From nothing...to addicted

Madaly320
Madaly320 Posts: 112 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
How many people here started off not only overweight, but also had no ambition to exercise...and then became addicted to it?

Sometimes I feel like I am the most uncoordinated person around. I cannot finish even one "real" pushup, and cardio type moves that include more than one step (such as step classes) tend to frazzle me.

But I don't give up, I keep trying because I want to become someone who loves to work out.

I guess what I am wondering is...is it possible for me to go from nothing, to being able to do most anything? I am slowly learning about different workouts and sometimes they seem like things that were not meant for me, but for "fit" people.

I want to do boot camp classes at my gym but I worry that I won't be able to do it and that bothers me. I guess I am rambling, so if anyone can make sense out of what I am trying to say, I would love to hear comments! lol
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Replies

  • Chieflrg
    Chieflrg Posts: 9,097 Member
    I've been addicted for more than 30 years. It's a part of life...
  • lilbearzmom
    lilbearzmom Posts: 600 Member
    Practice makes perfect! Keep at it and keep trying new things! I just started Zumba this week and look like a total dork, but I am having fun and will be back for every class. If you want to try it, go for it!

    -Kendra
  • Madaly320
    Madaly320 Posts: 112 Member
    I've been addicted for more than 30 years. It's a part of life...


    But did you start off not knowing what to do?
  • deelydog
    deelydog Posts: 8 Member
    Do the bootcamp....

    I have been going 3 x week for around 2 months and whilst I am still uncoordinated I can definitely see my strength and health improving. Having others doing the same workouts pushes you even more and then when the newbies join after you, you almost feel like a pro!

    Good luck
  • JessicaN1979
    JessicaN1979 Posts: 142 Member
    I am not one that really enjoys the gym, but now I do feel guilty if I do not go, so I am not sure addicted is the word for me but maybe so. I do like how I feel after I do a workout. I started out just on the treadmill to build up some stamina, but now I am taking Zumba and some of the moves are challenging, but it is fun and trust me there are other people in those classes who will struggle at first too. You will be able to do more and more with each class and it feels great! I could not do situps weeks ago, but am able to do that now and relatively easily. Good luck and don't worry about what others think.
  • Madaly320
    Madaly320 Posts: 112 Member
    Pushups and other plank type excercises make me feel so weak and pathetic because I can't even do one. I keep trying and I am hoping I eventually get there.

    I never used to be able to do squats and now I can do 40 in a row without stopping...so I guess that is something...
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member

    I guess what I am wondering is...is it possible for me to go from nothing, to being able to do most anything? I am slowly learning about different workouts and sometimes they seem like things that were not meant for me, but for "fit" people.

    Of course. People aren't born with cardio conditioning, big muscles or olympic lifting skills. Everyone started at zero at some point. There are a lot of us here who never set foot in a gym until our 30s, 40s, 50s or older.
  • kathrynhallsworth27
    kathrynhallsworth27 Posts: 10
    yeah you didnt quite get the answer you were looking for lol. I'm in your boat. i dont have any motivation to excersice at all :/ I think the way to want to excersise is to make it fun! You should try and be active doing things you enjoy, like join a soccor team, or take dancing lessons. buy a push bike or roller blades! personally i think if the gym doesnt interest you now, it wont ever interest you. but joing a team sport would be good because if you dont feel like going, you make yourself go because you dont want to let your team down :)
  • aduong2281
    aduong2281 Posts: 3 Member
    The Turbo Jam DVDs are something I really like to do. It's fun! When I am done with the first DVD, it makes me want to keep going and do another! I did not like to exercise until I started doing these, and now my husband gets to put up with me running around the house punching and kicking the combinations of the DVDs throughout the day. (Not at him of course! haha)
  • mombieocalypse
    mombieocalypse Posts: 213
    I think like anything else, the more you do it, the better you will get. I am slowly turning myself into a jogger. Prior to starting I didn't even speed walk, but I noticed an improvement. I am 3 weeks in and when I used to struggle with 90 seconds of jogging I now look forward to those sets (probably because the other ones are 3 minutes), but still...

    Anyway, go for it. You can only get better.
  • terri0527
    terri0527 Posts: 678 Member
    :drinker: to you! Go ahead and do bootcamp....everyone has to start somewhere. You will get more coordinated over time and things will get a little easier. And when they do bump it up another level. Just never ever give up!! :flowerforyou:
  • Jackson4590
    Jackson4590 Posts: 145 Member
    i hated working out and then just kept doing it daily. i am to the point now, 2 years later, that if i don't work out 4 times per week i feel really guilty and work harder next week. it's a good feeling to know you need to work out.

    the first time i felt that "wow" effect you describe was when we were at a bar and a girl i know felt my flexed muscle and said "wow that's rock hard!". my arms are not big at all but hearing that someone could feel the effort i was making made me even more excited to work out.
  • Warchortle
    Warchortle Posts: 2,197 Member
    It's just part of my routine. Some days I love it and some days I just feel like I need to get it done otherwise I'll feel weird. I think lifting is a little more addicting than just long cardio sessions. I think it's just one of those things that I'm not where I want to be physique wise and the lifting is just part of process of getting that body.
  • highervibes
    highervibes Posts: 2,219 Member
    I wouldn't say I'm addicted but I LOVE the way I feel after a workout. I never like to set out, but as soon as I do and I'm on that trail it's so tranquil and at the same time purposeful. It's my "me time" and although I would have rather had my teeth pulled vs going for a jog 6 weeks ago, I'm pretty happy to do it now. Again, I don't know that I would say I'm addicted, but I definitely love the way it makes me feel.
  • joanthemom8
    joanthemom8 Posts: 375 Member
    Yes you can! I wouldn't say I'm "addicted" but, for about a year and a half, I've been going to the the gym 4-5 times a week at 4:30 ish in the morning - I didn't start until I was almost 46 years old. I now kick myself because I waited so long.... a part of the secret is to find something you like doing (or at least can tolerate it)... I did running for a while (unitl I hurt my foot and leg) and then the eliptical and now I'm focusing on strength training and I just started the StairMaster. Good luck to you....it's no t addicted you should strive for, but maybe "habit" is a better word. :)
  • spickard34
    spickard34 Posts: 303 Member
    In gym class I was the girl that goffed off and never wanted to participate. Then after college I decided I need to lose weight by eating healthy and workout I started at a gym then moved to where there is no gym. Now I do workout videos like Jilian at first I was clumsy but slowly it started coming together. Now I hate going a day without a workout. So I'm addicted and once criggen at the thought of working out.
  • Dana31601
    Dana31601 Posts: 41 Member
    Nobody starts off knowing what to do, or how to do it. Practice makes perfect...and I love to practice ;-)

    I have been sitting on the couch most of my life, and have gotten addicted to lifting weights in the last month or so. I'm hooked ;)
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    get a trainer and learn compound lifts...wish I would of done that when I started but I did not ....a lot of reading and watching you tube taught myself certain moves..wish I would of done that sooner...so start now..!
  • His_Buttercup2015
    His_Buttercup2015 Posts: 114 Member
    yeah you didnt quite get the answer you were looking for lol. I'm in your boat. i dont have any motivation to excersice at all :/ I think the way to want to excersise is to make it fun! You should try and be active doing things you enjoy, like join a soccor team, or take dancing lessons. buy a push bike or roller blades! personally i think if the gym doesnt interest you now, it wont ever interest you. but joing a team sport would be good because if you dont feel like going, you make yourself go because you dont want to let your team down :)

    ^^ that!
    I've always said my whole life "Kris doesn't run" and really I don't. I don't like working on my upper body strength any more than you do. I do like to ride my stationary bike for about 10-15 minutes at a time I LOVE to go dancing with my guy and I really enjoy walking with my tunes on.
    For me little steps work best to get me in the habit. Do what's fun for you, even if its just dancing with the vacuum.
    I hear you start wanting to exercise after getting used to it then missing a day.
  • monicaellen
    monicaellen Posts: 1
    for sure girl! i went from not wanting to walk from my computer to my bed, to tapping my pencil on my desk just longing to work out. 4 months ago i could do about 5 minutes of aerobics before i just couldnt anymore. now, i just came home from a 50 minute class. its still killer, but its doable! its so easy to write off exercises as "not for me, but for people who are healthy" and maybe at first you cant do everything. but in a month try the exercise you think you cant and you will be so surprised. you might not be able to ace it, but maybe you can do a few reps without exhaustion.
    i had this specifically with yoga. i looked at the poses and thought no way in the world, but when you think, why COULDNT i do that? im a human with internal power just like them. after about 3 months of yoga i did the plough pose the other day, and when i got out of it i laughed out of pure joy, knowing my body is doing things it should be able to do.
    try loads of exercises! im not one for running, but kickboxing and zumba get me so excited. if you write off certain exercises you will get bored and you will dread working out. so you try tae bo and its not for you, try cycling. not only will it keep you open minded, and looking forward to exercises it will show you that you can do whatever you set your mind to exercise wise! also i would like to mention, the first time i tried losing weight i didnt add variety and my weight loss plateaued, even though i was under my cal. limit every day.
    i hope this was helpful, and i hope you have a good week!
  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    I find things I enjoy.

    This time around (I know, but at least I keep getting back into it), I started out playing games on mi Wii Fit. Then I bought some serious exercise games. I use my own, stronger resistance tubes on EA Active for an intense strength workout and have two different Zumba games.

    I also take dance classes once a week and occasionally go out dancing. Since I am part of the set up crew, I take my hula hoop and hoop dance between set up and classes.

    I just got a bike. I had forgotten how awesome it is to speed along! I am trying to convince my mother to give me her collapsible hoop, then I will have one I can take to the park and practice hooping!

    I also set concrete goals. I am currently working toward doing a full push-up, walking 5k in 45 minutes, and I am part of a Zumba challenge to do 25 hours of Zumba this month. Hopefully all that Zumba helps me walk faster, but I am not sure it works that way.
  • echangas
    echangas Posts: 2 Member
    I hated running and couldn't really do it, so I found a pin on Pinterest that linked to a blog that showed how to train yourself to run for 30 consecutive minutes if you were a "non-runner". I went from only being able to run in 2 minute increments in December to now, being able to run for 50-60 minutes without stopping!
    Using a trainer is also a great way to learn. Or go to your YMCA and try Les Mills Body Pump class. The teachers are great and it helps you with your strength tremendously!

    Good luck!
  • Chieflrg
    Chieflrg Posts: 9,097 Member
    I've been addicted for more than 30 years. It's a part of life...


    But did you start off not knowing what to do?

    I was lucky enough to learn from a professional bodybuilder so I had a good road map.
  • shadow2soul
    shadow2soul Posts: 7,692 Member
    I know this isn't exactly what you're looking for, but thought I'd chime in.

    I used to love working out (well the feeling after a good workout), but got lazy, gained weight and as a result I'm here. Anyway, last year when I first started working out again, I honestly had to force myself. I wanted to workout and at the same time I didn't have the drive to do it.

    Well it's been a little over a year since I started working out again, and I have rediscovered my love for it. I guess in a way I'm kind of addicted to it. I find it hard to take rest days, because I enjoy the way I feel after a good workout. I used to be thankful for the rest days, but now I find it difficult to take one and usually get in some light cardio like a walk down by the river.
  • dorothytd
    dorothytd Posts: 1,138 Member
    I guess what I am wondering is...is it possible for me to go from nothing, to being able to do most anything? I am slowly learning about different workouts and sometimes they seem like things that were not meant for me, but for "fit" people.

    Yes, yes and more yes! Baby steps. Keep trying different things and just do your best. Pretty soon you'll be stronger, faster. When the next new person walks in, it will make you realize how far you've come!

    I went from barely getting through a kickboxing class to teaching it. And that was after I had lost weight - wasn't nearly in as good shape as I thought when I started out. But I loved it and kept at it. Hopefully you'll find something that clicks for you!
  • petstorekitty
    petstorekitty Posts: 592 Member
    me me me!

    I started off never exercising in my life. I always failed thos fitness tests in school.
    After school I decided I wanted to lose weight. I found a pair of old rollerblades in the closet and just... started skating.
    I did it almost every day. It was so hard, but I just loved it! I still do..

    I had NO IDEA about fitness (or nutrition), only that a doctor had told me I was too fat and needed to exercise.

    8 years ago I got a job in an office with a gym so I started using a treadmill and stuff.
    I couldn't run for even 30 seconds straight!
    But like with the skates I was determined to lose weight I eventually learned how to run and I love that too.

    Exercise makes us feel good, so of course we like it!

    The fact that you are loving it means you're probably doing it right and you'll reach your goals.
  • mlcrruth
    mlcrruth Posts: 10
    yeah you didnt quite get the answer you were looking for lol. I'm in your boat. i dont have any motivation to excersice at all :/ I think the way to want to excersise is to make it fun! You should try and be active doing things you enjoy, like join a soccor team, or take dancing lessons. buy a push bike or roller blades! personally i think if the gym doesnt interest you now, it wont ever interest you. but joing a team sport would be good because if you dont feel like going, you make yourself go because you dont want to let your team down :)
    Exactly. Unfortunately finding places to play basketball around here that are free or dont cost 60 a month to play is nill. I wish gym memberships had half passes or something just so one could have access to the court.
  • Madaly320
    Madaly320 Posts: 112 Member
    I guess what I am wondering is...is it possible for me to go from nothing, to being able to do most anything? I am slowly learning about different workouts and sometimes they seem like things that were not meant for me, but for "fit" people.

    Yes, yes and more yes! Baby steps. Keep trying different things and just do your best. Pretty soon you'll be stronger, faster. When the next new person walks in, it will make you realize how far you've come!

    I went from barely getting through a kickboxing class to teaching it. And that was after I had lost weight - wasn't nearly in as good shape as I thought when I started out. But I loved it and kept at it. Hopefully you'll find something that clicks for you!


    Thank you, this is what I was looking for!
    And thanks to everyone else for responding.
    I actually do love the gym. I keep going and I have fun, but I am uncoordinated and I feel like people may look at me like, she just doesn't get it.
    What I wanted to know is...is this how everyone starts and is it possible to go from knowing nothing about fitness, nutrition and excercise, to being a pro...
    I know everyone starts somewhere, but some people pick it up right away, lose weight right away and were of normal weight right away. I want to know of stories where someone overweight and unmotivated for many years can become really addicted to fitness. It helps me stay motivated to hear about it.
  • KANGOOJUMPS
    KANGOOJUMPS Posts: 6,474 Member
    i like the word OBSESSED.
  • jlw1cc
    jlw1cc Posts: 6
    Agree with earlier posts. You can go from not exercising to being a real exercise fan.

    I found it easier to start in the gym, as I could work at my own pace and slowly build up to harder exercise/more weights etc. Once you get in the habit of going regularly it becomes routine and what you really want to aim for is for exercising to be a part of your normal routine - nothing special just something you enjoy that doesn't feel like a chore. like everything there are times when it's the last thing you feel like doing but generally I found I felt worse for not going if I skipped a session...

    I now find a mix of gym and classes help keep me motivated as it switches things up a bit. I particularly like circuit classes - they are hard work (boot camp would be similar I think) BUT everyone is so busy being exhausted no-one pays attention to how many push-ups or whatever the next person is doing!

    Good luck :)

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