The wall and tackling the exercise monster.

Hello Raynel and welcome to MFP!

My heart went out to you when I read your post! As someone who was Morbidly Obese for many years, I can completely relate to you. Please find comfort and strength in knowing that the path you chose in the past is not the one you are looking at now! You can do this!

I started with home workouts and many walkes around the neighborhood, but once I had lost 15lbs, I realized that this was a life choice and I was not going to let what I "thought" people at the gym might be thinking get in my way of all those useful activities. So I went. And let me tell you, once I popped in those ear buds with my mp3 player, and started my varied routines, i stopped worrying about what other might be thinking and started thinking about living longer and happier.

To make me feel even closer to your story, I dislocated my hips in a car accident years ago, and spent about 2 months in a body cast. Working back from that is not easy (so I understand). And although I still feel tenderness after hard workouts, I can now jog again, so believe me... there is a future out there!

Good luck! You can do this, and this forum will hopefully bring you encouragement and determination!.. It has for me!

ileana

hey 15 minutes is still 15 minutes of excercise that your getting. it will all help in the long run. It will be a long hard road but the rewards are worth it, I used to weigh 260 pounds it has taken me 5 years to get to 152 but I'm here, there will be moments you plateau but keep trying and it will happen.

Hi Raynel!

Remember one thing. no matter how out of place you feel, everyone else feels that same way, if not about their body, about SOMETHING. If you're too shy to hit the gym (understandable, it happens to a lot of people, myself included), then just find some exercises you can do at home. Believe me, there are plenty you can do in the privacy of your own home that are a GREAT workout. I.E. simple things like aerobics videos, jumping jacks (believe it or not, a VERY good cardio workout if you do enough of them), squat thrusts, jump rope, running in place...etc. Most of this stuff you can do while reading, or listening to your mp3 player, or talking on the phone...etc. If you feel like you need equipment, usually you can find a tred mill or exercise bike on ebay or craig's list pretty cheap.

One thing I can tell you is, no matter what shape you are in, it hurts for everyone, it's a chore for everyone (maybe not every day, but a lot of times), if working out were easy, we would all have killer abs and buns of steel! Just remember to focus. When you feel like quitting, think of your new nephew, put a picture up of him (blow it up large!) where you work out. Do what ever you need to to make it happen. If you need help, you can always come on here and ask, vent, share victories...etc. We will be happy to listen and help!

hope this helps you!

Best of luck.

-Steve

Exactly.

True story: In the locker room at my gym one day, I complained after spin class that "that was hard!". Someone else said "but it's so easy for you, you're in good shape." I started to laugh and laugh,as this was not always the case. (it's moments like this I carry a "before" picture) So, long story short: if I can do it, so CAN you! One day you too will be able to look back and say "this is so much easier now than it once was." Not easy, but easier. I believe that motivation often comes AFTER I do my workout. My most common pep talk (still, after almost four years of being a gym person) is "you'll feel better AFTER you do it."

God's blessings on you. You can do it!:flowerforyou:

Dearest Raynel,

You should be proud of yourself for this post as it is so open and honest about your feelings. This is a major thing as most people are not in touch with how they really feel.

Life was given to you and it is a blessing. You are going through these struggles for a reason as there is something in this that you must learn from life. Take the bull by the horns and work on this as it will keep coming back in your life if you don't.

It is ok as others have said, everyone has something they are working on and feel uncomfortable about. There are others that are here that have posted that share your struggle and you can learn from them.

I try to look at everyone with compassion and know that there isn't a person on this earth that doesn't have insecurities despite the image they portray. Know that when you go into a gym. Know that just because they look fit doesn't mean their brain is. YOu can teach them something about love and caring for one's body and "stick to itness". Talk to others to get over your discomfort.

Take the challenge. See it is a game and a gift. See it as your chance to do something good for yourself and others. Learn and teach. Get help from others and then help someone else.

Pick small challenges at first like one week of meeting water requirements and no soda. One small change each week and stick to it.

Raynel, I just fought for my life and if I learned one thing while sitting in that chemo chair for 6 hours at a time it is "DON'T GIVE A RAT'S BEHIND WHAT OTHERS SAY!". Nobody could take that needle for me so nobody else's opinion truly mattered. Most people are kind and loving and others fall short, however, at the end of the day you must find your strength from within and fight your battle. Nobody can do it for you but they can cheer for you all the way and bless those that do. Those that do matter, those that don't aren't worth your worry. Do what you know is right. I know this to be true without a doubt.

Raynel...remember that even the fittest person had to start somewhere, and 15 minutes of exercise is better than none!!

We are all rooting for you!!:flowerforyou:

You are amazing for making the decision to change your life. When you actually decide to do it with your whole heart, there is no stopping you. If you KNOW that you are going to do it, not HOPE then nothing will stand in your way!!!

welcome! we will always be here for u!

:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: