Help needed
wianka7
Posts: 36 Member
I really need motivation to start exercising. I have no problem sticking to my diet but when it comes to doing exercise I always find an excuse not to do it. If there's anyone with the same problem feel free to add me, hopefully with mutual support and motivation this obstacle can be overcome.
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Replies
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My biggest hurdle with exercising is doing it the first time. I'd put out my exercise clothes, my sneakers...and I would look at them...but to actually get on the treadmill, I had no motivation. It would take a huge effort on my part to just get on that first time, and I mean a HUGE effort. But you know what? As soon as I finished that first session on the treadmill, I had no problem keeping it up. I would just say to myself "OK Yvette, you started. Now just keep it up." It got much, much easier after that.2
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My motivation for me is I keep telling myself no needles (diabetic). I want to keep my eyesight, kidneys, legs/feet, heart. The first two to three weeks are hard. I want to live a healthy life and do not want to be a dependent on others. I need to get the weight off my knees. YvetteK2015 is right. It will become easier. I can't wait to get off from work to go to the gym.2
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You need to find something you really enjoy, then you'll look forward to it instead of dreading it5
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Thank you @YvetteK2015. I actually purchased a treadmill, believing I'll get on it. It lasted for a week. I'll just have to keep at it. Thank you for the advice
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I try to tell myself, you don't regret the work out you did, but you regret not working out.4
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whatatime2befit wrote: »You need to find something you really enjoy, then you'll look forward to it instead of dreading it
This! I hate cardio, but I started lifting/strength training and I love it! I still do the cardio, but I found it easier/funner to do on an exercise bike or stairclimber, and only 20-30 mins 3x a week. You probably won't find me on a treadmill/elliptical anytime soon
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@wianka7 If you can find a local group that does an activity that you enjoy join them. The best thing I did was to get involved with an Adult Swim Club and the local Running club. Activities that I have come to really look forward to. Last weekend I volunteered as a Roving Photographer for a local Obstacle/Endurance race. I had so much fun that I actually ran the course twice chasing groups around the mountain from obstacle to obstacle.0
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Hi wianka7 something that really works for me is to listen my fav music then you'll find out the kind of exercise that motivates you the most... E.g through listening tropical house helps me find out that I love weights and run... Actually exercise is now the must fun therapy for me ever!!! So listen ur fav music and yourself!0
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By "exorcise" I assume you mean Cardio. Which, when done indoors is about as exciting as watching paint dry. Personally, I found trying to do as much of my cardio work outside as possible was the ticket for me. Whether it was running (4 days a week ) or hiking, playing ball etc. In the winters I have to do most of this inside, which is way harder, but you push through.
I also had a treadmill at home, but found that for me, leaving the house was part of the answer. I don't know why really. If I leave the house I'll stick to it. If I try to do it at home, I skip it.
Have you thought about doing a class of some kind? Jiu-Jitsu\Judo\Karate or perhaps dance or Zumba? Sometimes that can make it easier.2 -
Those first few weeks are BRUTAL- new habits, mental hurdles, things being difficult. Still, it's really one of those self-perpetuating/momentum things. Some days it's a matter of forcing yourself to do it but when you're done... feels so good. Not only have you worked out, you've shown yourself your own power- that you are in control of you and all that.
Another thing... and someone may revoke my man card here... but getting new stuff. New shorts, tank, shoes, undies, whatever- new gear always gives the motivation a little kick in the pants.
But most importantly... do something that you want to do and gets you excited... or at least marginally interested. 6 -
DisneyDude85 wrote: »whatatime2befit wrote: »You need to find something you really enjoy, then you'll look forward to it instead of dreading it
This! I hate cardio, but I started lifting/strength training and I love it! I still do the cardio, but I found it easier/funner to do on an exercise bike or stairclimber, and only 20-30 mins 3x a week. You probably won't find me on a treadmill/elliptical anytime soon
I have to start with strength training. I think once I do and I really commit myself I'll love it.... The thing is just taking that first step. This makes me sound like a really lazy person, I'm not actually. I'm constantly on the go during the day. When I do have time to exercise at night I just don't want to anymore.0 -
set yourself a fitness goal - a 5k race, to be able to squat 100lbs, whatever appeals and is realistic... then you have something to aim for0
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juliet3455 wrote: »@wianka7 If you can find a local group that does an activity that you enjoy join them. The best thing I did was to get involved with an Adult Swim Club and the local Running club. Activities that I have come to really look forward to. Last weekend I volunteered as a Roving Photographer for a local Obstacle/Endurance race. I had so much fun that I actually ran the course twice chasing groups around the mountain from obstacle to obstacle.
Thank you @juliet3455, I will look into that. It's actually a really good idea. It would be nice to do an activity with a group of people instead of doing it alone.0 -
dianivillacortes wrote: »Hi wianka7 something that really works for me is to listen my fav music then you'll find out the kind of exercise that motivates you the most... E.g through listening tropical house helps me find out that I love weights and run... Actually exercise is now the must fun therapy for me ever!!! So listen ur fav music and yourself!
Hi @dianivillacortes, once I get myself to lifting weights I'll start listening to music. I really enjoy swimming but I haven't done it for a while as it's been winter here. Thank you for the tip 0 -
CoreyColwell wrote: »By "exorcise" I assume you mean Cardio. Which, when done indoors is about as exciting as watching paint dry. Personally, I found trying to do as much of my cardio work outside as possible was the ticket for me. Whether it was running (4 days a week ) or hiking, playing ball etc. In the winters I have to do most of this inside, which is way harder, but you push through.
I also had a treadmill at home, but found that for me, leaving the house was part of the answer. I don't know why really. If I leave the house I'll stick to it. If I try to do it at home, I skip it.
Have you thought about doing a class of some kind? Jiu-Jitsu\Judo\Karate or perhaps dance or Zumba? Sometimes that can make it easier.CoreyColwell wrote: »By "exorcise" I assume you mean Cardio. Which, when done indoors is about as exciting as watching paint dry. Personally, I found trying to do as much of my cardio work outside as possible was the ticket for me. Whether it was running (4 days a week ) or hiking, playing ball etc. In the winters I have to do most of this inside, which is way harder, but you push through.
I also had a treadmill at home, but found that for me, leaving the house was part of the answer. I don't know why really. If I leave the house I'll stick to it. If I try to do it at home, I skip it.
Have you thought about doing a class of some kind? Jiu-Jitsu\Judo\Karate or perhaps dance or Zumba? Sometimes that can make it easier.
Hi @CoreyColwell, by "exercise" I mean giving up the little free time I have to sweat instead of just relaxing. I did cardio before but I got bored really quickly. I love the outdoors and being outside. The only problem is I can't go on a hike or take a run at 9 PM. It's not really safe, I would literally put my life in danger if I were to do that.
I took a Zumba class once before but it really didn't appeal to me. I like being challenged and pushed. Maybe I should just try a different class.1 -
Those first few weeks are BRUTAL- new habits, mental hurdles, things being difficult. Still, it's really one of those self-perpetuating/momentum things. Some days it's a matter of forcing yourself to do it but when you're done... feels so good. Not only have you worked out, you've shown yourself your own power- that you are in control of you and all that.
Another thing... and someone may revoke my man card here... but getting new stuff. New shorts, tank, shoes, undies, whatever- new gear always gives the motivation a little kick in the pants.
But most importantly... do something that you want to do and gets you excited... or at least marginally interested.
Hi @Dano74, I've tried the whole getting new stuff for my workouts. I'll be really excited about starting while I'm shopping but as soon as it actually comes to working out that excitement disappears.
I used to buy clothes two sizes smaller and that really motivated me to fit in the clothes... Not necessarily by exercising. I would basically starve myself so I could fit in the clothes. Not a road I want to go down again.
I'll try swimming once it warms up a bit. It's something I've always loved.0 -
TavistockToad wrote: »set yourself a fitness goal - a 5k race, to be able to squat 100lbs, whatever appeals and is realistic... then you have something to aim for
Thank you @TavistockToad, I'll have to go think about some fitness goals I know this is quite easy to some people but I guess I'm just wired differently. 0 -
I started walking. Then couch to 5k. I hated it at first, but allowed myself a treat each time I climbed aboard the hamster wheel. After a few weeks, it became a habit and now, it's just one of those things I do. Like brushing my teeth. It's part of me.1
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Hi @CoreyColwell, by "exercise" I mean giving up the little free time I have to sweat instead of just relaxing. I did cardio before but I got bored really quickly. I love the outdoors and being outside. The only problem is I can't go on a hike or take a run at 9 PM. It's not really safe, I would literally put my life in danger if I were to do that.
I took a Zumba class once before but it really didn't appeal to me. I like being challenged and pushed. Maybe I should just try a different class. [/quote]
Hi @wianka7, I totally hear you on the time constraints, it can be very difficult to give yourself permission to "work out" whilst juggling family time, work etc. At times getting/staying in shape can definitely be all consuming, and by necessity "selfish".
To be honest, while I do some form of cardio at least 5 days a week, I enjoy it about as much as I like getting punched in the throat...lol - Or rather, I like the idea of being able to do it, more than I enjoy the "doing it" part. Just like @fattothinmum I started with couch to 5K. Then I ran my 1st Tough Mudder 4 years ago.. Well, it was more like a brisk walk on the 1st one. Now, i've done a bunch. Whistler, San Diego, Calgary, etc.
Is there something you enjoyed doing as a kid that you've always wanted to get back into? Rec soccer, softball, basketball etc etc? I've also found that if you go to a shady part of town and randomly lip people off they will chase you. You'd be surprised how fast you can run, and boy, do you ever get in shape fast! ;-)
Where do you live that it's dangerous to go out after 9pm? The only thing we worry about after 9pm is bears.. ;-)
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Of course everyone is different. I like being outside when I run. There's always something to look at and it's challenging and less boring. Treadmills are the spawn of Satan!
I always loved cycling for this reason too.
Also, maybe look into classes at a local gym. Again, I'm not an indoor exercise type, but I grudgingly take a circuit class at a local gym a few times a week to support injury-free running, and it's bearable. The other regulars in the class help motivate me too. I don't want to miss a class because they'll all give me a hard time.
Whatever you choose, stick with it for a month and you'll find the "habit" of the exercise will help keep you going. You'll feel guilty if you miss exercising once it's become an ingrained habit.0 -
I hate exercising. I hate all of the lingo and the repetitiveness and the effort that goes into dragging myself to the gym after a day of work. So instead of joining a normal gym with the dreaded treadmills and stationary bikes, and ellipticals, we joined a boxing gym. And I kind of love it? It's more like a class then a gym session, so you get help from a trainer, and to talk to people, and a surprising number of high fives from wellmeaning but terribly sweaty class members. I used to do competitive cheerleading many eons ago, and even though this isn't for a team, it kind of evokes a sense of obligation that a normal gym doesn't. We tried a regular gym a few years ago, and it was a huge failure- no one talked to anyone and if you were using a piece of equipment wrong, no one was there to correct you.2
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this may not make me a lot of friends, but i really only do cardio to drink wine. that's a bit tongue in cheek, but i do like to have a glass with dinner and not sacrifice food calories for it. especially since i've started a strength training program and i find my appetite is increasing. but i LOVE strength training. i drag my tired *kitten* out of bed to begrudgingly go on a run 2 mornings per week before work but i happily sacrifice sleeping in on saturday's for the peace and quiet of an empty gym and no competition for the power rack.
swimming is fantastic and if you can do it year round then you can build a whole fitness regime around it. as long as you're doing something you like it's easy to stay on track. you can try other water activities too, maybe if they are less like working out and more like activities you'll enjoy them more. something like kayaking or paddle boarding?0 -
CoreyColwell wrote: »Hi @CoreyColwell, by "exercise" I mean giving up the little free time I have to sweat instead of just relaxing. I did cardio before but I got bored really quickly. I love the outdoors and being outside. The only problem is I can't go on a hike or take a run at 9 PM. It's not really safe, I would literally put my life in danger if I were to do that.
I took a Zumba class once before but it really didn't appeal to me. I like being challenged and pushed. Maybe I should just try a different class.
Hi @wianka7, I totally hear you on the time constraints, it can be very difficult to give yourself permission to "work out" whilst juggling family time, work etc. At times getting/staying in shape can definitely be all consuming, and by necessity "selfish".
To be honest, while I do some form of cardio at least 5 days a week, I enjoy it about as much as I like getting punched in the throat...lol - Or rather, I like the idea of being able to do it, more than I enjoy the "doing it" part. Just like @fattothinmum I started with couch to 5K. Then I ran my 1st Tough Mudder 4 years ago.. Well, it was more like a brisk walk on the 1st one. Now, i've done a bunch. Whistler, San Diego, Calgary, etc.
Is there something you enjoyed doing as a kid that you've always wanted to get back into? Rec soccer, softball, basketball etc etc? I've also found that if you go to a shady part of town and randomly lip people off they will chase you. You'd be surprised how fast you can run, and boy, do you ever get in shape fast! ;-)
Where do you live that it's dangerous to go out after 9pm? The only thing we worry about after 9pm is bears.. ;-)
[/quote]
Time is definitely a problem, if only there were more hours in a day.
I've heard of couch to 5K... I should really give it a try. Hopefully it will change things around for me.
I've always enjoyed swimming. I will definitely get back to that once summer is here. I also loved hiking and taking long walks outs in nature. I moved back to the city so it's not all that possible anymore. I live in Johannesburg, South Africa. You just don't go out after dark by yourself here, especially if you are female.0 -
Of course everyone is different. I like being outside when I run. There's always something to look at and it's challenging and less boring. Treadmills are the spawn of Satan! I always loved cycling for this reason too.
Also, maybe look into classes at a local gym. Again, I'm not an indoor exercise type, but I grudgingly take a circuit class at a local gym a few times a week to support injury-free running, and it's bearable. The other regulars in the class help motivate me too. I don't want to miss a class because they'll all give me a hard time.
Whatever you choose, stick with it for a month and you'll find the "habit" of the exercise will help keep you going. You'll feel guilty if you miss exercising once it's become an ingrained habit.
Thanks @GaryRuns. A while ago I actually got a personal trainer. I really thought he would be tough and hard on me but he never was. If I didn't feel like working out he would excuse me for the day. He wasn't like that with any of his other clients at all. I've noticed that people tend to be very kind and lenient with me in person. Someone once told me it's because I'm very kind to others. Whatever the reason, it really isn't helping me.
I will try to stick to something for a month, even if it's something really small just to create that habit.1 -
I hate exercising. I hate all of the lingo and the repetitiveness and the effort that goes into dragging myself to the gym after a day of work. So instead of joining a normal gym with the dreaded treadmills and stationary bikes, and ellipticals, we joined a boxing gym. And I kind of love it? It's more like a class then a gym session, so you get help from a trainer, and to talk to people, and a surprising number of high fives from wellmeaning but terribly sweaty class members. I used to do competitive cheerleading many eons ago, and even though this isn't for a team, it kind of evokes a sense of obligation that a normal gym doesn't. We tried a regular gym a few years ago, and it was a huge failure- no one talked to anyone and if you were using a piece of equipment wrong, no one was there to correct you.
Hi @ChubRub93, I never considered a boxing class before. I actually think I might enjoy that a lot ☺. Thank you for sharing that with me. I have to go Google for boxing clubs near me... for some reason the image of a female boxing sounds super bad *kitten* to me0 -
jessiferrrb wrote: »this may not make me a lot of friends, but i really only do cardio to drink wine. that's a bit tongue in cheek, but i do like to have a glass with dinner and not sacrifice food calories for it. especially since i've started a strength training program and i find my appetite is increasing. but i LOVE strength training. i drag my tired *kitten* out of bed to begrudgingly go on a run 2 mornings per week before work but i happily sacrifice sleeping in on saturday's for the peace and quiet of an empty gym and no competition for the power rack.
swimming is fantastic and if you can do it year round then you can build a whole fitness regime around it. as long as you're doing something you like it's easy to stay on track. you can try other water activities too, maybe if they are less like working out and more like activities you'll enjoy them more. something like kayaking or paddle boarding?
Hi @jessiferrrb, I can gladly give up food with no problem at all. I've tried using food as motivation but unfortunately it never worked. I'll honestly fast for a month if that means I don't have to exercise.
Kayaking and paddle boarding isn't very popular where I'm at. I'll have a look at other water activities that I may enjoy in my area. Thank you 0
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