gak wrote: ↑05 Jul 2017
stratatonic wrote: ↑05 Jul 2017
Maybe because there's money to be made in the fitness industry and there are a lot of uninformed people. Mainstream fitness articles tend push a gym based routine to stay fit.
You're right, of course. You don't need any man-made contraptions to stay fit. Everything can be done in nature. Problem is when you live in a polluted concrete and steel labyrinth with no easy and fast access to the nature you're talking about, it's just easier to hit a gym.
First off, there are those of us who have been trying to get "fit" for a lifetime and haven't come close. Second, the gyms I go to are VERY diverse. For old to young, from fat to thin, from muscular to weak.
And what "fit" stuff can people do? I've gone for 4000 walks since I've lived here (conservatively) that are an hour or more and at least half is hills. I look the same. But I can't just sit on my ass all day, I need to move around.
First off, if you lay off the fruitcake, that would be a huge step
...grainy sugary pastries don't do any body any good...
Secondly, with all those hikes, you are likely heart fit. Maybe you equate no fat with fit? I have seen a few mailmen/women that are a bit large - even though they walk a fair bit per day. Maybe they are ravenous at the end of the shift and overeat.
Thirdly, the body can get used to a steady movement - even your hills over time. Try running up a few of them for 10-15 seconds at a time...break up a steady type of exercise with bursts of intense stuff. HIIT. A bit of strength training helps too. You don't have to press 500 lbs. Smaller weights are good. Feel the muscles work.
gak wrote: ↑05 Jul 2017
It's FUCKING HOT here right now (usually not under 100 for the next 3 months and hot at night) so I can't just go "out" at any time.
...yeah, I hear you. Why kill yourself in the heat? Went to a zoo a few years back during a scorcher. All of the animals were just lying down in any shade they could find. Seems like the thing to do on land...
Find some water and swim.
gak wrote: ↑05 Jul 2017
In the end, different people are, different. "Fit" people usually have a better DNA (especially in my case)
Well, sure, some people are naturally lucky physically. And a lot of really fit people have always been active all their lives and ate well. And didn't overeat. Or ate a lot of processed foods. The simpler and more natural foods, the better. No cheating, now, and sneak a chocolate bar from the kitchen...