I have hit the dreaded plateau... I have been stuck at around 255 for the past 2 months and I need to change that!
When I started trying to be healther, I started doing a few things that have become habit (eating breakfast, drinking lots of water) but I can't seem to make exercise a habit. I am not sure what to do about that...I do work out a few times a week with someone from work, but if left to my own devices I would just go home from work and just collapse in front of the tv. I get to the point to where I get home, do my chores then I don't feel like changing into workout clothes and going to the gym. Very sad - but how do you MAKE it a habit?
I decided early on that exercise and eating healthy was not going to be a choice, any more than any of the things that I do on a regular basis to be a responsible adult.
I get up in the morning and go to work even though I'd much rather snuggle under the covers and sleep until noon.
I pay my bills every month, even though I'd much rather buy new shoes and books and go on vacation.
I do my laundry and wash my dishes and vacuum the floor and mop the kitchen, even though I'd rather veg on the sofa in front of the tv.
I do all of these things because I'm a responsible adult and these are the things you do, whether you want to or not, to live a reasonable life.
And I exercise for the same reason. Some days I enjoy it. Some days it's just a chore that has to be done. But I do it even though I'd rather veg in front of the tv, because it's part of being a responsible adult and taking care of my life.
It helped me to think of it as a non-negotiable thing I have to do. I can't lose weight and I won't be able to maintain weight loss if I don't exercise. Like photochick says, you brush your teeth, you go to work, you pay the bills, you clean the toilet, you exercise. All these things you do because you are responsible, not because you necessarily enjoy them. If you can find an exercise you enjoy though, that will make it even easier.
That's true. As I was reading I was thinking...well, all of those have consequences if you don't do them (bills, work, etc) but honestly so does not working out. It's like saving for retirement I guess - if you don't do it now you will be screwed in the future...
I just need to chant...be a responsible adult, be a responsible adult...
Exercising became a habit for me simply by doing it, and doing it and doing it. Like everyone said, it was not a choice, I made it non-negotiable.
It was HARD at first, no joke. But, I did what I could - even if it was 5 minutes at a time. I cannot express how fulfilling it is - the satisfaction you get from seeing your endurance and strength grow. It's almost better than watching the pounds drop off. After I saw results, I no longer had to force myself.
Once I got more efficient at it it actually became enjoyable. I don't have to force myself anymore - I never EVER thought I'd say this - but I love some exercise, and the lovely endorphins.
So yeah, make yourself do it, make the time, FORCE yourself if need be. Once you've stuck with it long enough to results you won't want to risk losing them.
Sara, I think you have a great thing going to have a workout partner. Somedays that is what gets me to exercise, knowing that someone else is depending on me. Also look for fun things to do! Take a class (martial arts, weight lifting, yoga). Mix things up a little bit.
But, yeah, it does come down to discipline, sometimes. No magic, just deciding to do it and making it happen.
There have been a lot of good threads on getting through plateaus. But as far as motivation to continue, being in a plateau or not is irrelevant to me. Because my goal was to change my life and my health, not just lose weight. So I knew from the first day that it (or at least most of it) was forever, regardless of weight. So I see continuing with my healthy eating and exercise, and breaking through a plateau, as two different things.
What motivates me is the tremendous endurance I have built. I have gone from not being able to do 2 minutes on the cardio setting on the recumbent bike to doing 22 miles in one hour. And it only took 4 weeks to get there. Just start slowly, 5 minutes at a time.
I struggle still with exercise too. A few things that have helped...
1) Doing it in the morning. I can't face exercising after work. First thing in the morning is just easier...maybe my brain is still asleep.
2) A partner. This summer my next door neighbor suggested we walk together. She is MUCH more fit than I, and quickly discovered that it was not very aerobic for her, but she stuck with it twice a week. Knowing she was expecting me forced me up and out some days.
3) Incorporating it into my daily life. I try to figure out places I can walk. I bought a small, light backpack. Now I try to walk to the library, walk to the grocery store for a few things etc. I'm even driving partway and walking the rest. The good weather may end this strategy, but in doing it I've definitely made the walking more enjoyable and added speed and endurance.
Habits and Plateaus
