Scared to Death

Harts2007 · May 2012

Hey All, I am new to this and scared to death. I don't know why I can't get off my butt. How do I take the first steps to make myself workout?

cannonsky · May 2012

just.... start. Take baby steps. As you get use to working out you can increase the duration of your workouts and you will eventually get use to doing it.. and maybe (GASPS) enjoy it! After been on here...I'm not sure how I ever didn't exercise before. It gets easier....it really does... you just have to start. Best of luck!

Klamber26 · May 2012

I'll probably be completely bashed for saying this. But if caffeine, upbeat music, and the beautiful sunshine can't motivate you to get outside and moving (walk, run, garden, wash the car--anything active counts) then maybe you should try a diet pill. The effects won't last more than a week or two, but maybe if you can get started and see the weight dropping of you'll be motivated to continue.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I use an appetite suppressant regularly. If the cravings can't touch me, then I can't cheat on my diet. Of course, getting up and exercising is still all up to me. But if you start doing it consistently, it will stick with you like a bad habit.

jenj1313 · May 2012

Hey All, I am new to this and scared to death. I don't know why I can't get off my butt. How do I take the first steps to make myself workout?

Well... first of all, figure out what you're scared of. Is it the exercise, are you scared that you don't know what you're doing, are you scared to fail, what? If you know what you're up against, it's easier to beat it.

As far as making yourself take the first steps... do just that... start walking. It's something you do every day anyway. Just do it a little more quickly than you normally would... just so you're breathing a little bit hard, but not gasping. Start with going around the block. Do that 2-3 times, then add a little more distance. It adds up quickly.

Another thing you can do is incorporate exercise into your regular activities. Stand up and do 20 squats, or 30 jumping jacks or 15 sit ups during the commercials of your favorite TV shows. That way you don't even have to change your schedule to get some exercise in.

Realize that if you're starting slowly, your results are going to be slow at first, but keep at it and you'll start to see a change.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Put up a pic (doesn't have to show your face) and fill out your profile. Be honest with yourself and with us about what you want to get out of MFP and what's been holding you back.

Go on... take the first step... it's not going to hurt as much as you think it will!
All the best!
Jen

tehzephyrsong · May 2012

I don't know how much you've got to lose, but 80% of this process is dietary. You can lose weight and never get off your rapidly-shrinking a** just by restricting your calories. Focus on changing your eating habits first, because that is going to be more difficult than finding the motivation to get moving. You'll probably be motivated to jumpstart your progress after you see yourself slimming down through diet alone.

The thing about exercise, it's like a drug - once you start, you realize how good it makes you feel and you want to do it more. Get them endorphins flowin'. The key is in choosing an exercise you find fun. Some people like running; others prefer kickboxing; still others like to swim, or bike, or just walk. Still others do yoga, or pole dancing, or silks. Zumba is popular, because it's fun! If there is no physical activity you find pleasant now, start by just walking. Swimming, if you've got a lot to lose; it's very low impact, which is handy for people with a lot of weight to lose because it doesn't put the stress on knee and hip joints that other cardiovascular exercise does.

lar4290 · May 2012

Walk! I know it may not feel like exercise, but it can really make a difference in how you feel and be a great step for other cardio. I didn't realize that until I moved to a city and was forced to walk a lot more. Plus, there can be a social aspect (walk around the neighborhood with a friend) or an entertainment aspect (listen to music, watch a TV show if you choose to walk on a treadmill).

Back2Basic · May 2012

That's simple- don't work out! Or rather, don't "work out" Just do something that you enjoy. For example, today I burned 1500 calories without working out! I went to an antique fair that I was looking forward to for weeks and walked around shopping for several hours. And without realizing it POOF calorie burn! I also like to play wii which is fun and burns quite a bit. I started a garden last year, and the veggies were so great, I started again this year, even though it's a lot of work. Don't label things as working out, just do what you enjoy.
Other tricks are- when you go to the store, park by the last cart return space. Once you're out of the car, you're walking that distance twice, like it or not. Tell yourself you will take the stairs instead of elevator/escalator once a day. When you're grocery shopping, don't write your list in order of where things are in the store. Write them in order that you think of them. You'll be criss-crossing for at least an hour!
My personal favorite, which I will deny forever, turn on a playlist I made on youtube and pretend I'm a rockstar... yup dancing is ofen, even if you have no skills!

danasings · May 2012

here's what I did...I spent three years mentally preparing myself. Five minutes a day (lying in bed before falling asleep) visualizing myself exercising and eating healthfully at my ideal weight. 35 pounds lost in 18 weeks, but actually took 3 years to prepare...you can do it!! :flowerforyou:

redcat17 · May 2012

Hi. Don't be scared. Like everyone else has said, just start by walking. If you don't want to walk outside, look for a walking DVD like one of Leslie Sansone's. Remember, the journey of 1000 miles begins with one step.

Once you realize how good it feels to move your body you can move on to bigger and more fun challenges. There are plenty of supportive people on here that have been in your shoes (so to speak). Good luck!

jenniejengin · May 2012

tell us some things that you like to do? Do you like to dance, listen to music, walk, shop? What makes you happy? Do you get out of the house?

hedgiie · May 2012

that's the hardest part, for exercise try walking first, try waking for 10 mins, then 20, 30 etc then run, 10 mins 20, 25 then lift weights. and so on and so forth, until you crave for actual workout program. or participating in half marathon

if tomorrow you try to do a hardcore type of workout then you might get scared and may not follow-up the workout..

jenniejengin · May 2012

I put on loud music and dance my butt away. I jump rope, go out side on the trampoline, skip, walk, climb up and down the stairs or what ever I feel like at the moment. You do not have to stick to a routine exercise, just do something that you enjoy. I even sometimes workout with dvds.

Scared to Death

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