The thought of exercise makes me sick

moledew

I see so many users on here that were 300+ pounds before starting their journey and now they're mountain climbing personal trainers! I'm super jealous and want to have that too eventually but I really hate exercising. Is it just because of my weight and how physically and emotionally taxing it is for me right now? Will I too get this phenomenal burst of energy and motivation as the weight comes off? A lot of people say that they need and love exercising now but I just can't see myself being a 5am runner. I know I'm getting ahead of myself here but I'm really curious about what it is that makes a morbidly obese person all of the sudden become a body builder that enjoys workouts...? Is that just part of the mental side of weigh loss and a literal "total transformation"?

Unknown

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bulk_n_cut

no, there are no sudden bouts of energy and motivation. it's about having a clear, distinct goal, researching how to get to that goal, having a plan of attack, and then working on that plan for many weeks. its grueling day in day out, but its whats needed if you want what you want

usmcmp

I HATED exercise. I still hate running and refuse to do it more often than is necessary.

What made me go from obese to a bodybuilder that loves working out was finding something that I enjoyed doing. At first it was hiking, but when I started lifting weights I fell in love.

Go out and try different things. Find something that is fun, not a chore. If you love the activity it won't seem like work.

Ishii19

The way I think of it is kind of like inertia. (An object at rest tends to stay at rest, an object in motion tends to stay in motion). So if I'm vegging out watching Netflix, the thought of exercise can make me go "ugghh" as well. But knowing that's only half the equation, I talk myself into overcoming the inertia, and doing some exercise I know intellectually that I enjoy. Often I tell myself I only "have" to do 15 minutes, and if I want to stop at 15 I will honor that, but usually once I'm in motion I'm ready to keep going. Our bodies were made to be fed properly, and to move regularly - so it does actually feel good to treat it right. After I work out I make a point to notice how I feel good (my neck tension is looser! No indigestion! Feel thirsty and quenching that with cold water so satisfying! Post workout stretching as good as a massage! Etc). Then when it's time to talk myself into working out next time I remember all those good feelings and it's easier to make the argument. When you are just starting out you don't have that history to draw on, so it's a little more going on faith. I would say try just to do a tiny bit of moving regularly, make a point to notice what feels good about it, and you will really get the ball rolling so to speak. Good luck!!

pedidiva

check out fitfatties on Facebook. Lots of great ideas and motivation. Pick something that you like, enjoy the movement. Walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, etc

Debmal77

I feel the same way. If you find something you love to do you will not think of it as exercise. I have a Wii and do Zumba at home. I refuse to go to the gym with all the "skinny people", so I stay home and dance. Zumba burns the calories, it's fun and you can just do one song, a short class, medium class or full class. You can also customize it with songs you like and can do. I think that is the secret. Find something you love to do and get moving. Remember it is mostly calories in calories out. Portion control is the most important part of losing weight. You can do this. Just find something you love to do. Good luck and never give up.

flamingblades

I started off at 320 lbs, and like some FOODS, you just have to aquire a "taste" for it, I think. As my self esteem and self worth went up, my desire to keep up what I am doing to get results went up along with it. I have a 2 year old grand daughter and I want to see her grow and become a woman. You need to find some motivation, as I did. I tried the gym thang for a few years and I didn't like my progress. Now I see a trainer 3x a week and walk when I am not at the gym (weather permitting). I am still big in the middle, but with dogged determination, I will keep at it until I reach my goal. I seek more instruction regarding calorie intake, metabolism control, and when I get suggestions, I apply it to my eating and exercise habits, and ever so slowly, it is paying off. My genetics are against me, and I am tired of seeing loved ones die of heart disease and cancers.

minizebu

You just have to start where you are and not think that far ahead. Don't think that you have to go out and climb mountains. Just start by being about to walk for X minutes continuously. Even if it is a short walk and it leaves you huffing and puffing and you hate every single step of it, just get it done, cross it off your list for the day and move on. Start small and improve daily. Say you can only walk for ten minutes before you are fed up. That's great if the alternative would have been sitting for ten minutes. The next day walk for eleven minutes. Or walk the same distance you did yesterday in ten minutes, but do it in 9 minutes. Just strive to make improvements.

If you are creating a calorie deficit with your diet you will start to lose weight.

And, yes, as you lose weight, the exercise will become easier.

Remember, you don't have to like it, but you do have to do it.

ew_david

I, too, hated exercise, but that's because I hadn't found anything I truly enjoyed doing. Cardio is not my number one choice, but it was beat into my brain by every magazine that that was the only way to be thin. I then came to this site and found that the body I was looking for belonged to the same women who lifted weights. So I gave that a shot. Never looked back. I still run to prepare for races, but I'd rather just walk.

SingRunTing

I never thought that I would want to workout. Ever. I know where you're coming from.

I started working out because I know that its good for you. I know the health benefits and wanted to look better (and eat more food while still losing weight). So I started with C25K (a run training program if you don't know). It kicked my butt. I was dying by the end and swore that I would NEVER ever ever like to run. But I stuck with the program because I wanted to finish what I started.

One day at about week 8, I was heading to lunch and thought "OOOH its my running night!!". It made me do a double take. Where did THAT come from??? Who is that person? It really took me by surprise.

Now, some days I'm excited to work out, some days I don't feel like it. But I stick to my schedule because I always feel better after I do. I always beat myself up if I skip for no good reason (if I'm sick or something I don't worry about it). I look at it as something I do, like laundry or brushing my teeth. It's just part of my daily routine, so why would I not do it?

I actually enjoy exercising now. It made my life easier. I can walk up some flights of stairs without being out of breath. I like getting outside and getting some fresh air. If I've gone a week without a run, I'm itching to get outside and go. I'm a completely different person now and if you had said that to me 2 years ago, I would have laughed in your face.

You don't need to exercise to lose weight. A calorie deficit is all that's needed. However, I don't think I would have stuck with my calorie deficit for the year that I've been doing this without the exercise component in there. I can eat more calories because I burn more calories, which helps me work more treats into my calorie goal. But even more so, exercising has given me more self confidence and makes me feel better. The benefits far exceed the physical and it helps you mentally and emotionally as well.

You don't have to do a lot. But try something and stick with it. Try different things. There are more exercises out there than running and zumba classes (or whatever). You can swim or bike or hike or yoga or tennis or golf or rock climbing or skiing, etc. There are sooo many activities that there is bound to be something you will enjoy. You probably won't fall in love overnight, but eventually you will find something you enjoy doing.

jocey517

I'm someone who has been active and exercised all my life but I do understand how you feel. After I had my daughter I felt so out of shape and physically exhausted and weak that to go to the gym was a struggle. I did have to force myself to go and workout but gradually I started to feel better about myself and even if I didn't want to go - I'd remind myself of how I'd feel at the end of the workout and at the end of the month of working out....etc.. It's been almost 2 years since I had my daughter and probably only in the last 3 months have I gotten to the point where I can't wait to workout. For me It was a very slow and gradual process to do it the right way and make life changes. I had to make small changes each week and each month vs. drastic changes overnight that I thought I'd feel like a failure at if I didn't live up to. Try to look at the big picture and long term goal and take baby steps to get there. I always think about all the things I do every day because I have to (work, pay bills, clean up after other people, etc.) - and I don't necessarily want to do these things or look forward to doing these things but I do them because I have to. Why not do something for yourself - to help yourself feel better and live healthier - and if you have to force yourself in the beginning - at least you know you are doing something positive. In time it will become your routine and you'll feel the benefits and want more of them. Yes - I completely agree that there is a mental side of weight loss / healthy living that you need to tackle. The beginning - change - it's always the most difficult. Best of luck:)!

Ninkyou

I started with just walking. The first time I walked a mile I cried. Walking led me to hiking (low grade) and eventually that built up and I was able to actually sustain running. Did my first 5k exactly a year ago (3 days after getting a positive pregnancy test, haha, so I haven't ran since). I also did low impact swimming and Zumba.

Basically, find activities that hold your interest and that you find fun. Exercise isn't supposed to feel like a chore. It should be enjoyable.

Unknown

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LiftAllThePizzas

moledew wrote: »

I see so many users on here that were 300+ pounds before starting their journey and now they're mountain climbing personal trainers! I'm super jealous and want to have that too eventually but I really hate exercising. Is it just because of my weight and how physically and emotionally taxing it is for me right now? Will I too get this phenomenal burst of energy and motivation as the weight comes off? A lot of people say that they need and love exercising now but I just can't see myself being a 5am runner. I know I'm getting ahead of myself here but I'm really curious about what it is that makes a morbidly obese person all of the sudden become a body builder that enjoys workouts...? Is that just part of the mental side of weigh loss and a literal "total transformation"?

Nobody suddenly goes from morbidly obese to bodybuilder.

smrybacki

I think it starts with wanting to make changes in your life. My own story involves me being 29 years old with a 5 year old so back in 1988. I smoked and weighed 225 at 5' 11" tall and I HATED running and most exercise except basketball at that time. May not seem horribly overweight, but I was in the Air Force and was likely to lose my career if I didn't make changes. So I got an assignment to Turkey in 1988 and it was without family where I could easily have slipped into a REAL funk.

Instead, I quit smoking on August 9, 1988 and began to jog just a little. Again, my weight started at 225 and I had smoked for 12 years so I couldn't even go an eight of a mile. But, I stuck with it day after day and it got a little better every single day, plus it kept me from smoking because I immediately noticed how much better I felt and I could breath again!

Eight months into my 15 month assignment, my weight is now 160-165 pounds and I'm running 6+ miles a day, plus participating in two Intramural basketball leagues which had me at practice most week days. My wife almost walked past me at the airport on my mid-assignment leave. She knew I'd quit smoking and so she did as well because neither of us wanted our son to ever smoke. He's 32 now and doesn't smoke I'm happy to say.

The point is that through little changes, compiled as a daily habit I completely changed my life at age 29 BEFORE it was too late. I'm 56 now and I can't run anymore because my feet are extremely arthritic, however I still walk every day often getting over 18,000 steps a day (about 7-9 miles usually) just through simple things like parking as far from work as possible, taking breaks several times a day (I am a desk jockey now) and walking the company stairs and having a walk every lunch hour. I also walk every morning or use an elliptical trainer. My weight is a bit higher now at around 205, but again, I am 56 and it's a little harder these days than when I was 29.

My advice to you and anyone else is to learn to view exercise as your salvation rather than a nuisance. It will change your life if you start slowly, push yourself a wee bit every time you do some of it and really take note of the positive changes that are happening in your life AFTER you are done exercising. You'll be more alert, have more energy and stamina and be able to lose weight more effectively. If all that isn't a good thing, then I don't know what is! Best to you!

azulvioleta6

Maybe I am not the best person to answer this question because I have always liked exercise, outdoor activity and sports. I could not move much for several years due to illness, and these days I am very grateful to be able to use my body again. I wasn't a morbidly obese person who became an athlete--I was an athlete who got sick and had to fight back to being active again.

Here's what I think:
1. Do not start out with 5AM or with running. You will fail. Pick a time and an activity that are going to work for you. Pick something that you can already do, where you can increase duration and intensity over time. Something easily measurable is good. I started with swimming. Many people start with walking. It was easy to see my progress in both speed and endurance--that is rewarding. When I first got in the pool, it took me more than hour to go about half a mile--now I can do a while mile in a little over 30 minutes.
2. Do not expect extraordinary, phenomenal ANYTHING. You are setting the bar way too high and you will be disappointed. It almost sounds like you are setting yourself up for an excuse to quit.
3. Focus on habit formation. Do SOMETHING almost every day until it becomes normal for you. Repeat. Increase. If you fall off the wagon, climb right back on.
4. Do things that you like! You won't stick with it unless it works for you. I hate to run and it is very painful due to an injury. So I dance instead. I hike outdoors, I kayak, I swim--these things are fun for me, so that is what I do.
5. Even if an activity isn't something you enjoy a ton (example: weightlifting) you can make it more interesting with good music.
6. Does social connection motivate you? Try Zumba, try a class at your gym, join an outdoor group, take a dance class, etc. Sometimes making new, active friends and having people who expect to see you can be a good push in the right direction.

Why is exercise emotionally taxing for you?

Jaxxie1181

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Hoop Mamas Custom Budget Hoop

I have four of her hoops and love them. Hooping was really the only exercise I really enjoyed. I need to get back at it

DirrtyH

I don't think I'm ever going to be that person that loves to work out or that hates to miss a workout. But I did find some types of exercise that I like, and I don't mind going to the gym now. I kept forcing myself to run because it just seems like you're supposed to run, but one day I said "I hate this. No more." And I don't run anymore. Just try to invite me to do a 5K with you, I dare you.

Bottom line: You don't have to do exercise that you hate. Just try a bunch of things and stick with the one or two that you don't hate. And if you don't workout every single day or if you don't become a fitness fiend, it's cool. You're still okay.

MsJulesRenee

Enjoy exercise because it is a stress reliever for me. I can plug in my headphones and work off all that energy. Try different programs/classes/machines and see which one you like the best. You don't have to become a 5am runner or anything extreme, just take it slow and at your own pace. This should be an enjoyable experience in general since I'm assuming you want to keep the weight off forever (some days you'll absolutely hate it, some days you'll love it). Learn to love the sweat - its a sign of accomplishment Took me 6 years. Someday you may become one of those 5am runners, how proud would you be!! And yes, there are bouts of energy and motivation, at one point I was waking up, jumping out of bed at 6am to go to the gym because I felt so much better the rest of the day after. If you really want something you'll do anything to get there!!!

jgnatca

I think there is a tipping point where the benefits outweigh the pain. Here's a few things I learned along the way:

• I don't exercise for health mainly. That's too ambiguous a goal. I exercise for the next competition.
• I can pinpoint the day it all changed for me. My weight loss and modest walking had improved my mobility enough that I was able to keep from slipping on the ice. For the first time I had an inkling that I could have a different sort of life. After that, nothing could stop me.
• I do things I enjoy. If I get bored, I change it. It has to be fun to keep me going.
• I run at 5 AM because I am an early riser, and that is when I have my energy peak. I am a slug at night. So the lesson is, listen to your body and work with it.
• There are some exercises I must do (like my stretches) that I find deadly dull but I must do them to do the fun stuff. I grit through those, keeping the ultimate goal in mind. Which is the next competition.
• Here's a video of the first time riding my bike. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noMyQh6HBZo I celebrate my milestones.

http://jgnatbuzz.blogspot.ca/2015/02/before-and-after.html

There's an endorphin high snuggled in there too. After running became my new routine, my most miserable days are my non-running days. My twitchy muscles want to be moving, and they aren't happy sitting still any more.

darrensurrey

I don't enjoy running so avoid it as much as I can. I tend to gravitate towards "exercise" that is actually fun... you know, the stuff that makes you smile or laugh. Right now, I play a lot of dodgeball as that's a giggle (apart from when you get hit in the nutsack). I also really enjoy playing tennis and will keep playing even after I am unable pick my feet up off the ground to run as I'm out of energy.

Find a physical activity that is fun - what do you fancy doing that gets you off the sofa? Exploring the countryside? Going for a cycle? You could even just play with your daughter for an hour everyday in the local park. Pushing the pushchair around, throwing a ball for her to chase etc. It's no Crossfit but it still counts as a physical activity.

Bshmerlie

I'm 45 years old and I have been on the yoyo diet plan for 20 years and then I started having health issues because I'm obese. Yeah my doctor warned me years ago but besides wearing fat clothes I didn't really have any other issues. But then I was diagnosed with diabetes and high colesterol and then I herniated a disc in my back lifting something that wasn't even really heavy.
At that time I said that's enough and I made a complete lifestyle change. I began doing research on the healthiest foods to eat, a proper exercise plan to be tone when I do lose the weight and I joined MFP to be able to track and hold myself accountable.
When i first started within 10 min on the treadmill I thought I was going to die. It was not easy. But now it's not so bad. I watch TV while I do it and the time goes by real fast. But the best part is how you start to feel the next day. Yeah you might be a little sore but a few days later it gets easier and easier. When you start seeing results makes it all worth it. I have now added weight training to my routine To build strength and muscle tone.
Don't be afraid to start off slow. Maybe just a moderate pace like 2mph. Do 15-20min if you can. Get some small dumbells and work your arms. I actually started my workout plan when my back was injured and most of my exercise came while laid up in bed. Just get a routine and as you lose weight you will get more energy and you'll like how it makes you feel. Who knows maybe some day you'll be the mountain climbing trainer. Just fake it until you make it. Eventually it gets easier.

ShannonMpls

moledew wrote: »

I'm really curious about what it is that makes a morbidly obese person all of the sudden become a body builder that enjoys workouts...?

For starters, this is an unreasonable expectation. Most people don't make that sort of transformation - which is fine. And for those who do, it's far from sudden.

I started at 300+ pounds. There was nothing fun about going to the gym, wearing pajama pants and an old tshirt because I didn't want to invest in workout clothing, knowing I'd probably give up. It wasn't enjoyable to spend an hour on the elliptical. I signed up for a personal training session, and I felt gross and ashamed. I was disgusted by how hard it was to do relatively easy things. I couldn't believe how sore I was afterward.

But I kept going. I kept slaving on the elliptical and lifting weights, even when I would rather watch paint dry. I once went to the bathroom and cried mid-workout. It was not *fun*.

I had a goal, though, so kept going. And eventually it was less horrible. When I realized I hated the elliptical but liked the weights, I stopped using the elliptical. I started finding other things I loved. I started setting goals and achieving them, then setting new goals. I started feeling fantastic after a workout. I started to feel off if I missed one. Along with controlling calories, exercise helped me lose 130 pounds. It created a bit of a deficit, but it also made me LIKE my body for once in my life. I couldn't believe what I was accomplishing.

It was a gradual process, and now exercise is a regular part of my life. I enjoy it most of the time. I love what it's done for me - now I can hike or bike or walk for miles. I love that I can cross-country ski, something that's a fantastic workout, and enjoy the movement instead of hate the exertion. I'm one of those people who you mentioned who can climb mountains.

My point is that very few people love exercise from day one. It's hard and it's not fun if you're out of shape. But, like many things, stick with it. And most importantly, find something you love. I would hate the gym if all I did there was move on the elliptical for an hour. Give me a barbell or a trail, though, and I'm a happy camper.

sympha01

I notice you keep using phrases like "all of a sudden," "total transformation," and "burst." No, it doesn't work that way.

I started at 335 pounds, and at first I exercised so I could eat a little bit more while losing weight. It seemed like sweating some every day was a fair tradeoff to get to have a glass of wine with dinner or a square or two of chocolate, and I'd be able to stay on the diet longer and lose more weight before giving up. I started with lower-intensity, low-impact stuff (in fact, the first couple of weeks I just did stretching). Very very gradually increased the amount of time I was spending, and my intensity.

At first I hated it. I dreaded it. Every. Single. Workout. I worked out every day because I found that if I took a day off, then coming back to it was even harder. I didn't have a lot of variability in what I was doing, but I stuck with it doggedly. For wine. And chocolate.

That went on for about 4 months. After that, I had built up enough of an aerobic base that I realized that I felt more capable, and started trying more new things. I gradually started to enjoy challenging myself. Beating my past self at things. Getting better balance and coordination, then more endurance, and more strength, and then getting faster.

At some point, exercise stopped seeming like something other people do but I wasn't made for. I kept trying new things. Sometimes I hated the new things. Sometimes I liked them and added them to my routine. Sometimes I went back and tried things I had hated before, to see if I hated them less: often I did hate them less. Sometimes I started loving them. Probably about 15 months into having started exercising, I tried running (for the second time in that period). Weirdly, I loved it this time. A LOT. Still do.

The thing is, it takes time and determination. Progress is gradual. If you stick with it, at some point you'll have a "holy crap who have I become" moment but it won't be soon, and it won't be when you're thinking about it. You need to be patient and accept that transformation will not be instantaneous. Start gently and be forgiving of yourself at first: you're not an athlete YET. You've got room to grow.

And you have to find your own why. If you are exercising because you are "supposed to," you're not going to stick with it. But if you choose to exercise to work towards an achievable goal (achievable =/= "becoming a mountain climbing personal trainer"; at least, not at this point. Keep your goals much smaller at first) that you actually really want and believe can be achieved through exercise, it's easier to stay focused through the crap times. And you may surprise yourself. People do change.

urloved33

Exercise is not something that once done - is regretted.

beamer0821

i think its different for everyone. I've accepted for now that I'm just not big into exercising. so i don't force it and try to make the little things count. like actively playing with my kids, parking far, walking when i can or taking the long route. I've lost 50lbs and not much has changed in my feelings about exercising. i haven't ruled it out forever but i accept that ill just have to make the small things count. and its ok.

urloved33

A good friend of mine had a heart attack..and when the doctor then says for heart health you have to exercise then we do...I am not waiting for that.

Need2Exerc1se

I think the trick is finding some type of activity that you enjoy, or at least don't hate. You don't have to get up at 5 a.m. or run or lift or take a class or go to a gym. Take a walk or a hike, play a sport, swim, bike, dance, garden, toss a frisbee or play catch with the kids.

Climbing a mountain or running a marathon is great if you enjoy it, but neither is necessary for weight loss, fitness or health. Mental health is important too. Enjoy your life.

SuggaD

I love a challenge. Its my personality. So I only do things I enjoy and I set goals and work toward them, rinse and repeat. So yeah, I'm an exercise junkie. It makes me feel good. And it doesn't hurt that it allows me to eat more. So try a lot of things and find the things that you enjoy. Exercise shouldn't feel like a chore. Some days it will be hard, so there has to be something else driving it.

snowflake954

My reason is simple--I have to. I wake up with pain all over, since I have OA. Since I'm stiff and sore I get up before everyone else and do stretching for 45 min at least 3 times a week. Once I'm limbered up, I feel better and can function. Then I go to the pool 3-4 times a week. I've done this for 20 yrs now. The truth is, I feel like crap if I don't exercise. I am also a creature of habit, so I don't leave something once I've started. I may change things around, add new things, but I'm always moving. Doing this makes a difference in everything else I do all day--cleaning, shopping, walking,gardening, etc. These things are all easier since I'm in great shape for my age. No one realizes that I have OA. Exercise is good for your quality of life and can become addictive.