How did you motivate yourself to start exercising?

theyoginurse

I used to be a fitness buff. I loved the gym! Then in 2016, I became complacent. In 2017, I became depressed and stopped the working out altogether. My body is pheening to move again, but I just can’t seem to motivate myself to get into the gym and start exercising. I gained about 30lbs and I am in the process of releasing that in a healthy way.

Think back when your first started to exercise. Was it intimidating for you too? How did you get started? I need some help and motivation to just do it. Thanks a lot!

AnnPT77

Around age 46, I had recently completed cancer treatment (surgery, chemo, radiation, meds), and somehow realized - despite a mostly sedentary adulthood up to that point - that in order to ever feel happy, healthy and strong ever again, I was going to have to work at it.

I started with some manageable group classes (such as yoga) to create "appointment workouts" that I was more likely to actually show up for, once paid/scheduled. I tried a bunch of things, before stumbling into a rowing team.

I love rowing so much that it became as motivator to do other active things to improve myself as a rower, like swimming lessons, spin class for variety in the off-season, and more.

Rowing is still a big part of my life (I'm 62 now), along with some of those other things still. And along the way, I came to really enjoy being active, plus feeling strong and capable, so that's now part of the motivation in itself. These days, I also think about wanting to be independent, so I can defer a permanent move to the assisted living facility for as long as possible.

It was super intimidating at first to be active. Post cancer, I was in a very low spot physically, with back problems, scar tissue, recent diagnosis of hypothyroidism, obesity, and more.

Walking up the stairs to my first rowing team meeting/workout, I wondered what the <bleep> I thought I was doing. But it absolutely transformed my life. I can't imagine where I'd be without it . . . since regular activity has major recurrence-avoidance benefits for breast cancer, and I'd had a more advanced stage (III) cancer, I might not even be alive now.

And I always say alive is a pretty good start on the rest of my day.

pogiguy05

Well if you have not heard or remember in August this year I passed out and broke my face on mother earth or better yet mother pavement which I have to say scared the KITTEN out of me. Broke two front teeth and one tooth went thru my bottom lip.

Smilinguy513

Good Morning,

Goal - For me, the best motivation is a goal. I started with the idea that I wanted to improve my business, improve my fitness and improve my relationship with my kids. Then I identified just a few things I could do each day to move me, incrementally, toward those goals. Then I said, for 100 days, no matter what, I will do each of those things... to the exclusion of everything else... just for 100 days.

Embrace the Suck - Anytime we try to change a habit or behavior it is going to suck for a month or two.. It's going to hurt, be annoying, be unpopular, just plain be a pain in the *kitten*... BUT, after the first month or 45 days, it gets easier... then after about 60 or 90 days, it becomes a habit. So, for now, "Embrace the Suck"

Focus on Just a Few Things - In the past, I found that it is easy to get distracted, scattered and to drift off track. But since I have narrowed my focus to just three primary goals it is simpler. I ask myself, "Is what I am doing right now moving me toward or away from my 3 primary goals?" For now, anything that does not directly contribute to me improving my business, getting healthier or improving my relationship with my kids, doesn't get my attention.

I don't know if this will work for you... I'm just sharing what has worked for me so far.

It's a Good Life !
Matthew

marygraci999

theyoginurse wrote: »

I used to be a fitness buff. I loved the gym! Then in 2016, I became complacent. In 2017, I became depressed and stopped the working out altogether. My body is pheening to move again, but I just can’t seem to motivate myself to get into the gym and start exercising. I gained about 30lbs and I am in the process of releasing that in a healthy way.

Think back when your first started to exercise. Was it intimidating for you too? How did you get started? I need some help and motivation to just do it. Thanks a lot!

Start off in baby steps then work your way back up..

Lizakabibbis

One day I just decided that I NEEDED it. It wasn't an option anymore. I started off for 30 minutes 2x a week then 3 and now I go 4x a week from anywhere for 1.5-2hours. Now I need the gym - it's my place where I have time to focus on me. Is it hard to go? Some days it truly is a struggle. I go at 4am because I know if I don't - it won't happen. Early morning is best for me. Maybe try it that way?

LivingtheLeanDream

When I was in my early 40s, overweight and unfit I knew I had to make changes.
I started off making an effort to walk for 30 mins every day. It became a habit.
I lost a bit of weight initially but it wasn't until I happened upon MFP and started tracking my food intake that I started to have real success. MFP also encouraged me to try different exercises....roll on 5 1/2 years and I'm still exercising 6 days a week and I'm maintaining my goal weight for over 4 years. Baby steps lead to long lasting healthy eating and fitness habits.

niniundlapin

I was never active growing up. When I was a late teen, working out for me purely meant getting the big ticket to the world of pretty people and pretty outfit. That’s it.

And then I know I have to keep working out not just for now but for future’s sake. I’m doing my best to keep myself healthy, so I’d have more time trying new stuffs and (hopefully) enjoying my life.

It’s actually both mindsets that motivates me nowadays. Most of the time I exercise because I want to feel good, physically and mentally. But once I slack off, the fear of “dying too early” would whip me like its slave in no time lol. Other reasons: The moment immediately after working out is always rewarding. I also got too many workout outfits... whenever I’m wearing them at home, I kind of feel guilty if I don’t go to the gym...

dwilliamca

I'm still starting slowly with exercise. Not at all ready for the gym....may never be. At one time I had my family room set up with so much exercise and weight lifting equipment it looked like a gym, but found I used it very rarely. I used to be quite active and did a lot of hiking when I was younger and raising kids, but I've really slowed down over the years. I started doing yoga in my 40's after developing fibromyalgia. It became a daily habit, and later I helped teach it to seniors at the hospital I worked at. However after I quit working and started gaining weight I quit. Started up again last time I started this weight loss adventure and quit after I got depressed and quit logging calories. Once again, when I decided enough is enough and started logging calories, I turned back to yoga to start stretching and building my endurance. I switch to Pilates once in awhile and about 3 days a week do a mild aerobic workout for seniors with Jane Fonda on You Tube. She has one that uses light weights and that is about enough for me right now. Even though it isn't that difficult I still have to push myself to do it, but always feel good afterwards. I keep thinking one of these days my mind will just accept it as a part of life and do it without the resistance. I really admire friends and others who log an hour of walking, elliptical or bicycling everyday, especially the seniors. For me if I could just consistently do an hour of "something" everyday including just taking walks in the neighborhood I will feel great.

rainbow198

I started off slow. Really, really slow. Like walking slowly around my neighborhood. I was very heavy and that's all my body could handle. Even then I was sweat and a little out of breath. I was never active before, but I was determined to turn my life around and get fit.

The more I walked, my body adapted so I was able to go longer and before I knew I was able to go 2 miles non-stop and I was over the moon!

Then I started to explore other workouts on Youtube, fitness DVD's and I even signed up for a cardio/light strength-training class!

My body began to change and shrink. That gave me motivation to keep going so I started building up a home gym and I never looked back.

I'm years into maintaining my loss now, I workout daily and I'm still constantly trying new activities/equipment/workouts.

Good luck getting back on track OP!

Batmanjon75

I used to enjoy the gym and keeping fit and healthy and then I blew my knee out, which brought everything to a screaming halt, and over the next few years went through depression and a marriage breakup, and put on nearly 30kg's
A friend of mine decided he had enough of being 160kg's, recently so a few of us that need to lose weight got together and decided to make it a bit of a competition between ourselves
Bragging rights is the thing thats kick started my motivation to lose the weight and after the first weigh in I'd personally lost 4.2kg and everyone else lost as well so its a good friendly competition and has us all talking and offering support to one another.
good luck to everyone on their weight loss journey

sosteach

I was not motivated either but I was determined to get the weight off so I just started walking every day. Then I signed up for a month of Zumba classes. The teacher said the first one is free to see if you like it. I said it doesn't matter if I like it I need to do it for a month and make it a habit. Habits are going to stay with you...motivation comes and goes. sign up for something and literally put it in your calendar like you would any other important agenda item and just do it. After while you won't even think about it

Rick_1953

I got sick of being a fat old *kitten* and decided to get off my *kitten* and do something about it

Momepro

I want to feel better. Plain and simple. And now I have a bit of time in the mornings,meds that actually work form me, and my favorite gym had a good sale going today, $20 month, no contract, no cancelation fees, and a good rep for not screwing you over on quitting if you give them your 30 days.

93pear93

Go to the mirror, look at yourself, dont like it, eh?
Hard to get up from bed? Get up!
There is no such thing like procrastinating, so do it, do it right now!
Can you hear me?
Do it for yourself!

nickbullett

If that won't do, nothing will.

pippadeedee

I gave up smoking 3 months ago and OMG eat for England, Scotland etc.....Shock horror 20/11/17, the scales did not lie, my new motivation was it has to go if I can give up the horrid cig I can burn the fat cells.
Good luck

Burton_Bmc

What motivated me was, I was standing on a digital scale, and did see the numbers 99.7 kg. That moment I thought, I dont want to see the 100 and started to excercise vigorously. I never did see the scale above 100, and my low point was 77 kg in my adult years a few years back. Though because of several reasons I started to have the yo-yo effect, like gain....lose, gain and lose and felt very frustrated at times. Started to workout again end of 2016, lots of cardio, and down again between 77 and 78 kg.

marygraci999

Well I was fit before and My mom passed away fell into a bad depression didnt care about anything then I was diagnosed with breast cancer 3 years ago and gained a bunch of weight almost weighed 160 pounds sais enoughs enough and started waterfit classes last November.. Was doing good but not losing any weight (due to the instructors) Anyways they closed my rec center went to a different one in june and the instructors are great!! Started losing weight right away.. Then I started incorporating weights and cardio plus healthy eating and I am now down over 30 pounds!!!

mitch16

I exercise because I feel a sense of accomplishment when I do--whether it's a PR during a 5K, being able to life more weight, or being able to hold an advanced asana... Doing *something* every day gets me closer to those achievements.

Start small with something you enjoy doing. Go for a walk. Maybe run a little. Go for a swim. Ride horses. Ski. Just get out and move!

Jonesuna64

I was fit for years, got hurt at 42 years old, had ,multiple surgeries and spinal fusions. Handled my recovery HORRIBLY, gained 50lbs and then had thyroid issues on top of it. I gave myself EVERY excuse I could think of. It sounds stupid to say this now but I wouldn't go to the gym because I couldn't do the workouts I used to, basically, I wouldn't go to get fit because I wasn't fit (yup, just as stupid as it sounds).

I work with the military and we had a young guy whose leg was blown off by an IED, the FIRST day he had his prosthetic leg he ran a mile and we all went out to cheer him on. I knew at that moment I was full of crap and all my excuises were BS. I started slow, just walking, I did the couch to 5K, P90X and a few other programs, they weren't "magic pills" they just kept me going, I dropped all 50lbs in a year, I stayed down and then got hurt again, more surgeries but this time I only gained 20lbs (still a LOT) but caught myself before I drifted into the abyss

Goals are great and they do help but the main "goal" for me is to not just drop but STAY DROPPED and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. It is a Journey not a destination (overused phrase I know), but every Journey starts with a single step, we just have to take that step everyday

snowflake954

To tell you the truth, I don't even think about it--I just get up, get going, and do it. No thinking, no motivation, no waiting until I feel like it. I don't even consider not exercising. Once you get there (meaning that mindset) you're done.

clicketykeys

theyoginurse wrote: »

I used to be a fitness buff. I loved the gym! Then in 2016, I became complacent. In 2017, I became depressed and stopped the working out altogether. My body is pheening to move again, but I just can’t seem to motivate myself to get into the gym and start exercising. I gained about 30lbs and I am in the process of releasing that in a healthy way.

Think back when your first started to exercise. Was it intimidating for you too? How did you get started? I need some help and motivation to just do it. Thanks a lot!

It helps me to break it down into steps. I know that if I can make myself GET there, I may not get a full workout in, but I won't do nothing. Sometimes the thought of going through all of it is too much. So I just do the next thing that gets me closer to getting there. Maybe that's putting dinner in the crockpot. Maybe it's changing clothes. I just do one little thing at a time.

I've been going to the gym regularly since July. Still don't like it. But I do it.

Sharon_C

I don't like the word, "motivation". Too many people rely on motivation too much. You don't need motivation. You need discipline. You need to want it more than you don't want it. Go, even though you don't feel like it. I've never once regretted going to the gym but I always regret not going to the gym.

KylaBlaze

Accountability really motivated me to return to the gym. Following a program that tells you what to do on certain days requires accountability. You can always find a fitness partner to help you keep accountable as well!

MichelleSilverleaf

By finding something I enjoy. Biking, bodyweights, walking and yoga are the ones I stick to the best. If it's going to end up feeling like a chore because you feel you have to do it, you probably won't stick to it long-term.

cheryldumais

For me it was the promise of extra calories that got me started. Eventually I realized that I felt better. But I started with trying to find something I liked to do. I was sick of trying to do what others told me I needed to do. If you like the activity you choose you are more likely to stick with it.

JustaJoe00

this is interesting because i've been up and down so much i can relate. I try really hard to remember when i was down in lbs and how i felt and what my energy level was. Its funny how our bodies forget or re learn the bad habits. I think you have to find a way to convince yourself that you need the exercise and you need to fuel your body like it needs and not what you think it wants. You have to decide to be a survivor, that's what i tell myself. Survive one day, then move to the next. Do i make any sense?? lol. Just me.

ttreit

I just decided that I have to go to the gym every day unless I'm out of town.

Once I get there I can turn around and walk out immediately and that's totally fine.

I've never yet gotten to the gym and just walked out. Once I'm actually there working out is pretty easy and fun. By knowing I can stop any time and have met my goal I find that I actually keep going. I stop watching the clock and just listen to my music and keep going. I set the timer on the treadmill for 45 minutes. In the beginning, around 35 minutes, I'd want to quit. And I knew it was totally fine to stop. But then my brain would go "well...you can get one more minute in, just try it" and I end up going the whole time and sometimes adding time.

A few times my knee or foot would hurt a bit and I'd want to keep going. But then I'd remember I should listen to my body and since I'd already met my goal (by walking in the gym) I'd stop.

It's working for me pretty well so far and the best part is I don't have to motivate myself because it's just something I do every single day like brushing my teeth.

mysteps2beauty

Walk.

I use my Iphone that has a feature to count my steps that syncs up with exercise counter on my MFP page.

Started slowly. What's the rush?

Now, 3 months later:

I walk:
10 minutes from train station to job in the a.m.
15 minutes at break
30 minutes at lunch
20 minutes from job to (different) train station in the p.m.
Total Steps: 10K
EVERY WORK DAY

Saturday or Sunday I walk 3 miles, and the other day is one of rest

Benefits:

I get to eat more calories if I so choose.
I feel positive. Depression and anxiety are a thing of the past.
I feel energetic. I smile more.
I sleep better.
My blood pressure numbers have improved immensely.
My weight is heading steadly toward final goal.
Only equipment needed- a good pair of athletic shoes (for the first 2 months not in my budget so I wore flats).
You can do anywhere, anytime.

I LOVE IT.

dfein001

I just want to be healthy and my metabolism is slowing down as I age. I need to make changes to make sure I don't get overtaken by it. Failing an Army PT test and then being told I was overweight on the same day hit me pretty hard.