"Soft" workouts and post-gym regret

s-aries8990

So, I do this thing were I wimp out on workouts, take an extra break during a body pump class, not push my self on the treadmill/ elliptical , stop crunches when it "hurts", don't do enough reps with free weights, etc. Basically I pussy out.

I'm also a softie for food and get lazy- I'll just eat whatever my mom is cooking for dinner that night (I live at home with a 24 year old garbage disposal, I mean brother, and a mother with "texture" restrictions- food that breaks down easily). If there's cake in the house forget it.

What I'm asking is how do you stay motivated? I know that only I can truly motivate myself, but is there a trick that you use to keep a healthy lifestyle in the forefront of your brain? I just always "forget" in the moments that I'm out to eat and then have munchers remorse later.... Any suggestions? Thanks!

entropicbeauty

Sounds like you really just love to make excuses for yourself...if you actually want to change, just do it.

I find it really rewarding when I'm working out and I feel like giving up but push through. There is a sense of accomplishment when you finish something that was hard. You have to ask yourself, is it your body that's giving out, or are you just letting your brain give up?

As for eating - I suggest calorie counting on a site like myfitnesspal.com - maybe once you understand the nutrition you're putting into your body you'll be more aware of exactly what you're eating and control the quantity.

s-aries8990

Oh its totally my brain,  I can push through it, but I just don't. I am completely making excuses for myself, and I know it.

I did the myfitnesspal thing, the livestrong thing and the choosemyplate thing and I just never stick with it more than a month or two.  I know how to eat well, I did it all growing up, but once I went to college it was all down-hill.

I'm getting back to my old pre-college eating habits (lots of water, salads several times/week, fruit, yougurt and raw veggie snacks almost daily), slowly but surely, but in highschool I was also more physically active- gym class 3-4/week, dance classes for 5 hours between 2 days, and an active job at the grocery store. Now, my job is MUCH more sedentary and I feel like it discourages my motivation to move.

Is there a mantra that you repeat to yourself? Or a note that you always look at?

This morning I woke up with the song "I can go the distance" from Disney's Hercules in my head and kept repeating it to myself all during bodypump this morning, and it helped. I'm just looking for something that may help me spark remembering how good being healthy feels.

entropicbeauty

My mantra is "I want to be able to walk when I'm 50"

I have a degenerative joint disease and the only way I'm going to have a healthy life when I'm older is if I start the habits now. Every lb. I take off my joints drastically improves my mobility.

You have to find your own motivation - I wish there were something easier to say for it, but everyone has to find out for themselves what pushes them to do what they need to do.

s-aries8990

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_soft-workouts-and-post-gym-regret?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:0aadc1a1-122c-4f7b-9406-a64b2812dc16Post:37ef3f2c-fa2a-4a68-a212-77b936e75129">Re: "Soft" workouts and post-gym regret</a>:
[QUOTE] <strong>You have to find your own motivation - I wish there were something easier to say for it, but everyone has to find out for themselves what pushes them to do what they need to do.</strong>
Posted by entropicbeauty[/QUOTE]

I totally get it. I just always seem to "rationalize" my way out of it. I think part of my discouragement with calorie apps is that I don't have a smartphone (which isn't an excuse but my spidey rationaliation senses get the best of me).

I know if it's something I want, I HAVE to do it on my own- no one else will be able to make me go hard if I don't do it myself. Maybe I'll spend some of my Christmas money on a few personal training sessions - I have never worked with one so I just kind-of wing my workout plan anyway.

I appreciate the responses! I truly do. Thank you!

s-aries8990

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_soft-workouts-and-post-gym-regret?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:0aadc1a1-122c-4f7b-9406-a64b2812dc16Post:2ad7cc98-d91a-450e-8237-ac02ed20af47">Re: "Soft" workouts and post-gym regret</a>:
[QUOTE]I use a few "cheats" that might help you.  For workouts, if I'm in pain or having a hard time pushing through, I slow down, rather than stop.  So if I'm running, I slow to a jog or a walk if necessary, but I keep moving.  If I'm in a class, I do the moves at half speed (i.e., one kick for every two kicks the instructor does, or whatever).  If lifting weights, I slow the rate of my reps or move down one weight set (be careful with this, though, since you want to lift to exhaustion and then stop - if your mucles are legitimately exhausted, you don't want to push through to lift more).  It also helps if I have a set amount of time that I'm resting for (i.e. "I will walk for this song, but run for the next one"). Fo<strong>r eating, there are two tricks that I find particularly helpful. 1.  Drink a cup of tea (no sugar or milk).  It's zero calories and frequently cuts through whatever craving I'm having to help me realize I'm not hungry. 2.  Set a time for thirty minutes and tell yourself that if you really want cake, or whatever, you have to wait that long.  Drink a glass of water during the 30 minutes.  Typically when the timer goes off I've forgotten I wanted it. </strong>And finally, identify non-weight related goals.  If it's just about losing weight, I can't stay motivated.  B<strong>ut when it's about running faster, being stronger, living longer, fitting in to smaller clothes, looking better in pictures, whatever, then I have an easier time remembering why the pain is worth it.</strong>
Posted by kwitherington[/QUOTE]

I'll have to try those tricks for food! Sometimes I can't tell if I'm actually hungry or just used to eating at x time.

My plan is to be stronger, healthier and fit into a pair of jeans that I have hanging in my room. I'll need to lose roughly 30 lbs to get there, but I'll start looking at old pictures and get the images into my brain. And I'm sure actually trying to put those jeans on will help a lot.

Thanks!!!!!

entropicbeauty

Oh - another motivator?

My fitbit. My activity has probably doubled or tripled since I got one. I love it because at the end of a work day (I have a mostly sedentary job) I will come home and see I've only gone 3,000 steps and a healthy adult should be doing 10,000 steps per day...it motivates me to do SOME kind of activity to get to 10,000 (or at least closer to 10,000). I also like that it tracks my calories burned in a day (from physical activity and just from breathing), so I feel like I'm better able to adjust my calorie intake. As a bonus, the Fitbit also syncs with Myfitnesspal.

Everyone I know who has one loves it.

jenferian

This is me and only me, but frankly...you have to WANT it.

I've lost 120 pounds through diet & exercise alone. There is no magic pill and all the "you're going to have a heart attack or stroke by 30" threats from my doctors, "you're too fat"s from friends/family, hirings of personal trainers by my mother or anything else did not motivate or inspire me. Nor with they inspire or motivate you (most likely).

YOU HAVE TO WANT IT.

When you want it...when you are truly HUNGRY for change...and when you stop making excuses for yourself, then and ONLY then will you be ready.

I lost that weight a decade ago. And aside from a 20-pound fluctation over the last year, I've kept it off.

It was hard. Really hard. I had to change my entire lifestyle. I had to push myself to run and go to the gym when I didn't want to.

But then I started looking and feeling amazing. People treated me differently. Not because I was the thin hot girl, but because I ACTED like a confident beautiful woman.

Cold harsh truth: that's what it takes. Wanting it and DOING IT. Opening yourself up to the possibility of change.

That's life. When you really want something, you make it happen, be it a job or a move or losing weight.

For me? i was just tired of being fat and feeling bad. In my early 20s, I gained a bunch of weight over the course of a couple years--literally, 80 pounds. I felt awful. I looked awful. I hated my life. So I changed it. I wanted it bad enough. I joined Weight Watchers, taught myself about nutrition, walked to/from work every day (6 miles), ran on the weekends, weight lifted, and then got really involved in activities--sailing, skiing, hiking.

I am a completely different person now. So this 20 pounds I put on over the year? I'll take it off. Because I WANT to. No excuses. Just doing it.

Good luck!

s-aries8990

Yeah, I know that it all lies within me and there isn't anything that anyone else can actually do FOR me. Congratulations on your lifestyle change!!! You seemed really committed to that change; I'm trying to get committed but I guess I don't WANT it enough.... I mean I haven't dropped any weight (although I have changed my shape slightly) within the past few months.

I appreciate you sharing your story. Thanks Jenferian!

ifeelgoodifeelgreatifeelwonderful

Start out by finding a work out you enjoy doing and doesn't seem so tedious. I play in some volleyball leagues and when I'm playing I'm enjoying it and not thinking of it as a work out. I also started kickboxing which was so hard at first but I kept going and now I love it. If you don't like doing something you will find excuses for not doing it. Also, have maneagable workout goals in the beginning. I am not a runner (I actually hate running) but started a couch to 5K app on my phone and it's really reasonable so I feel like I can do this without beating myself up because I set my sights too high too early. I am up to running 5 minutes at a time! (When I started I could barely run for 1 minute.) It seems silly but the app gives you little badges for rewards and it's encouraging to try to keep going. Good Luck!

s-aries8990

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_soft-workouts-and-post-gym-regret?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:0aadc1a1-122c-4f7b-9406-a64b2812dc16Post:11dadf72-3a61-470b-b279-d71c7411c06a">Re: "Soft" workouts and post-gym regret</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>Start out by finding a work out you enjoy doing and doesn't seem so tedious.</strong> I play in some volleyball leagues and when I'm playing I'm enjoying it and not thinking of it as a work out. I also started kickboxing which was so hard at first but I kept going and now I love it. If you don't like doing something you will find excuses for not doing it. Also, have maneagable workout goals in the beginning. I am not a runner (I actually hate running) but started a<strong> couch to 5K app on my phone and it's really reasonable so I feel like I can do this without beating myself up because I set my sights too high too early.</strong> I am up to running 5 minutes at a time! (When I started I could barely run for 1 minute.) It seems silly but the app gives you little badges for rewards and it's encouraging to try to keep going. Good Luck!
Posted by ifeelgoodifeelgreatifeelwonderful[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I find most workouts tedious, which is why I stick to classes- I took dance clases and work better in classes or with groups than on my own. I'm looking into the c25k- I have family that does a 5k every year and would prefer to not be in the sidelines this time! Unfortunately I dont have a mobile device (no iTouch or iPhone/Android) so i can't use the app. Womp womp. I really want to try doing this starting next week!

Thank you ladies so much! It's nice to have a sounding board!

s-aries8990

I would love to exercise, but where I'm living right now i have LITERALLY no where to do work outs at home. I live with my mom and brother right now (a 2013 goal is to move out! Hopefully by EOY they won't need my rent! fingers crossed) and the only area with enough space is either in the living room or in the basement. My mother is a hairdresser and works from home in our basement, meaning that there are "strangers" in and out of my house all evening- they must walk through the living room and the basement areas to get to the hair room. I use "strangers" in quotes because I know them, but they always talk to me and interrupt what I'm doing- homework K-12, in college, having a guest over, doing housework and any time I've tried to work at home. And as most of her clients are older women, they ALWAYS WANT TO TALK.  Grrr. Not to mention every step I take can be heard in the basement.

This is why it's so frustrating!!!!!!

Edit: My brother is autistic and although I love him deary with all of my heart! It is frustrating because he'll just watch me work out or stretch, or he'll ask all sorts of questions and stuff, making me uncomfortable and self concious. I know he doesn't mean any harm, but it does affect me.

s-aries8990

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_soft-workouts-and-post-gym-regret?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:0aadc1a1-122c-4f7b-9406-a64b2812dc16Post:12de7435-e3c8-4455-bf1d-da31c8bc28ca">Re: "Soft" workouts and post-gym regret</a>:
[QUOTE]I hear you on the working out at home thing.  We live in an apartment building with zero sound proofing, and although I could workout at home, I'm too conscious of the noise that it makes.  I don't want to be disrespectful to my neighbors.  <strong>One thing I'll do is go workout at a track.</strong>  If there are any schools near you, they should have one.  You don't necessarily need to run or anything - I don't feel like I've ever gotten sidelined for doing strength training in the middle of the loop or anything.
Posted by kwitherington[/QUOTE]

Winter is full blown in New England right now, but I'll keep that in mind for spring time! I live close to the elementary school and I know they have a track there!

ALSO, it doesn't help that my house is located on a more rural road with no sidewalks and limited street lights making working out outside dangerous this time of year! I don't want to sound like I'm complaining, but I feel like the only way I'll get a good workout is if I go to the gym, and if a class doesn't fit in my schedule, I flounder a little bit :/

I really do appreciate all of the advice! <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-laughing.gif" border="0" alt="Laughing" title="Laughing" />  You ladies are awesome!!!!

freebread03

Find something that you enjoy with people you enjoy. It's hard to cut out of class (body pump or whatever you're doing) if you're doing it with people who you enjoy who also support you.  I'm feeling pretty beat up this week, and I actually wanted to quit during the workout last night during the workout at crossfit last night, but everyone around me pushed me to finish my last set of pullups (and the pressure of knowing that if I did quit, everyone would know).  Do you have a friend you could work out with, or join a class with?  Having someone to help hold you accountable might help you get committed--and once you start seeing results, you'll want to stick with it.

jennylee813

I don't have a lot to add either - just stop making excuses and do it! You have to want it, and not just because you're 'supposed' to want it.

I have a time built into my schedule that is my workout time. It's 730 in the evening. I am not a morning person, and if I schedule a workout there, I know it won't happen. 730 is after supper, things are winding down, FI is usually working in the garage and DD is doing her homework or watching tv. By scheduling it in, I have no exucse not to do it, and if I miss it, I feel guilty.

It will be hard. It will be frustrating. I've been plateauing forever. I busted through a few months ago, only to be stuck again. I've worked damn hard for every pound I've lost, and I've never been closer to my goal.

I don't have access to a gym, so I workout at home. I know you said this isn't an option for you, but when I did have gym access, I'd take a workout from a magazine (usually Shape or Oxygen) and do that in the gym. I'd alternate cardio and weights.

For me. It has to be for me, or it doesn't stick.

Good luck - and as PPs have said, stick around!