Weekly Weight Loss Progress: No Change (again!)

I used to have the same problem with exercising or going to the gym. Then I made a resolution ( a New Year’s one at that) to make it there twice a week and to STOP THINKING about it. I can find a hundred excuses not to go if I let myself start thinking. For a long time I just told myself I was the kind of person who exercised and shut my mind off when it had other ideas. Gradually I increased the time spent at the gym and nowadays I go at least four times a week and often five. It helps that the courses I take there are fun or at least not boring. An i-pod shuffle has also been a great help for the time spent on any of the equipment. My weight hasn’t changed (you still have to diet if you want to lose weight) but I look and feel much better.

I don’t know if this is helpful but I hope so and wish you the best!

It can not be an option. You need to make exercise a lifestyle choice and not just an option if you have time. Rearrange your schedule to fit it in.

If you plan on exercising first thing in the morning, then you will be less likely to have scheduling conflicts because it will be out of the way. Another advantage to doing it the morning is that you will be more alert and awake in the morning after you finish, and you will be hungry and eat some breakfast which is one of the healthiest things that you can do when you are trying to lose weight (or just stay healthy).

I just read an article this morning that had 4 tips to keeping an exercise habit…here it is:
http://zenhabits.net/2007/09/4-simple-steps-to-start-the-exercise-habit/

Basically, it says that you need to set measurable goals, log it daily, report to others, and add motivation as needed. That seems like good advice to me.

I actually just make myself start. I’ll do 5 minutes and if I want to quit at that point, I’m allowed. I usually don’t, but sometimes I do, but at least I’ve moved for 5 minutes.
I also don’t make myself change in proper “clothing” in order to exercise.
Ie - I have run in sandles before, done yoga in jeans and bicycled in cutoffs and sneakers. It’s not as comfortable but many times just the thought of changing clothes will make me not want to exercise.
You’re doing great!

I just tell myself that not doing it will get me nowhere. Nothing miraculous is going to happen to get me to do it - I’m the only one that can make that change. So when my alarm goes off at 5:01am I tell myself 2 things .. 1) nothing will change for me if I stay in bed and 2) it would be a real shame to wake up at 5am and not make it worth while. So I get up and do it - and never regret it. Like the other poster said though - I sometimes give myself an out. Like if I really feel “slow” that day I will let myself walk instead of run. It’s still something though!

When I don’t want to exercise, I try to make it fun. Using new music really motivates me. I never exercised until I was 31 but now I can’t imagine not. It truly is part of my lifestyle now and I can’t imagine not doing it. I’ve always been very hyperactive and high strung. Now, even if i have to walk 5 miles, I am calmed down when I get home. You might want to think about why you don’t want to exercise - is it a fear of failure, or is it a fear of success? Try writing down on paper what you are afraid of and it might help you get “unstuck” - think of it like a budget or a to do list in order for you to reach your goal. 27 pounds is a major improvement for your heart. Keep focused and you’ll get there!

It can take me all of 10 seconds to convince myself not to work out on a given day, even if I fully planned on working out. If I start to question myself I HAVE to cut off that train of thought otherwise I will end up not working out. Things that have helped me:

Work out right in the morning or right after coming home from work. If I start doing something else it’s easier to convince myself not to work out. Just doing it when you planned to do it is generally key if those aren’t times you work out. Don’t push it back 30 min…because that 30 min will become 60 min…etc…

Keeping a fitness calendar. First, I set a goal (to work out 5 days a week, or not to take more than two off days in a row, etc). I just print out one of those blank pre-made calendars for the month (a template in Microsoft Word) and write on it the days I work out (something simple “jogged 20 min”, etc.) or the word OFF if I did not. Now whatever your goal is, you will be able to visually see if you are keeping it or not. Sometimes I hang it on the wall. It can be very motivating!

Hope that helped…or that someone’s comments will.

I trained my eldest daughter. I didn’t really try to do it, but the first thing she wants to do after her morning routine of getting dressed, etc., is “mommy’s workout.” I have a video that I do and she kind of follows (she is only four). She has her own mat for abdominal “work” and gets that out when I get mine. It’s really cute. And there have been plenty of times that I don’t want to do it, but that cute little four year-old voice gets me going. “Mommy workout please!”

My secret is to do something fun, or to just walk. I regularly walk 7-8 blocks between the bus stop and my house when I’m carrying groceries. So, walking and strength training in one. I try to walk as much as possible, regardless of the weather (and I live in a rainy city). I take dance classes when I can. Dancing is fun, and is a great workout. I studied salsa for about 2.5 years, and a problem I’d had with a shoulder (from a car accident) went away in a few months, after being a problem for a few years. Plus, if you study bellydancing, you’re getting an INCREDIBLE workout for your stomach, in addition to having fun and, um, learning skills that will impress your significant other. My basic rule of thumb is “do what you enjoy.” I hate the idea of going to the gym, so I avoid it and instead keep myself active doing things that please me. In the past couple months, I’ve made a committment to walking more and paying attention to what I eat, and I’ve lost nearly 10lbs — and it hasn’t felt like a chore at all.

i was stuck last week because i had an injury. i finally got my butt into my gym and it felt great. its usually even better when you DONT want to workout because you DID.

I walk an hour most every day. I listen to NPR on the radio or to a book on tape while I walk. That is what I look forward to and helps me get going. I feel weird if I don’t walk now. I walk after work, I can’t get up early and do it. It’s a problem in the winter when it gets dark at 5:00. Then I sometimes walk at the mall or someplace else where it’s free. It’s a habit that has to be formed like anything else. After a few weeks you don’t think about it anymore, it’s just a regular part of your daily routine.

Elaine, it gets addicting. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, heh! I enjoy walking as well, but now that I don’t live right in a city I don’t get as much walking time as I used to.

Catherine, that’s a great method to get motivated! When I have children, I hope that I can get them interested in the same sort of thing. It’s not only good for you, it’s good for them as well.

You are doing well, I admire your consistency!!