How much does exercise really matter?

[lemonade]

I know intense cardio sways pink, but I don't have (or want) a gym membership right now. Also, when I start the LE diet, I'm sure I won't have the energy anyway.

I currently get my exercise either by going for long strolls with my son on nice days, or doing beginners' yoga and toning exercises at home. Do these light workouts sway boy because they're "healthy"?

Or does diet matter more than anything?

[atomic sagebrush]

14 of 14 people have gotten pink with the intense exercise. If there's any way to swing it, I would try. you don't need a gym membership. Couch potato has worked for people too though (myself included)

Don't think of it as healthy vs. not healthy, think of it as muscle-building vs. muscle-burning. I would avoid the toning exercises and focus more on the walking and it doesn't have to be like Usain Bolt level of intensity, as long as it's intense FOR YOU (so maybe you'd walk a little faster than normal). The key thing is to go longer than 45 minutes. aFter about 45 min. your body stops burning carbs and starts burning your body's stores of fat and muscle and it is probably that which sways pink.

[lemonade]

Thanks Atomic! OK, so I guess cardio it is...sigh! Good to know 45+ minutes.

I'm sure you've posted this elsewhere, but how many times a week minimum? And how soon before TTC will it start having a "sway" effect?

[Thorz300]

I'm a marathon runner and have done intense cardio my whole life not much weight lifting......I have 3 boys! My friend who is also an intense cardio crazy woman, has 3 boys and just got her girl!

[atomic sagebrush]

http://genderdreaming.com/forum/gend...h-genders.html

It's not a magic bullet, but then again nothing is.

[lemonade]

Wow. This IS complicated!

So... I guess the easiest way would be to drop exercise altogether. BUT then again, spring/summer is coming and I'll probably want to take lots of strolls with him outside. Plus, he'll soon be walking/running, and I'll need to chase after him. All that will probably counter all my efforts to be lazy!

Would a slow, steady jog in place for about an hour in front of the TV work for cardio?

[LacePrincess]

Do what you need to do for your mental health and your own physical health. If you like it, DO IT! TTC has to fit into your life, not the other way around.

Long walks wouldn't really be intense enough to be considered a workout, unless you're very out of shape and can get your HR up with a gentle stroll. Jogging in any form certainly would (be careful not to overdo and hurt yourself!!). When we're talking cardio, we're talking sweating and really getting into your aerobic zone, ie. your HR should be at least 140 for 45 min steady minimum. That's pretty hard to achieve without doing an actual structured 'workout' of some sort.

[lemonade]

Thank you everyone!

I'm leaning towards the lazy route now I think. I'm not sure if I'd get the cardio right without the gym!

[Tree]

14 of 14 people have gotten pink with the intense exercise. If there's any way to swing it, I would try. you don't need a gym membership. Couch potato has worked for people too though (myself included)

Don't think of it as healthy vs. not healthy, think of it as muscle-building vs. muscle-burning. I would avoid the toning exercises and focus more on the walking and it doesn't have to be like Usain Bolt level of intensity, as long as it's intense FOR YOU (so maybe you'd walk a little faster than normal). The key thing is to go longer than 45 minutes. aFter about 45 min. your body stops burning carbs and starts burning your body's stores of fat and muscle and it is probably that which sways pink.

If you are going to do the exercise what is the recommended amount of time to be doing it? And what is the minimum time you can spend doing it before attempt? I don't need to loose loads of weight but my body is def in need of some toning so if it sways pink... Also does it nead to be every day?

[1+2+3boys]

I do not exercise at all other than a walk in the pram a few times a week really slowly and running around in short bursts after my 3 year old boy. I'm thinking to sway pink I should not need to change anything? I have pretty much lost all my muscle tone from sitting down on the couch more than half the day breastfeeding twins