Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

Original poster

Exercise! What do you do? How often? And how the b'jesus do you stay motivated??

167 replies

shakespeare · 01/10/2013 09:54

I'm a very non-committed exerciser who would like to be very much more committed. I'm not overweight but I'm not particularly fit. I'm currently doing one yoga class and a cardio class a week (and last week I managed to fit in a lengthy power walk/with buggy/up hills walk as well) The thing is, its always a bleedin' struggle to get out the door. I spend hours debating with myself the 'yes I will go'/'no I won't' and more often than not, the 'no I won't go' will win. Sometimes I feel like it, but still talk myself out of it! I often resent having to do it (even tho I will probably enjoy it once I'm out) when I'd rather be parked on my arse doing a crossword or similar. And resentment does not an exerciser make.

So how do you get your arse out the door when your body is screaming at you to kick off your shoes and sit your arse down on that big nice comfy sofa...??

OP posts:
minxthemanx · 03/10/2013 19:21

I've tried everything over the years, get bored easily! Can usually find many excuses not to go for a run/to the gym etc etc. Stumbled upon a very very lively Zumba class at the leisure centre whilst dropping DS1 for football training - def not a Zumba class for older folk. Fantastic music, hilarious instructor, nobody gives a monkey's whether you're in time, everyone just throwing themselves around for an hour, sweat buckets just from the warm up! Usually finishes up with Gangnam style. Not aggressive and loud like combat classes, just really good fun, great music. So far I haven't got bored. I think it's a question of finding something that's actually enjoyable, then changing when you're in need of something different.

smurfmother · 03/10/2013 22:20

I work full time and have DD (2) and DS (6). I struggle to exercise because I feel guilty leaving the house more than I do already. DVDs won't work for me as I couldn't get to the TV until 9pm which just wouldn't work for me. I'm thinking of getting a skipping rope and sneaking out to do 10 minutes each morning in the garden during the general chaos of the morning routine (like the tip about going straight from pyjamas to sports kit). My aim is just to contain the spread for a couple of years when the kids are less (differently?) demanding and I can do more outside the house

Talkinpeace · 03/10/2013 22:29

wii fit with them ?
hula hoop ?

smurfmother · 03/10/2013 22:34

We have just inherited a Wii, so yes could actually do that, thanks for the tip Smile

WannabeFayeMouse · 03/10/2013 23:41

smurfmother if you look on the nhs website there are some good apps, for weight training etc (bodyweight stuff) - I use them for cross training.

Also just trying to work exercise into your day is good. The old trick of not taking the bus etc works - even working in a very f/t job with small kiddies, as a minimum I would walk 3 miles a day. It meant I didn't put on weight, at least.

Kelly1814 · 04/10/2013 09:32

OP, I am with you. I work full time, 12-14 hour days. The last thing I want to do at 8 pm when I finish work is go for a run. It means that I don't get to sit down and eat or relax until 930 and by then it's almost time for bed!

I set myself realistic goals, it's great that others can exercise 6 times a week but that is never going to be me.

I aim for twice in the week and once at a weekend.

I run, always hated running in the past but I have a nice route (live near a beach) a well stocked iPod, and I find that this, of all the exercise I have tried over the years, gets the best and fastest results.

I also have a friend who I run with after work sometimes....the thought of letting her down when I know she is waiting for me spurs me on!

It's also worth saying that body shape etc is 80% food, 20% exercise. So I also keep a very tight watch on my diet. This helps the fact that I am not exercising 7 days a week.

LizzyA · 04/10/2013 10:48

I'm really missing running, have done a couple of marathons and quite a few half marathons and 10k. Have an anterior knee issue now and can't run at all as it causes severe pain. Am swimming once a week and static cycling (not great for the knee). If anyone has any suggestions for exercise for me, please let me know. I used to run for relaxation and nothing less aerobic seems to be doing it for me.

magentastardust · 04/10/2013 11:22

This thread is really motivational. I have 3 dc's. Am struggling with fitting exercise in at the moment as dd2 is 2 year old and in the not really wanting to stay in her buggy stage so long walks aren't really an option during the day which I could do when they were babies.
I used to plug in my ipod and walk for ages whilst the baby slept felt brilliant.

About 18 months ago I lost 2.5 stone and felt great and felt so much healthier-I did 6 mile walks with friends in the evening 2 or 3 times a week and a Zumba class once a week and I really noticed the difference.
However again It is a struggle to do this at the moment -I had 3 different friends that I walked/went to class with -1 is now heavily pregnant, the 2nd has split from her husband so has evening child care issues and the 3rd didn't really enjoy the classes /walking so isn't fussed about going back.
I can't really do the 6 mile walk myself as it is through woods etc and I wouldn't feel safe on my own.
I might start going back to Zumba class but some of the routines require partnering up with someone so that puts me if off If I am on my own.
I work one day at weekends and older dc's have sports etc the others so don't have lots of spare time then.

Next year DD2 will be in pre school nursery/playgroup for 2 hours a day so I will be able to do something then but I need to crack it before next summer as I am so tired and feeling rubbish at the moment.

I guess maybe doing an exercise DVD at home 3 times a week may be my only option at the moment but I know that I am rubbish at being motivated at home.
hmmm this isn't very positive is it!

Lazysuzanne · 04/10/2013 11:31

Lizzy, could you use the rowing machine or cross trainer in the gym?

Lazysuzanne · 04/10/2013 11:39

Kelly, 'It's also worth saying that body shape etc is 80% food, 20% exercise'

yes diet and exercise are both factors which contribute to body composition but it is not possible to quantify the contributions like this.
For one thing everyone is different with respect to the relative importance of diet and exercise.
Diet and exercise also interact and exert their effects via different mechanisms, so it's just not possible to separate and delineate their effects.

Lazysuzanne · 04/10/2013 11:43

if it were possible to weigh the two factors I doubt that the result would be an 80/20 diet/exercise ratio

my money would be on a 45/55 diet/exercise ratio

Foodie007 · 04/10/2013 11:55

shakespeare I totally understand, it has taken me a process to enjoy exercising (not to hear that tempting voice beforehand), rather than it be a task. I think it is about having the will power to start with, talk to yourself about the benefits to override the side of you telling you to go back to the sofa. Don't set yourself too much too early on. Short bursts of exercise regularly are better than ending up not doing anything because of lack of time or the thought it too overwhelming. After a while it will become a norm in your life, you'll start seeing and feeling the benefits, which will spur you on even more. It has definitely worked for me and I feel so much better now than I did a few years ago.

SusannahL · 04/10/2013 13:06

As well as the physical aspect of regular exercice there is also the psychological one of knowing that you are doing something really beneficial for your health. You only have to look around at all the vastly overweight blobs waddling around (and a lot of them young women) to feel determined to do anything it takes not to end up like that.

I agree with everyone else who has said that a regular routine is the key thing so that it becomes as natural as brushing our teeth, say.

magentastardust · 04/10/2013 13:11

SusannahL see now that really doesn't motivate me-knowing that others look at me as a' vastly overweight waddling blob' makes me want to stay inside and hide, not to go out running in public or in swimming costume to pool in public and try and do something about it.

Talkinpeace · 04/10/2013 13:20

magenta
my underlying motivation is much more selfish.
I had my kids when I was over 30.
I want to be fit and well enough to spend time with their children .... so I have around 30 years to maintain fitness for - that will take me to nearly 80.
By starting now I can do it.

A friend at the gym got lean for her 70th birthday and now enjoys time with her grandchildren as she can go on the swings and slides with them.
That is a good thing to aim for.

ParvatiTheWitch · 04/10/2013 14:04

OP, just a quick suggestion, which helps/helped motivate me: if you have a smart phone, try the app," Endomondo". It will log your activities, calories burnt etc, so you can see what you have achieved even by only doing a little bit. Then you might want to see if you can better your last time etc. I have the app with my history going back to May now (when I first started getting more active) and it is most gratifying to scroll down and see everything that I have managed to do.

LieInsAreRarerThanTigers · 04/10/2013 14:42
  1. Find something you really enjoy
  2. Find something you can realistically fit in to your routine and stick to
  3. Find someone to do it with or get some good music on in the room or on your headphones
  4. Have some goals if that suits you, either a weight/measurement goal or a PB for a distance
  5. Build exercise into your life - cycle, walk, use public transport whenever you can. Get a bikeseat and/or tag-along.

I have done all of the above and am certainly in better shape than I was 3-10 years ago! (I am 46 and have dd 13 and ds 8)

Started running on my own, 1st thing in morning works best for me.
Went back to hockey after 22 year break and that gave me the motivation to stay fit, as well as giving me the social aspect
Did a x-country 10k.
Cycle to work up a hill 4 days a week, and cycle when I can on small shopping, bank errands etc.
Walk to collect ds from after-school club 3 days a week, which involves climbing 80-odd steps
Do a Parkrun (5k) most Saturdays outside the hockey season or if not playing
Run with a group of mums from the school gate on my non working day.
Play tennis in summer and book a holiday where I can play every day.

standsonshiftingsands · 04/10/2013 14:46

I have started running in the last 5 months and can now run about 5 miles. Slowly. I do it 3 times a week. I cant say I love it, but some days I really enjoy it some I dont.

But I'm determined to keep it up as I was turning into a wine soaked slob. This way I can have some wine and not feel too guilty. I haven't lost much weight but I think I need to address my diet too!

LieInsAreRarerThanTigers · 04/10/2013 14:54

smurfmother I got my own 'garden circuits' routine going when I split from dh, and dc were a bit young to leave alone. I just did dashes from one side of the garden to the other, used the Barbie trampette for step and bouncing, you could use a skipping rope, I also play versions of dodgeball in the garden with ds, and can get up quite a sweat!

Lazysuzanne · 04/10/2013 15:30

which involves climbing 80-odd steps
that sounds like a super great work out LieIns I'm wondering if there are any steps like that near me:o

LieInsAreRarerThanTigers · 04/10/2013 15:43

Thighs of steel. Shame no dh to appreciate them!

ErrolTheDragon · 04/10/2013 16:10

My motivation was similar to Talkinpeace ...also, I like doing stuff with my DD, she got into watersports and I got sick of hearing myself whining about having no upper body strength as I stood on the shore watching her. At 14 she's stronger than I am but I'm a lot stronger than I was last year so at least I'm going in the right direction even though I'll probably not catch up with her!

ZingWantsCake · 04/10/2013 17:01

I really wanted to skip it today. It would have been so easy.

my motivation today was "don't let the bastards bring you down"

magentastardust · 04/10/2013 17:05

lieins that's a great idea-I even have a hill in my garden which would come in handy!
Not sure the mini trampette thing would withstand my weight however I think it is only supposed to take about 4 stone and I am a good bit over that ! :)

HighNoon · 04/10/2013 18:27

Cardamomginger - when I don't want to do exercise. I tell myself that it's OK, I don't have to like it, I don't have to want to do it, I just have to DO it.

This.

Motivation follows action. Don't wait until you feel like doing exercise. Grumble all the way to the gym!

I always feel awful heading to exercise class. I always feel great coming home.