Motivation after an injury/hiatus

carnivalnights

A few months ago I had a slipped disk in my back and wasn't able to exercise anymore (or move much at all, for that matter). I'm really struggling to get back into the swing of things with my exercise. Even just in this span of time, I can physically feel how out of shape I have gotten and instead of that being motivation, it's just depressing and makes me want to move less. The dark, dreary winter weather is not helping either (I suffer from SAD).

Anyone have any tips of getting out of this funk and back into routine? Anything specific that worked for you?

jaci66

Walk. Get outside, weather permitting, and walk. It doesn't have to be far or too much at first. Just take it one day at a time and do it. If not, walk inside. Put on a bright, cheerful, fun movie and watch it (or listing to some fun, spunky, upbeat music) as you walk in place. Play them loud if that's possible where you are. Go to a shopping mall or large store and walk around inside.

There are all kinds of things you can do. The movement can boost your spirits more than anything. Get those endorphins pumping. They will boost your spirits better than anything.

rebben23

It's so frustrating, especially when you are on a roll! I injured my foot last year and was on crutches/aircast for two months. I was so worried about re-injury that -- even when I was cleared -- I did not work out for another four months.

What got my butt back in the swing of things was seeing a picture of myself. That was all the motivation I needed

Although I am not sure what your limitations are with your back, here are some things I've been doing:
* Do you have a TV show you enjoy? I have the Netflix app on my phone, and I only allow myself to watch "Friends" episodes when on the treadmill or bike
* The Fitness Marshall! His dance videos on YouTube are SO MUCH FUN, and I like to do a couple in the evenings when I don't feel like going out in the cold. I may not be ready to play backup to Missy Elliott, but they are fun just the same!
* Go to classes at the gym. Depending on how my body is feeling, I'll look up HIIT classes... or sculpting classes. I check the schedule the week before and plan into my week.

All the best to you. Injury (and illness) are definitely obstacles in this journey, but they can be overcome

88olds

My last injury was a foot.

Bummed, I sat on the couch pouting for days. Then I realized what I was doing- I had let the injury in my foot, take over my head. Found enough stuff I could do so I could look myself in the mirror and say I had done a "workout."

Got treatment for my foot.