Need help getting motivated!!!

Hi, Christina;

have you had your thyroid checked? You sound like one of my friends - she was just told her thyroid hormones are so low that the doctor was contemplating starting her on IV Eltroxin. What's really bad is that she already was low 2 years ago and the doc missed it at the time.:mad:

If there's no medical reason for your lack of motivation, maybe you just haven't found the right exercise yet. It doesn't always have to be "formal" exercise in the gym - do you have a yard that cries out for a new look? Or maybe an elderly neighbour has an active dog who would love long walks? Start looking at everyday activities as "exercise" and I'm sure you'll find something you like!

Hiya

Ive just started this program also...this is my 2nd week on it. I am by no means have self control, it is a constant struggle not to shove everything delicious in my mouth! I am at 224 and I hate the "normal" exercises. My children have a trampoline in the backyard so I tried it out the other day and it is the most amazing exercise available!! Its awesome, I had forgotten how much I love to jump on the trampoline....I loved it when I was a kid. And yes, I love it now. I can only jump for a little while unitl I feel like my lungs are going to collapse....but one of these days I will be able to keep up with my kids! You could get a little one that you could jump on inside. I am thinking about getting the golds gym brand...it comes with stretch bands attaches for extra exercises. I also have a treadmill and I will walk on it 3-4 times a week...but again its boring. I am also thinking about getting a pair of rollerblades and hitting the walking path with them. Ive read that its also a great workout....and fun! I hope that this has helped a little. I completely understand the lack of motivation, but when you find something that is fun to do it makes it tons better. The only way Ive found that keeps me on the treadmill is to put my headphones on and play songs that I can sing to at the top of my lungs....makes me feel like a rock star...helps the time fly by. Good luck and keep us posted!

Christina,

I completely understand the lack of motivation. Motivation and discipline are proving to be my hardest obstacles to overcome. Weight has been an issue for me my whole life, and it always just seems so much easier to sit on the couch, grab the remote, and a bag of chips. However, with all of the information and inspirational stories that are out there now, so many people recommend to start slow and small. Take the long way around to throw away your trash every week. Try taking at least one floor of stairs instead of the elevator. Eventually you will be able to build up to more. Whenever you go to the grocery store, park as far away as you can. Every little amount helps. Eventually, you will want to do more. You will be excited about this desire, and sitting on the couch won't be enough.

However, there are also exercises that you can do in your own living room if you aren't quite comfortable with walking around your neighborhood. Walking in place, lunges, etc., all of these things can be done while you are still watching TV, which is currently helping me. Those exerices might be good way to start off with, that way you don't really feel you are depriving yourself. I usually put on a DVD of a really good movie for a long workout, or a 30 minute sitcom for a quick workout.... BUT.... even if you can just start out walking during commercials... then eventually switch it up... Sit down during the commercials and walk during the show... You will eventually see results. Even if they are small, they are vitally important for your success. Keep a log of your daily exercise, food intake, and most importantly, (if you are an emotional eater like me), your moods throughout the day. Seeing everything written in paper (or on myfitnesspal) will make a difference in how you see your daily habits.

Most importantly though, don't beat yourself up for falling off track. WE ALL DO!!!!!! Forgive yourself and realize that today, this hour, this minute, this second... are all new. It is worth it! It does work! That show The Biggest Loser wouldn't be so popular today if it didn't... and I'm pretty sure that they have before and after pictures on their website. Check those out every now and then and realize that if you could just find a smidgen of motiovation... not necessarily to lose pounds, but to be healthier... eventually the results will follow... and you too will have a whole new HEALTHIER you!

Good Luck! We're all pulling for you!

Christina,

Your motivation needs to come from within and you will love yourself for it.

If you have not exercised in a long time, you need to start slowly. Try a 15 minute walk twice a day and work up from there. I used to have a hard time walking around the block. This morning I did 30 minutes on the elliptical, 30 minutes of weight taining and I plan to do two 30 minute walks, one at lunch and one after dinner.

Start with baby steps in both exercise and changing your eating habits. It is much easier to do that than to made sudden drastic changes. Remember you are not going on a diet and exercise program. You are changing the way you live.

The changes I have made have allowed me to live life the way it should be. I have an active social life that I never had and I enjoy doing new things.