FPDocMatt
Contributor
I had some preconceived notions of regular exercise, so never did it. These were:
I started with doing push-ups, sit-ups and squats. At first I could only do about one or two push-ups, and one or two sit-ups. Gradually I worked my way up to 10 of each. The 10 squats were easier.
At first I only did partial push-ups, not going all the way down to the ground with each push-up. Eventually, 10 full push-ups became easy.
The sit-ups I do are straight-leg sit-ups. This way, you don't have to depend on having something to put your feet under. You can do them anywhere.
The amazing thing is that, after one single day of doing 10 squats, the strength in my legs increased noticeably. I was walking with a spring in my step that I hadn't felt in 20 years.
Then, in order to approximate the weight of the scuba gear, I found an old book bag and loaded it with books. I started with a pack weighing 20 pounds. Every week or so I increased the weight. Eventually I was up to 45 pounds. Now ten squats with 45 pounds is a piece of cake.
Within 2 weeks of starting this exercise regimen, I lost 5 pounds, and have kept it off.
I used to be tired all the time. Now I have energy all the time.
So, my preconceived notions were all wrong:
- Exercise must be done outdoors or in a gym.
- Exercise requires a time commitment.
- Exercise requires exercise equipment.
- The benefits of exercise are only apparent after you've been doing it awhile.
- Strength training is inferior to aerobic conditioning.
I started with doing push-ups, sit-ups and squats. At first I could only do about one or two push-ups, and one or two sit-ups. Gradually I worked my way up to 10 of each. The 10 squats were easier.
At first I only did partial push-ups, not going all the way down to the ground with each push-up. Eventually, 10 full push-ups became easy.
The sit-ups I do are straight-leg sit-ups. This way, you don't have to depend on having something to put your feet under. You can do them anywhere.
The amazing thing is that, after one single day of doing 10 squats, the strength in my legs increased noticeably. I was walking with a spring in my step that I hadn't felt in 20 years.
Then, in order to approximate the weight of the scuba gear, I found an old book bag and loaded it with books. I started with a pack weighing 20 pounds. Every week or so I increased the weight. Eventually I was up to 45 pounds. Now ten squats with 45 pounds is a piece of cake.
Within 2 weeks of starting this exercise regimen, I lost 5 pounds, and have kept it off.
I used to be tired all the time. Now I have energy all the time.
So, my preconceived notions were all wrong:
- It doesn't take time to exercise. To do 10 push-ups, sit-ups and squats takes me about a minute total. I do this three times a day.
- You don't have to go outside to exercise. I do these exercises in my office next to my desk.
- No equipment purchase necessary.
- The benefits are immediate.
- Strength training is not bad for you after all, and has benefits I hadn't realized, in the added vitality you feel after doing it for even one day.