Advice for getting back into shape? (update)

I looked at my wedding pictures for a little over a year ago and I feel so that I know I am not in the same shape I was in then. I saw a personal trainer before the wedding and got VERY out of the routine since then!

Any ideas for getting back on track? I keep going to the gym 1 or 2 days and then give up I get SO intimidated by the countless people running longer and faster than me!


***Update*** I just wanted to let everyone know I am heading out NOW to go to the gym! (10:20 on Sunday morning.... normally I'm still in bed at this time! )

Message edited 8/16/2009 10:20:52 AM.

Re: Advice for getting back into shape?

My advice: Ignore them. They, too, were once where you are.
I love the Couch to 5K program for starting running again. It's awesome. And it's only 3 days a week for 30 minutes or so.

Start small. Start with one thing, like a running program. After a few weeks, add something else, like a class or weights. Make small diet changes like drinking more water or eating more vegetables.

Don't look at it like you have to be in shape by next month or you have to lose 10 pounds by October. Instead, look at this like a journey and you have your WHOLE life to do this and you'll haave good days and you'll have bad days. But you can't let the bad days where you didn't eat right or exercise take you down. It's really like a road trip. Sometimes you get off track or get lost or the car breaks down, but it's just temporary. You fix what broke and get back in the car again and keep going. I read something somewhere, maybe here. It took time to get OUT of shape, it will take time to get IN to shape.

Maybe get that trainer again. The mind is very powerful. Don't let it discourage you. You have to be your own cheerleader!

Re: Advice for getting back into shape?

Thank you so much for this EXTREMELY thoughtful and meaningful advice!

You are absolutely right in everything you said. I keep on thinking of short terms goals of going to the gym and keep failing...... but it's absolutely a lifestyle change. I wish that I thought of it like that when I was preparing for my wedding... rather than just aiming to look amazing for this one day and then dropping to a lazy bean!

Your advice was VERY helpful!

Re: Advice for getting back into shape?

I really think it is all about setting up a routine. During the school year, everyday after the work, the first thing I do is exercise. If I sit around, I know I will never get going. I immediately change into my workout clothes and go running.

As for during the summer, I always work out an hour after breakfast. I fear that if I put it off until the afternoon it will never get done. Once you do this, it becomes habit.

Today is actually my off day and I am like hmmm....what should I do with this hour and I usually wind up not knowing what to do with myself.

Re: Advice for getting back into shape?

Thanks! I can't believe I let this whole summer go by and only went to the gym a few times I was really depending on this summer to get into a routine. BUT... it still isn't too late!

I am definitely going to try and get into that routine after school. I just get SO tired When I come home, all I wanna do is plop on the bed and sleep till DH comes home!! I must get into a better routine. I think that definitely means an earlier bedtime too!

Thank you so much for your advice!

Re: Advice for getting back into shape?

Posted by PennyCat

Thanks! I can't believe I let this whole summer go by and only went to the gym a few times I was really depending on this summer to get into a routine. BUT... it still isn't too late!

I am definitely going to try and get into that routine after school. I just get SO tired When I come home, all I wanna do is plop on the bed and sleep till DH comes home!! I must get into a better routine. I think that definitely means an earlier bedtime too!

Thank you so much for your advice!

Re: Advice for getting back into shape?

Posted by PennyCat

Thanks! I can't believe I let this whole summer go by and only went to the gym a few times I was really depending on this summer to get into a routine. BUT... it still isn't too late!

I am definitely going to try and get into that routine after school. I just get SO tired When I come home, all I wanna do is plop on the bed and sleep till DH comes home!! I must get into a better routine. I think that definitely means an earlier bedtime too!

Thank you so much for your advice!

Re: Advice for getting back into shape?

Posted by CAMCaps

Posted by PennyCat

Thanks! I can't believe I let this whole summer go by and only went to the gym a few times I was really depending on this summer to get into a routine. BUT... it still isn't too late!

I am definitely going to try and get into that routine after school. I just get SO tired When I come home, all I wanna do is plop on the bed and sleep till DH comes home!! I must get into a better routine. I think that definitely means an earlier bedtime too!

Thank you so much for your advice!

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Pack your gym stuff with you and go immediately to the gym after work. Then there is no temptation to take a nap. Plus, the run will rejuvenate you AND you will sleep better at night.

Re: Advice for getting back into shape?

Posted by lipglossjunky73

Posted by PennyCat

Thanks! I can't believe I let this whole summer go by and only went to the gym a few times I was really depending on this summer to get into a routine. BUT... it still isn't too late!

I am definitely going to try and get into that routine after school. I just get SO tired When I come home, all I wanna do is plop on the bed and sleep till DH comes home!! I must get into a better routine. I think that definitely means an earlier bedtime too!

Thank you so much for your advice!

You have to plan out your eating for the day - thats my biggest challenge - I don't eat enough and then the thought of going to the gym when I'm not just hungry - but STARVING and dizzy is impossible. Pack some pre-gym snacks to eat on the way home so you get an energy kick!!

Re: Advice for getting back into shape?

sign up for a few sessions of personal training. that helped me!

Re: Advice for getting back into shape? (update)

***Update*** I just wanted to let everyone know I am heading out NOW to go to the gym! (10:20 on Sunday morning.... normally I'm still in bed at this time! )

Re: Advice for getting back into shape? (update)

Posted by CAMCaps

***Update*** I just wanted to let everyone know I am heading out NOW to go to the gym! (10:20 on Sunday morning.... normally I'm still in bed at this time! )

That's great! Keep up the good work!!