Discouraged

ElaineSiobhan

Hey!
So I'm only a week into my diet and today I decided it's time to do a little work out. I picked a really simple workout, one that I would have laughed at 4 years ago (I used to be very fit) and I felt like I could have just collapsed! I was actually shocked at how unfit I am. Even walking tires me. I'm just feeling discouraged at the fact that I've allowed myself to get this unfit. The worst part is that I keep thinking "wow I'm only 19 yet I can't even do a few sit ups".

I just feel kind of worthless after today's attempts. It feels like my goal of becoming a lifeguard is a lifetime away when I can't even make it up the stairs without puffing. I just feel stupid for even trying, like why bother. Did anyone else feel like this when they first started? Any advice/guidance is very much appreciated.

- Elaine x

BigT555

meh, everyone sort of feels this way when they are first starting out. you'll be amazed at how fast you progress if you stick to it. when i began 10 months ago i couldnt do a single pull up and now im busting out sets of 10 like its my day job

just stick with it. feeling like you are out of shape is no reason to stop, quite the contrary, its reason to push forward so you can get into shape

earlnabby

Hey!
So I'm only a week into my diet and today I decided it's time to do a little work out. I picked a really simple workout, one that I would have laughed at 4 years ago (I used to be very fit) and I felt like I could have just collapsed! I was actually shocked at how unfit I am. Even walking tires me. I'm just feeling discouraged at the fact that I've allowed myself to get this unfit. The worst part is that I keep thinking "wow I'm only 19 yet I can't even do a few sit ups".

I just feel kind of worthless after today's attempts. It feels like my goal of becoming a lifeguard is a lifetime away when I can't even make it up the stairs without puffing. I just feel stupid for even trying, like why bother. Did anyone else feel like this when they first started? Any advice/guidance is very much appreciated.

- Elaine x

First of all, have you been to a doctor recently for a check up? I thought my breathlessness was because I was just getting less and less fit and it turned out I was actually anemic.

If there are no physiological issues, I would just start slow and build up as your stamina increases. Can you walk around the block? Start with that and keep increasing your steps. It might help to get some kind of fitness tracker or download a tracking app to your phone. An inexpensive pedometer will tell you how many steps you take a day and encourage you to do more. There are other, more expensive ones like Fitbit, Jawbone, etc. but just a step counter will help

Forty6and2

Honestly, I think you'll be surprised at how quickly your body gets into shape once you make it a routine to get some activity in daily. I was never very active and when I first started, I couldn't walk a few miles without getting winded. I had to pause at the top of a hill because I would be out of breath, I couldn't run for more than a few seconds, etc. But the more I worked at it, the easier it became.

And, I would suggest doing something like the couch 2 5K program. It starts really easy and gets progressively more difficult. You'll be able to start at a reasonable goal and see how you've advanced throughout the program. If you have a smartphone, it comes with an app that allows you to play music and it dings when you need to run/walk. You should look into it :flowerforyou:

SuperVixen2B

Oh my goodness - you're only 19! It's SOOOO worth it! You stick with it, and your 30 year old self is going to be looking back saying, "Good job pumpkin! Thanks for all the extra mobility and energy!".

I definitely had a hard time when I first started working out. It was disgusting and shameful and I used that to fuel me. I said "NO MORE!" and worked harder to change it. I kept a journal of my workouts and how I felt afterwards and I look back with a mixture of sadness for that person and elation that I'm no longer that way. My workout when I first started is now just a warm-up. It's a good feeling!

Melonpaul

Don't worry about it too much, if you're not used to it it's going to take a while to build up the strength. It took me three months to be able to complete a push up on my toes; I can now do a set of 6 without stopping and I’m still working on doing more. Keep track of your progress, it’ll help you realize how far you’ve come.

enzosmama

I think you've gotten some really good advice and feedback. I totally hear what you're saying- I'm 35 and if I knew when I was 18 or 19 what I'd look like/what shape I'd be in now I like to think I'd have done more to prevent it. I have spent too long sitting around feeling discouraged and disgusted with myself and thinking "why bother?" It's especially hard when you keep comparing yourself to other people, and that's the worst of it.

However, at 19, you have so much of your life ahead of you. It's SO worth it to put in the effort NOW to get fit and healthy. The time is going to pass no matter if you spend it sitting around feeling sorry for yourself or if you put some effort in every day to get a little better. So why not use the time productively? The discouragement that you're feeling now is normal, but in a week or two or in a month, you are going to start noticing it gets easier- you can do more- you can go longer, faster, whatever. And THAT is encouraging.

I started barre fitness classes months ago. After doing NO exercise and not being active at all for a long time. Let me tell you, those classes are NO JOKE. I was incredibly discouraged during my first few classes because I had to constantly take breaks and make modifications to the workout- I couldn't make it through an entire set without taking a break to rest. But I kept going because I knew it would be good for my body and I wasn't going to get better by NOT going to class. I've been pushing through for the last few months and I'm noticing now that I can go a lot longer through sets without taking a break. I'm getting stronger, and it feels good! Stick to it my friend, future you will be SO happy you did!