I make myself go to the gym at least 3 times a week.  The day and time is determined by my schedule but I make myself go 3 times during the course of a week.  My workout is 30 mins on the treadmill for a minimum of 1.75miles per Are there any benefits or is it recommended to excercise at the same time and same day to make your workout more effective?  My goal is 66lbs lost by the end of the year, thus 66in06.  Any suggestions are invited and needed.

I usually go to the gym at least twice a week but often (and when my schedule permits it) I will strive to go for three to four times a week. I usually do cardio and free weights in one day because I don’t know if I’ll be able to go back to the gym coz of my schedule (like you, my gym schedule is determined by my work shedule). So I always try to maximize every opportunity when I’m in the gym.=)

66in06 - 24 February 2006 09:36 AM

Are there any benefits or is it recommended to excercise at the same time and same day to make your workout more effective?

Hi 66, hi Len!  Welcome to the community!

In terms of working out at a set time and a set day, I think the main benefit is psychological.  It becomes a habit, in the same way that taking your kids to soccer lessons (or whatever) is a habit.  And that means it tends to get done more. 

My one concern (and I’m sure Scott would pick up on it, too, but I got here first), is this:

66in06 - 24 February 2006 09:36 AM

I make myself go to the gym at least 3 times a week.

By saying you “make” yourself go to the gym, you’re admitting it’s something you don’t want to do.  My advice would be to find something active you do want to do: you don’t make yourself go, you can’t wait to go!  Maybe you’re a martial arts nut and want to take some karate classes.  Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to swing dance, or play hockey, or swim.  Maybe you want to run a marathon.  I don’t know what your passion is, but if you can tap into that, you won’t “make yourself go” anymore… you’ll run to get there!

Julie

Thanks Len and Julie,

I appreciate the feedback and Len I definately agree with you.  I want to get the most out of my time while in the gym and that statement allows me to elaborate on what I mean by “make myself go to the gym.” When I “make myself go” what I mean is that I make a decision to go instead of doing one of the other 10,000 things I could be doing instead of running on a treadmill like a gerbil.  I enjoy my time while I’m there but I have to make a decision between work, family and personal things that I could be doing instead.  My mentality is similar to bath time for my 7 year old.  He complains about it but once he gets in the tub he doesn’t know how to get out.  I hope that helps. 

God bless and see you next post.

Scott did pick up on that.  And thanks Julie for being so active around MTM Land today.  I’ve been in a seminar sinces Friday morning so I’ve been a little out of the loop.

Couple of thoughts.  And remember, I just came out of an intense weekend dealing with this stuff so I’m still a little affected.

The funny thing about words is they really do mean something.  Choosing the wrong word, even if we think it’s correct, can really have an impact on us.  And it’s really easy to choose a word that might not be the best choice.

Here’s a thought -

MAKE is not bad unless you HAVE to MAKE.  GET to MAKE works better for me.  And about that 7 year old…

Children are very “in the moment” so complaints about taking a bath are more likely complaints about having to stopping what they’re currenty doing.  As adults, we are not so much in the moment and can choose to get excited about exercise.

How do I really feel! Damn proud of you that you have a 7 year old AND get to the gym.  You rock!