Comments on: Is Exercise a Luxury?

By: Becky

Becky — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:08:03 +0000

Well, I’m new to the list but would like to comment of this post. I am married and have 3 kids. I, too, have a hard time finding time for myself. Life can be quite hard and tremendously busy. However, my husband and I make it a point to meet at the gym after work at least 2 times during the week and once during the weekend. This is a major accomplishment most weeks because we live so far from the nearest gym. We live out in the country and our YMCA gym is about a 45 minute drive. But that is a commitment we are willing to make for our health. Time is precious so we should not waste one minute of it. I closely monitor how I spend my time and make sure I get done the things I must do and then the things I should do. Working out at the gym is always a “should do” activity.

By: Patti

Patti — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:18:45 +0000

Holy Mackerel! I lived in northern Wisconsin for the first 50 years of my life and all the snow and 40 below temperatures never stopped me from exercising. I live in Florida now and all the 100 plus temperatures don’t stop me, either.

I’ve recently joined an exercise challenge with my daughter called Fat Loss Quickie which is a twice a day 10 minute exercise session designed for folks who work at home in tiny little offices, one session is weights and one is cardio. Who can’t spare 10 minutes twice a day? No fancy equipment (we even used baked bean cans for weights at first)! A couple dollars for a floor ball and that’s it.

As far as those people who are spewing negative and self-destructive limitations and excuses for not exercising, check out the video on my website that I linked to. It ought to call out even the most negative person.

You know whining about limitations and envying someone else’s “position” in life is just unbelievable to me. It reminds me of the whole “you’re lucky” argument. Luck? It’s hard work.

This is how ridiculous the whole “luck” argument is, just as a silly illustration. A woman I worked with many years ago had a young child at the same time my child was grown and out of the house attending college. The woman and I were the same age, but she had her child at an older age and I had my child at a very young age. She commented to me one day after a hard night at home with her little one sick and up all night that I was “lucky” I get to sleep the night through without a baby crying. Luck? No, I just went through that same thing 18 years earlier than she did…

None of us escape the trials and tribulations of life. It’s all hard work and it’s just where you are at the moment in your life. I applaud you for your hard work and believe you deserve a happy, healthy life just like everyone who works hard. I don’t live in a fancy neighborhood, but I sure as heck can put on a pair of shoes and walk around the block, or do some leg lifts and crunches. I’m sure glad I wasn’t raised to feel sorry for myself!

By: Dejana M

Dejana M — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:42:01 +0000

I loved your article, and interesting enough I’ve talked about it to my cousin who wants to move to Hawaii. This article was great to inspire her and help her visualize her new life.
I really got inspired by your daily routine and instead of fabricating excuses why my life is not the way it is, I pay attention what kind of negative belief systems it provokes in me, and I try to change them. I can have the life I want, and I deserve to enjoy it. Thank you for showing me that it’s possible .
Gratefully,
Diana

By: Kathy

Kathy — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 02:24:05 +0000

Exercise is a must for me no matter where I live.

Just a question on the exercise. The starting position with the hands. They are in a fist, but does the fist face the body, face each other or face outward? I can see what position your hands are in when the arms are extended back, but not the starting. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:08:37 +0000

very well said and written Carol as I live in the same terrain as you and used to live in New Jersey. But no matter where i have traveled to and no matter what amount of space or weather that has come my way i have always made exercise as mandatory as breathing air ( which is part of my exercise ; ). When i miss my workouts for only a day i feel the effect it has on my day, energy and body and I do not like it the least bit. My vote is exercise is not a luxury. looking forward to your post on time. Have a great day, Aloha, paul

By: Jane

Jane — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 22:41:40 +0000

I didn’t have the nerve to respond to last week’s blog, but obviously someone did, and it sounds like you weren’t thrilled. Maybe their term of “opulence” was too much. My take was: “I wish I had the freedom of time to DO all the things you mentioned!” So yes, that reader’s request for suggestions for ‘the rest of us’ was justified. With almost every spare minute in our day used for the basics, ie. kids/husband/home/job, there’s little time for walking on the beach (if we had one), or any of the restful lifestyle you enjoy. It’s enough to keep our heads above water, let alone getting to a gym. So yes – a nice walk around the neighborhood, or a few squats in front of the kitchen sink I can manage. Maybe it was just a little too much relating all the exciting options you were fortunate enough to have available when many of us are struggling to find 5 minutes in a day for ourselves. And it’s not necessary to respond in any kind – I joined your list to get suggestions on healthier living. I’ll be glad to unsubscribe and find my tips somewhere else. Good luck to you and yours!

By: Lesley

Lesley — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 22:22:47 +0000

Loved your comments about exercise. I also started life in a very cold and damp city, (London, UK) but I am now so lucky to be on the Australian Gold Coast, next to the Pacific Ocean. I am in my 60′s, and take long walks along the pathways next to the ocean. I do have a gym membership but it only costs me $19.95 per fortnight. I use the gym about six times aweek, taking part in Yoga and Bodypump classes. I have been attending these classes for the last 14 years and enjoy the friends I have made there. I do not consider excercise a luxury but a necessity, that is if you wish to stay health in later life! Regards Lesley

By: Renee'

Renee' — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 22:04:21 +0000

Excellent and positive response to a negative and short-sighted person!

Thank you for you.

By: Mike S

Mike S — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:28:02 +0000

“It doesn’t take a lot of money and fancy equipment… what it takes is will and opportunity. I’ve never paid for a push-up or a sit-up in my life and I’ve done millions”

Arnold Schwartzenegger