Understanding and Support

dawnmm89

I am 51 years old and in June of 2015 I was heavier than I have ever been in my life. I don't drink sodas; drink lots of water every day and don't eat junk food. I have had thyroid issues since I was 16 and if I don't exercise I gain gain gain even though I don't over eat. I am up every day at 4 AM to get ready for work and on the other side of Houston by 6:30 AM; then work till 4 and drive home an hour. All I want to do when I get off at 4 is go home. It has been a long day and I am ready to go home and unwind and just relax before going to bed at 9 and starting all over again the next day. Overeating is not an issue for me....it is finding the energy to force myself to drive to Planet Fitness by my job; work out and then be stuck in traffic and not get home until 6 PM. I started going on Monday and have been every day this week but as I am sitting in traffic going home at 5:45 PM I get very depressed; less time with my husband; less time to unwind. How can I get myself motivated and keep myself going? I need to do this so bad but every day is a push and I like myself less and less every day. Time....energy....drive.....it all plays a part. I know if I want to be around for my husband and my children and my granddaughter that I need to do this......

tcunbeliever

Thyroid problems complicate everything. Less energy, more fatigue, more depression - exercise is great to help, but how to have the mental and physical resources for that?!?!?!?!

It's like trying to run uphill in wet cement, and you are doing an amazing job!!!

If I could offer any suggestion it would be maybe do the gym on alternate days so you have a day in between for your body to rest up and recover and replenish those energy reserves. On the non-gym days try to squeeze in 3 separate 10 min workouts (walking, squats, bike, whatever you like and can do at home or work). Breaking the exercise into smaller segments will be less stressful and take less time out of your schedule all at once, but it will be just as effective for cardiovascular health. The more you exercise the more energy you will have, but it takes time, just take it slow and keep on keeping on.

RodaRose

Leave work at 4:00 before the traffic gets bad and go to a planet fitness near your home or set up a home gym to work out at home.

dawnmm89

Thank you for the advice Tcunbeliever..... you are so right about the thyroid.

RodaRose Unfortunately there isn't a planet fitness near my home and I don't like regular gyms....too intimidating. Planet fitness is great.