Question:

[il Padrino Ute]

When do you folks exercise? As in what time of day? Morning? Mid-day? Evening.

I need to get my fat ass back in shape. It wouldn't hurt me to drop a good 40 lbs. and the best way is, of course, good ol' fashioned exercise. Being self-employed gives me a bit more flexibility as to when I can start at it, so I was curious when you folks get your workouts in...and how often?

[Coach McGuirk]

When do you folks exercise? As in what time of day? Morning? Mid-day? Evening.

I need to get my fat ass back in shape. It wouldn't hurt me to drop a good 40 lbs. and the best way is, of course, good ol' fashioned exercise. Being self-employed gives me a bit more flexibility as to when I can start at it, so I was curious when you folks get your workouts in...and how often?

I have to do mornings. If I don't at least start in the morning I have difficulty making time between work and family. If I do mornings, then I get the option of getting a afternoon session in. Everyday is how often I would like. Winter kills me though, I really need to move south.

[TripletDaddy]

In winter I go in the mornings. In the Spring/Summer, I go in the evenings after the kids go to bed (surf a few times a week in the mornings instead, which is good for your lats and traps).

Good luck, EPU. A worthy goal, indeed.

PS if you discover the secret to getting well rounded pecs, could you please post? How do you get that definition on the very bottom? Where is archaea when we need him?

[marsupial]

At an obscene hour of the morning.

[Soccermom]

I have tried all different times. Mornings work best for me. For one thing, my kids' activities take up most of my afternoons and evenings. Also, I don't like running in the heat. I've found that if I get a morning routine going, I am more consistent. When I have tried evenings, too many things come up.

[RC Vikings]

Because of my work schedule I do it right after work (4:30 pm). When I don't do it right after work and I flop my butt on that couch then I'm toast. If I could I would love to have the time to work out in the morning because that seems to set the tone for the rest of the day

[il Padrino Ute]

Addendum:

It should be noted that right now, running isn't an option for me, as it is much too painful to do it with my knees in the condition they're in. I bought a bicycle a couple of years ago, but had to give it up, as it was rather strenuous on my knees as well. It looks like I'm going to end up with knee replacements in the next few years - which doesn't excite me at all.

Also, I've a heart condition that the doc says is called mitral regurgitation. I've apparently had it most of my life and it never caused problems for me when I was a kid up through my college days. It makes it tough for me to be able to do strenuous exercise - I get dizzy rather easily - so I'll have to go at it at a slower rate to reach my goals.

Any ideas for a milder but good cardiovascular workout?

[Soccermom]

Addendum:

It should be noted that right now, running isn't an option for me, as it is much too painful to do it with my knees in the condition they're in. I bought a bicycle a couple of years ago, but had to give it up, as it was rather strenuous on my knees as well. It looks like I'm going to end up with knee replacements in the next few years - which doesn't excite me at all.

Also, I've a heart condition that the doc says is called mitral regurgitation. I've apparently had it most of my life and it never caused problems for me when I was a kid up through my college days. It makes it tough for me to be able to do strenuous exercise - I get dizzy rather easily - so I'll have to go at it at a slower rate to reach my goals.

Any ideas for a milder but good cardiovascular workout?

Swimming is a great cardiovascular exercise that would not be hard on your knees, assuming your dizziness issue isn't a factor. Even brisk walking is great. If one of your primary goals is to lose 40 lbs, brisk walking may be a better route to go because your heart rate will be in a more fat burning state than if you were to run. At least that is what I read somewhere and have noticed it to be true in my case.

[RC Vikings]

Addendum:

It should be noted that right now, running isn't an option for me, as it is much too painful to do it with my knees in the condition they're in. I bought a bicycle a couple of years ago, but had to give it up, as it was rather strenuous on my knees as well. It looks like I'm going to end up with knee replacements in the next few years - which doesn't excite me at all.

Also, I've a heart condition that the doc says is called mitral regurgitation. I've apparently had it most of my life and it never caused problems for me when I was a kid up through my college days. It makes it tough for me to be able to do strenuous exercise - I get dizzy rather easily - so I'll have to go at it at a slower rate to reach my goals.

Any ideas for a milder but good cardiovascular workout?

I agree with Soccermom with swimming. What I've found with swimming is it's not a great way to lose weight but it is a great way to tone your upper body. I don't know if it was because after swimming I wanted to eat everything in the house or if it was because I'm totally spent after just an half hour of swimming but I never lost weight when I was swimming but my chest and lats really firmed up. Biking shouldn't be that hard on your knees. You may want to take your bike in and see if it is adjusted properly. My guess is your seat is to low. Also you don't have to push big gears. Just go out and spin real easy but fast for a couple of hours and the LB's will fall off.

[Katy Lied]

which is good for your lats and traps).

And triceps

[Levin]

In winter I go in the mornings. In the Spring/Summer, I go in the evenings after the kids go to bed (surf a few times a week in the mornings instead, which is good for your lats and traps).

Good luck, EPU. A worthy goal, indeed.

PS if you discover the secret to getting well rounded pecs, could you please post? How do you get that definition on the very bottom? Where is archaea when we need him?

You have time to workout in between your postings?

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

If I don't go in the morning I don't do it, with the exception of church pick up basketball on Tuesday night.

[BoylenOver]

I love running/working out late at night, like 9pm. Especially in the summer, when the sun is just going down, and the air is cool.

I have no place to complain, but I'm starting to develop aches and pains, so I've been running less and less and walking more and more, primarily with the dog.

[YOhio]

Il Pad, get a gym membership and use one of the elliptical machines. They look ridiculous and usually only old people and women use them, but it probably won't hurt your knees very bad.

[il Padrino Ute]

Il Pad, get a gym membership and use one of the elliptical machines. They look ridiculous and usually only old people and women use them, but it probably won't hurt your knees very bad.

I can't figure out if you're trying to really be helpful or taking a gratuitous shot - one which I can fully appreciate.

I'll take it as both.

Quite honestly, I've considered buying one despite not being the type of person to go out and make impulse buys. There's space in my den for it right next to the rack with the CD collection of 80s power ballads.