Can't "just do it"

I would say that you don't have a choice. Consider it an appointment. If you had to go to the doctor's you wouldn't say that you can't get there. So don't over think it just go. That is what I do and believe it is not my favourite place to be.

Here is what I did. I didn't "plan" my exercise. I just said...I will go to the gym and hang out for two hours. I still do this. Just make it a casual experience. Put on some comfortable clothes and head over there. Maybe you hop on the elliptical for 30 minutes and then sit and have a coffee for 15 minutes. Then maybe you get on the treadmill for 30 minutes, or hop in the pool and do a few laps. Just don't look at it like it's a "job" you have to do. Just think of it as a fun place to hang out. Then, once you get used to it, you can start to develop a plan.

don't think about it just do it!!you will have no regrets.

If you think you can't, you're right.

I would think structuring your day would help. Presumably, it is somewhat scheduled already? Just guessing, but if you are a SAHD with time to go to the gym, I'm guessing your children may be school-age? If so, after the AM routine and they are off to school schedule the rest of your day just like you would a normal work day: breakfast, workout, run errands, lunch, laundry, etc.

Also, no one has ever regretted a workout! Just do it, don't over think it (good advice already given by others on this topic) and just let it happen. Anything will bring you good results right now.

Lastly, maybe a bit of "reverse advice" would help: read through some other threads about people who are severely time-restricted and/or do not have access to a gym or can't afford one. Be grateful for your opportunity and take full advantage of it!

What are you doing instead?

What does motivate you? Maybe the gym doesn't. Is the weather amenable for walking? Do you have a smartphone? If so, there's a Charity Miles app through which donors like Timex (and others) pledge up to a quarter per mile (in .1 mile increments) that you walk, run, or bike. (Biking earns only 10cents per mile.) For me, it's a little easier to get out and walk that mile (weather permitting) if I know it means a quarter goes to a cause I support. It's not much, but every bit helps.

I suspect Mall-Walking won't really appeal to you, either, but it may be a less fair weather option.

There's also a personal reward per miles logged (whether on ground or on the treadmill). You won't actually earn back many calories from walking/running until you get to a really good pace, or unless you can work out for a rather extended period). But you can say that for every mile you log, you get X. Or once you have logged 15 miles, you get Z. (Having been there, done that, I recommend keeping your goal small. I had the intent of logging 300 miles once, and just never managed it.)

There are also walking challenges. If you like Lord of the Rings, you might be entertained by the "Walk to Rivendell" challenge. (That's a 458 mile journey.)

Or for smaller goals, you can do a progressive marathon - For training (like the Couch to 5k program) you walk/jog/run the first 23 miles, then run a 5k on race day.

LessofBrian wrote: »

This is what worked -- and still works -- for me on days when I just don't want to workout: I take my shirt off and stand in front of the mirror for a few moments. Fifteen months ago I didn't like what I saw and decided to change it. Now my "moobs" are gone, my stomach much flatter and now I have small love handles, not "death grips". I've worked my tail off to get into shape and I never want to lose the progress I've made (and will continue to make). So now I'll take a peek in the mirror, see my progress and realize how far I've come. That motivates me.

By the way, one month from today I'll turn 50.

LOL..."death grips."

Need motivation? Consider where your current path/lifestyle will take you.

Change for the better and take control of your life. Stop allowing circumstances and apathy to control you.

Timorous_Beastie wrote: »

I also don't like scooping the cat boxes, scrubbing the toilet, doing laundry and shaving my legs.

Yep, exactly. In fact that's a perfect example. Some days I absolutely love cleaning and will spend hours spiffing up and organizing every obscure corner of my house - and other days I can barely muster the energy to load up the dishwasher and pick up toys. But I still get it done.

Same goes for working out, sometimes I am excited and energized and loving every drop of sweat - but other days I just don't have that enthusiasm. But I still try my best and count it as a win.

I love going to the gym, but some days are difficult. Like today. Friday. On those days I just don't push it too hard. I do what I can. But I go each day, no matter what. If I pushed myself each and every day I would probably quit. At least I get something done.

bmitd67 wrote: »

Urrggghhh! Its cold and I cannot get myself to move. My therapist says its an inertia thing and I need a parallel goal. I live a block from the gym but I just cannot get there. I'm a 5'8" 234, hypertensive, 47 stay-at-home dad.

There is no such thing as "can't" in this resolve. You either will not or refuse to go. And no amount of inspiration, encouragement, urging, etc. will matter until YOU WANT TO. That's something you have to find in yourself.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

I've spent years in inertia-land. I relate. It's true though that it's not "I can't." You're cranking the old model-T and you aren't turning over. Almost there.



How about building an in-between keystone habit?

http://alifeofproductivity.com/3-ways-identify-keystone-habits-habits-set-chain-reaction-change-everything/

What could you do every single day fitness wise, for the next seven days? Might it be doing the stairs for five minutes before the kids come home from school/wake up from their nap? Or perhaps walk the block around the fitness center for seven days. The idea is to get you moving and proving to your inner hedonist that the new habit won't kill you. In fact, it may very well be stimulating and fun.

Put it on your calendar and get it done. I'm currently sitting in my office slightly damp and uncomfortable from a lunchtime walk in the rain. Suck it up buttercup and get out there!

I tell myself I only have to go for 15 minutes. I think I've only ever left after 15 minutes once or twice, if I really wasn't in to it.