Finding time and energy for exercise

fridaysgal

I had last week off of work and was able to get up nearly every morning and exercise and that felt GREAT. Now I am back to work and getting up at 4:20 am M-F. I do get done with work early in the afternoon, but after a full day of work, I feel exhausted and can't seem to get motivated to work out. Does anyone else get up really early and find it hard to exercise after a full day of work? Any suggestions or things that have worked for you?

Please don't say exercise before work...I'm getting up way too early the way it is!! :yawn:

Thanks!

Seajolly

I'd be exhausted if I had to get up that early too! What about trying napping after work for 30 mins? It'll give you more energy in the afternoons for workouts.

josavage

Can you walk on your lunch hour? Otherwise I would suggest heading to the gym straight from work. I find that if I go home after work, it's harder to make myself work out. Also, try to find a friend or family member to work out with or sign up for a class with.

srp2011

I find that if I trick myself into exercising when I'm tired from a long day by telling myself I just have to go to the gym and do something, anything (treadmill, elliptical, etc...) for 10 minutes, I usually wind up doing more, and it re-energizes me. Part of feeling tired at the end of the work day is stress, and exercise actually reverses that. Even if it's just a walk, or yoga, or some stretching, you'll feel so much better afterwards. It's really mind over matter to get yourself up and moving.

maureendonahue

When I am working (currently out of work but have a call back date, so no stress over it), I don't go home after work, but directly to the gym. I hate it (until I get there and start moving) but it works.

Logging in here also helps-it holds me accountable.

Good luck figuring out what works best for you!

jbucci1186

I think that napping is good advice! Also, you could try eating a piece of fruit or having a cup of tea to try and boost your energy. I'm not a fan of caffeine (never did anything for me) but I know that it has helped several people that I know. Maybe try starting your workouts in the evening as well? Though I never had to wake up THAT early (oh my! how do you do that!?), on days that I did, I would just plan to work out in the evening. Making a schedule may even help.

good luck!

AggieCass09

I find that if I trick myself into exercising when I'm tired from a long day by telling myself I just have to go to the gym and do something, anything (treadmill, elliptical, etc...) for 10 minutes, I usually wind up doing more, and it re-energizes me. Part of feeling tired at the end of the work day is stress, and exercise actually reverses that. Even if it's just a walk, or yoga, or some stretching, you'll feel so much better afterwards. It's really mind over matter to get yourself up and moving.

this is my suggestion too...once you get into an exercise habit (takes me 1.5-2 weeks) then you'll have MORE energy and it becomes addicting! Also try to go straight to work out after work...do NOT go home first...the tv/couch/bed is just too tempting!

CatchMom11

Can you walk on your lunch hour? Otherwise I would suggest heading to the gym straight from work. I find that if I go home after work, it's harder to make myself work out. Also, try to find a friend or family member to work out with or sign up for a class with.

I couldn't agree more with this statement. There's something about when you walk through that door that, like letting the air out of a balloon, lets all of your energy and motivation escape your body. So, I would also suggest hitting the gym straight from work. That way also, you've got it out of the way and can enjoy the rest of your evening at home.

ltf304

I know you said you don't want to hear this but getting up 30 minutes earlier is an option. I workout every morning and go to bed early, knowing that I have to get up early. You can get a great workout in about 30 minutes. Examples are-Take a brisk walk/jog around the neighborhood, lift weights, do an exercise video (30 day shred, Chalean video). There are so many options here. Make sure you are getting 8 hours of sleep and eating well. Good luck!

IggyL

I get up around 5:30am and work from 7am until 4pm. I know what you mean about not having energy to work out. I find that if I make myself to at least 10-15 min of something I feel better. Some night I come home and snooze on the sofa for a while, helps me to get rid of that exhausted feeling.

epj78

You just have to force it. I know easier said than done. I never want to work out after work - especially early mornings at work --- but you just have to pull on your big girl panties and do it. I drag myself kicking and screaming all the way --- reminding myself I'll feel better for doing it when I'm done. SOmetimes I have to make deals with myself like "ok, you only have to do 15 minutes, if you are still tired after that, you can stop". I think I've stopped once.

Sorry - this is the only "trick" that I know that works for me. And really it isn't a trick at all

Colieque1

Can you walk on your lunch hour? Otherwise I would suggest heading to the gym straight from work. I find that if I go home after work, it's harder to make myself work out. Also, try to find a friend or family member to work out with or sign up for a class with.

I completely agree with this! Almost every day a small group of us walk during lunch. It actually helps the day go by faster, and gives us a little stress relief. I also go to the gym straight from work. I know if I stop at home it's over. I take classes at the gym, and that makes it more fun/enjoyable than just running on the treadmill or going on the elliptical for a while.

SW: 152.8
CW: 138.6
GW1: 140.0 (Met!)
GW2: 135.0

caat1rules

I have 2 words, Hemo Rage. Go get some.

WifenMom

Hi!
I know you said don't say this BUT - I used to work 4am - 1230pm. That meant I had to get up at 2am. Yuck! So I would get up 15 minutes earlier.
I have a 12 minute Fat burner and a 12 Minute Muscle maker. Sometimes I would just do the 12 minute Fat Burner but that was enough to get my metabolism going. (not enough for the entire day though) IF I got up earlier (at 130am) I could do both or the 36 minute kickboxing. TRUST me it's not easy. It all depended on how EARLY I got to bed the night before also. I have 3 kids, one of them age 3 (age 2 at the time I was working that shift)
There were many mornings I skipped the workout - and once I got home - I FORCED myself to put my workout shoes on, clothes on. Believe it or not - after FORCING myself to work out - I found I had more energy to keep me going until bedtime (no later than 7pm) and then fell into bed exhausted.
As of last August I came off that shift and work a new one 1130am - 800pm (I work for an airline - no matter what - my hours stink)
It's easier now to find time, although I've learned that I sure like to sleep in (my 3 year old does too luckily for me right?) so sometimes, ashamed to say lol, it's a challenge getting up early enough now that I work this shift. ( I know you don't wanna hear THAT lol)
Starting WED I begin a new shift 930am-800pm (10 hour work days, 3 days off) I plan on taking my day of "rest" one of my work days of course. Jog on my 3 days off - and the other 3 days I work, well I just better start getting to bed earlier and drag myself outta bed sooner.
Hope that helps some! Good luck and take care, Laurie

sunyg

I usually get myself off the couch at night by saying just do 10 minutes, if after 10 minutes I'm still exhausted I can be done. Usually though after 10 minutes I keep going. I do notice that after a few weeks of doing it I'm not as tired in the evenings.
When I was working out of the home I had to get up super early to get everyone dressed and dropped off so I know what you mean about not wanting to get up any earlier. A quick nap would be awesome after work if you are able to do that.

nanc94

I find that if I trick myself into exercising when I'm tired from a long day by telling myself I just have to go to the gym and do something, anything (treadmill, elliptical, etc...) for 10 minutes, I usually wind up doing more, and it re-energizes me. Part of feeling tired at the end of the work day is stress, and exercise actually reverses that. Even if it's just a walk, or yoga, or some stretching, you'll feel so much better afterwards. It's really mind over matter to get yourself up and moving.

this is my suggestion too...once you get into an exercise habit (takes me 1.5-2 weeks) then you'll have MORE energy and it becomes addicting! Also try to go straight to work out after work...do NOT go home first...the tv/couch/bed is just too tempting!

Definetly.....excercise right after work..... what i do is change into my gym clothes at work that way i just go straight to the gym.or meet a coworker at a school and walk around the track with so we both keep ea other accountable to not skip out. i feel after the first 10min....ive regained my energy ..

beckyinma

Can you walk on your lunch hour? Otherwise I would suggest heading to the gym straight from work. I find that if I go home after work, it's harder to make myself work out. Also, try to find a friend or family member to work out with or sign up for a class with.

EXACTLY!!!

abalicious

Just take the "thinking element" out of it. Make exercise a habit just like, say, brushing your teeth. If you set a specific time after work to go to the gym then its easier to go then just being like, "Oh, I'll just go whenever I feel like it" because then you'll start relaxing and not want to go.

DianaPowerUp

I used to have a real early schedule, and like some others said, I just went straight to the gym from work. If I stopped home, that was it. I was tired, and on the couch wanting to veg. But if I had my gym bag in the car, ready to go, and I went straight to the gym, I somehow would find the energy to do it. And once it became routine/habit, it didn't seem like a struggle anymore, but just part of the work day.

Kristylarson

Come to work when I do and then we can go to the gym after work!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wonder if there would be many people there at 3:30??? hee hee

Collinsky

Every day at around 4 PM, I would be dragging... that was my slump, where it really hits home that I don't get enough sleep and I need a nap. One day I decided that it was either sit there feeling like I couldn't go on one second longer *OR* I could get up and do 15 minutes of some exercise. And then go back to my regularly scheduled slump if I felt like it. I'm not saying that's easy -- it's about making the mental decision to GO FOR IT.

The funny thing is, after about 10-15 minutes of exercise, I felt so much better I kept going. But even if you didn't, that would be 15 minutes you weren't going to get before!

Getting up earlier wasn't a workable option for me, but it's really just about the same kind of mental shift to just do it - to make it a priority and force yourself/bribe yourself/motivate yourself to give it all you got for a tiny sliver of your day. It doesn't matter when you work out. You've gotten some great suggestions - do something on your lunch break, or stop by a gym on your way home, or something else. If morning actually does make the most sense, but you just feel overwhelmed by the idea, you might want to make the shift to getting up a little earlier to make your whole day healthier.

And like someone else mentioned, one of the amazing things for me has been that I am finding I have MORE energy in my day-to-day life since I started working out. It doesn't just end up being one.more.thing. wearing you down and sapping your resilience and strength. I'm more able to cope with the demands of my day since I made the decision to just do what I could, when I could, without letting the "But what I neeeeed is a nap!!" voice glue me to the couch in self-pity. (Not saying that's what you're doing -- that's what I was doing.) This is so much better!

fridaysgal

Thanks for all the thoughts and suggestions. I guess I will just have to kick my butt into gear right when I get home (before the couch or anything else calls to me).

You know, after reading all the entries, I knew the answer was JUST DO IT...guess there's part of me always looking for an easy way out.

Thanks for keeping me motivated and strong. Gotta love MFP support! :flowerforyou:

fridaysgal

I'd be exhausted if I had to get up that early too! What about trying napping after work for 30 mins? It'll give you more energy in the afternoons for workouts.

It seems when I shut my eyes for a few minutes, I tend to be worn out the rest of the day. I'm better off fighting through the tired I think.

fridaysgal

Come to work when I do and then we can go to the gym after work!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wonder if there would be many people there at 3:30??? hee hee

Silly Kristy, I go into work when I do so I can at least have part of a day that's quiet and drama-free. Maybe I should come to work at 2 pm instead?? haha

Did you join the gym?

bcattoes

This has always been my biggest fight when it comes to health. I have been eating healthy for years, but to stay healthy and thin I have to exercise regularly. But after a day of sitting, computers, meetings and stress it is hard to get myself started. The best advice I can give is to find an exercise you really like. When my kids were home I ran regularly for several years because when I got home I would go for a run,which I didn't particularly love, but one or both of them would always go along on their bike and talk non-stop about their day at school. I enjoyed that, and so did they because I was too tired to talk back much. :laugh: Since they've been grown I've tried several other things and would do them for a while then quit. Then gain weight and try something else. I found Zumba last Jan. I lost the weight and so far still find it fun. I don't know if Zumba would be right for you but I would say just keep trying different ones until you find one that you enjoy. If you enjoy it, it will be easier to stick with it. Good Luck!

fridaysgal

I know you said you don't want to hear this but getting up 30 minutes earlier is an option. I workout every morning and go to bed early, knowing that I have to get up early. You can get a great workout in about 30 minutes. Examples are-Take a brisk walk/jog around the neighborhood, lift weights, do an exercise video (30 day shred, Chalean video). There are so many options here. Make sure you are getting 8 hours of sleep and eating well. Good luck!

In order to get 8 hours of sleep, I am already going to bed by 8 pm! Getting up early than 4:20 really isn't an option. I will just force myself into it immediately after work and hopefully, after a while of feeling better, I will never have to force myself again!

simplysarahd

My friend works very early like you do and recently she joined a gym that is on her way home from work, so directly after work she works out! Like you if she makes it home before getting in a work out, the work out would never happen because she would be n mush mode.

fridaysgal

This has always been my biggest fight when it comes to health. I have been eating healthy for years, but to stay healthy and thin I have to exercise regularly. But after a day of sitting, computers, meetings and stress it is hard to get myself started. The best advice I can give is to find an exercise you really like. When my kids were home I ran regularly for several years because when I got home I would go for a run,which I didn't particularly love, but one or both of them would always go along on their bike and talk non-stop about their day at school. I enjoyed that, and so did they because I was too tired to talk back much. :laugh: Since they've been grown I've tried several other things and would do them for a while then quit. Then gain weight and try something else. I found Zumba last Jan. I lost the weight and so far still find it fun. I don't know if Zumba would be right for you but I would say just keep trying different ones until you find one that you enjoy. If you enjoy it, it will be easier to stick with it. Good Luck!

I recently ordered Zumba and while it seems fun, I really feel like I have two left feet. Do the moves get easier? Last week I ordered 30 Day Shred and Walk off the Pounds and am eagerly awaiting their arrival! I do try to walk home from work, and notice when I do I have more energy to do things when I get home.

When you started running, how far were you able to go at first? I try running on the treadmill, but tire out very fast.

Thanks for your input!

bcattoes

This has always been my biggest fight when it comes to health. I have been eating healthy for years, but to stay healthy and thin I have to exercise regularly. But after a day of sitting, computers, meetings and stress it is hard to get myself started. The best advice I can give is to find an exercise you really like. When my kids were home I ran regularly for several years because when I got home I would go for a run,which I didn't particularly love, but one or both of them would always go along on their bike and talk non-stop about their day at school. I enjoyed that, and so did they because I was too tired to talk back much. :laugh: Since they've been grown I've tried several other things and would do them for a while then quit. Then gain weight and try something else. I found Zumba last Jan. I lost the weight and so far still find it fun. I don't know if Zumba would be right for you but I would say just keep trying different ones until you find one that you enjoy. If you enjoy it, it will be easier to stick with it. Good Luck!

I recently ordered Zumba and while it seems fun, I really feel like I have two left feet. Do the moves get easier? Last week I ordered 30 Day Shred and Walk off the Pounds and am eagerly awaiting their arrival! I do try to walk home from work, and notice when I do I have more energy to do things when I get home.

When you started running, how far were you able to go at first? I try running on the treadmill, but tire out very fast.

Thanks for your input!

Zumba does get easier, but I would never want to do it in front of a mirror. I just do my best and as long as I'm having fun and working up a sweat it's all good. In my mind I look just like the girls in the video.

Kristylarson

Come to work when I do and then we can go to the gym after work!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wonder if there would be many people there at 3:30??? hee hee

Silly Kristy, I go into work when I do so I can at least have part of a day that's quiet and drama-free. Maybe I should come to work at 2 pm instead?? haha

Did you join the gym?

No but I've thought about joining Snap I wouldn't think it would be too crowded at 3:30??

Mrs_TrimWaistFatWallet

Im training a lot and I've struggled with this. But, if you follow these things religiously, you will have a lot less of a struggle.
-pack and have everything ready so you can go straight to the gym after work. If you go home or have a break in your routine, it's 200% harder to stick with it
-be fueled with a snack and or Gatorade. Add energy supplement. Blah blah scary, but if you get good ones and drink a lot of water, you will be fine. If it wasn't for these couple things, I wouldn't finish my training. I add some energy supplement to my Gatorade or drink it straight. Try Jack 3D from GNC or Breakthru Fruit Punch. Listen, I was as wary as every other person about using an energy supplement, but you know what, I needed the energy to meet my goal ...and once you get the routine down, you won't need it everyday.
-a workout motivator. ie it's the ony time I watch tv (I catch up on Biggest Loser using Hulu Plus on my phone)