How did you get fit again?

[magicmarvin]

I always used to be pretty fit and sporty. In the past, I swam, went to gym/classes, occasionally ran.

However, I seem to have fallen off the exercise wheel over the last few years. I just don't know what's happened. I just don't feel motivated to do anything these days.

Has anyone been in a similar position and managed to overcome it? If so, what did you do?!

Many thanks

Yes!!

Couch25k!! Built my fitness up amazingly quickly. There's threads here with runners at different stages. I started running half a minute then walk/run/walk/run....9 week programme. By week 9 you are running for 25 mins non stop comfortably!!

I did the couch to 5k starter running programme. 3 times a week and only 30 mins at a time. When I completed that I just kept increasing the amount I ran once a week and did 30 mins 2/3 more times. Running is quick as no commuting to gym and I'm fitter than ever.

I started by going to a weekly Zumba class, lucky enough to get a friend to come along too so that we made each other do it. I then also got back into running, just over a year ago I could barely manage a mile, now I can run just under 6 miles in an hour (only running once a week too). Also have a running buddy to again make each other do it. Starting to get fit motivated me more, added in spin class for a while and am now onto a circuits class to get strong too. i found the weekly class commitment was what sorted it for me.

Thanks girls

I did start running earlier in the summer. Not couch to 5k but I went out with my mp3 and alternated between walking and running. I was doing okay but then went on holiday. Took me a few weeks to get back into it but have since fallen off the wagon again!

Running is good in the sense that you can do it whenever and wherever without lots of kit/expense/travelling time. We're also a bit in the sticks so that helps.

Where did you download the couch to 5k stuff?

There's an iPhone app by bluefin which I used or an NHS podcast which you can just google.

Running and circuit training are the two biggest/quickest fitness boosters I think. Try something like the Shred or Davina for some circuit training to complement your running.

Hi magic
There's another thread in this section called I used to be uber fit, now I'm fat.
We are trying to encourage each other.
I'm just on my way over there now come and join us!

Thanks upahill, I will go and have a nose.

Started C25K yesterday. It wasn't too bad. Just need to keep it up!

I do a twice-weekly boot camp in my local park, and combine it with running and the odd swim. I get bored easily so the boot camp gives good variety. I've given up my barely used gym membership now, so I'm saving a good £100 a month.

I've also downloaded the Nike training app onto my ipad and do that when I can't get to boot camp. It is free and has a good variety of exercises and I'm really impressed with it.

I've a stack of Davina DVDs but I've done them so many times I can do the commentary!

I entered a triathlon. The fear of public humiliation was enough to get me training regularly again.

I go running with a friend. It is brilliant, she makes me go when I feel like skipping it and vice versa.

When you run through the excuses you could use not to go, they always seem rubbish when you realise you actually have to convince someone else that they are genuine.

I took out a monthly gym membership and started doing circuits & fast running on the treadmill. The gym kept me motivated because I had to go to get my money's worth and I worked out harder because I was working out in public! The circuits are a good way to lose weight and get in shape fast. Bodypump class + some running/rowing or cycling intervals are good too. Depends what you're in to.

I find it hard to get motivated at home!

Running is great but in the winter shorter daylight hours and slippy tracks make me nervous! I've started doing rebounding (choreographed routine on mini trampolines) and spinning classes at my local gym/dance studio FRAME Studios in Shoreditch it is one of the only places I have found that has a proper creche facility so I don't have to organise a babysitter. I used to do Pregnancy Yoga and Pregnancy Pilates there too.