How do I get into exercising

Am I a lost case because I hate it so much? Anyone hate it and then end up loving it?

Any suggestions? TIA

Re: How do I get into exercising

Re: How do I get into exercising

I find this to be a good way to get into it...

Commit to a month-long project--- and just say, on Day 1-- today I am going to start a project and just do it for 30 days. Keep track of your workouts, what you did, how much you weigh-- a journal essentially.

Anyway-- do all that you can to just stick with it for this one month-- there will be times that it is hard to make the time to work out, and other times when you have all the time in world-- but just don't want to. You have to push yourself.

By the time the month is over-- it will:
A- be a part of your routine
B- you will start seeing results-- which is THE BEST motivator to continue with exercise
C- if you really hate it-- maybe you will find one or two things you like, and perhaps there are other types of exercise you can do. Like a dance class, or some other athletic-- instead of just going to a gym.

Message edited 5/16/2008 10:48:30 AM.

Re: How do I get into exercising

Re: How do I get into exercising

I've found for myself, if I just commit to some kind of routine, for 3 months, after that it becomes habit.

A key too, is not to push yourself too hard in the beginning. Most people give up because they are just too demanding of themselves - i.e. if they don't do at least 40 minutes 3-4 times a week of really intense training, then it's just not worth doing anything.

Start out SLOW. Set very, very small goals, like workout 3 times a week for just 20 minutes. Build from there...

And start out with very enjoyable, low-intensity workouts. When I started back in on exercising a few months ago, I started with something as simple as walking during lunch for 25 minutes, three times a week. It didn't feel like a workout at all - in fact, it was really nice getting outside. And that started to invigorate me to do more. I added a little bit of pilates into the routine when I got home a few days a week. Then I started walking longer, maybe 40 minutes.

Any little bit of activity in your day helps - I started walking to and from the train. It's only a 15 minute walk, but every little thing counts! Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Good luck!

Re: How do I get into exercising

I find that I go through periods with exercise. I'll love it for awhile and do it consistently. Then when things get busy, it falls apart. Right now I am like you. I haven't been exercising for awhile and I know it's holding me back from losing weight.
I try to set a weekly goal for myself. This week I am determined to start exercising again. My goal is to walk 3 times this week. I always seem to use the excuse that I'm too tired so I tell myself that it doesn't matter how far or how fast I go. Just getting out there and doing something is what's important. I find that once I start, I have more energy and it gets easier to keep exercising.

Re: How do I get into exercising

Get yourself a really cute trainer.

that's what' I did

Re: How do I get into exercising

When I started working out I DRAGGED myself there for a month going routinely, 3-5x a week. Some days I'd even get to the parking lot and turn around...b/c i just didn't feel like it! But I made sure to go the next day. After a month, it got much easier. 2 months, cake. And ever since pushing thru that I LOVE working out now. I look forward to the high I feel afterwards. I look forward to the good feeling the next morning...it gets addictive. I still go thru ruts where i don't work out for weeks or even a month here or there...but once I'm back into it, the desire to work out again comes easy...much easier than when I first started.

Re: How do I get into exercising

I hated gym when I was growing up, but it was mainly because we constantly played volleyball, basketball, or baseball, all sports I suck at. When I got older, I discovered I'm actually a good runner--too bad we didn't do that in gym much. And a good cyclist, and I love swimming though I suck.

I think you need to find something you like--doesn't matter if you are good at it or not. Then it gets easier to exercise. So try all kinds of things. Even going for a walk for half an hour at a good pace will do wonders if you do it enough.

I'm not so into the gym. Is this where you are going to exercise? If so, you could try hiring a trainer for a session or two--they may be able to help you learn to do more with the equipment. An d if they have classes like pilates or yoga, take them. Me, can't stand the gym anymore, so I do most of my exercise at home or indoors.

Re: How do I get into exercising

I hated it at first. I then found an exercise that I liked (Pilates Reformer) and joined a gym that offers these classes every day. Since I could use the rest of the gym I started on the treadmill and then just tried machines. I started seeing results and that is where I started to love it.

Don't make yourself do too much and take it easy at the beginning. When you start seeing results then I think you will love it.

ETA- I just felt better about myself after I went to the gym and felt more energetic. I also did a rewards system at the beginning, so when I got down to a goal I would buy myself some shoes or new clothes.

Message edited 5/17/2008 9:16:27 PM.

Re: How do I get into exercising

find something you will love to do. get good music to keep you motivated and moving. If you are doing cardio, watch TV or get some magazines to read (I like quick short articles, rather than books).

Also find a time that works for you, but be flexible, so that if you can't make that exact time you have the option to go another time rather than not at all that day.

Be patient ikn making it a habit.

Be patient with your progression, meaning don't push yourself to quick and hurt yourself, cause then you can't go at all.

Be patient with your results and set goals, so you keep motivated.

Find rewards to treat yourself or work towards to keep you going!

Good luck!!!

Re: How do I get into exercising

My biggest struggle is finding time...

Im up very early, and cant fathom getting up any earlier, AND I go to bed pretty early (obviously because I get up for work so early) I barely make it to 8 o'clock some nights...

When I get home from work; Im cooking, straightening up, taking care of bills, and whatever free time I have I spend with my child.

Leaving him to go to the gym is NOT an option.

I try to take walks or jogs with him in the stroller- but of course he is not always interested in doing that.

I enjoy excericising, but can find the time...

Ultimately Id like to run every morning, and have had my alram set for 4:30 for the past 2 weeks, in the hopes of getting in a half an hour jog before getting ready for work- but Im yet to have a morning where I dont hit snooze until 5am.

Re: How do I get into exercising

I have the same problem, I hate it and therefore cannot motivate myself to do it