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Running. I’ve been running on and off for about 30 years (and boy, are my legs tired!) and have run several marathons, half-marathons and 5-10k’s. I keep coming back to it as a really good all-around cardio workout that has the added benefit of giving me some necessary quiet, contemplative/meditative “me” time a couple days a week.
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Weight training/body conditioning. It’s been a long time since I went to the gym for an hour of pumping iron, but there’s a lot you can do in the gym that doesn’t include picking up a weight. I do lots of bodyweight exercises, sometimes with weights but not always, and invariably end the session panting, sweating, and completely wiped out. Also 2x/week.
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Yoga. I don’t know much about it as I’ve only started about 6 weeks ago, but I think I really enjoy it. It’s hard, surprisingly challenging and involves strength, stretching, mental relaxation and breathing. It’s a good complement to the rest of my exercise regimen. 1x/week.
I missed the edit window…
A word about Crossfit- if you’re considering starting it, keep in mind that a lot of the success and enjoyment you get out of it depends on the coach. I tried it for 10-12 sessions and very quickly discovered that my coach was an asshole that had little concern for form or safety. I’ve been working out for most of my life so it was only my knowledge of my limits and my own body that kept me from seriously injuring myself a couple times. If you’re considering it, take some time to research who runs your local Crossfit gym and pay attention to what your body is telling you. If they’re pushing you past the point of what you feel is safe for yourself, stop the routine and tell him to fuck off. It’s just not worth injuring yourself over.
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Skiing - non-negotiable. You don’t stop skiing because you get old, you get old because you stop skiing.
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Hiking/trail running - Can’t imagine not spending all that time in the mountains, plus there are just so many mountain ranges to visit around the world.
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Biking - I’m cheating so I can include road and mountain biking here.
Biking - Unfortunately, it’s too cold to bike for about 6 months a year, but I love biking to work when possible
Hockey - I’m getting older, but I can still keep up in the mid-level leagues I now play in. I’m a competitive guy and this is the only ‘scorekeeping’ thing I still do. I’ll miss it once I’m too old to keep playing
Boot Camp - My company pays for this twice a week. It’s pretty good. Lots of ‘crossfit-like’ exercise with body weight stuff (push-ups/sit-ups/squats/etc).
Yes. And find out what level certication they have, as well as other exercise physiology studying they have done, and how long they have been coaching. Stay away from those who paid $1000, got a weekend of training, and now think they can safely coach.
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Active dressage riding three or four times a week, in 45 minute sessions. Contrary to popular opinion, the rider does not “just sit there” while the horse does all the work.
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Stall cleaning, once a week.* Seriously, you scoop up a hundred pounds of manure into a wheel barrow, push it 150 feet to the manure pile and dump it, all the while swatting at flies, then repeat three more times, and see if it doesn’t make you sweat.
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Walking. At least two miles, three times a week, during my lunch hour.
- And, no, the stalls do not cleaned only once a week. They get cleaned and rebedded every day. It’s just my turn to do it once a week.
Hiking in hills, not often enough, trying to make time for two 5 mile hikes a week.
Walking, not putting enough effort in here either only about 5 miles per week.
Hard physical labor, I like to get about 10 hours a week but have been falling off here as well.
Lisa, do you play USTA tennis leagues? What’s your level?