Frustrated and dissapointed
kryssy0301
Posts: 1
I have a hard time staying motivated. Eating healthy is very easy for me, staying motivated to work out is very hard. i am at a loss as to how to stay motivated. I do really well going to the gym and will work out about 1.5-2 hours a day then i just stop and won't work out for another 3 or 4 months. I am NOT happy this way at all. I get my bloodwork and my numbers checked every 6 months since my mother's heart attack. I am in very good health right now but how long is that going to last? I am 34 and 5'2" and 170 lbs. Its only a matter of time before my health starts suffering from this. I need someone to push me and i ask all the time but noone will stick to it!
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Replies
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Hi. My name is Tracey. I am 38 yrs old, 5'6" and weigh 160#. I have a thryroid issue(hypoactive..slow). So it's not so easy to lose but easy to gain. I feel your pain! I have 3 kids and never seem to have time for me. Everytime I am doing good for a stretch of time, I "fall off the wagon"....not so easy to get back on! I need someone to motivate me and keep me accountable!!!! I have only been on MFP for 3 days now. I promised myself I wouldn't weigh for 4 weeks. So if you are looking for a friend, I am here!
I would love to have someone to help me too! 0 -
Feel free to add me! i could use you to help me too & I'll help back! We're all in this together.0
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I think that maybe the motivation lies in the "going to the gym" part. I used to be a gym rat, but more and more, it felt like this big event to get motivated for to keep going.
So I'd suggest doing something simple that is immediately engaging. As in, you can get up and go at a moment's notice and you're burning calories and feeling great!
For me, that was cycling. I picked up my dad's old bike, and started to just ride. And I sucked at first. But it was nice and fast, and I was sweating by the end of my 10 mile ride.
Now I regularly do 25 miles every other day or so, and it feels great. I use it as an excuse for everything - just slap on a backpack, and you're grocery shopping. Friend lives 5 miles away? Ride there. There's a myriad of things you can use it for, and all the while, you're cookin' those muscles!
It's just a suggestion, but that's something that motivated me - instant gratification of the workout coupled with a lot of utility!
Edit: also, feel free to add me if you wish to just get some simple verbal motivation!0 -
I was the same before. This year I realized, that 25-30 min workouts are idial for me. 1 hour is too much, too hard, too frustrating. I don't go to the gym for 25 minutes, but I found a lots of good workouts at home, that I really like. I realized also, that I like to use dumbells and weights. I'm stronger than ever before.
Now I strated to add some more time to my workouts. I see the results too, so I stay motivated.0 -
Perhaps you won't want to hear this, but only YOU can motivate YOU to work out. Take a "no excuses" attitude. When you try to excuse yourself from working out (i.e. it's too cold, it's too hot, I'm too tired...), counter your excuse with a "solution" statement (i.e. put on a coat, turn on the fan, you'll sleep better knowing that you worked out). And on those days you are trying to convince yourself that you don't want to work out, just get in a 15 minute walk or 15 minutes of sit-ups/push-ups/stretches or 15 minutes of SOMETHING. You'll likely find that you have "the want" to do a little more. And on those days when you succumb to the excuses, recognize that you are doing just that, be good with it, and start over again the next day.
Good luck!0 -
1.5-2 hours seems a bit long, especially for someone who is sort of a gym "beginner" every 3-4 months. Try a 30 minute workout video at home until it becomes a habit.0
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You don't need 1.5-2 hours at the gym. Even 30 minutes 5 days a week will give you a huge leg up in the weight loss realm. I think you're burning yourself out doing way more than you need.0
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Feel free to add me I feel the same you do so I need some motivation and I will help motivate you!0
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Hi. I started here in early March. Started "boot camp" at work about the same time. We work out 30 minutes per day, three days a week. In addition, MFP has helped me to track m calories, ALL of my calories. By doing the two of them, I AM aking progress. Others are correct. Only I can motivate ME. Hang in there, and do something you enjoy to burn calories. Good luck.0
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I like your plan. It easy to tell your you won't feel like exercising --but 15 minutes at a time isn't so bad. Thanks for the thought.0
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I feel your pain! I have a few suggestions for you, perhaps something will click for you. When I worked out with a trainer, she told me people these days are killing themselves at the gym. She recommended 30 minute workouts. (10 minute warm-up, first, and always stretch afterwards.) She insisted it would help prevent burnout, and that I could effectively build muscle and lose weight. It's a combination of cardio and weights. (I felt very intimidated by that word-weights!) I was used to slaving over my elliptical, dreading my time at the gym. (OK, I still do dread the gym, mostly!) But, going forward, as I try to get on track, I will try this idea!
whoops, I just read the previous replies. Note to self, read replies before posting my own!
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Jillian Michaels 30 day shred!!You do not have to leave your house, you can do it in private, you can incorporate the family if you want to and there is no excuse for not being able to work out for 20 minutes a day 0
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One trick you can do if your gym has a T.V. is go at the same time as one of your favorite shows and allow yourself ONLY to watch the show while working out.
The other way of doing this is to watch an episode or two of a show from netflix on your phone (if you can) per workout, again that you can only watch at the gym.
I find this can help since if you want to see the next show you HAVE to work out. The more addicting the show, the better! :-)
This is only a starter though, hopefully the addiction to working out kicks in after 4-6 weeks and the show becomes just a bonus.0 -
we all get frustrated at different times of our journey. I have had to fight for every pound I have lost. Now, I see this more as a way of life. Getting ready to put the scale away since all it does is frustrate me and I know that I am doing right by my body and my body is reshaping and reforming itself. A way of living for the rest of my life. Exercise is becoming very important in this journey and it is completely linked to eating well. I have recently started running and if I can do it, really anyone can. I am loving it. If the gym isn't your thing, find something that is. Getting out of the house is the hardest part. I started with walking and it turned into walking for hours, Then I joined the gym and now running, setting goals and achieving them. Make it a habit instead of eating. Whenever I am super hungry, I exercise instead and it is a perfect way to get my mind off of food. I am 5ft 3.5 inches and now I am 153 lbs. 10 lbs I am normal but I am putting the scale away to focus on what my body needs. There is no option to give up, this is your life. Quality life is so important. It doesn't mean you have to starve or have a vigorous exercise schedule. Do something you can live with now and then that will morph into something else. 0
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Wow I feel the same way...31, 4 "11 and 162 lbs. Ridicuous! I feel HUGE, and I tend to overeat all the time. I'm thinking about joining weight watchers because I can't do this on my own.0
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When it is time to exercise...and you don't want to....look at the clock and say to yourself- the next thirty minutes will pass anyway, what would I do with that time besides procrastinate, look for more excuses and then feel like crap about myself. Then imagine yourself thirty minutes from now...how do you want to be? Then get over yourself and just do it. For me it's hopping the treadmill at home so I can watch tv or pop in a DVD (those Jillian michels ones kill me! But it's over before you know it). Kettle bell workout are short and effective. It's only thirty minutes and then the rest of your day is a breeze. You can do it, in fact I am going to go and do it right now, just because of your post. You reminded me of how I often get in my own way. Thanks.0
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I do Les Mils classes at my gym. I love them! I found that I lacked the motivation for just equipment or weights and decided to try one of the "dance" classes. Then I tried a pump class and other cardio and strength classes. I actually look forward to going and find that some days I can't wait! Try some classes out, that might help your motivation!0
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I know where you are at. A few years ago when I lost weight (which I've gained back), I was working out twice a day and with a trainer a few days a week. Then I hit a plateau and the scale stopped moving... My checkbook told me I couldn't handle the trainer anymore and then tax season came.. no time to work out at all and mega snacks in the kitchen to keep us at work. I started a new lifestyle two weeks about when I joined MFP. Now I don't eat anything without recording it. My husband and I joined the local gym last Saturday, but neither of us had gone. I told myself I needed to go this afternoon, but I couldn't even motivate myself to walk upstairs to find socks and gym shoes. I finally told myself to get off my a.... and get going. I made it up the stairs and found a pair of socks (not easy since I don't own many) and off to the gym I went. 31 minutes on the elliptical and I was done.... Tired but satisfied that I did it. I figure I can handle 30 minutes a day without burning out and still figure I'm getting my money's worth at the gym. Tomorrow is water aerobics.. Take care and do not hesitate to add me if you like.0
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Hi Tracey and everyone. I am in the same boat. s/w/f 45 yo ..5'9" here in South Louisiana. I weighed myself Monday and have VOWED to not get on the scale for a month. I was tired of being a scale junkie.. I need all the motivation I can get too. Please add me and we can help each other.
Thanks,
Colette :flowerforyou:0 -
You are working out for TOO LONG! That is way too much and its way too hard to keep that up. 30 - 45 minutes, 4-5x a week. That's what I do and its easier to get motivated.0
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I definitely agree that maybe you are working out too long and too hard especially if you are stopping and not going back for 3-4 months. If you do too much too soon, your body can't handle it and you burn out. As a result of burn out, you lose motivation and stop working out. A better approach might be to build yourself back up. Maybe target 3-4 days per week for 30-45 minutes until you are consistently working out. Once you have established your baseline, then you can start maybe increasing the number of days and the number of minutes, but only after you establish consistency!0
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Don't be frustrated, we are all there at times. I am the other way around, I find it very easy and motivating to work out, but just can't seem to get the foods in line. Maybe you should do 30 min work outs a day for a few days, then have a break to start so you won't get burned out as fast. I tried that and started seeing the scale go dow.n. (Motivating) Now you can't stop me! I get 30 min in the morning and 30 in the evening for 7 days a week. and stay just below my calories of 1200 a day. This is equal to 1.5 or more pounds a week. Been doing it over1.5 months now. Feel free to add me as a friend, i'll help you and you can help me.
This works0 -
Good suggestions! I've been trying to burn 400 cal three times a week, which for me is twice as hard as Ive ever worked out, about 40 min running. I started off well but now I'm scared of burnout. So I like te idea of 30 minutes on a regular basis. That's what I've done the last two days and the time goes by faster than I expected. Haven't gotten the weights in there yet but I'd like to.0
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You can add me if you want! I hit a plateau this year and got in a cycle of just maintaining. I was burned out on spin classes, the eliptical, etc. We gave up our gym membership to save money and I realized that I must do something! I got a bunch of different DVD's on amazon based on their reviews. I got a couple of different videos that have 3 to 5 ten minute work outs. You can do just 1, 2, or all 5 if you want. I usually tell myself that I'm going to do at least 10 mins, but try for 20. I almost always end up doing 30 because it goes by quickly and I'm already sweating. I tried to get a good variety, I got the 30 day shred, and another Jillian but I can't remember which one, a couple of kick boxing, belly dancing, among others. This gives me a variety and keeps me from getting bored. It's fun and I don't have to commit to a certain time over 10 minutes which I always say is better than nothing. You can do this! I agree that you are probably getting burnout from working out too long. It's not necessary to do that much in one go. I do little things lately too. I've been parking a mile away from work and walking in. Saves me money on parking too.Just little tweaks here and there are good and more likely to become habits because they are do-able in the context of our busy lives! Hang in there. I know you can find the motivation!! 0
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Although I am unsure if it was mentioned, scales are also a double-edged sword. Yes, they tell you your weight, but that is IT.
For example, I've hit a plateau and stayed at about the same weight for a week or two now. Now, the scale is telling me that, but physically, I look MUCH slimmer. As everyone always says, fat weighs less than muscle, so you could be shedding tons of fat, but have very little to show for it on your scale.
Remember, how you look and feel are what's important. Getting too technical with it can be discouraging and disheartening. Every little bit helps, and every step you take (even small ones) will get you to the new "you" you're looking for!0 -
One really cool thing that I did:
I put a tread mill in the back of the living room. I'm a huge movie/tv buff and love good shows. Now when I'm done with my chores around the house after work and I'm getting ready to watch some TV. I get up on the tread mill and walk/run until bed time. You will be suprised at how many miles you walk in a night when watching your favorite comedy or an amazing movie.
Also since many of those on these shows are "in good shape" it is also a motivator. The hells bells for me is watching 300 while I'm on the tread mill. Talk about a work out. I get into the mind set that I can look like that and start pushing harder.0 -
I feel the same way! I dragged my feet long enough, it's time to start feeling better about myself and get in shape. I'm new to this and it's nice to see how encouraging everyone is!0
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A friend has just sent me Jillian Michaels 30 day shred but I havent tried it yet as she scares me on the Biggest Loser US (I love in the UK). is it any good?0
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I'm the same way. I am good on calorie counting but when it comes to exercise I just have no motivation unless it's disguised as being fun. Like badminton! I could play that everyday if I could! But the gym and exercise workouts just aren't fun for me so I give up on them...0
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I was the same before. This year I realized, that 25-30 min workouts are idial for me. 1 hour is too much, too hard, too frustrating. I don't go to the gym for 25 minutes, but I found a lots of good workouts at home, that I really like. I realized also, that I like to use dumbells and weights. I'm stronger than ever before.
Now I strated to add some more time to my workouts. I see the results too, so I stay motivated.
^^^^^^THIS!!!!!!!!^^^^^ I have struggled with motivation as well. I have the eating down, but the motivation to workout isn't always there. Just like she said, start slower with 20-30 minute workouts (try Jillian's 30 Day Shred - it will kick your booty, make you sweat, shred inches, AND it is over before you know it!!!!!!!!!!!!) Once you get into a routine with the shorter workouts, start going to the gym 2-3 times a week to get in some good weight training!!! Mix it up!! Monday, go for a long walk with a friend, Tuesday, try a new workout video. Wednesday, go for a nice challenging bike ride, Thursday, do another video, Friday, dance your a** off!!!!! Saturday, just get outside and move in whatever way makes you smile (and throw in a video for good measure!!) Sunday - REST, RELAX, and ENJOY every moment of your day off, knowing that you pushed yourself this last week, and that the week to come is going to be even better!!!!!!
You can do this!!! Feel free to add me if you would like!!!!!!0
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