Exercise. Where do I start? I can't stick to anything!
jadelyndsey
Posts: 150 Member
When I was 15, I used to play basketball, netball, vollyball and I used my elliptical machine almost everyday.
3 years later, the word exercise makes me groan.
I seriously need a routine I can stick to, and get results from. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions? I need to kick my diet into gear and start cutting down on the sugar, but I also need to start exercising! I went through a stage not so long ago of getting up early and going for a run (first part of the C25K programme) but even this just lasted 2 weeks and I gave up. Help???
3 years later, the word exercise makes me groan.
I seriously need a routine I can stick to, and get results from. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions? I need to kick my diet into gear and start cutting down on the sugar, but I also need to start exercising! I went through a stage not so long ago of getting up early and going for a run (first part of the C25K programme) but even this just lasted 2 weeks and I gave up. Help???
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Replies
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Quit giving up.
That's really all there is to it. If you didn't like running, try biking/swimming/skating/hiking/rowing or whatever. Then don't quit. After a while, it will become a habit. But it never stops taking commitment.0 -
I LOVE Zumba!! I hate to exercise but I know I have to do it to boost my weight loss and get healthy! I find this ALOT of fun and it doesnt feel like boring old exercise just alot of dancing!!! I burn over 500 calories in one hour of FUN!! Find what you love or you will quit! Constantly move doing something is better than nothing! Park far away from a store, take the steps instead of the elevator etc. This really helps!!0
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If the word "exercise" makes you groan, maybe stop exercising? By that I mean if you frame it in terms of "go outside," "play," or "I had a long day sitting at work, I can't wait to stretch my legs," it might feel more appealing. My best friend teases me for being like a puppy because even on days when I can't be persuaded to haul my butt to the gym, I perk up if someone suggests going to the park.
Some of my favorites:
Bike ride
Ice skating
The park (walk, jog, frisbee game)
Swing dancing
Yoga
Swimming (I love races where you "run" from one end of the pool to the other and back--looks so silly but it's fun)
I can do any of those for at least an hour and feel like it's a fun outing, not a exercise chore.0 -
I love my XBox. Especially Rallyball and River Raft. I throw in weights and dance and running in place and kickboxing between rounds (I also dance while I play River Raft, for extra added silliness and calorie burn). It's all out of sight and indoors so I don't have a heat stroke in front of the neighbors trying to run around in 80 degree weather.
In Winter, I was jogging, sometimes late at night, I miss it. I have a gym membership for their machines that work legs, plus the ab workout machines, and the treadmill since it's so blasted hot out, but my go-to workout is still XBox. It's fun, my HRM says my heart rate is consistently over 160, and it feels more like a game than a workout.
Oh yeah, XBox is responsible for the pic in my sig, but if looking at yourself being all goofy is too much, you can turn that feature off! :laugh:0 -
Have to agree with other posters. Do what you love - whether it is weightlifting or walking in the park. If you have a lot of changes to make (i.e., change diet, add exercise, quit smoking, etc.). Try to do one thing at a time. I started with working on my diet. Just learning to eat breakfast took at least 2 weeks! After about 1 month, I started to add exercise - a little each day with a longer stint 3x/week - eventually I got into a good pattern and was able to increase it. Now - 50 lbs (2 years) later, I feel the need to exercise everyday. Some days I do something organized (zumba or strength class, DVDs) and other days I free form it - walk, mow the lawn, vacuum the entire house, swim!
New habits take time to develop. I've heard it take at least six weeks for a new habit to become a solid part of your life!
Good luck!0 -
You sound like me a bit! I have all of the energy in the world for team sports! But I didn't want to do anything else. I am 43 years old and I still play on two volleyball leagues and I pick up games whenever I can. But, for me, that wasn't enough. You have to decide that you want to move.
Maybe you can see if you can join a team sport, something in the community. A great way to meet people and get moving.0 -
Find someone to do it with you.:drinker: I suggest someone with a mean streak that will come over and kick you if you stop doing something after two weeks.0
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Sticking to one thing is boring i like to do something different all the time: Running is what i do the most it's free and i don't have to use gas but i also like Zumba, weights, Eliptical, Spin, Swimming, I have about 15 different Dvd's cardio, Yoga, Pilates. As long as you do something everyday that is all that matters. Good luck to you and you can friend me if you want :laugh:0
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Im in the same boat! My new philosophy is something is better than nothing! I got on the treadmill this morning and just walked at a comfortable pace for 20min. I plan to keep doing that until I start feeling good enough to do more.0
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I personally won't stick with it unless I do the things I enjoy. I love Zumba, walking at the park, or playing Wii Fit or Just Dance on the Wii. Also like swimming, jump roping with the kids, etc.0
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There are 2 things that help me stick to working out! First switch things up, don't do the same thing EVERY SINGLE day. Also find a realistic time in your schedule that works, and that you can STICK to. I did the whole early morning thing, and I am not a morning person so set myself up for failure. I now do it as soon as I get home, and yes unfortunately have to use the tv as a babysitter for 45 mins or so, but I get my workout in. I am in love with all things Jillian Michaels! Fun, variety, and results!0
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Can you start by walking briskly 30 minutes every day? Try to do it for a month to show that you can be consistent. Work from there.0
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Here's an idea from a newbie. I am a data analyst and sit at a computer all day,. No way I'm getting 10000 steps while at work and I hardly feel like making up what I miss when I get home. So I lowered my goal and changed some of the things I do at work. I lowered my steps to 5000 which is still hard to get to but obtainable. I park my car at the furthest point from my building and walk to and from the car on breaks and at lunch. I walk to meet with people in the office vs calling or interoffice IM. These little things along with changing my diet properly have me down 8 pounds in ten days. Plus these are changes that I can continue and are not obtrusive to my regular routine. Thinking about maybe adding simple situps and pushups to get some strength conditioning as well.0
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Simply walking more will be a start. My Dad walks everyday and recently survived pnemonia almost certainly to his wicked health at his age ...just from walking every day for an hour. Doctors thought it was incredible how healthy he was (despite getting that pnemonia).
Just get started on something though. Include something you enjoy, like listening to music. That's kinda how I had to start.
good luck!0 -
1. What do you really like to do?
2. Does that exercise make you happy?
3. Will you look forward to said exercise?
4. Do that activity and enjoy.
It sounds like there were things you used to enjoy doing. Do you still enjoy them? If so, find a group where you can do them again. Otherwise, find something else you enjoy doing. You don't have to do the latest workout video trend or stand on a treadmill for hours a day for it to count as exercise.0 -
I have the same problem I get bored so quickly but a friend fitness pal told me about the P90 its a 90day workout on Youtube for free and I like it. i like it because I feel like they are my personal trainers give it a try.0
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Ask yourself " how bad do I really want this"....i gave up after trying for a bit....for years, on and off...this time i finally seem to be sticking to this because of accountability friends...I have friends who will actually call me to ask if i stayed within my calories today...or exercised...also if you have MFP buddies who just care about themselves and don't encourage you then you need to find new ones.
Try exercising with a friend...or if you have a Wii...thats fun ( wish i had one of my own! )...Dancing....Blasting music through the house and working out..lol poor neighbors!
Either way....Tell yourself each day That you're going to do your very best...for that one day...then do it again the next day and after that...Just think about one day at a time....YOU CAN DO THIS!!:flowerforyou:0 -
Find someone to do it with you.:drinker: I suggest someone with a mean streak that will come over and kick you if you stop doing something after two weeks.
This is what I need - are you available?
I too, have a tendency to quit after a few weeks - it's like I just lose my momentum. due to a recent health problem, the only thing the doctor has released me to do is walk - and in short spurts so it's not like i can go get on the treadmill and go for an hour at full speed. it's tough but i agree with the other poster that if you have a multiple list of things to change, start with one at a time - I think this is what i need to do since the thought of changing my eating habits, starting to exercise again, stopping the diet sprite binges, and cutting out sugar all seems a bit overwhelming if i'm trying to do them all at once.0 -
You need to quit giving up,
Over the last 3 years I have "Tried" several times to loose weight. I would loose 10 lbs then gain it all back. I had to sit down one day and decide what I was going to do to break the cycle. These things have kept me in line.
Joined MFP:
I log in almost daily. I became active in the forums. Post regularly there and on my friends activities. I participate in different challanges on here. Right now and for the last 2 months I have done the "Runners challange" You post every time you run and she adds it to a spreadsheet that everyone can look at. It's motivating for sure. After a run, I can't wait to get home and update my excercise ticker as well as the Group forum.
I had a 3 month competition with my mum and sisters:
I think doing it with someone who will hold you accountable helps immensely. Our prize was a $150 jackpot for a new pair of jeans. I won and bought them in the size I intend to be this summer.
I journal 2-3 days a week:
This helps me to stay on track. Even on a day where Iv'e been bad I journal. I am able to read back and see how far I have come and why I shouldn't give up.
I read material on running:
I read magazines, books and articles on running. It gets me excited and keeps me motivated to run.
I found alternative workouts:
Lets face it. Sometimes I don't feel like running on a particular day. Maybe the weather is bad or im slightly injured. I bought 3 Tae Bo DVD's, borrowed some Tai Chi DVD's and so now I can do my own Tai Chi and yoga or I can workout with Billy. Sometimes we have to switch it up to keep it interesting.
These are the things that have kept me going for 4 months. I will admit that I took a 4 week break after I won the contest, but I am at it again. 25lbs more by summer! You can do it. It truly is mind over matter. Eating right and exercising becomes a habit after about 4 weeks and thus, easier to do, I think anyways.
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Sounds to me like you need a good dose of accountability. Here's a couple ideas:
1) Summer is around the corner, try an adult league sport. I personally love soccer and though I haven't been able to play recently, indoor soccer is a killer workout, and is played all year where I live. Outdoor soccer is a great add-on for the summer. Having a team of people expecting you to be there helps a lot.
2) Hire a trainer and pre-pay for sessions, or pre-pay for exercise classes. Losing money is a good motivator. I have a friend (with considerable disposable income) that pre-paid for a whole YEAR of training sessions, 3 or 4 times a week, and went from (probably morbidly) obese exercise hating person to a fitness enthusiast in that year. Obviously that's extreme but the point is, put some money on the line. (and I know that gym memberships are the exact opposite of the point I'm trying to make- I don't know why specifically with gym memberships people are willing to throw away perfectly good money)
3)Find a gym/running/c25k buddy. Someone with whom you have prearranged exercise dates. This person ideally would not be one of your best friends, as we tend to get away with a lot of excuses with our closest friends.0 -
- start small by just thinking about moving your *kitten* more. park far away and walk from your car, take the stairs instead of the elevator/escalator, carry a basket around instead of using a cart, do what you'd normally do sitting (watching tv, talking on the phone, snacking, etc) standing and moving around instead, walk the long way (around your house/apt/whatever) to check the mail.
All of the above may sound small and inane, but I totally understand what it feels like to go from being a lump to not and all those little bits are small steps to just get you moving.
In regards to getting over the "I fuxing hate exercise" to "damn this makes me feel gooooood":
- involve a friend who'll hold you accountable (aka kick yer *kitten*)
- if you have a hobby add an active spin to it, if you like snapping stuff and posting it to instagram, go hiking or walking outdoors and snap your journey instead.
- use incentives, when I got addicted to playing skyrim, I wouldn't allow myself to do it unless I worked out for at least an hour, or I wouldn't allow myself to go shopping for a new outfit (shopping became a problem after losing weight >_>) unless I earned it by working out
- broadcast your plans to force yourself to be accountable (doesn't work for everyone), I would post on FB about how lumpy I felt and that I needed to hit the gym later, or about how I was going to attempt some new physical activity - after friends would comment, then I had no choice but to do it, or look like a chump.
(bonus, after you do it, you can brag about it later.)
- take a picture, clipping, whatever - whether it's of yourself now or who you want to be or what you want to do as the new you, put it on your fridge/mirror/etc and remind yourself why you're starting your journey in the first place. if you want it bad enough, and your remind yourself enough, you'll stick to it.
After a while your body will start thanking you. And if you're being healthy about it, you'll have tooooons more energy.
Just effin' do it!
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I dont do one routine running in the morning sometimes I use my 10k program sometimes I dont. I also do zumba, weight trainning, treadmill, swimming, hiking, workout videos, yoga. I belive that is what this is all about life style changes I eat better most all the time but dont stop eatting anyone thing, I find some kinda exercise to do daily. so the whole though of move more eat less it seems to work. Idont want to gain it back like I have in the past, so I change everything. some days I move alot, some a little, some days I eat like a champion, and some days I struggle but every day I put effort to do a what it takes to be a healthier person.0
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Find something that's not "exercise" that you can do.
If I try to stick to going to the gym and using the elliptical ... it lasts about a week. Because honestly it's freakin' boring.
But I'm happy to do martial arts, walking to/from work (it's almost 2 miles), or hiking.0 -
it may sound silly but start at the beginning. A journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step and so should you. Noone is saying you have to run 10k straight away and you should tell them to butt out if they do, but you could say walk for 5 minutes jog for one minute, walk for 5 minutes jog for one minute or whatever pattern makes you feel comfortable and then just keep doing that until you want to extend it. If you dont want to run, then swim or Zumba or salsa or skip, whatever you fancy (or all of it).
Also I found it really helped to join a club, not a gym, as someone pointed out as that seems to have the opposite effect. Personally I joined a swimming club (starting in the slowest lane) but knowing I had spent x amount on the class and that someone was expecting me to be there meant that I made it a priority. Plus I've meant some really great people which always helps cos we all just laugh at and with eachother especially in the beginning when we all felt self conscious and unfit.
Good luck and it would be great to hear how you get on.0 -
START SMALL.... my ex seriously made fun of me because I counted stair steps (only the ups), I also wore a pedometer, but it helped me gauge what I normally did everyday...
45 stairs from the subway to the street, 64 stairs from the street to my apt., 30 steps from the street to my offices 3x a day.
...bit by bit I started going out of my way to take stairs and to walk the long way home instead of taking the subway.
Seeing the little bits add up was encouraging, eventually joined a gym. And started out with 10 MINUTE WORKOUTS. I had to start, but if I was miserable after 10 minutes I could leave.
I didn't want to associate exercise with suffering otherwise I'd never stick with it.
(I don't think I ever did leave after only 10 minutes, but I find having an escape plan always increases my chance of success)0
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