Heart Choices: The Best Time to Exercise -->

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The Best Time to Exercise




Source: fitsugar.com via Debbie on Pinterest

When is the best time to exercise?  I've heard that the morning is the best time to exercise.  Maybe the above Pinterest quote is true?

I've been trying to establish new habits with a goal of losing 20 pounds.  I set up a schedule for myself.  I began with the intention of exercising in the morning before work.  After all, I am a morning person.  But as you can see, I have many other items on my morning agenda.

This was the schedule I came up with and wrote about in another post.

  • Alarm goes off at 5am (I don't think about it and quickly get up)
  • Coffee in hand
  • Quiet time with my Bible, journal, pen already set up the night before
  • Exercise on treadmill (time depends on whether or not it is a hair washing day)
  • Weights every other day
  • I try to do my shoulder exercises because of my previous rotator cuff injury (homework from my Physical Therapist Kristina)
  • Make and pack my lunch for work including salads, fruit
  • Have breakfast of cereal and fruit
  • Shower and dress
  • Leave for work by 7:30am
I've found that it's important to evaluate progress each week.  After all, if it's not working why continue?

I had no trouble getting up on time.  I simply had to get to bed at a reasonable hour.  Coffee and quiet time are a necessity.  After all, I need patience and the Lord's guidance each day as I work with little children.

But I found that I was having trouble getting to work on time when I exercised in the morning.

So I've switched things up.  I began to exercise as soon as I got home from work.  Since my husband works from home, I had to have his cooperation.  After all, no distractions.  I get changed and hop on the treadmill for a minimum of 30 minutes.  I'm going to increase the time to 45 minutes in the next week but I wanted to work on establishing the habit first.  It's better to walk on the treadmill at a slower pace for a longer time than to go faster for a shorter time.

This week has gone much better with this amended schedule.  I've been consistent with my exercise.  Greg knows where I'm headed as soon as I get home from work.  He told me that works out better for him too as we eat our dinner a bit later.  We have time to talk and spend time together.

The bottom line is I only lost one pound.  However, I'm not discouraged.  The new healthier lifestyle will eventually convert into a healthier me.  And that's what's important.


I also have another change in my schedule.  I attended one Pilates class that was taught by my next door neighbor Caroline.  I was so sore the next few days but it was so good.  I will be taking this class every Thursday evening.  Flexibility is something I need to focus on!


I'm joining Kim of At Home With Kim for Weigh-In Wednesdays.

So let's get personal.  How are you doing with your exercise?


  • Do you need to evaluate your schedule and change things up a bit?  
  • Is exercise becoming a part of your daily routine?
  • Do you have an accountability group?


Blessings and love,

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Debbie Petras
9 Comments
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9 comments:

  1. School knocked me off my schedule...now I need someone around to watch Benjamin, so I am needing to try something else and I had to let go of my gym, so I need to start walking outside..thanks for the tip on slower and longer than faster and shorter...I was wondering on that.

    Blessings to you...I was thinking of your husband yesterday and prayed for him...so glad he has work

    Now to also duct tape my mouth from what I have been eating...I need to look better before my daughter's wedding in March...ouch, can I really get slimmer by then?

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  2. Hi Debbie! I'm so glad you stopped by my blog today. I love this post, and I'm also a morning-exerciser. But I have to change it up from time to time. I've learned to give myself grace in that area!

    I love to walk and do short runs, and I also enjoy Pilates from time to time. I have a friend who recently got certified to teach Zumba, so I'm excited about that! Of course, I probably won't be able to get out of bed the next day...

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  3. Actually I did go exercise today, thank-you. I go to "Silver Sneakers," makes me laugh because that exactly what I use to do (laugh) when such an exercise program was mentioned. But the people are sweet, the exercises are bareable, and I just feel better about myself when I do it, although, I must admit, it still isn't something I look forward to. I feel better about saying I did it than I feel about doing it. But still, I think it makes me feel better all around, so I know it has its benefits.
    I get up around 6:15, get my son off to school, and then my husband and I go to our separate areas and have our quiet time. Somedays we get into the best discussions, then somedays we go to separate rooms for non interupted thoughts, prayer and Bible Study. I guess you could say we mix it up.

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  4. This is good Debbie. I like your common sense approach. My hubby always tells me, 'it's a marathon, not a sprint'. :)

    Good for you on the treadmill. The exercise factor is so important in good health, as I am also finding out.

    Keep at it, you're doing great!

    xo

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  5. I'm impressed. You are so focused and that's the key to success in any field.
    I must admit, I am not. Treadmill or indoor cycling just don't do it for me.
    I like to walk in all kinds of weather, but with my summer foot injury, I have not been so eager. Garden work for hours, that's my thing. I almost cannot stop. I stick to my almost no sweets diet, and try to stop eating before I'm absolutely full. Telling myself I can have more in awhile, if I am hungry. The thing is, it takes 20 minutes before the brain gets the "Full tank" message.
    I train 60 minutes a week with my personal physiotherapist. That usually makes wonders.
    I'm actually looking forwards to Fridays when we are working together.
    When I walk, I usually carry my camera. Thus I forget about training, but get a lot of movement and the joy of exploring details of the scenery.
    One might say I lure myself into training. I also love to go to rock concerts. Some hours of jumping, singing and clapping must also be considered as exercise or what?
    Bottom line; I'm not a focused or committed trainer, but I love staying in shape and luckily I have hobbies helping me.One kilo down since last Friday.

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  6. Oh my goodness ... I could barely stand to read this, Debbie, given the fact that I've eaten my way through four European countries in two weeks, and have just begun on my fifth country/third week. I'll have to review all this weight loss stuff upon my return to a non-bread-pasta-cheese-pastry-latte-chocolate lifestyle.

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  7. I find morning is best for me to exercise. It is too easy to let the day get away from me if I save it for later. I do think that there are many factors involved as you point out -- habit, diet, timing -- all of these things are important. I also think that it is easier to make it a habit if it is something you enjoy. I play racquetball and I walk regularly. Doing these things that I enjoy makes it easier to include the other activities like stretching and strength training. The other thing that helps is setting a goal like training for a race event of some sort.
    I am also on a quest to lose weight and its a challenge. I will look forward to hearing more about what you find works. God bless,

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  8. Well, you are right, if something isn't working then we definitely need to take a closer look and make a change. Glad the afternoons seem to be working better. Hang in there! Hugs to you!

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I love to read your comments! I know you have something to share so join in the conversation. And thank you for taking the time.

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