like many experts suggest?

Thanks,

Jason

Hi Jason !

In a week, I spend exactly 8 hours running. Not much when you consider the total hours in a week, aye? As for my off-running days, 45 minutes a day doing core strengthening and weight lifting, max.

And yes, I do take rest days from running. I only run 4 days a week. I am a HUGE believer in the power of rest days.

Betty