Ask HN: How do you stay physically active?

I'm struggling with a sedentary lifestyle, and the health problems that come with being sedentary are starting to show up. My day job is software and most of my hobbies involve sitting for long stretches of time.

How do y'all stay active?

Zwift on a bicycle using a smart trainer is a great way to make cardio fun at any level.

I lift weights twice a day (after lunch and dinner) while listening to podcasts. I used to have zero interest in weight lifting, but I've really grown to enjoy it because it provides a good way to release stress, I've experienced good results with building muscle, and I really like podcasts.

I’ve mixed and matched running, cycling, and weight lifting through the years, though almost all weight lifting now.

However, I’m interpreting your question is how do you get reliable at whatever physical activities you decide to do, which is a big deal in the beginning when you’re completely sedentary like I was. Framing, finding what you like, and a simple schedule helped me.

My framing in the beginning was that if I didn’t commit to a change, my long term was going to be a lot worse quality and shorter term than I wanted. Something had to change for myself and for those I care about. I could watch it happen by the numbers, and frankly felt it really bad. Nowadays, I way prefer to be active and get frustrated it I miss more than a few days. Stick with it and something shifts.

Finding what you like comes down to trying activities out and figuring out what works. I was lucky to have some activities I like growing up as easy starting points. The gym was foreign to me though. Enough time just trying it and trying it out and getting help from others shifted that for me though.

The simple schedule might be the most important thing. A set of days and specific times I was doing the activity, virtually no exceptions. Usually Mon/We’d/Fri at 430pm. In the beginning I had some flexibility but it was usually trading activities (I don’t want to run today so I’ll go on the bike, or it’s too hot outside so I’ll gym instead). But I would only suggest that if it helps you keep active. Don’t bake in flexibility to avoid activity.

With this stuff, I went from begrudgingly doing exercise, to having it become a habit that I didn’t debate with myself, to something I really enjoy and get frustrated when I miss it. It was not a quick change though.