Pathetic ...

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Replies

  • kristarablue
    kristarablue Posts: 702 Member
    I just read an interesting article about how our brain works when faced wit a workout. We actually tell ourselves that we can't and we shut down. The article suggests that when you feel you can't, try to think about somehing else and keep going. So if you can only go for 5 minutes, push it to 6. Day by day...you will get there!

    Sounds interesting, do you have the link??
  • You have to start somewhere....don't give up! =0)
  • bethrs
    bethrs Posts: 664 Member
    When I first started running I read all the newbie running stuff and I think this quote applies here:

    Even if you cross the finish line last, you beat all the people still in bed!

    You did a great job today. You exercised and you totally rocked it!
  • wintermama13
    wintermama13 Posts: 172 Member
    Exercise is 50% willpower. Psych yourself out. Say you'll go for 15 minutes twice a day. Then go up to jogging speed for just a minute - but if you're feeling okay after than minute, do another. Don't settle for 40 seconds. Things like that. Mini-goals get me through all my workouts.
    I promise it gets better! Just keep working at it. If you want, programs such as 200situps and 100pushups are designed to work with your ability level. You could try them out :)

    That is exactly what I do for myself to get through a workout that seems to be killing me! Little goals like, "i'll keep this up until the next minute mark" or try to raise the angle (if on a treadmill) every minute walking. Do what you can but push yourself at the same time. Meeting every small goal feels as good as meeting a large goal!!
  • Well, I can tell you from experience, you won't be "pathetic" for long! My first couple of tries on the elliptical didn't even come close to 10 minutes and now I can do 30 to 40 at a time.
  • LolasEpicJourney
    LolasEpicJourney Posts: 1,010 Member
    It gets loads better.
    At my worst - I couldnt walk 15 minutes home from work.
    I can now walk for hours if i so desire.

    I find treadmills can be teadeous and boring at times - so I love throwing on my ishuffle and going for a long walk - fresh air and different scenary is wonderful.
  • Therapist_mama
    Therapist_mama Posts: 135 Member
    I have a totally different perspective on this.

    Here's what I read:
    today is my first day .... I knew I was out of shape so I decided to start exercising.
    I just did the treadmill today for 10 mins. I know it sounds low, but it was my first day, and every time I do it, I will get a little better and a little stronger. So give me a high five because I deserve it!

    *high five*! Great first day! Find your rhythm. Even if that means spending 20 minutes just walking on the treadmill. Good for you for starting down this path!

    That's the spirit Taso! :0)
  • llkilgore
    llkilgore Posts: 1,169 Member
    I made it to 15 minutes on an elliptical today and felt pretty good about it, considering that I lasted only a couple of minutes on the first try. That came as something of a shock, as I had already proven I could handle a solid hour's worth of 15 minute miles on the treadmill with relative ease. That's what years of regularly taking brisk walks out-of-doors will do for you, but the elliptical obviously calls for the use of muscles that aren't used so much for walking. I guess that's reason enough to do it, though. I joined the gym in the first place because I felt the need to work on my stamina, as well as full body toning, under more controlled conditions than I'd been able to manage on my own at home.

    I'm also finding that there's a world of difference between a 4 mile/hour walk, which I find very doable, and a 5.5 mile/hour jog, which feels like it's ripping my leg muscles to shreds. After about a month I'm doing well if I can incorporate a couple of 1 - 2 minutes intervals of jogging/running into what is otherwise a walking session.

    Oh, well. The good news is that as of this morning, I'm officially no longer overweight as determined by BMI. The gym time is paying off even if it does make me feel like a weakling at times.
  • shekaiser
    shekaiser Posts: 5 Member
    I wish I did!! It was in a health magazine. I will try to find it and let you know! I have so many around the house!!!! Not enough hours in the day to clean, exercise, ...
  • dls06
    dls06 Posts: 6,774 Member
    Today is the first day. Everyday just try to add a min. or two. Before you know it!
  • liftingbro
    liftingbro Posts: 2,029 Member
    not uncommon. We tend to not realize just how much out of shape we are. The good thing is that you get better very fast in the beginning.
  • BrandNewMia
    BrandNewMia Posts: 461
    I think we all felt this way in the beginning!

    When I first started jogging 3 months ago, I could only run for 1 minute or less at a time, and I swore it would kill me. But now, I'm running (2) 12 minute miles at a time - not the greatest, but still a MAJOR improvement!

    You will notice your strength and endurance improving very quickly, I say within the first month. If you keep at it, you will be making leaps and bounds in no time. If you want to stick with the treadmill and want to jog/run, I would google a C25K plan (Couch to 5K). It starts low and ramps up slowly and is a great way to build your endurance.
  • outersoul
    outersoul Posts: 711
    I was in the same boat a few months back. I couldn't even run to the end of my street. Now I'm about to run my first 5K ever in about a week. It does get better. Look at my signature. I've logged 43 miles this month. You can do this!
  • KickassYas
    KickassYas Posts: 397 Member
    i could only do 10 minutes my first time too. i slowed the pace down to go longer and now, like months later i can do whole hour zumba tapes without feeling funky. :) you can do this. it takes time. :)
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