[Vates]

Hi All i am just wondering what everyone tips are for going to the gym. I Know i will feel better and always do after i go to the gym. But this week i have been so depressed i just haven't managed to get there.

Any tips?

[bethbeth]

My advice is to not make a list of pros and cons. You can always find "good" reasons for putting it off. Just tell yourself to get up and go!

[chickennugget126]

I just imagine feeling good... not depressed, not sad, not heavy and tired... but actually feeling good, the kind of feeling only exercise can bring about, and think, "I really want that. I need that."

I know how hard it is when depression is on top of your shoulders like a heavy, exhausting blanket and exercising is the last thing you feel like doing... but they really don't call it "nature's antidepressant" for nothing.

And afterwards, be SO proud of yourself, no matter what you did, because you're taking care of yourself. I hope this helps!! I have been there, and I know how it absolutely sucks.

[chickennugget126]

Also, at times when I'm sooo not motivated to go to the gym, the best way for me to still get a workout in is just to go outside. Walk around. Once you start moving, you'll want to keep moving because it'll feel good.

Just do something that makes you tired... and then afterwards, you won't be tired... amazing, huh?

[Sweetcaroline]

Boy can I relate to this... I have chronic depression and its tough to get going most days... In the past I have had to break the going to the gym process down into small 'efforts'... I could not committ to 3,4,5 days a week, that was overwhelming... some days I just drove to the gym and didn't even go in... LOL...but to me it was a victory, other days I just put my sneakers on and walked around my house... LOL... Yup... it was that bad... but one day I put it all together and actually got there ! yeah... It's still a big chore, but from past experience, I know it will help with the depression. All I need to do is put 3 days in a row and I'm good... GOOD LUCK... you can do this....

[ohmanda]

I wasted $600 on personal training sessions I never used. Obviously, I have problems with motivation. Last time I went to work out was a couple weeks ago but my anxiety was really acting up and I was trying to use the weight machines but felt I couldn't because a guy was cleaning them around me and I got really nervous. Sometimes when I actually get myself out of bed to go workout, I can't even do it. I get in patterns of going for a week or 2 then I miss a day and it all goes downhill...