How do I learn to love exercise again?

[Anonymous]

I've got a lot of weight to lose and have managed to clean up my eating pretty well and lost a good bit of weight, but ultimately I have to get moving and exercising. I find I just don't enjoy it and I'm not motivated to do it on a consistent basis.

I used to love to exercise and even ran 5Ks and did a few triathlons years ago, but now I'm finding it hard to get myself motivated to do anything. I have access to a gym and have done some classes and I also have a treadmill at home. I have a busy schedule with a long commute but really have no excuse why I can't carve out some time ever day to move and exercise.

Any tips? I need some major motivation.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Go in the morning before work - just roll yourself out of bed when you're too busy to fight yourself.

Have your gym clothes laid out, gym bag packed, and work clothes ironed the night before. Even your lunch packed and breakfast made.

If possible, set your coffee pot on a timer so that starts when you're getting up.

Tell yourself you'll just go today to stretch and do 15 minutes of exercise. Add 5 minutes every day. Once you start feeling the endorphins, you'll be much more encouraged to keep going back and getting there earlier and earlier.

Good luck, OP.

[Anonymous]

Borrow a friend's dog and take it for a walk.

Volunteer for special olypics and teach what you know.

Visualize yourself running on your favorite trail or running a race (real or imagined).

[Anonymous]

Trying different classes can help - I've liked different ones during different stages of my life - yoga, pilates... keep a podcast or audiobook that you can only listen to at the gym, get an accountability buddy.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Go in the morning. I only listen to podcats and watch Netflix when I am on the elliptical. It is my reward!

Also, try to get a few sessions with a trainer so you can get a weighs routine. I realized that I dreaded the cardio/machine but as I have aged my focus should be more on strength.

[Anonymous]

Start by taking a walk. It can be short. It can be done first thing in the morning, at lunch or in the evening. I like walking because I can do it anywhere and can always find time. On insanely busy days, I might have to take several short walks but I always reach my goal. On most days I take a 2.5-3 mile walk but aim for a total of 10k steps using my Fitbit. I go to the gym 3x a week too but I really love my walks. I can vary them in terms of distance, terrain, speed and location so I never get bored. I listen to music and find it's a great way to destress.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the tips, advice and encouragement. Going to get moving and I suspect it will get easier over time.

[Anonymous]

Great thread thanks. I need this motivation too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Great thread thanks. I need this motivation too.

The past 2 weeks, I just started running first thing on a local trail in the morning before my tikes wakeup.
My mood has changed and feel more focused.

Remember anything worth doing is hard.

[Anonymous]

OP, google some different High Intensity Interval Training routines for the treadmill. I find that having to constantly adjust the speed and incline keeps me from getting bored. I'm a lot more motivated on a treadmill than outside (I hate being too hot, too cold etc)

[Anonymous]

The best is to find a workout buddy.

You have to get through the hard beginning part where you have to force yourself to go, after about a month it will become a habit and not so hard. Plus, you will start to see results, which will motivate you to keep at it.

[Anonymous]

I agree re: waking up early before you know what's happening. Go to the gym or do tapes.... even 20 min is good. Lay out clothes and set coffee!!! I am so happy and grateful after I do that and I feel strong all day.

[Anonymous]

Yes on the buddy!

This may sound silly, but buy yourself some new workout gear. New sneakers, sports bra, fun leggings, etc. If you don't want to go to a high end store, marshalls and target both have cute athleisure sections. This can help motivate you.

Choose classes you will go to and add them into your schedule. Maybe start with 2/week.

Remember that something is always better than nothing! A 10 minute jog is better than no jog. Start slow and ease into it.

Good luck! You can do it!

[Anonymous]

I used to cycle steroids and it helped me get out of ruts, tremendously

[Anonymous]

Walk the treadmill at max incline so you get a good workout but can watch tv. Watch something smutty like true blood (or whatever floats your boat) and only allow yourself to watch the long series while working out.