Thread: Need to be inspired!!! Work outs getting ....old...??

Hey Ladies.... I don't come over here much at all, as I don't find myself needing any 'inspiration' (or help) until now.

I'm 42, 5'6" and weigh 145lbs. I have a very active job that involves walking (and other activities) for about 85% of the shift. I work in a factory. I'm very active at home getting things done around the house, yadda yadda yadda.

I've been going to the gym for about 3 years - 3X a week approximately. My fitness goals are more for toning up and preventing muscle stress/fatique. I'm not necessarily concerned about loosing weight and not concerned about getting large muscles either. My overall health is good with lower side of normal sugar & blood pressure levels & normal cholesterol levels. My only real goal...is to continue going regularly. The last 6 months, it's been harder and harder to get out there 3x a week. With my job and working weekends, 12 hour shifts, house projects, and keeping up with things around the house, etc....I find myself not going as much as I used to. And when I do go.....it's just not 'as exciting' as it used to be.

My workouts consist of doing the weight lifting equipment (legs, abs, arms, shoulders, etc) on different days usually 3 sets of 15 in various weights depending on the part of the body I'm using. I know about where my limits are (weights)- as sometimes I tend to lift too much and I end up with sore muslces. I'm fine with that. Then - after the weight lifting....I'll either walk (high incline) or jog on the treadmill for 20 minutes, or get on the bike for 5 miles. Just lately, I've been getting on the rowing machine and trying that out. I'm trying to 'change up' the things I'm doing. I rotate shifts at work so the fitness classes aren't always available to me. The gym I go to....has fitness classes, raquetball courts, a pool and all sorts of other equipment. I like the Ellipticals but my toes tend to fall asleep...(weird??). Those other leg type stepper machines are ackward to get a rythm.

I've wondered what it'd be like to learn raquetball - but - I wouldn't have anyone to play with. Can you play raquetball by yourself and still get a good workout?

I could also venture into the pool and swim some laps, but I don't have a clue on the proper process of swimming techniques. I guess I just need to jump in and swim....

I've visited crossfit.com and was intriqued by their 'daily' workouts. They're just way over my head I guess and never really tried to do that stuff in my own style.

So ladies.....I need some inspiration to get me back into this again!! Is there any websites out there that's similar to Crossfit but more dedicated to the old and the weak? (laugh) I could use the 'daily workouts' as a guide and the PUSH to workout!!! THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP!! Maybe just venting a little bit will get me interested.....

Thanks !!!

Yeah, I have a mountain bike that I should dig out of the shed. I used to throw it in the back of the truck and drive it to our local park and ride the trails there. There's also a 'rail trail' nearbye I should check that out. I love the outdoors.

I'll definately check out those websites. See if the gym has any classes while I'm on this shift (worked until 4am today). Classes are pretty plentiful after work when I'm on 1st shift. I really should check out the pool more closely.

And perhaps research a bit about Raquetball. I know a coworker who plays all the time and has offered to teach me. I'm just never at the gym at the same time and our schedules never line up. Always something isn't there?

Thanks again!