How to start? No motivation?

rileymonster88
rileymonster88 Posts: 1 Member
in Getting Started
Hi,

I am new here, and I need help. I told myself January 1, 2015 that I would finally start to better my body, and now almost a year later, I have done nothing. I'm still at my 217, no gain, no loss. I don't want to make the same mistake again by promising myself I'd start working out and then not do it.

I want to start today, but I don't know where to begin. I used to workout so much 5-6 years ago, went down to 145, and now, I've gained over 70 lbs and it just upsets me so much. I want to be that healthy me again but how do I start?

What did you do the first week you started working out? What exercises? And what kept you motivated?

Any help/motivation is appreciated please.

Replies

  • ammo7
    ammo7 Posts: 188 Member
    Hi there,

    Something that helped me get started was to start by changing what I ate before I added in a big commitment to working out. I found it much easier to be motivated to work out once I started seeing the changes in my body from eating less calories.

    If weight loss is your goal, you also might benefit from changing what you eat first. Truly, weight loss happens when the number of calories that we consume is less than the number that we burn - so you can lose weight even without exercise. Exercise is just a great bonus for health (and maintaining muscle mass so that we look better once we've lost the weight... and it also means that we can eat more calories and still be in enough of a caloric deficit to lose weight).

    Ultimately, the motivation to change your lifestyle has to come from YOU. You're in control. If you want it, go get it :)
  • dhimaan
    dhimaan Posts: 774 Member
    Here is where you begin:
    Log the foods that you are eating (you have to stick to this routine)
    Try to eat within what MFP gives you.
    You worked out before so you how to do it. Just imagine getting into shape and all the attention you will get.

    Is that enough motivation?
  • blankiefinder
    blankiefinder Posts: 3,599 Member
    Motivation has to come from within. When you're ready to make permanent changes, it is much easier. http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10257474/starting-out-restarting-basics-inside#latest
  • igor1187
    igor1187 Posts: 11 Member
    edited December 2015
    I was/am actually pretty awful about focusing on calories. So I changed my mindset. Rather than focus on calories, I focused on eating healthier. So I started with easy steps. Salad everyday for lunch and eat that first. I ended up eating less of the unhealthy snacks on hand. I added more veggies and lean proteins to every meal. Focus on the actual food you put in your body. Don't worry about calories so much at this point. When you have that healthier eating down, it's easier to focus on calories later because you've already established healthy habits. I had always heard people say that when they eat healthier they felt better. I never really believed it until I felt it for myself. The energy boost is amazing! That's how I started and so far it's worked for me.
    As for exercise. I started running (easiest to get to). I started with just once or twice a week. I set a mileage goal and made sure I reached it no matter how many times I had to stop to walk.
  • LessthanKris
    LessthanKris Posts: 607 Member
    I still struggle with the eating but love igor's advice! For working out, DH and I started with the C25k a couple years ago. Having a program with a schedule and a finish line keeps me motivated. From there on I moved in the Body Revolution then to some Beach Body programs with a round of BR thrown in since I saw such great results with it. I always have my next program planned before the current one ends. If it is not a program and I do something like Fitness Blender I make at least a four week schedule myself. I post it up so I can mark off completed days. To get excited about the program, I spend a lot of time researching before and afters and reviews of the programs before I start. I would be rocking this thing if I could just get my eating under control but that is definitely the hardest part.
  • ForeverSunshine09
    ForeverSunshine09 Posts: 966 Member
    The truth is no one else can give you the magic combination. For some Ppl it is as easy as just doing it. For others they focus on improving their food before eating within cals. Honestly, I decided one day I was tired of being fat and that was that. I still have days where I eat way more than I should and days where I eat cookies instead of spinach. This is a lifestyle change for me not a diet which is why I allow these things. Life isn't perfect and neither am I. As long as I don't give up I will get there. My only advice to you is start slow. Don't go changing everything about your diet and exercise routine all at once. Heck I lost 30lbs and I think I exercised 2-3 times. I am literally just starting my exercise regimen.
  • chuckyjean
    chuckyjean Posts: 201 Member
    I have a Wii u and a treadmill so I rotate my exercises. I do Wii fit one day for 100 calories, then the next day I do just dance for 30 or 45 minutes then the next day I do treadmill incline. I also walk every day. I try to burn 300 calories every day. Walking would be a great way to start out. If you have a job just walk on your breaks and lunch. I also log everything I eat
  • slideaway1
    slideaway1 Posts: 1,006 Member
    Eat in a calorie deficit, 250-500 calories below your TDEE. Move around more. Walking is great. Make a conscious effort to go for walks everyday and keep yourself moving. You will see initial results from this and that will eventually motivate you to keep going and consider adding more strenuous exercise or a form of exercise you enjoy doing. The first steps are the hardest. Good luck.
  • oolou
    oolou Posts: 765 Member
    In the first week? I gathered up all the fitness DVDs that were gathering dust in a cupboard, sat down, watched them all. Then realised I didn't want to do any of them. Next day I started walking instead. Much more enjoyable. Recently I had problems with one of my ankles so now I cycle on the exercise bike each day, while watching tv or listening to the radio. Walking, however, is what got me into the habit of taking daily exercise.

    My motivation? I want to lose weight. But I like my food. Especially my brie and crackers in the evening. I exercise so I can eat more. I exercise so I can have my evening snack of delicious cheese and maintain my calorie deficit.
  • motivccess
    motivccess Posts: 201 Member
    when you know you need/want to make changes (as bad as simply breathing)
  • kimnwalt5
    kimnwalt5 Posts: 1 Member
    Rileymonster88

    I just signed up on MFP. I too need motivation. I usually do best with a challenge. How about I challenge you today to go outside and walk for 10 minutes and stick to the calorie goal that MFP SET FOR YOU, and tomorrow you set a similar challenge for me?
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    Why do you WANT to lose weight?
    Why don't you want to make changes?
    These are the questions you need to figure out.

    My motivation is I don't want to feel as awful as I felt physically and mentally as I did 18 months ago. That's what keeps me going. You have yo want it bad enough to make uncomfortable changes.

    From a practical point of view, start with a few small changes you can handle. Walk every day for whatever distance you can. Log your food but don't worry about what or how much you're eating for the first 2 weeks. Just get used to logging and seeing what your patterns & calories are currently.

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