Having fun exercising ideas

[Derf4223]

A lot has been written about the absolute need for exercise with PCa (and other conditions.)

I started exercise with a used Bowflex costing a few hundred dollars, the month after RT stopped. I think its a fun machine to use -- no batteries, no screens, no subscription fees. My wife joined me about 3 months later when she learned she is osteopenic verging on osteoporetic. We use the family/living room as we live in a house by ourselves. One side is for aerobics and mat exercises, the other for Bowflex and dumbbell work. We add fun by playing favorite music CDs -- no commercials, no fees, She does what works for her, I do what works for me. We enjoy a healthy post-exercise snack together.

I like to say we get "hot and sweaty" every night.

The point is to use what one has on hand and make it a lifestyle change. Having the setup in the family room means 24x7 access. None of the hassles of a gym -- eg crowding, cleanliness (wear sandals in the changing room and shower), no masks (for the Covid-averse), zero car drive time, etc. We like to use youtube videos for aerobics, with the TV sound turned off. Doing it with my wife to our choice of music makes it fun. We are losing weight and in the best shape we have been in many years.

[OldVTGuy]

Agree about having it at home. I went the Craigslist route - bought a full weight bench and a commercial stair stepper for less than $1000. Of course now that it’s warm am hiking and biking instead of stepping but I’ll be on that again come winter.

[Hidden]

Same here, bought a Bowflex, and use my sons old bedroom as a dedicated "gym".

Also a a fat tire mountain bike to increase resistance while biking to work out the legs more!!

[Scout4answers in reply to Hidden]

Does not matter how or where you do it, It is one of the best medicines available, It may not cure you but you will certainly have a healthier Life

[Gearhead]

I'm glad that works for you. For me (and I suspect some others), going to the gym on a regular schedule enables me to focus exclusively on the objective: exercising. Trying to exercise at home, I'm too prone to distractions (phone ringing, remembering an errand that had to be attended to...) and the temptation to do it a little later. Also, my gym has a splendid variety of strength-building machines, cardio exercise devices, and free weights. Also, it's free as part of my Medicare Part B supplement.

[London441]

Good to hear, also agree with Gearhead. The best forms of exercise are the ones you’ll do, and the best place is where you’ll do them.

[Benkaymel]

I have a 'Total gym 1000' that I bought many years ago and didn't use much until I was Dx with PCa. I also increase the fun/incentive to work out by listening to all the post-Beatles solo albums from 1970 onwards. Always look forward to the next album! There are lots more bands to do the same with when I run out 😊

[Lieto55]

The hardest part to working out is putting the shoes on. After that, I'm committed.

[Bruce66]

I was paying $80/mo for a local gym and discovered just the other day that Kaiser has the Silver & Fit thing going (similar to Silver Sneakers) with another gym just slightly farther away. It's free now, no strings, and I'm stoked! Definitely feel better having some strength.

[Derf4223]

What are people here doing about getting a trainer?

[MateoBeach in reply to Derf4223]

Trainer is essential if doing very high intensity (heavy!) resistance workouts. Machines are safer than free weights for this since you go for complete failure and proper form and mechanics are key.

I found a very good local trainer with access to full set of MedX machines. She has me do 8 exercises with Slooowww movement, 10-12 seconds per rep, one set to complete failure. 45 min total for the workout and only once per week. You can do other workouts with higher reps and sets or on your Bowflex other days. I do outdoor exercises on my walks etc. But the max intensity one set once per week builds strength very effectively. Described fully in the book “Body by Science” as the Big 5 workout.

[jfoesq]

FYI- I started playing Pickleball 3 months ago and have become addicted to it. I play about 5-6 times a week for 3 hour sessions of on-again, off again. And- it’s by far, the best rehab I ever did for my knee, considering both pre and post total knee replacement 6 years ago. I am even thinking about skiing again which I had to stop doing because of knee pain- both pre and post my knee replacement.

[fast_eddie]

I hit the gym three times a week. I try to walk the dog every evening.

[j-o-h-n]

I know you guys are doing a great job working out since I've been watching you two through my window.....signed your friendly next door neighbor. Mr. J.O. Jones.

p.s. Could you please change to a brighter bulb.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Friday 06/16/2023 11:35 PM DST