workout becomes addictive???

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Replies

  • lcn1220
    lcn1220 Posts: 124 Member
    I've never regretted working out. I've only regretted NOT working out.

    This, in spades.

    OP: when you start having that litany of noise rolling through your head and you're wanting to bail or make excuses for not working out, shut that brain up and go on autopilot. We go on autopilot on the wrong things sometimes. Go on autopilot here, run through a mental checklist of things you need to get for the gym. I work out at home and there are days I get home and don't feel like doing a thing. When that happens I go on autopilot and methodically through my workout checklist i.e. change into workout clothes, get my shoes, get my weights or whatever else I need, get my water, fire up the dvd, and set a 10 minute timer and go through the warmup etc. If that 10 minutes is up, and I feel like bailing, fine...bail. But you know what? I've never bailed on a workout past 10 mins. Once I get going, I usually keep going...and it's been a really long time since I've dreaded or skipped a workout.

    Shut out the noise, get a mental checklist going for what you need to do and stick with it until you're at the gym, run or whatever else you'd like to do.
  • seardefilip
    seardefilip Posts: 96
    I've never regretted working out. I've only regretted NOT working out.

    This, in spades.

    OP: when you start having that litany of noise rolling through your head and you're wanting to bail or make excuses for not working out, shut that brain up and go on autopilot. We go on autopilot on the wrong things sometimes. Go on autopilot here, run through a mental checklist of things you need to get for the gym. I work out at home and there are days I get home and don't feel like doing a thing. When that happens I go on autopilot and methodically through my workout checklist i.e. change into workout clothes, get my shoes, get my weights or whatever else I need, get my water, fire up the dvd, and set a 10 minute timer and go through the warmup etc. If that 10 minutes is up, and I feel like bailing, fine...bail. But you know what? I've never bailed on a workout past 10 mins. Once I get going, I usually keep going...and it's been a really long time since I've dreaded or skipped a workout.

    Shut out the noise, get a mental checklist going for what you need to do and stick with it until you're at the gym, run or whatever else you'd like to do.

    i like this A LOT
  • seardefilip
    seardefilip Posts: 96
    Try NOT to think about it. I know it's hard. But just pick a time each day that you have available that you WILL work out (not just, IF you have time or IF you feel like it) and then just change your clothes and DO it. I don't know about you but I always feel better after my workout (cardio especially.) I think that is what can get addictive about it!

    I have been going regularly for about 2 weeks now for a min of 3 days a week and also on Saturdays so will keep it up! I know it will get better- SUPPORT helps infinitely!!!
  • myfitnessnmhoy
    myfitnessnmhoy Posts: 2,105 Member
    I exercise for the calories. It allows me to eat a larger meal at supper. Exercise calories taste the best!
  • mcarter99
    mcarter99 Posts: 1,666 Member
    I struggle with it, too. I just read a book that said the people who have made it a habit, it's because in their mind it's become linked to some intrinsic reward. Usually that is the endorphins or the sense of accomplishment, often from some numeric goal they have like improving their time or hitting the gym X times a week. I don't get a lot of endorphins so I focus on the numeric goals. I get attached to my Fitbit graphs and need to keep them all at a certain level.

    Also, people who do it as a habit tend to just get up and do it. They have their routine down pat and there is no time for the mind to intervene with all the excuses. Get up, put on running gear, brush teeth, go. Get up, drink coffee with email for 30 minutes, go. Like that. They say you should make the decision one time-- is it worth it? If so, just do it. Re-address the decision in a year or something but not daily.
  • RavenhairedWoman
    RavenhairedWoman Posts: 661 Member
    Thanks-
    Yes, we have talked about it- my husband and I- - its just one of those struggles-
    I do want this for me, that is why I keep on, I do like the thought of Zumba, but classes intimidate me-

    I had to get past the intimidated by classes hurdle as well. I am in a belly dancing class right now and I am loving it! Oh, and I still have 100 lbs to lose so it isn't like I am a skinny thing shaking it out there. I can't explain how to get past it. I just have to remind myself that no body is watching me, other than the instructor to make sure that I am doing it correctly. No one is judging and if they are that is on them not me. I am on a mission and I will lose weight and dang it I am going to have fun while I am at it!

    I find my whole mood takes a nose dive when I am not active on a regular basis. I try to keep moving even when it doesn't seem like I have time. What helped me stick to it is I started the Couch 2 5K (C25K) program. Three days a week I committed to going to the gym and doing the program. I didn't have to do more but the longer I did the program the more I started staying extra to lift afterward or to do other activities. Now I can go to the gym and two hours can fly away and I feel amazing afterward. :). Also I got myself a FitBit and I love seeing how active I have been. I find myself climbing more stairs and making excuses to walk more during the day even though I work a desk job. I can then parallel my crappy moods and my level of activeness and I have found a direct correlation. So with that evidence I find it a bit easier to justify getting out there and moving even if it isn't in the gym.

    As to the communication and desired appreciation of your spouse. I can't help much there, I am practically a nun with how long I have been single. I just encourage you to keep doing this for YOU. I have "tried" to lose weight for other people and it never clicked until I wanted it FOR ME! Just remember that you are the one who needs this and wants this and you are the only one who can do it for you. :) So love yourself because you are beautiful and the more you love yourself the more that beauty will shine through and others will see it.

    I hope some of that helps!
  • aproc
    aproc Posts: 1,033 Member
    It'll happen when you find a workout you really love. For me it was about a year in when I picked up weights seriously and started seeing consistent progress. Now I hate to miss a day.
  • seardefilip
    seardefilip Posts: 96
    I struggle with it, too. I just read a book that said the people who have made it a habit, it's because in their mind it's become linked to some intrinsic reward. Usually that is the endorphins or the sense of accomplishment, often from some numeric goal they have like improving their time or hitting the gym X times a week. I don't get a lot of endorphins so I focus on the numeric goals. I get attached to my Fitbit graphs and need to keep them all at a certain level.

    Also, people who do it as a habit tend to just get up and do it. They have their routine down pat and there is no time for the mind to intervene with all the excuses. Get up, put on running gear, brush teeth, go. Get up, drink coffee with email for 30 minutes, go. Like that. They say you should make the decision one time-- is it worth it? If so, just do it. Re-address the decision in a year or something but not daily.


    WHAT BOOK :)

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