Fitness motivation thread!

[ut0pia]

So, we have a weight loss motivation thread, and I think that's a big help to all of us trying to lose weight! Staying active is also very important though, so I think we can help each other by motivating each other to stay active in this thread...

I used to be really active last year, I did exercises at home and also went to the gym, went hiking and did morning jogs all the time, and I found I enjoyed it a lot. But, somehow while going through a really stressful period in my life (looking for a job for three months with nothing else to do at home all day and no income) I first started eating really bad, and with that I found myself starting to gain some weight which made me feel like I was no longer fit for any kind of exercise...

It also didn't help that my dad, who jogs every day and is really fit even at 50 years old, took me on a hike one day and towards the end we started running, and I could hardly keep up with him- but of course I was too embarrassed to show it, so I kept going until I almost felt sick...That discouraged me a lot, and made me not want to even look at exercise for a long time..

The truth of the matter is though, it's just not healthy to be sedentary. When I was in college, I walked to class and I was at a big campus so that added up..Now I do nothing, except play tennis occasionally, which is an anaerobic exercise and not as good as even the most basic cardio. I start work on Monday, but it's a desk job, so I am just scared of what's becoming of me. After four months of no exercise, I feel like a different person than the person I used to be when I was most active...I feel like I have to start from scratch, and it's sooo intimidating!

So, for those of you out there who exercise consistently, do you have any tips for someone starting from scratch, how do I get myself to make the first step?? I am almost afraid to see my body move because I'm afraid to admit and see the truth of just how unfit I've let myself become...

Please share your workouts here, give suggestions and ideas, and I am sure it will be motivational for everyone trying to stay fit!

 

[Draco]

I used to go to the gym, about year ago. I was really looking decent. Then things got really busy at work and I was working through lunch and over time. By the time I got home, I was too tired to even think about the gym.

6 months of constant over time, my motivation for the gym went out the door.. its been about 4 months since and I haven't even stepped a foot in the gym.

Today, I went to the public pool, and swam 2 laps (all I could do without dying!), then did a lap of water running and aerobics. Felt good

 

[resqchick]

I run. I try to run every day, sometimes I succeed, sometimes, not so much. The trick is to start slow, and keep at it.

I also do P90x, with my husband. It's not for beginners, but beachbody has some other great programs for beginners.

What kind of exercise would you like to do?

 

[orangeishcat]

I started one awhile ago- good to see the interest is still here!!

As for me, life has made my workouts rather inconsistent, so I've been working on interval training as often as I'm able- 3 or 4 days a week. It's helped more than anything I've done so far on slowly shedding some of this chub... just the running and elliptical were making me stronger, yes, and able to go for more time- but my shape didn't change at all.

Here's to hoping this keeps working!

 

[going nova]

I joined a gym just last week and my gym membership included a free session with a trainer. It was pretty good, she taught me how to use the machines properly and how to do exercises with balls & dumbbells. My first day at the gym, I used the elliptical for 15 minutes, the second day I stayed on for an hour and went about 4.5 miles. Not bad considering I haven't been in good shape for about 3 years now.

I'd like to get back to where I was- a lean, muscular, 112 lbs. The trainer said she could probably have me there in two months, unfortunately I can't afford the trainer right now and have to rely on myself to get through the exercises and do them properly.

Don't give up on your fitness! The hardest part is getting started after a long break!

 

[tara g]

I also joined a gym last week

Well, the YMCA, but it's got everything a gym has and then some.

Wednesday night when I joined, I did a lot of leg stuff on the machines. Thursday I did my gymnastics class. Friday was upper body day. Saturday I did a boot camp and gymnastics. Today I was going to do a spin class, but hubby didn't tell me it was time/ask if I wanted to go and went on his own

Wed & Fri we also did a 30min cardio warm up. I did mine on the exercise bike, he ran on the treadmill. I suck at running (great at sprints though) because my knee ends up bothering me. I haven't run a good mile since HS 6+ years ago.

I've been feeling fat lately.... I've been 5'3" since I was 14, and up until last year or so, ranged between 98-105lbs. When I joined an exercise forum in June 2010, I weighed 113, now I weigh 126. I don't know what my body fat % is. Hubby keeps telling me the weight is muscle because I was doing so much pole work in that time period. I'd be perfectly fine if I was 5'3", 140lbs, if it were muscle! I would like a flat stomach and toned body.

Hubby has been getting training advice from his ex-gf's mom, who works there (does the boot camp, spin, and I think she does personal training too). She was entering an ab competition, so I guess I need to sit her down and discuss some plans

Maybe I can teach her pole fitness in return ... she tried it once and was amazed at how hard it was to do, considering she's a body builder. We just have our muscles trained a different way.

Hopefully my motivation continues into next week, and keeps going until I reach my goals!

 

[Draco]

I actually went to the gym yesterday. Granted, I didn't do too much.. got incredibly bored on the bike after 15 minutes, did some arm machines (feel it in my shoulders today!) I forgot my book AND iPod. I need to find out what class is going on tonight.. last night was HIIT, and I didn't feel I was ready for something so high-intensity!

then after I hit up the pool and swam some calming laps.

I feel like I did things half-reared, but I am proud I went to the gym for a little bit at least!

 

[aimerlee]

Instead of going to the FREE gym that my apartment complex offers right now, I'm sitting at the computer eating chocolate chips and reading about how I should exercise...