Self Sabotage - What is your stopping point?

PattiBear85 wrote: »

I have yet to establish a work out routine for the umpteenth time.
I'll do everything with good intentions to start a routine. Put it in my calendar, set up a gym bag, eat better, etc. I'll even go to the gym maybe once or twice.
But I know my desire drops as soon as my lower back hurts (from excessive top weight) or my knees start getting sore (from actually exercising) The breathing hard is embarrassing but not stop-worthy.

Am I the only one like this? Is there tips on overcoming it?

A lot of people have the issue of getting started and sticking with a routine. Some people do better with a steady program, while others can stay dedicated when they switch up their classes, etc.

My biggest word of advice is to stay dedicated, as hard as it may be, for at least a month. After that, the results will be your motivation. Once you start seeing results (easier breathing, lost pounds or inches and even just a little better time for a walk or run) that will be pure motivation and a reason to stay dedicated and it doesn't seem so much like a chore.

I have sciatic nerve issues along with a reconstructed foot, so I totally understand where you're coming from with the pain or uncomfortableness causing a lack of desire to continue your session. Especially this time of year when it's so cold! Push through. Don't take on more weight than you can handle if you are lifting, but don't let it stop you from doing body weight or resistance work. Know that this will help the pain improve in the long run and eventually your work out will be your "warm up"!

1. Pace yourself and start out with easier, more gradual workouts 2-3x week so your body can adapt.
2. Decide how badly you want this. We've all had aches and pains from medical issues and from exercising itself. I just had to decide I would move ahead and push through (without injuring myself) without continuing to make excuses.
3. Do it whether you "feel motivated" or not.

Maybe get a buddy to workout with. I found that if I make plans with someone else the guilt of letting them down will get me to go and then once I’m there it’s a little easier. In the end it is up to you to motivate yourself but a good friend not one with the same problem won’t let you out of the workout without a fight.

I remember feeling my gf I don’t want to go today and she simply said I’ll be at your house in 20 mins be ready and hung up

I have had the same problem in the past. I would decide on something, do it for a week or two, and quit when I hated it/ was too tired/ missed a day and got discouraged. This year I chose to do something different. I decided that if I want to make a positive change I need to feel positive about it, and putting myself in a position where I am going to beat myself up is contradictory. So I resolved simply to move every day. Whether I go for a walk, do heavy housework, do a yoga video, go swimming...hell, even spin in circles or have a Trolls dance party with my 2-year-old niece... it counts. Well, so far I have done it. I have had days that were better or worse than others but discovered I love my yoga videos and am pretty flexible for a beginner. I rarely miss a day now because I found something I enjoy. I have managed at least something every day but one this month...and that was missed because of a stomach bug (in fact, I might just count that one too for all the running to the bathroom that I did).

Make your initial goal manageable. You can always decide to reach further, and if you do you will feel amazing about it! If you start big and need to trim back it is hard not to get discouraged and beat yourself up. And I agree that you should try different things until you find what you like...if you like something it is so much easier to just do it. It will stop being something you are doing to accomplish a goal and become the goal in and of itself. I think setting a long-term goal, even in terms of months, depends on your personality. When I say I decided to move every day, I am putting the emphasis on "day". I wake up every day and decide to move my body. For me, it started off the way it would if I was quitting drinking or when I quit smoking. One day at a time. While I don't plan on missing a day of some kind of real movement, I know that ultimately, as long as I get out of bed, technically I have moved my body. There is no failure possible, and there is always the opportunity to do even better today than I did yesterday.

So, manageable goal. Find what you like. Figure out what works for you- groups, alone, a buddy, a friend to keep you accountable. Do it to ADD happiness to your life, not take it away. Decide daily, every day, one at a time.

It sounds like you always start a diet change and a new exercise plan at the same time. Maybe start with the diet, build good habits for a few weeks or even months, and then add more exercise--slowly--when you're feeling ready.

Can you walk? Do that to get started.

My lower back hurt so much walking was tough. Try the recumbent bike.