Hi All,

I need some serious advice. I absolutely HATE to exercise and I cannnot bring myself to stick to any kind of regimen. I own every DVD that I can possibly own and I pop them in and go for a few minutes and then I quit. there have been a few times where I have completed it and even done it every day for a week or so. I have never done it more than that. I have struggled with binge/compulsive eating all of my life. I really am trying to stick to a food plan and I know I must exercise, but something inside is stopping me. It's like I am totally defiant to exercise. Please tell me what I can do?? I know that the obvious is 'JUST DO IT', but it just don't feel that way for me.
does anyone else struggle with exercise like this?

Thanks!

I know how you feel!! I used to say to myself "im going to start exercising tomorrow" then tomorrow turns into months! I guess you get to a point when you are just fed up with your weight and want to change! My motivation is the summertime!! Nice clothes and better health!! I got fed up with not finding clothes to fit me in any store, now I go to the gym everyday and it is kind of addicting and while im exercising I listen to my music and just imagine how I will look when all the weight is gone!

PUSH YOURSELF!

When I got large enough to be worried I wouldn't be able to sit in a plane seat (I need to travel for work), worried that I would have to walk with a walker, and worried that I may not be flexible enough to clean myself sufficiently, I RAN to the gym and joined with a trainer to make sure I kept going.

My fear of being handicapped by my size and lack of exercise was a lot greater than my dislike of exercising.

Well... what about it do you dislike?

Sweat? Maybe you could look at water aerobics or swimming so it feels cooler.

Is the DVD thing too hard? Maybe you could wear a heart rate monitor to see what range it is putting you at. It's not pleasant to try to exercise outside your range -- trying building up to it.

Is it being alone? Maybe you need a group class.

Is it hamster wheel syndrome? Maybe you need a goal like a charity 5K or PALA to make it feel you are doing this for a REASON rather than doing this like a mouse in a wheel.

Are you having trouble breathing? Maybe you need to be checked for asthma.

It isn't enough to say "I hate exercise." Try to sit down and think out WHY you hate it, and maybe that will help give a clue as to how to fix it.

GL!
A.

My only advice is to find something you enjoy. So many times we try various forms of exercise because others say that's a great workout, or it's the current thing (like Zumba or spinning) or it's the most convenient. But if you don't like what you're trying to stick to, you won't stick to it! For me personally, I love running and I will do that consistently. I also really love weight training, but I detest being on cardio machines in the gym unless I have absolutely no other option. My husband loves biking and hates running so he bikes and I run! I don't like DVDs at all because after the first couple of times, I'm bored out of my mind. Do you have the option of taking classes - you may find something really clicks for you.

Once you find something you love, you'll stick with it.

Oh my gosh I think we'er twins! I HATE exercise! I have done the same thing for years. Binge, "I'll start tomorrow", binge some more, and then hate myself.

Here is what I did. You first have to realize that exercise NEEDS to be a part of life. Not just a short term thing to lose weight. It has to be something you do every day. (sorry, I don't mean to scare you - it still kinda scares me) It doesn't have to be a 2 hour workout. It can be 30 min. On Jan 4 (so really not that long ago) I made a commitment to myself to take one of my DVD's and do it. Not to lose weight, but to be healthier. For the first 2 weeks I hated it almost every day. There were some things that I couldn't hardly do or do for very long. But I am realizing that my body is starting to crave it. I set aside time everyday to "just do it". When I started (not even 3 weeks ago) I could barely do 3 push ups. Yesterday I did 14!

When I started I Googled "habbit" and found out that it takes an average of 66 days to make something a habbit. That seems like a long time but when you look at your life time and the benefit of forcing yourself to make this a habit its not that long.

Why do you quit after a few minutes? Are you tired, or do you think it's not going to do anything to help you so you quit?

maybe you can find something that you really enjoy doing to help you exercise...like some kinds of dancing, or different sports..just anything that will gwt you going...it doesnt have to be an "exercise" make it fun for you, you'll be more likelt to stick with it then

I find if the video or excerise doesnt interest me I cant keep with it. try doing something you like or changing up the video. tae bo always does the trick with me but most other videos I cant stand. no idea why

I hated exercise too, and always did. Always had some excuse as to why I didn't do anything. But this past December, when I realized I was squeezing (tightly) into the next size up - and took a good look at myself in the mirror - I knew it was time. Belive me, it did NOT come easy - it's been years that I've "wanted" to make a change, but only jumped in half heartedly.

I think getting to the point of exercising, at least for me was two-fold. First, I had to really want and COMMIT to making a complete lifestyle change. I want this SO bad - I can taste it! Two, I think starting slow and having a GOAL is so important! I rallied a couple of friends to register for a 5k with me in June - THAT is my motivation. I joined a gym and have gone 5-6x a week. And you know what - it's getting easier and I am actually liking it a *little*. I certainly don't love it - but I am hoping as it gets easier, I will learn to love it. Start by just walking and work your way up. Set a goal to lose a certain amount of weight (or inches) by a certain date..something like that. Summer is on it's way - in addition to the 5k - I plan on wearing a bikini during our vacation in August - now THAT is motivation for sure!!

Thanks for all of the replys. Everyone one of you are right. In my mind I know that I just have to "DO IT'. Summer is right around the corner and I don't want to face yet ANOTHER summer feeling ashamed of my body. I know that if I exercise I can be in decent shape by then. Not bikini shape, but that doesn't matter. I am too conservative for that!! I can look good and feel good about a cute little sundress or short outfit. Mostly, i want to do this for my health!
Thanks again!