The FastDay Forum

I haven't tried it yet. I just stand. I still have a sitting desk too. When I want a rest or to seriously concentrate, I sit. Standing works perfectly for about 75% of what I do: emailing, reading papers, making figures and ppt presentations.

Sorry for the tangent!

Am only on my second week of the 5:2, but am walking almost 2 miles a day, 6 days a week (Monday-Saturday, Sunday is my rest day!), I'm also on my feet for 5 hours a day at work, usually a busy shift so lots of moving! and we have one till that you have to squat down to get change from, so that's toning my thighs nicely lol!, that's 5 days a week Monday-Friday. My walks are brisk, listening to fast paced music helps too, usually takes approx 35 minutes to walk the route.

Brisk walking. Pushing elderly mother in wheelchair length & breadth of city centre. Running after 9 month old grandchild all day. And playing the oboe - doesn't feel like exercise but really gets the heart going so is cardiovascular.

I think that the secret to regular exercise is to find something that you like well enough to stick with. It took 20 years of experimenting to find my routine: aerobic videos 3 to 5 times a week and working out with weights twice a week. After moving from the sticks to downtown I've been attending a weight training class at our local senior center (I'm 72 but the center is open to those 50 and over) because I was getting bored with the weight training at home. I keep boredom (and those annoying chirpy voices of the leaders) at bay with the videos by turning off the sound,after I learn the routine, and turning on the radio or playing an audiobook.

For true aerobic exercise, you need get a little sweaty and breathing fast--for 20 minutes with 5 minutes at each end for warming up and cooling down. You can do this with walking, of course, but you don't get the flexibility, coordination, balance improvements, etc. that come with most aerobic routines. Jane Fonda's Low Impact Workout and WW Low Impact videos from the 80's have not been converted to DVD the last time I checked, but they are ideal for beginners and older folks. My new favorite is Leslie Sansone 5 day Slim Down. I do 2 of the walks early before breakfast, often substituting Fonda or WW tapes for variety.

Since starting 5:2, I've been inspired to hit that 4 or 5 times in 7 days much more often than before.

I decided to give Zumba a go when I was recovering from the effects of chemotherapy.
It's fantastic. I sweat buckets, have toned up and overall have improved my general fitness.
I have made new friends , and am guaranteed a laugh 3 mornings a week.
I would recommend it as being good for body and soul.

Zumba rocks!!
I used to go once a week, and yes it makes you feel really good

I've not actually been since Feb/Mar (gosh it's been that long!) as i've been walking, jogging and trying to get out to the fresh air a bit, but am seriously considering getting my bum back there, maybe after my hols??!!

You go girl!

I have to disagree with some of you, slow walking IS exercise!

Researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder confirmed that people burn more calories per mile walking a very leisurely 2 miles per hour than walking a moderate to brisk 3 to 4 miles per hour.

(Taken from Slow Walking Burns More Calories, Easier on Joints. By Wendy Bumgardner, About.com Guide)

To me exercise whether incidental, real, active or any other description is still exercise, you don't have to get yourself into a sweat to burn calories! I walk my dog (slowly) and do gardening (slowly). That's enough for me.

My exercise routine is weight training twice per week(1 hour pump class), walking the dog at the weekend ( 45 min to 1 hr up many hills), and I park the car 20mins from the office and walk the rest of the way- gives me another 40mins for two days a week.
I'm enjoying exercise which is a real change for me. Hoping I keep it up!