Help me get back to the gym?

mmipanda
mmipanda Posts: 351 Member
in Motivation and Support
I haven't been in at least a month. I don't really want to go because I don't know what to do when I'm there, but I know that I should.

For a while I had a weight lifting routine that a staff member there gave me, but I would wake up in the middle of the night with elbow pains, so I stopped doing it.

Then I was doing yoga classes, but the instructor left.

Then I was doing C25K, but I stopped when it got to a point where I didn't think I could do it.


SO as you can see, I'm pretty rubbish at sticking to anything. I have insanely low self esteem when it comes to exercise. I've never been good at any sport (although now I'm alright at squash), and whenever I try to get into shape my brain defeats me. I can't do anything like jog outside for fear of people seeing me and laughing.

Now I am letting my money go to waste by not going to the gym. But I dread the idea of just starting over and seeing how much hard work I've undone through avoidance. I feel like I need something NEW and interesting, something that makes me WANT to work hard.

Replies

  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    You're pretty good at making excuses.

    Why not take control of the situation?
  • mmipanda
    mmipanda Posts: 351 Member
    You're pretty good at making excuses.

    Why not take control of the situation?
    I know!

    I find an excuse to stop trying because its easier than pushing myself.
  • Just_Scott
    Just_Scott Posts: 1,766 Member
    bump for obvious resaons
  • mmipanda
    mmipanda Posts: 351 Member
    not sure what those obvious reasons are, but I hope this doesn't just turn into everyone saying 'just go already u idiot'. I'm hoping to find some advice from people with similar hangups & how they overcome them.
  • lilRicki
    lilRicki Posts: 4,555 Member
    new rules of lifting for women...it changes things up every few weeks, comes with pictures so you know what you're doing, and it's pretty fun.
  • lilRicki
    lilRicki Posts: 4,555 Member
    Also, go buy some new gym gear. Nothing gets you more pumped to go to the gym then new gym shoes or sweat resistant shirt ;)
  • deemommiii
    deemommiii Posts: 12
    Also, go buy some new gym gear. Nothing gets you more pumped to go to the gym then new gym shoes or sweat resistant shirt ;)
    This^

    You can do it. Start small. Go in for 10-15 min. and just walk around. The next day, try something out. Repeat. You'll be back in the habit in no time!
  • drsean
    drsean Posts: 9
    I think it helps to go with a friend. My wife and I go and we can motivate each other. Maybe find a work out pal. Good luck and keep trying!
  • MrsRosenow
    MrsRosenow Posts: 109 Member
    I always buy new gym clothes when I hit a slump... that sure kicks my *kitten* into wanting to wear all the cute new outfits!! :smile:
  • quiltlovinlisa
    quiltlovinlisa Posts: 1,710 Member
    Maybe the gym isn't for you?

    I work out at home. I have some DVD's, I walk with my mom, I use the internet with workouts on youtube and Fitnessblender.com. I can try what I want, when I want. I save time because I don't have to drive anywhere. Sometimes my kids workout with me.

    My base goal is to move 45 minutes a day, no matter what. I do something intense twice a week. Throw in weights twice a week. It's been great and I'm getting there.
  • brenn24179
    brenn24179 Posts: 2,144 Member
    I love the gym, I'm weird. Find something you like to do. I like zumba, ripped, aroebic, any group class or sometimes just walking the track and it gives me time to think.
  • mmipanda
    mmipanda Posts: 351 Member
    new rules of lifting for women...it changes things up every few weeks, comes with pictures so you know what you're doing, and it's pretty fun.

    ooh I've never heard of this, I will look into it right now.

    & I like the clothes suggestions too! My trackie pants are hanging off me, maybe investing in some nicer, better-fitting stuff will help with the mental barriers.

    I wish you could wear dresses or skirts to the gym. its the only thing I really feel comfortable in!
  • crazybookworm
    crazybookworm Posts: 779 Member
    Yes, investing a a couple new workout outfits is great! Also, revamping that playlist helps, too!

    Change your exercise up every 2 weeks or so(or every 5-6 workouts) to keep things fresh, and to prevent you from getting bored! Also, try to find a physical activity that you really like. Zumba, Yoga, a group fitness class. If you are having fun doing it, you'll want to go!

    Good luck!
  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    new rules of lifting for women...it changes things up every few weeks, comes with pictures so you know what you're doing, and it's pretty fun.

    ooh I've never heard of this, I will look into it right now.

    & I like the clothes suggestions too! My trackie pants are hanging off me, maybe investing in some nicer, better-fitting stuff will help with the mental barriers.

    I wish you could wear dresses or skirts to the gym. its the only thing I really feel comfortable in!


    http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1640513/ryka-pursuit-running-skirt.jsp
  • cafeaulait7
    cafeaulait7 Posts: 2,459 Member
    You could try the machines for weightlifting if your elbows aren't quite there yet. I have tendon issues, so I know how that can go! The machines isolate the movements more, so you avoid the strain on your elbows :) It depends on the machine, of course, but most don't really work the elbow much. So you have lots of choices :)

    Also check out the pool if your gym has one. You can wear a skirt suit, and even just walking back and forth through the water is a fine workout. They might have float-weights to do lifting with. You don't have to really swim; there are all kinds of props to help do different things in the pool. Usually the serious swimmers are in a different part doing laps, and the possibly intimidating gym rats aren't hanging out in the pool :) It's so casual! Do what you like and then hit the jacuzzi :D

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