I need help

clairekbann

I'm really stuck and looking for some advice or motivation or something. I find it very hard to exercise now, low self esteem and a bad experience with a dancing class I went to when I was younger means I can't do much. I tried to go to an exercise class that my mum goes to but I panicked when I was getting changed gave myself a nosebleed and passed out before I could even get out of the house. At the same time I've started eating a lot more food than I should to make myself feel better about my body and feeling crap in general. I try to stop myself eating too much but then once I'm alone and start feeling bad I can't really control myself... this just makes it worse so I don't know anymore. I don't know where to go from here.

kommodevaran

Yes, you can control yourself, and yes, you can do a lot, and no, you don't have to take classes to exercise, and no, eating too much doesn't make you feel better, you just temporarily distract yourself by eating instead of trying to solve what's bothering you.

How about planning meals and eating those meals? How about walking, or dancing you Youtube videos?

HeidiCooksSupper

I've gone through lots of psychological counseling over the years to overcome all sorts of issues. Please consider it. It doesn't have to be expensive. You may find there are free or inexpensive options in your town that will help.

WhereIsPJSoles

Classes are a big commitment, man. I don’t do them because I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep up and will be embarrassed. If that’s how you feel, you’re not alone.

Before I was even ready to work out in public I spent a good month doing workouts I found on YouTube. Some HIIT, some yoga, some targeted toning, some dance - just whatever I felt like. All you really need is a yoga mat and weights. I stopped a lot of those videos half way through and crawled away in shame, but 5 minutes of trying is better than no minutes of trying. And who’s gonna know if you can’t keep up? If you’re consistent you WILL be able to keep up eventually.

greenlizard72

I am not even thinking about exercise right now, just focusing on getting the cico concept working for me. I would also be to embarrassed to do anything in public. When I get to an exercise phase, I'm sure it will be in the privacy of my home. Except walking perhaps. Make your plan work for you I say.

VintageFeline

I'm a former dancer and I can't do classes either because I now have exercise induced anxiety/panic attacks. So I do it at home with Youtube instead. And the glorious thing about that is you can pick your level and you can take it at your own pace when you want.

As for the eating. That was a biggy for me too, I've now flipped it and exercise is mostly my coping mechanism. I log my food pretty religiously, it's an anchor point for me these days. Having control over at least something helps in so many other ways. That's not to say that it's always easy but you never know what you can achieve if you just start. Resolve to log your food for a week. Good, bad and ugly. If you eat it it goes in your log. No meeting goals or anything, just see about making logging a habit then move on from there.

And if it's not too overwhelming resolve to do at least one 10 minute Youtube workout, whether it's walking or dancing or yoga or whatever, once a week.

Baby steps.

dejavuohlala

Don't try going to classes if it is a stress inducer for you. You can do things in the comfort of your own home, even stepping on the spot will get you moving.
Once you start to lose weight and move more you will have more confidence, don't force yourself to do things you aren't comfortable with. Good luck

SirenPacific

Check out my blog, try diet first and small things with exercise. Wishing you the best! http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/SirenPacific

davidylin

It sounds like quite the challenge before you to find a way to a healthier lifestyle. The first thing I want to say is that you're doing the right things to start: reaching out to get help, trying to hear voices that aren't your own, etc. You acknowledge some of the issues that have been preventing you from seeing a clear path for yourself, so I can tell that you do know some things about yourself and self-awareness is healthy. You are looking for support and I think that this is correct.

These are the good things, and I thought that I should take the time to write about them and let you know. I also wanted to give you some encouragement: where there's a will, there's a way.

I wish that there was a straightforward path that I could lay out for you in terms of advice, but my feeling is that your situation is perhaps more unique to you than to most and you will ultimately be the person to find that path. This community will be here to encourage you, answer your questions (sometimes very wrongly, but you must forgive us), and to both be judgemental of you as well as not pass judgement. I hope you feel welcome among us and see each post as an investment of someone's time in you. Health is a journey and we would like you to take part in it.

rickiimarieee

I tend to like working out in a class because most people are in the same position I'm in, just trying to get in shape. I also went with a friend so I didn't feel judged. But if you feel uncomfortable doing it in public get a work out DVD to do at home! I do insanity!

counting_kilojoules

It sounds like talking to someone about your feelings about self-worth and food would be helpful. Also about panic attacks if that's what's happening to you.

As to exercise, you don't need to take classes to exercise, nor do you need to exercise to lose weight. However, if you want to do some you could try a walk. I find walking helps my mood a lot. I think it's the combination of exercise and getting outside. (It's also really low pressure. I don't have to be able to do anything fancy or look a certain way or wear anything special.) I also really love it when I can convince a friend to come with me. I get to socialise and exercise!

Blythmag

I struggle with exercise and weight but i find if i get bored i go for a walk.
Planning meals is the key, stick to what this tells you, set a realistic target and go for it, seriously theres no magic fix but an easy remedy is doing the above.
Walking is great exercise, free, easy and no real pain.
Find the courage to change

rheddmobile

Definitely try YouTube videos. I wouldn't feel comfortable doing a class in public either, not everyone is a group workout sort of person. The suggestion to try walking is also good.

It's hard to stop eating to feel better by just toughing it out. If you feel bad and want to do something to make yourself feel better, maybe you can find non-food related ways of caring for yourself. I swapped to herbal teas which are warm and smell good and also zero calories. Take a hot bath, read a good book, paint your fingernails. Whatever makes you feel special. Also know that the more you take care of yourself, the better your body will look and the better you will feel - something to look forward to!

Best of luck on your journey.