Keep in mind that it doesn't have to be formal "exercise," especially at first. When you are starting out doing things like walking the dog or kicking a soccer ball with the kids or family hikes are great. Obviously, as you get in better shape you will eventually have to increase the intensity of the exercise, but at the beginning just do something, anything really, to move more than you ordinarily would. But at the same time remember that doing the bare minimum may result in a minimal loss, so the more the better but a little is better than nothing.
I agree with Jordan, it doesn't have be forma exercises. I like dancing in my living room to my favorite music. Drives my cat crazy but I like it. Also playing a sport, I am a fan of playing basketball in my yard, or I might jump rope. Then switch it up every once in a while and add in the more formal stuff, like walking/running on a treadmill and doing light weights.
To both of you - what do you think the problem is with exercise specifically?
In my experience, better eating habits are, at first, a little difficult. You want to do things the old way you did them. You want to be able to get your same old convenience foods...change is uncomfortable. But you get through it...you push through, you eventually change your habits, and you settle in, right? You may even start to really LIKE your new foods and exploring the new flavors.
Exercise is the same way. At first, it is difficult, and feels like a big change. But then, you adjust. You change your habits, and eventually you really get to LIKING it.
So how to get started....just start. And keep at it. Eventually, it'll get a lot easier.
I think the problem is a couple of things, trying to find time, during the week I am really tired once i get home from work, it's our busy season. But what do I do intead? Get in my pj's and sit on the couch and watch tv. ugh. I have gotten into the habit of excersize before, and I ALWAYS felt better and lost more weight when I excersized along with eating right. So, I know it is something I should do. I just don't like it. Second, I am lazy about it. On a sat when I am not tired or working, I'm sitting around reading or something, I say to myslef I could take this book and walk on the treadmill with it at the gym, even though it's slow, I'd still be moving, but then something in my brain says, eh, I'd rather just sit on the couch and read. = LAZY!!!! Third, it's been sooooo cold and I have to go to the gym to work out, once I get home I don't feel like going back out in 0 degree temps. Yes, it's another excuse, but it is true. I really am going to try and get back into the habit of working out. I have done it before and felt so much better about myself and lost more weight, like 2-3 lbs a week, instead of 3-4 lbs a month like the past couple months have been.
I'm gonna start with going back to the gym tonight. Promise.
I have to go to the gym to work out, once I get home I don't feel like going back out
I have this problem, no matter what the temperature - hot or cold!
I go straight from work. I pack my gym bag every night, put it in the car in the morning, and go straight to the gym before I go home. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.
If I go home first, it's very very unlikely that I'll leave again!
I need the structure of the gym and if I don't go before work then I won't go. The problem I have is that I have to get up so very early to go...but the benefits far outweigh the horrid thought of getting up at 4 am! btw, getting up that early sounds way worse than it is...lol.
I think like so many others have said you need to find what is right for YOU! You have worked so very hard to lose that initial weight and when you do incorporate exercise into your life you will really enjoy the additional benefits that only exercise can give!
If nothing else listen to Photochick...you are an adult, you HAVE to exercise to have a healthly lifestyle. Just do it!
I hate going to the gym. It's just a huge hassle to me, and I hate the idea of having to wait my turn for equipment, etc. Plus, I really don't want to be seen while I'm huffing and puffing since I'm embarrassed at how I look! So, I have a variety of work-out tapes and DVD's that I do at home where I don't have to worry about how I look or how uncoordinated I am.
I always work out first thing after I wake up. I find that if I watch TV or tell myself that I'll do it after work, then I will start coming up with excuses as to why I can't do it (tired, too much to do, don't like it, I'll do it tomorrow, etc).
So, I get up an hour earlier than I normally would, get-dressed, and just start working out before my brain can fully wake up and start trying to talk me out of it. By the time I am awake enough to realize "Hey! You're excersizing! When did that happen?!" I am already half-way through a tape or DVD.
And when I'm feeling very unmotivated, I will tell myself "just do 10 minutes and then you can quit." Almost 100% of the time I find that when I do that I will carry on and finish the work-out.
Last edited by Apple Cheeks; 02-28-2008 at 07:39 PM.
First, congrats! That's awesome! I have my unmotivated spells too. I just think back on all that I've been through the last few months and refuse to give up. I just have to get started. Just like apple cheeks once I get started exercising I don't want to quit.
