I keep telling myself that I need to go for a walk, but having been sedentary for so long now I keep putting it off.
Bizarre as it sounds, we got a dog. It was a difficult decision. I am a comparable BMI to you, Gudrun, with a history of hyper mobile joints, lower back problems, a hatred of exercise and a concern that within5 years I might not be able to lift a dog in and out of a car.
So I read, and I researched, and I ummmed and I ahhhed and Mr B was... er... not very supportive. It turns out that there are a couple of breeds (havanese, shih tzu and bichon frise) who flourish without much exercise
provided they get plenty of energetic playtime. The same three breeds only need about 1/4-1/2 mile a day.
Although they will happily enjoy more.
Well, how perfect is that? A dog that can adapt to very little, but will love more, exercise. If my back immobilises me for a few days, we can play in the house... On a good day, we can walk for miles...
We went for a shih tzu.
He's now about 11 months. With him, we have gone from tiny little 5 minute walks (cos that was as much as he could do), up to yesterday's marathon of a whole 2 miles!!! ( see the aftermath below)
By the end of the summer, I expect both he and I will be up to
much more...
Don't worry - I'm not suggesting that you get a dog! But for me, the dog has provided wonderful motivation. And that is the key - finding the perfect lifestyle motivation. Every day, rain or shine. It is whatever works for you.
Oh, and my back hasn't hurt in 3 months. All the walking, I think.