I need some motivation to get to exercising

[ilovedolphins]

I just can't seem to get motivation to exercise.  I think I have too much going on but this is the time that I need to exercise to reduce stress.  I don't want to pay $35 a month for the gym this month if I know that I won't have the time to go.  I hate spending that much to join the gym but I also like it because it feels like it is "me" time.  I have a treadmill and tons of exercise equipment and videos at home but I just can't seem to get it going.  I have also been eating way too many bad foods.

The month of August I have two stressful weeks of work, my son is moving back home for a year to try and save for a house down payment and needs to be moved out by the end of August, my mom has doctor appointments for her newly diagnosed Parkinson's, and the doctor thinks I may have a tumor in my hand so that will mean multiple doctor visits, if not surgery.

I just feel really stressed and I know exercise would help.  I am getting an MRI on my hand on Monday so I will wait and see how long it will take to get the results before I pay for a month at the gym.

And I bought some really cute new clothes but I don't like the roll around my stomach that poochs out so you would think that would be enough motivation to get going but apparently not.

[Deleted]

Cut something from your diet that is high calorie, like bread or sugar and start taking half an hour walk. Easy things that will start some changes. Positive results will motivate you.

[chiver78]

what later said, baby steps. do you live near a park at all? you can easily walk laps around the park for a half hour or more, and you'll have good scenery. if not that, go park your car on a tree-lined street and just walk 15 minutes in one direction before turning around and walking back. anything to break your rut will be a good thing

[ilovedolphins]

I am going to start by cutting out soda.  I have gotten into the habit of having one every day at work.  And then I am going to start going for a walk.  Then in September if I don't have surgery then I am going to join the gym so I can run on the treadmill.  But if I start now with the little steps by September I hope to be in the routine.

[busymom]

Dolphins, I just saw your post, which motivated me to go out for a walk.    In the past I lost quite a bit of weight by simply walking, but I've gotten away from it because of too much family drama with my Mom, etc.  I used to walk every day, or at least every other day, but maybe if several of us hold each other accountable, we can all get on the right track, without joining a club.

[ilovedolphins]

All I have to do is go into my bedroom and jump on my treadmill but I have been up since 3 am, went to work for 8 hours, came home did dishes, mowed the grass, weedeated, baked a birthday cake and worked for 2 hours decorating it (my first time).  And now it is 8 pm and I just want to sit on my couch and wait for my son to get here with a load of belongings and then help him unload it.  I feel like I always have an excuse not to exercise.   But starting tomorrow I will get better.

[busymom]

You've been up since 3 am?!?    You know, studies show (yeah, I know, I should have a link)   that people who don't get enough sleep are more likely to carry extra weight.  Get to bed, Girl! 

[ilovedolphins]

I do have trouble sleeping.  I don't know if it is the chronic fatigue syndrome every once in a while holding me down or what.  But I definitely do have sleep problems.

[seriousthistime]

I think I have a few years on you, ilovedolphins, and I can say from experience that sometimes as we get older we can have sleep problems. I can't think of any friends my age who don't. Some of us take prescription meds, some just take Benadryl, and some tough it out. Have you talked to your doctor about it?

As far as motivation goes, signing up to walk a half marathon and committing to the training is good motivation! I haven't signed up for the next one yet, but I've begun training and made some travel plans for it.

[Deleted]

Dolphins I had a friend I exercised with for several years and it really helped. We both joined the local gym together for a while, but I hated it. I lasted a couple of years but then we both stopped and started cycling together once or twice a week. She also walked in the local forest every day with other friends (she has a dog, I don't, she doesn't work, I do). I generally exercised with her twice a week, some combination of gym / cycling / walking. 

Sadly (for me lol) my friend moved away two years ago. But it was SO much more motivating to exercise with a friend / partner! Is there anybody like that you could work with? Even just once or twice a week is much better than nothing! My sister who lives in NY also has friends she "power walks" with. 

This said, I think that $35 is a great investment in your health, if you will use the gym. I'd do it at that price if I knew I'd go at least once a week.  

If you can't find a "RL" friend to exercise with you, I'd be happy to be your "virtual" exercise partner. We are still on vacation, I haven't done this much physical activity in years, and although I haven't weighed myself, I know I've lost at least 10 lbs in these two weeks. I'm THRILLED, so I'd be very happy to keep it up once I get home (although I know I won't be able to do as much once the school year starts up again in September, I'm a teacher). 

Maybe we could get an "exercise" thread going, similar to the "decluttering" thread?! Since I'm away I don't always have access to internet but I'll be home again on Tues. 

But if you could find a RL partner to exercise with, that would be much better! What about your son?!

[ilovedolphins]

Unfortunately I don't have anyone who would exercise with me.  I think that would be real motivation to have a virtual partner.  I talked myself out of a soda today and then when I got home I was exhausted but I made myself walk on my treadmill (it is raining outside) for 30 minutes.  I am exhausted but I do feel better knowing that I made it through the day and kept to my goal.

[Shooby]

My advice is to keep it simple. Go out for some short walks or even a short period of exercise at home. Don't feel like you have to jump in with 2 hr workouts. Sometimes we set ourselves up for failure. You are busy snd thats ok.
And make small changes in your diet to get to where you want to be.

[Jaguar]

Quitting soda is huge. When you get the urge drink water instead, yes I know it ain't the same, but your body will need that more & more.

Congrats.

[chiver78]

Aug 3, 2013 20:11:05 GMT -5 Jaguar said:

Quitting soda is huge. When you get the urge drink water instead, yes I know it ain't the same, but your body will need that more & more.

Congrats.

if you feel like you need a flavor, try flavored seltzers. I've got a 2.5 gallon water jug in my fridge, but I also keep cans of seltzer for those times that I want a taste of something that isn't water. I've got a fridge pack each of lime and pomegranate Polar seltzer in my fridge right now. lots of flavors to choose from.

[busymom]

Nice work on using your treadmill!    If you haven't exercised in awhile, I hope 1/2 an hour at first doesn't make you too sore.  Back when I started up again, I was doing 15 to 20 minutes at a time, & working my way up.  I don't know why, but when I start overdoing it, I end up with a cold or something that keeps me from exercising for days.    Easy does it!


I would be happy to join you & Debt if you want to have a virtual friend to exercise with.  I know I would find that motivating, even if I don't get the opportunity to do something every day.  (We'll just have to cut each other a little slack on the days we don't do anything.)


I didn't "walk" today, but I shopped at 3 different large stores, & was pulling hoses around the house watering my grass & plants.  I think that counts as exercise.  (My back is talking ugly to me.) 

[Deleted]

I'm at my parents and they live by the beach. I have been doing a couple of walks a day most of this week, the days it didn't rain all day on me. Charlie is absolutely loving it.

[bean29]

I don't quite know what to tell you. I would suggest yoga or tai chi, but if you have surgery on your hand you might have trouble with planks, pushups etc. I also need my workouts to include situps... I stopped my bodypump class for 6-7 weeks and I have a roll like I never had before. I am re-comitted to making it to class 3x per week. I am calling on family to pick up some duties that were causing interference.

My gym is $20/mo. I always tried to get there 1x per week at a min...but family needs really interfered this summer. I am late 40's with no thyroid and I can't maintain a healthy weight w/o excercise.

I also sleep better when I excercise. A lot of people find yoga very relaxing. I like the workout...dislike the meditation part, so I hit a yoga class if I miss my regular class.

When I first committed to getting in shape more than 25 years ago I used an excercise bike and a video tape and was religious about working out. Then I started aerobics, step aerobics etc. I have done kick boxing and Zumba...still would occasionally if the classes fit my schedule. People who take classes in a gym have better LT success even if you go alone. I have gone to the same local gym for 6 years. I know people in my classes but we don't socialize outside of class. I tried another class with relatives, liked working out w/family but I already commute 50 miles a day...I don't want another hour of driving to get my excercise in.

If you are worried about the $$ Virtual excercise buddies might be the ticket until you know what gives with the hand.

Sent from my MB855 using proboards

[Shooby]

Freshen up your water with some lemon or lime. Put a pitcher of cold water in the fridge with to give some flavor.

[ZaireinHD]

I was in the same boat ilovedolphins or I am in the same boat? LOL
but seems to me your busy life in not an excuse to skip the exercise.
the point is to keep moving all day, be active and you are not just sitting down resting, sleeping, watching TV, playing video games, or doing nothing. well that's my problem, I'm nothing busy so exercise is my way to keep active.

what I do is I had to forget the idea of a minimum time limit. forget about the idea I have to do a minimum in order to make a difference. and second I had to forget about the idea that I have to get a minimum result. so if I don't do the treadmill or exercise bike, I'll use my weights. just do something everyday.
2 minutes a few times on your treadmill adds up during the day.

[ilovedolphins]

I have a job where I am on my feet and walking between 10 to 12 hours a day so luckily I don't have a sit down job.  I did put on the weight until they figured out my thyroid problem.  I am in my weight range just very flabby and have too much belly fat to suit me.  I need to start using my kettlebell again to get in some weight lifting as well as walking.

[ilovedolphins]

I didn't have a soda at work today and I hope to get on my treadmill tonight after my son leaves, if it isn't too late.

[busymom]

I drove to the city today so DD could meet up with one of her college friends.  They decided the zoo was a good halfway point.  So, I got 2 hours of walking in. 


I thought of this thread & thought I'd better report in.  Dolphins, can you think of a thread name that some of us could report in on any exercise we get in?


Sorry to hear your thyroid is giving you problems.  If you figure out a good combination of exercise to decrease belly fat, please report it to us.  Childbirth is cruel to a woman's body!

[ilovedolphins]

I got in a walk today also.  So I am on day 2 of no soda and walking.  Just one day at a time.   I don't know what a good thread name would be.  I am at a loss.   I bought the Weight Watchers Punch! video I am anxious to try just as soon as I get a chance.

[Peace Of Mind]

You want motivation?  Here you go.    Don't let this happen to your innocent pet or small children. 

 

[busymom]

POM! 


Sadly, this cartoon reminds me of a child I saw at the zoo today.  He was SO heavy, he literally could not walk normally down a flight of stairs.  He kind of had to turn sideways as he went down.  I'm thinking maybe he had trouble seeing his feet?    And then, his parents were feeding him candy as they went. 


Actually, my chief motivator was my Dad.  He got type 2 diabetes in his old age, due to overeating.  I don't want to end up having to check my blood all the time.

[ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ]

The zoo trip's a good idea. Or anyplace where you'll be walking around for a couple of hours.

Yesterday, I went to the new mega-mall near me with my SIL & niece. We walked - and walked - and walked. And still didn't see the whole place in a couple of hours. I sure felt it when I finally got to bed last night, and then again this morning.

But it got me motivated to keep moving - and also to get a bit more strenuous when walking. Before winter, I plan on doing a few more brisk outdoor walks around the neighborhood - and down the walking path to the nearby pond.

In the winter, the mall is a good place to get a walking workout without having to face the elements. (Just leave your money/credit cards at home and window shop as you cruise the aisles.) It's free to walk around and you don't need a membership or expensive equipment. Just walk around at a brisk pace, and keep a bottle of water with you.

[happyscooter]

I'm in for the thread about exercising.  DH and I always walked in the afternoon, even in the hottest months.  Since working on our house and it raining 4 out of 7 days, we have not walked in a few months.  We were out one day and even had someone ask us if everything was OK, they hadn't seen us out. 

[Deleted]

slow and steady wins the race

like some other posters said, small gradual changes

u can do it

[seriousthistime]

Why not join the already existing thread?

notmsnmoney.proboards.com/thread/29504/wir-get-fit-2013

[thyme4change]

The first month is probably the hardest.  Good luck.