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I'd like to throw my lot in with oldblue. Boy, do I hate exercise. Never been good at sport. Utterly useless as a tennis partner or on a team sport, can't stand swimming laps. When I've tried jogging I'm plagued by the notion that this is absurd. Where the hell am I running to? For me, this is like banging your head against a wall to get rid of your headache. I need purpose in my activities and find none in exercise for it's own sake. I would be much happier chasing game or running from predators. Ah, those hunter-gatherers... they knew how to live!
Great support everyone!
Always check with your doctor before beginning a exercise regime. They know your body and its history and can help you come with a plan that works for you.
What is everyone else planning?
Josie
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The Depression Center Support Team.
hi, I hear you! I have hated exercise for every.. tried it all.. but finally found running.. yes sounds terrible at first, and yes it is hard.. but I took a "learn to run for women" class and met some great people and had a lot of fun, it was a paid course and I felt I had to go to get my moneys worth. I then ran my first race and thought I was addicted.. once the classes finished and the winter set in, I quickly lost interest again. But thanks to a good coach he helped me see that it was not the running that kept me motivated, or how good I felt.. It was the fact that people were expecting me and the social time I got from it. That is what was motivating me and the exercise was the bonus. I now go two days a week, it is free.. if I go great, if I don't that is okay too. but I do find I go more often than not.
hi, I hear you! I have hated exercise for every.. tried it all.. but finally found running.. yes sounds terrible at first, and yes it is hard.. but I took a "learn to run for women" class and met some great people and had a lot of fun. I then ran my first race and thought I was addicted.. once the classes finished and the winter set in, I quickly lost interest again. But thanks to a good coach he helped me see that it was not the running that kept me motivated, or how good I felt.. It was the social aspect of getting out and seeing different people and that people were 'expecting me' so I now go to the local running group (which is free) one night a week after work, and sunday morning. Not too tough to stick to two days a week.. no punishment or consequence for missing, but feels good when I go and it helps keep my mood up. good luck, maybe this will help
Freebird, that's awesome! That sounds like a great plan. I like how you plan to do it by yourself or with a friend, and it can be anything. For the past few weeks i've done some exercise in the mornings - not every day, just for 10-15 mins and just some basic situps, stretches etc., and on the days i don't do it i try not to get mad at myself and instead think "well if i feel like it and get out of bed in time i can do it tomorrow."
Hey Oldblue,
I had the same problem. Just couldn't commit the time during the week. Work is hard enough.
So... on Sunday mornings I do something by myself or with a friend. Only one condition, it has to get me up & moving. Example, last week I went to the zoo, the week before I went took my coffee to the park. I try to be out and moving for at least an hour. I'm finding that even that little bit is helping and I'm slowly starting to walk a little bit during the week.
Freebird
I felt exactly the same about getting and staying motivated - I still do a little - but I was told that 21 is the key to a habit. If you can do it 21 times it becomes a habit.
I dont know how to get the motivation to actually do something 21 times for it to turn into a habit but I'm trying very hard! Good luck to you if, I discover the key to motivation (because I'm looking for it) I'll let you know.
Working at home is a great idea! Don't forget to walk and make a date of it. Have a walking partner or pet and use this relaxation technique as part of your exercise regime :)
You can even do stretches at your desk or in your car! Pick something you like and use this to motivate you. You can also set yourself a goal and reward yourself when you reach it :)
You can do this :)
Josie
___________________________________
The Depression Center Support Team.
the times in my life where i've regularly exercised have been marked with a great improvement in my mood. but i can never stay on top of it! i know it's such an easy way to feel better but i'm too tired in the morning and i'm too tired when i come home to get to it. i can't afford a gym membership, so i've set up ways to do it at home (yoga videos, exercise channel on-demand, even a workbook).
does anyone have any helpful suggestions to get and most importantly stay motivated for exercise? i know it's easier once you get into a routine but i lose interest after two or three times.
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