I don't consider any lifestyle moving as part of my workout--whether it's gardening or running around with the kids on the playground or taking them swimming, etc.
i think a lot of activities are a good workout, but i don't substitute them for my regular workouts, i do them in addition to my regular workouts.
here are some things i like to do that get my heartrate up and are good exercise:
play dance dance revolution (& other active video games), skateboard (i was surprised that it really gets my heartrate up!), surfing (paddling), walking as transportation/walking the dog/neighborhood safety patrol, going out dancing, hiking, riding my bike, snorkeling
also, lugging mulch bags and other large items around the yard during yardwork is a good muscular endurance workout for the lower body
Generally, I don't "count" life movements as exercise either but honestly, I skipped cardio today so I would have the energy to paint. I thought if I went out for a run this morning that I'd just be too exhausted to get this painting stuff done.
I did that last wednesday... went out for a 5 mile run, painted part of the kitchen and gave the entire downstairs a full thorough cleaning. I paid for that for about two days. I was exhausted and had no energy whatsoever. Sometimes I get too ambitious and I'm realizing that it's just not worth it. The good news here is that I am relaxing about my workouts... I allow myself the option of skipping a workout to get other (usually physical) things done and I'm not freaking out about it. This is great progress for a weight-conscious control freak. :)
Taking care of kids- I swear to God, it's the best arm workout- carrying around toddlers all day is giving me nice biceps. Plus, you don't get to sit down or eat, so that helps too.
I'm the same way! I am very active, but I don't count any of it as exercise. I run around with the kids, rollerblade (don't tell my doctor), clean the house top to bottom, speed shop, carry around ds ...
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i think a lot of activities are a good workout, but i don't substitute them for my regular workouts, i do them in addition to my regular workouts.
here are some things i like to do that get my heartrate up and are good exercise:
play dance dance revolution (& other active video games), skateboard (i was surprised that it really gets my heartrate up!), surfing (paddling), walking as transportation/walking the dog/neighborhood safety patrol, going out dancing, hiking, riding my bike, snorkeling
also, lugging mulch bags and other large items around the yard during yardwork is a good muscular endurance workout for the lower body
Generally, I don't "count" life movements as exercise either but honestly, I skipped cardio today so I would have the energy to paint. I thought if I went out for a run this morning that I'd just be too exhausted to get this painting stuff done.
I did that last wednesday... went out for a 5 mile run, painted part of the kitchen and gave the entire downstairs a full thorough cleaning. I paid for that for about two days. I was exhausted and had no energy whatsoever. Sometimes I get too ambitious and I'm realizing that it's just not worth it. The good news here is that I am relaxing about my workouts... I allow myself the option of skipping a workout to get other (usually physical) things done and I'm not freaking out about it. This is great progress for a weight-conscious control freak. :)
Jean,
I'm the same way! I am very active, but I don't count any of it as exercise. I run around with the kids, rollerblade (don't tell my doctor), clean the house top to bottom, speed shop, carry around ds ...
Paula
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