Hallson Gardens

I discovered this past month that within just a few minutes of home there is an old logging road that cuts through a ravine. Easy walk there, going into the ravine isn't bad, but looking up toward the other side is an OMG moment! Hence the name ButtBuster. By the time you make it to the top you've really had to bust butt!

I set out to do this whenever I feel like it, no set schedule, and most of the time bring the dogs so they can romp in the field on the other side. I'm hit and miss. I'll do a couple of days, miss three, do two, miss one..........you get the pattern. In spite of the inconsistency, my thighs are thinner, the saddlebags are almost gone, the belly is significantly smaller and I can now get to the top with out stopping halfway up to get my heart rate under control. The good thing is that is only about 20 minutes out of my day. That is from my front door and back to my front door.

I always thought I was way too busy to fit in regular exercise, but if I can park it at the computer a couple of hours each day I can certainly walk and enjoy myself for 20 minutes. The bonus is that the dogs think I am the bestest mommy in the whole wide world.

I found that walking for time rather than distance is the easiest way for me to stick to something. I have a timer that I wear on a cord around my neck. I'll set it for 10 minutes, or whatever, and walk until the timer beeps. I enjoy my surroundings much more knowing I don't have to go a set distance or watch my watch.

Hey, it is the little things that make the difference!

Great to hear that you are able to enjoy your exercise at the same time

I've had a weight problem all my life but have stayed in good shape otherwise, and I try to walk as much as possible. I used to get ribbed for parking at the back of parking lots at stores but I just wanted to get the time to walk. Now I also use the excuse that I'm saving gas by stopping at the first parking space I come to in the lot

It really does make a difference when you park further out in the lot and walk in. I had to go somewhere today and couldn't get my normal walk in, so when I stopped at the grocery store I parked as far away as I could and now I don't feel guilty for not exercising. By the time I went in and back out again, everything was loose and limber!

You know, exercising just does not have to be a drudge. The same ravine that ButtBuster Hill is on runs directly behind my house. It is steep andso much fun to explore in. By the time I get to the bottom, poke around and make my way back up I've gotten a workout. This past winter a very large hemlock tree uprooted in a storm and fell down into the ravine. The root mass is at the top and the top of the tree is at the bottom. The trunk is so massive that I have no fear of falling off, so I start at the base of it, walk it all the way down into the ravine using branches as handholds and walking it all the way back up again.

Talk about a second childhood. Doing that is just so much fun for me. No treadmill for this girl!

I just had a YAHOO moment! I slipped on a pair of pants that are the next size down from what I am currently wearing and they actually fit great! The scale hasn't moved but a couple of pounds but this walking has made the difference in fit.

YAHOO!!!

What a great morning to have an adventure. Cool, crisp, felt like fall.

Back up BBH this morning. I couldn't make it to the top without stopping and that bugs me. the pups had so much fun running in the field, getting the morning dew all over their chest and bellies, sniffing all the scents they could. My feet got wet but, hey, small price to pay for having this much fun.

I decided that mental attitude and outlook can really affect the way you view exercise. If I told myself I had to get my walking in every day that would be a lot harder than saying to myself "oooh, what can I do for fun today, where haven't I been yet and what new place would I like to check out?" Every day really can be a new adventure if you look at it as one.

Whew, all this talk of walking! It's getting to be the time of year when morning LOWS here are near 80 degrees.

I do get a lot more exercise than I used to and I find it's easier to do more all the time.

I like this part of the forums, I have been lurking here for a while now. My weight loss has been slow, with a stall last year, but I'm on the way down again and the goal is in sight.

I was losing for a while, but then the weight came back on or has stalled again. Still, I'm feeling better, don't tire out as much, and even my mind is a little clearer. The best part is putting on a belt in the morning and realizing that I've had to tighten it another notch. Though I can see how heavy I had actually become too

We'll keep working on it - and I always think of Kellie now when I'm out for a walk

Way to go, you guys! Like anything else, if you can make it fun you'll enjoy yourself so much more!

Got a date for BBH in the morning. Today was errand day, dentist day, eye doctor day, baking day.....................does walking the aisles of the grocery store count??

Okay, Chris, here is a challenge for you. when you are out on a walk, how many things can you notice that you haven't seen before? i put that challenge to DH and he came up with the coolest iridescent beetle that I hadn't noticed!

When my dad turned 70, he started walking a couple of kilometers a day. We're not sure where he is now .........

That's an oldie , but goodie!

I really need to start a walking exercise program. I am soooooooo out of shape, although I do usually walk when I go golfing.