Need advice re depression and exercise please lovely mn-ers

[rewardgirl]

I have been suffering with stress-related severe depression for a few years but last year has been almost back to normal due to easy job, exercise, extensive therapy and ADs. Since May I have been setting up my own biz (shop) and it's been getting pretty stressful which has caused the depression to creep back in.

Unfortunately I seem to be in a bit of a cycle of feeling too low to exercise so not exercising, which then makes me feel worse. During the summer I've been cycling everywhere when I visit people or have meetings but this darned rain has put paid to that.

Love dancing, don't mind running in rain although I'm rubbish. Can't stand gyms.

I really need any advisce on how to get back to doing regular exercise again lease. I put on 4 stone during depression, managed to lose 2 earlier in the year but really want to get another stone off.

[orangeflutie]

Hi sorry you're feeling so low:( I was wondering whether you could maybe exercise with a friend, it might help with motivation.

Perhaps if you went and saw your GP he/she could refer you to a sports centre under the TERMS programme. This means you can join at a reduced rate for 10 weeks. You say you can't stand gyms but if your local gym/sports centre has a swimming pool, maybe you could do either swimming/aqua aerobics. Also you would be entitled under the TERMS programme to have a chat with a sports instructor who would be able to devise an exercise plan for you so you don't get bored.

Most sports centres also run aerobics/yoga or even kickboxing classes so you can vary things a bit.

[sailorsgal]

Take up salsa. Seriously. All ages, all sizes and you don't need a partner.

Or how about a zumba class? dance based exercise class. Lots of latin music which will lift your mood.

Nordic walking is great too and you may be able to find a group near you.

[rewardgirl]

Thanks ladies. I love zumba and salsa - did salsa almost to competition standard years ago.
My problem is having the motivation to actually BOTHER.

THe suggestion of going with friends is good, but noone lives near enough to make it feasible unfortunately.

I hadn't heard of the TERMS programme - that sounds good - I'll give my doctor a call about that - thanks!

It's the getting round to it that I have a real problem with - any suggestions??

[Keziahhopes]

I find fitting exercise into my routine helps - so go on way home from work, before eat. Also knowing how bad things can get if don't exercise can be a motivator.
Could you set yourself a reward system for going - towards soemthing you would like? Or knowing your shop is at stake if you can't keep well? I prefer the carrot approach myself.