Ask HN: How do you stay in shape?
I've found that any time I'm employed full time, I'll inevitably gain 20-30 pounds. Sitting all day and eating out for lunch adds up quick. What's worse is after a full day + 1 hour commute each way there's no time or energy left to exercise. How do you avoid this?
2 comments
I was late to the game, but the last few years have been a steady progress for me.
I am not someone who can stick to a routine for really long. I am trying to build that skill and I admire those who do that. Building the habit is the best!
Now, things that have worked for me. - The 7 Min Workout on weeks when I absolutely have no motivation to spend 1-2 hours at the gym was what I started with. Doing it in the mornings has worked out better. Because mustering up the motivation to do it in the evenings is much much harder. - Note that just one set of 7-min is not enough and you should atleast build it up to 3-4 repetitions to make it worthwhile. - Once I got comfortable with a few of the exercises, I switched them with a few kettlebell exercises like swing, turkish kettlebell etc.
I realize time is a factor with your commute, but if you can, the time you set apart will be worth it.
- Group classes worked a long way. Crossfit/Crossfit like intense classes of one hour. The group dynamic helped me push a lot more than I would have otherwise - Stronglifts 5x5 - This is what I stick with now. Strength Training has given me huge improvements with just the few simple exercises.
I am not someone who can stick to a routine for really long. I am trying to build that skill and I admire those who do that. Building the habit is the best!
Now, things that have worked for me. - The 7 Min Workout on weeks when I absolutely have no motivation to spend 1-2 hours at the gym was what I started with. Doing it in the mornings has worked out better. Because mustering up the motivation to do it in the evenings is much much harder. - Note that just one set of 7-min is not enough and you should atleast build it up to 3-4 repetitions to make it worthwhile. - Once I got comfortable with a few of the exercises, I switched them with a few kettlebell exercises like swing, turkish kettlebell etc.
I realize time is a factor with your commute, but if you can, the time you set apart will be worth it.
- Group classes worked a long way. Crossfit/Crossfit like intense classes of one hour. The group dynamic helped me push a lot more than I would have otherwise - Stronglifts 5x5 - This is what I stick with now. Strength Training has given me huge improvements with just the few simple exercises.
Morning exercise was a game changer for me, too.
As much as I can, trying to make each of the following goals and being honest with myself that I will fail occasionally, but won’t have to give up everything if I do.
Walking over lunch hour and then eating at my desk. Tracking steps and striving to break 10k daily. Small sugar/junk food snacks less than 1x weekly. Cut down on alcohol. No eating after 7 pm. Get 10 hours of sleep every night. Drink lots of water. Apples and almonds for snacks. Have a scale and track your weight.
Like learning to play music, keeping your weight down is an investment in your future happiness.
Walking over lunch hour and then eating at my desk. Tracking steps and striving to break 10k daily. Small sugar/junk food snacks less than 1x weekly. Cut down on alcohol. No eating after 7 pm. Get 10 hours of sleep every night. Drink lots of water. Apples and almonds for snacks. Have a scale and track your weight.
Like learning to play music, keeping your weight down is an investment in your future happiness.