Exercise ALONE and on a BUDGET :-/

ICantW8
ICantW8 Posts: 7
edited September 29 in Fitness and Exercise
I am doing well with my diet but I really need to start exercising. I am on a strict budget so I can't afford to join a gym. I do have an elliptical, ab lounger, gazelle, and small exercise stuff like bands, balls, dum-bells, and even P90X. However, I don't have anyone to exercise with and doing it alone is so hard. I don't seem to be able to find the motivation to do it on my own. In my mind, I know I need to do it, but there is always and excuse I can come up with. I seem to be very lazy when it comes to this part of my weight loss plan. If any one has any words of encouragement or suggestion, I could seriously use it. I am currently at 201 and would like to get down to a healthy 130 so I have a long journey ahead of me.
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Replies

  • MrsRadder
    MrsRadder Posts: 207 Member
    We are all here to help you! I like to post how many reps I do and miles logged, LOVE it when my MFP friends comment on it. Feel free to add me.
  • ardeornellis
    ardeornellis Posts: 198 Member
    I exercise at home alone as well. Look at the challenges on here and join 1 or 2. That helps motivate me! I am currently in a challenge to burn 10,000 cal this month.. So...if I want to slack off I don't because I know I'm going to have to post totals at the end of the week. I also run... I have learned to love running alone.. It allows me to clear my mind and get outdoors.. It's definitely doable..You just have to make up your mind and use all the tools for support that MFP provides!! Blessing to you!
  • thetrishwarp
    thetrishwarp Posts: 838 Member
    All of the exercising I do is alone and free :)
    I'm a big fan of jogging (I've heard great things about Couch25K) and jump rope - jumping rope burns SO many calories. Throw some music on and just jump. :)

    Personally, I talk to myself while I workout...but not in a crazy way. If I'm trying to sprint up a hill or want to quite I just say "come on girl you can do it, you just have to get that far, just think of what you'll look like when it's over" and by the time I finish all my motivational blabber, I'm already up the hill.

    You CAN do it. :) Also, I find it helps for me to focus on exercise one day at a time. It's easier for me to say okay, I'll jump rope for 10 minutes today, it's only 10 minutes than for me to say I'm going to do 200 minutes of exercise this week or something. That's scary. Each day is not. :)


    Good luck!
  • fultzjaf
    fultzjaf Posts: 141 Member
    I totally understand where you are coming from, I am going through the same thing. I have lost 55 lbs from eating better and trying to get some exercise, but I have to do it alone too, am on a budget and also have a few workout things at home. But I am so lazy and unable to get motivated enough to exercise.... so hopefully we can both get on track and do better with it all. Good luck!
  • Kekibird
    Kekibird Posts: 1,122 Member
    I have a website I check into called www.bodyrock.tv It's a husband and wife couple that post daily workouts, discussions about fitness and diet, and they even now have a section that challenges you to look into the emotional side of getting healthy. Check it out, most workouts can be done without anything but yourself. They do suggest a jump rope or using things around the house for the routines that need items to accomplish. I've done some of their interval training workouts and it's hard core but good stuff.

    www.bodyrock.tv
  • kimi131
    kimi131 Posts: 1,058 Member
    www.exercise.com has completely free workout routines. It is my main source of exercise! There are lots of us who are in the same boat with you. Good luck!
  • Edestiny7
    Edestiny7 Posts: 730 Member
    If you start doing a little each day, it will become a habit for you, and your body will crave it when you go to skip a day. It releases so many feel good endorphins and is so good for your health. Perhaps try rewarding or restricting yourself based on getting it done. No TV or computer unless 30 minutes is completed each day. Or a healthy yummy snack when 30 minutes is completed each day. And don't forget, the more you work out, the more you can eat! :-)
  • ennaejay
    ennaejay Posts: 575
    well, you've plugged in here and that's the first step. I exercise alone too, and it IS hard to find the motivation some days. Depending on your daily schedule, find the time of day that works best for you, and do SOMEthing. The habit is the first trick. Don't try it on a full stomach, do it before a mealtime and you'll find it'll curb your appetite too.

    Maybe start small - like 20 minutes of circuit training - think the 30DayShred - fast results if you stick with it. All you need are some decent shoes and the DVD. You'll get addicted to results and hopefully snowball from there. Try new things so you don't get bored, get some good music, and treat yourself once in a while. Track calories, this site is an awesome help for that.

    good luck
  • rgutie1
    rgutie1 Posts: 84 Member
    I think all you need is a tv or radio, something to distract you as you work out.

    I cant even count the number of times I have stayed on a machine at the gym so that I could finish watching a show.
  • atomdraco
    atomdraco Posts: 1,083 Member
    I love workout alone. Tried to do P90x with someone, it become too hard due to different schedule, and less flexibility to choose what I like to do. Put on some music while you workout, it might help you get your mind off needing someone doing it with you.
  • ardeornellis
    ardeornellis Posts: 198 Member
    Oh...I do Jackie Warner Circuit training DVD's. They are short and power packed... $10 at Walmart. I am also just over half through the C25K.. You have a small gym at your house though.. You just need the commradre and support you will find here..
  • happybrooke
    happybrooke Posts: 153
    I moved my elliptical into my spare bedroom and started watching TV while I exercise. I figure if I'm going to watch TV anyways, I might as well be working out too! Obviously this doesn't work for every workout...but it does for my elliptical. Plus, I'm usually surprised to realize how much I'm sweating since it always sneaks up on me! I get involved in the show and stop watching the timer or cals burnt or distance...it's been working for me :) Hope that helps!
  • uniqute1888
    uniqute1888 Posts: 182 Member
    i loved p90x. but motivation is hard. I made a deal with myself... Get up in the am eat a small apple or handful of nuts (fuel for the workout) and i could not eat my full breakfast until i completed my workout... if i was having a hard time getting moving... id make myself whole wheat pancakes as a reward.... only healthy food rewards but i love food so my inner 5 year old was easily bribed! lol

    Good luck. feel free to add me!
  • circusmom
    circusmom Posts: 662 Member
    Had to peek at your profile, but your a mom, look at your exercise time as YOUR quiet time. Tha'ts what I do. I'm around kids all day, ( I also work as a daycare provider), so for me the time I spend outside walking, or early in the morning lifting weights (at home) is MY time, no kids, no husband, no noise, just me, I look forward to the peace and quiet!!!
  • xraychick77
    xraychick77 Posts: 1,775 Member
    the ymca is cheap..plus they can go on salary and perhaps get a lower price. its cheap anyways..i dont get any deal but i only pay 54 a month for two people.
  • peachNpunkin
    peachNpunkin Posts: 1,010 Member
    That is why it is important to add friends for the support. I feel the same way. I am also on budget. I actually walk at the mall in the early morning. I am going to have to invest in some weights and bands and a couple of videos. I am going to add you as my friend. I would love to give you your pats on the back as I know you deserve it.
  • jr1985
    jr1985 Posts: 1,033 Member
    Sounds like you have a lot of exercise equipment at your house... invite some friends over to work out on your equipment if you can't afford to go to a gym... I have an elliptical and a stationary bike... we have been not so great the last couple weeks... but one of my friends comes over every monday and we watch extreme makeover weight loss edition and worked out while we were watching... put a tv in front of your exercise equipment... it will help you work out longer :)
  • Erykah3584
    Erykah3584 Posts: 324 Member
    Im also working out at home by myself. You seem to have all the tools you need to succeed, just not the motivation to actually get up and use them! I was the same way!! Getting started on a workout routine is the hardest part. What I did was make a 12 week chart of exercises to do. Everyday that I did an exercise I marked in on the chart.
    Start off small. Maybe your first weeks goal should be to do the elliptical for 10 minutes every Mon, Wed, Fri and bands on Tues & Thurs. Get what I mean? Youll begin to get in the habit of working out in no time! When I started, I was only able to do the elliptical for 15 minutes. Now I can go 50 minutes without stopping. :)
    Hope this helps!!!
  • Gary6030
    Gary6030 Posts: 593 Member
    All of the exercising I do is alone and free :)
    I'm a big fan of jogging (I've heard great things about Couch25K) and jump rope - jumping rope burns SO many calories. Throw some music on and just jump. :)

    Personally, I talk to myself while I workout...but not in a crazy way. If I'm trying to sprint up a hill or want to quite I just say "come on girl you can do it, you just have to get that far, just think of what you'll look like when it's over" and by the time I finish all my motivational blabber, I'm already up the hill.

    You CAN do it. :) Also, I find it helps for me to focus on exercise one day at a time. It's easier for me to say okay, I'll jump rope for 10 minutes today, it's only 10 minutes than for me to say I'm going to do 200 minutes of exercise this week or something. That's scary. Each day is not. :)


    Good luck!

    I do the same with the motivational self speak. It helps me push. I tell my self come on fat boy you can run this extra 1/4 mile. Then next week you'll do another! People must think I'm nuts in my neighborhood.
  • pa_jorg
    pa_jorg Posts: 4,404 Member
    All of my exercise is alone too...except when my dog tags along! I do lots of walking and hiking, swimming, and I even some workouts from ExerciseTV on-demand cable.

    Perhaps you could start a post on MFP and look for workout buddies in your area if you really need the extra motivation?
  • dfborders
    dfborders Posts: 474 Member
    Do you have any neighbors that may want to walk with you when you are available? Or a pet that has to be walked? What about a favorite mall that you enjoy walking around. Maybe a friend that would be interested in walking? Do you have a beach nearby that you walk on? Exercising is also my biggest problem due to my schedule. But, now that I am starting to feel better from an injury, I do try to walk during my lunch hour if weather permits and if it is a bad weather week I try to walk at the mall. The reason I suggest walking first is because once I start walking and start realizing how good it makes me feel then I want to do more like pull out my exercise trampouline and try to do that for a few minutes a few times a night, then if I wake up a few minutes early instead of reading or lounging around I will try to do some crunches or jumping jacks. A little goes a long way and it is the best way to try to make something a habit. Good Luck...:flowerforyou:
  • jaded_rose
    jaded_rose Posts: 298 Member
    Sounds like you got a good start but your problem is the starting part. I've gone from 181 to 154 with just my Wii Fit & E.A. Active, running shoes, bands, & 3 lb weights, OH & a few DVDS. I like JM 30 shred. that one was a good workout.

    I'm currently having to take my bike in because the front tire keeps popping and I only had the inter tube for a week before it gives out.
  • krissie12475
    krissie12475 Posts: 7 Member
    I really like to exercise in my own living room :) I have noone staring at me...noone to impress and better yet... I do it when the house is EMPTY :) Blast the music and pop in my ChaLEAN Extreme dvd and ROCK IT!!!
    I also log into the team beqachbocy website and i can track my exercise and there are a lot of great tips on exercise and nutrition. I can chat in the cool down room as well :)

    Best of all...the bebachbody membership is FREE!!! so that's perfect for your budget :)
    I also run and walk to get in the extra cardio. I found a RunKeeper program that i downloaded on my phone and it tracks my runs and talks to me!!! lol Its great!!!

    If you're interested in the beachbody site let me know and i can send you a link :)

    Keep up the great work!!!
  • YukonJoy
    YukonJoy Posts: 1,279 Member
    I am also on a tight budget. Wow! You have way better equipment than I do! All I own is a yoga mat lol.

    As for working out alone..I really enjoy it. It's my special "Me" time.

    Maybe some good tunes would help motivate you?
  • ardeornellis
    ardeornellis Posts: 198 Member
    Being a fellow mom....I stole this from a friend.. I love running because I leave the kids at home and run far far away to clear my mind... Once my mind is clear I realize how much I love them so I turn around and run back home...:) I'm sure there are days you can relate...:)
  • bstilland
    bstilland Posts: 122 Member
    I also exercise at home or take walks when the weather is not too hot or in the winter too icy...I saw a post this morning about Thursday Daily Exercise and that encouraged me today. thank you for posting this ---people have given some really good encouraging ideas. I checked WII Zumba out of the library so I can try it before I put it on my birthday or christmas list.
  • peachNpunkin
    peachNpunkin Posts: 1,010 Member
    Sounds like you have a lot of exercise equipment at your house... invite some friends over to work out on your equipment if you can't afford to go to a gym... I have an elliptical and a stationary bike... we have been not so great the last couple weeks... but one of my friends comes over every monday and we watch extreme makeover weight loss edition and worked out while we were watching... put a tv in front of your exercise equipment... it will help you work out longer :)

    That is a very good idea.
  • YukonJoy
    YukonJoy Posts: 1,279 Member

    Personally, I talk to myself while I workout...but not in a crazy way. If I'm trying to sprint up a hill or want to quite I just say "come on girl you can do it, you just have to get that far, just think of what you'll look like when it's over" and by the time I finish all my motivational blabber, I'm already up the hill.

    LOL! Too cute! I love that you say "not in a crazy way". I'm not sure the people you're running by muttering "you can do it, you go girl" think the same thing. Haha. Good for you.
  • VICKY_83
    VICKY_83 Posts: 51 Member
    I am in the same boat as you, I only have fitness dvds. I get up everyday and do my fitness dvds I chance them round so I am not doing the same old dvd. I get my partner to messure my waist, thighs etc instead of getting on the scales as I can't afford them at the mo. my motivation lyes with in my pile of jeans I have on top of my wardrobe that don't fit me as I can't afford to buy no more. I did find it hard exercising by my self as I use to exercise with a friend but she is pregnant. All I can lastly add is don't think bout it just do it ,then you will see a massive differents in ya health and fitness. Good luck..
  • Bikeminx
    Bikeminx Posts: 51
    I recommend sandbag training and jump rope :D
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