Why I Quit the Gym
We’re all strapped for time. Whether we’re working full time, running our own business, or just living our best life, going to the gym to workout may not be the best solution for your healthy lifestyle goals. Don’t get me wrong. I know that there are people out there that love going to the gym. People thrive on their daily workout and bonding time with gym friends and attending gym fitness classes. Mega gyms like Lifetime Fitness are even considered small communities! I decided to quit the gym when I reached 198 pounds and could no longer fit in the clothing I so diligently held and bonded with during my one-on-one time tidying with Marie Kondo. My decision to quit the gym was made with all considerations in mind; but knowing my personality type, working out in a group consistently was not my cup of tea. When I reflect on the reasons why I quit the gym, I quickly understand that I have to be productive with my workout time. Sweating at the gym would leave me miserable, unfulfilled and practically more stressed out because, frankly, I think walking on a treadmill or sweating on the elliptical a waste of time. I would think about the other things on my to-do list and the distraction made me too unfocused to get a proper workout. So that’s when I decided to take my workouts into the garden. Physical exercise has been proven to not only aid in losing weight, but physical exercise also helps tremendously with reducing stress and forces you to be mindful. And spending time in nature is one of the top things you can do to instantly feel calmer, happier and more present in your life. Best of all, gardening can be made into a workout by adding in squats, fast running or jumping intervals, even standing yoga stretches. But living in Colorado makes winter garden workouts a challenge, so I had to take this little fact of nature into consideration as I decided not to quit the gym, per se, but quit my perception of what a gym consists of.
Planet fitness’s, “No Gym-timidation” business model creates a relaxing atmosphere known as the Planet Fitness “Judgement Free Zone®” .“A welcoming and friendly community where people could feel comfortable regardless of their fitness level.” Planet Fitness
Treadmill Walk to the Music Routine
60 Minute Indoor Walk (Beginners) Finding the motivation to walk indoors on the treadmill is difficult for me, but after a few weeks of refining this Amazon Prime Music playlist my indoor treadmill workout flies by! Simply keep time to the beat of each song adjusting the incline and/or speed to maintain a moderate exercise activity level. Also, easily add intensity to this one hour treadmill workout by maintaining a vigorous exercise activity level. To calculate your maximum heart rate, subtract your age from 220. For example, a 42-year-old will have a maximum heart rate of 178. This means that on average, the maximum number of heartbeats per minute is 178 for this person. Next, calculate your desired target heart rate zone. This is the level at which your heart is being exercised and conditioned but not overworked. The following target heart rates are generally recommended:- Moderate exercise intensity: 50 – 70% of your maximum heart rate (89 – 125 max)
- Vigorous exercise intensity: 70 – 85% of your maximum heart rate (125 – 151 max)
- High exercise intensity: 86% – 100% of your maximum heart rate (153 – 178 max)