Exercise, Say What?

[Evergirl]

The first time around I love 40 pounds in three months! I hate to say it but I kept it off for 11 years. Then I met my husband, hurt both my knees from running and gained the 40 + 30 more!!! Yikes!!!! The newlywed spread they call it and i my behind spread really wide. The first time I lost weight without working out until I got to the end of my weight loss then I worked out like a mad woman for 11 years then my genetics kicked in and kicked my butt. I loved running because it helped me eat a couple things not acceptable on atkins and get away with it. I don't have that option now and I just can't get motivated to workout. What motivation tips do you have to get you up and going? It's harder this time, everything is harder this time.

[beginanew]

What motivates me are the challenges. I've been following Atkins for about a month now. I have joined the water and stair climbing challenges. They definitely got me doing the right things. You should take a look at the challenges forum.

Good luck! You can do this!

[chinadoll]

If you plan to workout in the morning, set out your workout clothes the night before. Get them on in the morning. The guilt of wearing them and then not using them helps. Then force yourself to get out and do just 5 mins. Tell yourself I CAN GIVE FIVE LOUSY MINUTES. And then start (This is always the hardest part). Once you get going I am betting it will turn to 10,15 etc.

Make a deal with yourself that you WILL STICK to exercise for one full week. Make it non-negotiable. After a full week you will already feel better and remember why you used to exercise. It gets easier. I promise.

DON'T go out and kill yourself out there that first week. Just get moving at a pace and duration with which you are comfortable. And don't choose something you hate to do.

[my31168]

Hi, First of all, welcome back! This is what's worked for me. I found them online:

Be realistice when setting your goals: Set goals you know you can follow through with. Choose activities you know you can do and do well. If you find yourself constantly frustrated with your workout, chances are it's time to rework your strategy and find a better fit.

Find workouts that aren't "workouts": Being active still counts, even if it's not a proper workout. Walk to the store. Choose stairs over elevators. Walk during your lunch hour. Designate an "active" day where you don't have to go to the gym, but make a conscious effort to exert some energy. You will feel good for being active, and will have given yourself a break from your normal regime.



Write it down: Keeping a log to show improvement will help you see how well you're doing and can help you set new goals. If you feel like you've been doing the same thing for ages, set a new challenge and track your progress. Having some workout "homework" could help you become more diligent. (This really helped me)


Reward! Reward! Reward!: If you find exercise is torture (which I think running is! LOL), give yourself something for getting through it. Whether you exercise for 4 days in a row, or jog an extra mile--if you're happy with your performance, give yourself a prize! This could be a day off from the gym, a new pair of jeans...make yourself happy because you deserve it!

Distract yourself: Pull up a stationary bike/treadmill in front of the TV. Listen to your favorite tunes on your headphones. Enjoy books on tape. Having other things to concentrate on can make a big difference in helping time go by. When I go walking by myself I bring my cell phone and call a friend and time really goes by fast. Another thing I do is go walking in the mall. You can do a lot of people watching and time goes by quicker than you think.


If at first you don't succeed: There's no limit to the number of chances you get to start exercising again. If you give up or skip week after week, try again--once you finish that daily workout, you'll be glad you did. I had more excuses NOT to workout (and some days still do), but it really helps when I DO exercise. Both physically and mentally.
Hope these help. Best of luck to you!!! Remember, start out slow so you don't get discouraged. We've all been there...taking the first step is the hardest. You won't regret it when you start looking, feeling better!

[Evergirl]

Thanks for the advice. I will take baby steps.