Newbie needs motivation

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-12-2007
Newbie needs motivation
13
Thu, 09-06-2007 - 10:16pm

Hello,

I just found this board this evening and am hoping for some suggestions. I can control my eating pretty well but have a terrible time getting motivated to exercise. My dad recently had surgery as a result of poor circulation and it was kind of a wake-up call for me. I need to get moving NOW if I want to be in good shape when I get to be in my early 60s like he is now.

I am fortunate enough to have a small workout room (which includes a treadmill, stair stepper & weights) at my job. (Which really just goes to show how truly unmotivated I am, now doesn't it?) ;)

Any advice?

TIA,
Robyn

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Avatar for schnappsers
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 09-07-2007 - 7:20am
I had a hard time getting motivated too. I started out by going for walks at a scenic area near me and gradually increased my pace so it felt like more of a workout. I eventually was able to add in weight lifting too and get over my dislike of the gym. This may sound odd, but what really got me moving and helped me do more while working out was my iPod. Just listening to music really helped. I loaded it with mostly songs with a farily fast pace and find that I really modify my pace when the music changes. I even use the music to help me do more intense, interval cardio workouts. I push as hard as I can during the refrain in most songs. It gives me a long enough burst of intensity without wearing me out completely and it's all during songs I really like, so I find myself enjoying it more and looking forward to whatever song may come on next. Plus, after a few days of working out, you'll find that it makes you feel better....more alert, even happier and you have a sense of accomplishment for actually getting yourself out there and working out.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Fri, 09-07-2007 - 11:31am

Welcome to the board Robyn! Great to see you here!


It sounds like the Community Walking Challenge might be a great way to get started! I think there is a post below about it.


You might want to start by committing to going for a walk or getting on the treadmill for 10 minutes a day - go for a quick stroll at lunch or after dinner!


Here's the link for the challenge info:


http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=iv-fbfitthirty&msg=12640.1&ctx=0


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 09-07-2007 - 12:14pm

Hey there Robyn- do check out that walking challenge :-)


With a mini gym right there at work it won't be so hard to squeeze in 10-20mins on the treadmill- before or after work, or even at your lunch break. Maybe pair up with a work buddy- and keep tabs on each other ;-)





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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-12-2007
Fri, 09-07-2007 - 9:43pm

That's good advice - thanks!

I think I could probably get started if I start small and have good tunes like you suggest.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-12-2007
Fri, 09-07-2007 - 9:45pm
Thanks for the welcome, Miranda, and for the link. I'll check it out.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-12-2007
Fri, 09-07-2007 - 9:46pm

That's a very good idea about the buddy; there's a gal in my office who I know would make me accountable if I just asked...

Thanks!

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-08-2007
Sat, 09-08-2007 - 6:56pm

Hi,

Why not join a sport or activity that keeps you active, so you have to go to practices and be accounted for.

Just an Idea!

Tam

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-12-2007
Sat, 09-08-2007 - 7:42pm
That's a very good idea, but I wouldn't know where to start looking. Plus I need to be just a little more in shape to get started! ;)
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-08-2007
Sun, 09-09-2007 - 12:37am

Well not be pushie....But I way 320 lbs and joined a softball team in the summer and lost 10lbs. Now I joined a soccer team and mexican ballet. Yeah I get a lot of stares, but I really don't care, it is my health. I chose things that I always wanted to do.

Anything you decide to do, stay strong and steady.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-12-2007
Sun, 09-09-2007 - 12:17pm

I don't find you pushy at all. I completely welcome your opinions.

Also a challenge is that my domestic situation doesn't allow a lot of free time for things like that. I work FT and my DH has a host of medical problems so he requires quite a bit of caregiving from me, too.

I think what will work best for me personally is early morning walks combined with small workouts at my job. That way none of that time detracts from his needs.

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