What is your biggest obstacle? What's getting in your way?
texstorm
Posts: 158 Member
I've talked to a bunch of people recently and I keep hearing apologies/complaints about not being able to get workouts in or falling off the wagon with their nutrition.
It got me thinking because in every case these weren't trivial matters. This wasn't laziness or a lack of will to get it done. This was work, family, kids, school, friends - life intervening and throwing curve balls that were just too hard to hit.
For me when I get derailed it's almost always about work. I have an erratic schedule. Some weeks I will have so little to do that it's almost as if my continued employment isn't justified. Then *KABLAM* suddenly I am so busy I cannot see straight with projects, crises of all sorts and demands on my time that make it nearly impossible for me to schedule anything. I'll put my workout on my calendar, carefully planning it for a time of day when I think I'm safe from distractions and that will get flipped over on me.
If I had a magic wand I would wave that wand at my calendar to make it so nothing could disrupt my plans.
What would you wave that wand at if you could, and why?
-Tex
KPP
It got me thinking because in every case these weren't trivial matters. This wasn't laziness or a lack of will to get it done. This was work, family, kids, school, friends - life intervening and throwing curve balls that were just too hard to hit.
For me when I get derailed it's almost always about work. I have an erratic schedule. Some weeks I will have so little to do that it's almost as if my continued employment isn't justified. Then *KABLAM* suddenly I am so busy I cannot see straight with projects, crises of all sorts and demands on my time that make it nearly impossible for me to schedule anything. I'll put my workout on my calendar, carefully planning it for a time of day when I think I'm safe from distractions and that will get flipped over on me.
If I had a magic wand I would wave that wand at my calendar to make it so nothing could disrupt my plans.
What would you wave that wand at if you could, and why?
-Tex
KPP
0
Replies
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I've talked to a bunch of people recently and I keep hearing apologies/complaints about not being able to get workouts in or falling off the wagon with their nutrition.
It got me thinking because in every case these weren't trivial matters. This wasn't laziness or a lack of will to get it done. This was work, family, kids, school, friends - life intervening and throwing curve balls that were just too hard to hit.
For me when I get derailed it's almost always about work. I have an erratic schedule. Some weeks I will have so little to do that it's almost as if my continued employment isn't justified. Then *KABLAM* suddenly I am so busy I cannot see straight with projects, crises of all sorts and demands on my time that make it nearly impossible for me to schedule anything. I'll put my workout on my calendar, carefully planning it for a time of day when I think I'm safe from distractions and that will get flipped over on me.
If I had a magic wand I would wave that wand at my calendar to make it so nothing could disrupt my plans.
What would you wave that wand at if you could, and why?
-Tex
KPP
Well, two very good questions. First, there isn't an obstacle for me. If I need to run, I get up early(like 515) and do my 4-6 miles. If I lift I'll set aside time at the gym; if I want to workout at night, I do push ups or planks during the commercials or Yoga. What is getting in my way? Nothing. You make the time it doesn't make you. And I do not want a magic wand, I want to remember every moment I doubted I couldn't take that next step and remember why I'm taking it. I want to remember the feeling of maxing out the last rep and sit there drenched in my sweat, and last I want to do it so I can look back and say, "What's next?"0 -
3 very young kids. Life is manic, fitting in meal prep and excercise is hard.0
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3 very young kids. Life is manic, fitting in meal prep and excercise is hard.
So, if you had a magic wand - what would you wave it at? What would you change, if you could?
-Tex
KPP0 -
A baby that's attached to my breasts 24/7 is my problem. Sometimes I'm able to lay her down without her waking while I get a workout in. If I had a magic wand I'd turn her into a kid that can play on her own without wanting mommy to hold her. I'm not complaining though, she'll only be this size for just a short while. Truth be told, I love holding and kissing on her all day. I just need to find a way to get regular workouts in as well. My husband is very tired when he gets home so I don't want to ask him to get her. Although that's what I'm probably going to have to start doing.0
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I would say social and family occasions. If I'm home on my own I control my diet, but if I am in a social environment or eating out, then it becomes difficult. It's not that I pig out, but there are usually foods available that I normally wouldn't have, and so much of social life seems to be around meals. I just did alumni days at one of my alma maters, and there was a food about every 3 hours, hot doeuvers, desserts, etc. Then, it was Mother's Day week-end. Also, because I have family out of town, if there's a holiday, I usually miss at least one workout when there's a holiday. So, I just don't expect to see a loss or may even be up a lb. when I have a week or week-end like that and I try to be good about tracking the next week.0
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cheat meals that unfortunately sometimes turn into cheat days.0
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This is why I have weights at home... it's hard to make excuses when your rack is a hundred feet away from your recliner chair. Have to do the laundry? Yeah... walk out the door between sets to move your stuff to the dryer. Making dinner? Put it in the oven, set the timer, and get the squats in while it cooks.
Ironically, what's getting in my way worst right now is my trainer's inflexible appointment schedule. It seemed like a good idea at the time, and there is plenty of value in those sessions, but I've found it very hard to schedule my normal weight training, KM classes, and rest days around her. But I prepaid, so I'm making the most of it.0 -
Travelling every month derails me. If I had a magic wand, I would stay put in my home until I reach my goal.0
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Having insulin resistance and hypoglycemia.0
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Myself.0
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I think the most important thing is to not beat yourself up about these things. If you CAN'T fit it in, you can't fit it in. IF you're really being honest with yourself and there's just no way to make it work, try again tomorrow. Don't let it get you down, but don't lie to yourself either. Do what you can and keep pushing through!
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I'm not afraid to admit laziness. These TV shows ain't gonna watch themselves.
I've just not got into the exercise part of my fitness yet. I work by small steps.0 -
my biggest obstacle is that I do not really like exercise that much. I love walking and hiking, and bike riding is fun...but I lack the interest, discipline, and motivation to lift, run, or kill it in the gym and I'm way too reserved for Zumba or yoga etc...
Diet/nutrition is the easy part for me. I have to push myself to stay active in ways beyond what is "normal" for me...just being hyperactive, running errands & cleaning all of the time.0 -
The door to my house ..... once I'm outside, I'm committed to run ... before that .. not so much.0
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Nothing! I also have a busy schedule which includes getting up for work and 3:45am. I don't let anything get in the way of my lifestyle change. It's just as important as my family, because I am doing what I do for them. I just happen to benefit from it lol.0
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I work part-time but recently a manager quit so I'm working full-time until we can hire and train another. It's been very, very tough on my family. I've only ever worked part-time and my husband works evenings so its all me pretty much all the time when it comes to kids and their activities. Plus I have a side job. The past week I've only been home to sleep. I leave the house at 7:30am and don't get home until almost 10pm with work and kids activities. Luckily I work a job that has me on my feet and walking a lot. That's been my only salvation. Also luckily this won't last long and I'll be back to my normal hours soon (On a good note I think this has opened my husband's eyes about him wanting me to work full-time. He's hating that he never sees me)0
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6 years ago I was very active, walked every evening, had a personal trainer it was great. Then 6 yrs ago I feel snow skiing and tore my acl. I had surgery and spent 6 months rehabbing. One year to the date of that surgery I re-tore my ACL again and had to have surgery one year to the date of the last surgery. After another 6 months of rehabbing I thought wow I'm in the clear. One year and 3 months of the 2nd surgery I found out I and fractured my back from that skiing accident. I had not clue until I had gotten back in the gym and then started feeling pain in my back. I had to have spinal surgery!!! Every time I started to get back into working out... wham!! It took a year to recover from spinal surgery and on my 1st day free and clear to work out again. I fell walking and re tore my ACL. I laid in someone's yard sobbing... I knew what I had done. My doctor said it would be cruel to do another surgery so soon and said to wait & I agreed. Walking in the gym with a brace I was extra careful... Then I fell 2 weeks after school started on the playground and tore my rotators cuff I'm one month out from surgery and its not going well. MY obstacle STOP FALLING AND NO MORE SURGERIES !!!!! I am so depressed.0
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My biggest obstacle is my body is acting like its an oap, things keep malfunctioning grr0
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biggest problem i face is work. Often i have to work late and miss the gym. I also work with unsupportive people.Just today one of them brought me a chocolate shake from Hardees. Yea it was a nice gesture but would kill any diet. I don't mind splurging but when sticking to 1200 cal/day just cant put 700 into a drink.0
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I'm doing INSANITY & my biggest obstacle is trying to eat enough. I've calculated that I should be eating 2,037 calories a day to lose weight. I know it doesn't really sound like a lot but it is for me. I'm hardly ever hungry but I know I need the calories and such for my body to function properly.0
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I think the most important thing is to not beat yourself up about these things. If you CAN'T fit it in, you can't fit it in. IF you're really being honest with yourself and there's just no way to make it work, try again tomorrow. Don't let it get you down, but don't lie to yourself either. Do what you can and keep pushing through!
Spoken like a true Tony Horton disciple. ;-) (I saw the shirt in your profile pic.)
I definitely agree with this. Learning to adapt and not let a temporary obstacle derail you is important. But my original question was really about things that are chronic and relentless. My own example of work - unless I quit I have to live with my plans being thwarted regularly, and it can get frustrating.
Some people have uncooperative, or downright obstructive spouses or other family members. Personally, I'll stick with the job with an erratic schedule and am grateful for a wife and family who are supportive.
-Tex
KPP0 -
I'm doing INSANITY & my biggest obstacle is trying to eat enough. I've calculated that I should be eating 2,037 calories a day to lose weight. I know it doesn't really sound like a lot but it is for me. I'm hardly ever hungry but I know I need the calories and such for my body to function properly.
Have you tried using supplements to add to your calorie count?
-Tex
KPP0 -
biggest problem i face is work. Often i have to work late and miss the gym. I also work with unsupportive people.Just today one of them brought me a chocolate shake from Hardees. Yea it was a nice gesture but would kill any diet. I don't mind splurging but when sticking to 1200 cal/day just cant put 700 into a drink.
Have you let your coworkers know that you're trying to lose weight? If so, are they just outright sabotaging you?
-Tex
KPP0 -
Right now it's my stupid head cold. Lots of pressure in my sinuses, if I do my regular routine I have trouble breathing right away. I also feel tired constantly. I can still go for walks but that doesn't burn anywhere near enough calories for me to reach my goals. Plus I've been drinking juice when I normally try to drink only water, so that adds extra calories. Hopefully I'll get better soon so I can start exercising normally again. :frown:
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yep.Tex, they know..0
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Pain. Two very bad discs in my back. The pain is indescribable and really pi***ng me off. I've gained 40 lbs so now I have 63 to lose instead of 23 - because what do I do when I hurt and feel bad physically and emotionally? Chocolate, chips, sweets, regret.
I completely gave up for a few months. If I could waive a wand my back would be healed and I could start to jog again. I miss running, I miss going to the gym, I miss lifting weights. But I can't do any of that right now, so one day at a time. I'm tracking my food again right down to the one kalamata olive and bite of peanut butter I had today. I walked for twenty minutes today and did my yoga now I'm sitting on the couch in pain, again, but there's only a diet ginger-ale next to me. I don't even want to say that maybe someday I can run, that's not even on my radar. I just want to lose the 63 pounds extra I have and see where I am then.0 -
6 years ago I was very active, walked every evening, had a personal trainer it was great. Then 6 yrs ago I feel snow skiing and tore my acl. I had surgery and spent 6 months rehabbing. One year to the date of that surgery I re-tore my ACL again and had to have surgery one year to the date of the last surgery. After another 6 months of rehabbing I thought wow I'm in the clear. One year and 3 months of the 2nd surgery I found out I and fractured my back from that skiing accident. I had not clue until I had gotten back in the gym and then started feeling pain in my back. I had to have spinal surgery!!! Every time I started to get back into working out... wham!! It took a year to recover from spinal surgery and on my 1st day free and clear to work out again. I fell walking and re tore my ACL. I laid in someone's yard sobbing... I knew what I had done. My doctor said it would be cruel to do another surgery so soon and said to wait & I agreed. Walking in the gym with a brace I was extra careful... Then I fell 2 weeks after school started on the playground and tore my rotators cuff I'm one month out from surgery and its not going well. MY obstacle STOP FALLING AND NO MORE SURGERIES !!!!! I am so depressed.
I can relate. I tore my ACL in 2001. I was very active prior to that injury, riding my bike more than 100 miles a week and commuting by bike every day. When I tore the ACL I couldn't ride at all. Mine was a partial tear and my insurance wouldn't authorize surgery, so I spent 3 years healing. I changed my activity level dramatically, but still ate like I was riding 100+ miles a week. It took very little time for me to gain a lot of weight, which then caused other health issues.
All told, it took me 10 years to recover from that injury completely and get my weight back under control. The big lesson was that when your activity level drops you need to adjust your food intake accordingly.
-Tex
KPP0 -
yep.Tex, they know..
Well, that's not cool.
Here's what Steve Kamb from Nerd Fitness had to say about unsupportive coworkers:
You see these people more often than probably anybody else in your life…
For 8-10 hours a day, you share the same building, desk, and lunch room. Because of that, your interactions with them almost play out like a high school drama complete with cliques, secrets, gossip, and *gasp* peer pressure!
When a co-worker brings in three dozen donuts from Dunkin D’s, he’s embarrassed if he’s the only person eating them…so he wanders around your office, finding other people to help him power through. If he gets to your desk and you politely decline, you might even hear something like “oh come on! It’s just a donut!” or “psssh, really? You can’t even eat one donut?”
These are generally the same people who make fun of you for bringing in your own salad and chicken when they’re stuffing their face with McDonalds/Arby’s/Whatever. If you happen to be a nerd in IT, then this might play out 2-3 times per day as people make runs to the nearest drive-through.
I can remember in my two previous jobs hundreds of instances where my dietary choices (both snacks and meals) were jokingly mocked by my co-workers.
Why? If your coworkers are unhealthy and uninterested in getting healthy, then the thought of somebody in their office making great life changes, exercising, and adjusting their diet might make them feel inadequate. Rather than watch you succeed and then feel bad about themselves, they’d rather keep the status quo and drag you down with them.
It’s time to suck it up, and keep your eyes on the prize. Build a thicker skin. For the first few weeks, I’m sure you’re going to get lots of funny looks when you bring in your own meals. You might get made fun of slightly for turning down muffins, candy, cake, donuts, bagels, and whatever else is brought in. However, as you start to transform, the “why don’t you eat this with us?” comments will start to switch to “wow, did you lose weight?,” then, “how did you do it?” and eventually, “Can you help me?”
The beginning is going to be rough…Be proud to stand out in your office.
If you are in an office of people who ARE interested in getting healthy, try to flip peer pressure into something positive:
* Find a workout buddy to stay accountable during the day
* Start a weight loss competition at work – everybody throw in $50 bucks, winners take all
* Form a running club
* Have one day a week you all cook a healthy meal together (with everybody pitching in of course)0 -
Myself.
Ok, I'm intrigued. Why are you your own biggest obstacle to reaching your goals?
-Tex
KPP0 -
3 very young kids. Life is manic, fitting in meal prep and excercise is hard.
So, if you had a magic wand - what would you wave it at? What would you change, if you could?
-Tex
KPP
I love my kids, so I'm not going to vanish them! Maybe a housekeeper to do all the cleaning and washing they create, and a nanny to look after them so I could excercise, and a cook to sort out health meals. Yup, that's it - I need staff.0
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