Help! I'm trying to get motivated for some regular exercise

[karotw]

Hello,
I'm really struggling with being able to motivate myself to exercise each day. Because I have fibromyalgia, I know that it needs to be lite exercise, but I'm not even motivated to take a walk, which would help tremendously. Anyone else out there struggling with this? My body is so much happier when I exercise. When I get into a pattern of regular movement, however lite it may be, I feel better, I sleep better, I elminate better and I'm able to add a bit more exercise. . . .just can't seem to get started. . .

Suggestions are greatly appreciated. . .

Karen

[SamL]

Is there anything you enjoy doing? If exercise can be fun, it's easier to do.
There are many gentle exercises to choose from.

Your feeling better afterwards because your brain has just had a surge of hormones 'endorphins,' which release chemicals that stimulate your brainÂ’s pleasure center.

It's similar to a MC, it's an emotional ride to start with, put your emotions in motion.

If you persist before you know it, you'll want to.

Sorry if I seem harsh, I have times where I can't motivate myself either and I can be punishing of myself mentally about it. I've never found another way to get around it other than to 'just do it' (NIKE) ;)

[tglasco4]

I have also had those issues in the past. I think most people have. I believe the key is starting out with something very easy. You mentioned walking, that is a great choice. I would start out by walking a certain time each day or at least 3 days per week. Make it something you can easily do, not a big production. The goal would be to do it consistently and after each week goes by it will become a habit. How much you do at this point is not as important as doing it consistently. Once consistency is established, you can think about perhaps adding to what you do or doing a little more. Patience with yourself is key. Measure you successes in terms of quarters (every 3 months) and not days or weeks, yet take things one day at a time. I hope this helps you.

Peace and blessings on your journey to health.

Todd

[karotw]

Thanks Sam and Todd - you both have very valuable things to say. I have a tendancy to want to "do it all" or "do it perfectly" and then I don't do anything at all! So starting small and justing doing something seems like a good place to start.


I'll add exercise to my journal, too, as a regular thing. That may help to keep me inspired, too.

Thanks,
Karen

[Ireland]

Don't wait to be movitated. Motivation doesn't always come. Just do it. And yes, I know that it's easier said than done.

Try it, just a wee, short walk...don't wait. I don't mean to sound harsh or mean but honestly, that's the only thing that did it for me. Realizing I could wait until the cows come home to be motivated.

You'll do just fine, you're in the right place. :)

[twinyoga]

Walk! Walking is the best. No matter what the season, or how hot or cold it is outside. Look at the trees, the sky, the animals, the people and houses. Even the same walk every day looks different. I love walking. It's healthy and you won't hurt yourself.

Debbie

[karotw]

Walking seems to be the key right now. It's the one thing I am managing to do every day. I actually enjoy walking - finding the time to walk is more the challenge - but 30 minutes can be carved out of any day. And on the weekends I can actually go for a hike or a really long. . .


Thanks for all your suggestions!

Karen

[asanamale]

Try doing hatha yoga, some each day. Learning from a beginners class may be helpful. And walk or bike, or whatever else you may enjoy.
Bruce

[misslinda]

Karen !!!!

I always found that if I bought some really cute, fun workout clothes, that made me feel perkier to get out and walk, run or whatever............it's already a plus that you know how you feel when you do workout and realize that the benefits are awaiting!!!!!! :) It's also fun to pace other walkers or try to out walk them Be crazy and wild --you'll enjoy it.



waiting for you by the door,
Linda :)

[EmmaBlue]

hi Karen,

You could try these 5 yoga exercises called the Tibetan Rejuvenation Rites. They take only 10-15 minutes a day and give amazing results. Here is a link describing the exercises, and the history of how they were discovered by a British Colonel who visited a secluded monastery in Tibet and was taught the exercises by the monks.

http://www.sekkem.7p.com/fiverites.html

much love,
~Emma

[veggiemom2]

I too have fibromyalgia and have in the past found it very hard to motivate myself to exercise. The pain and fatigue kick you down before you even start. I couldn't walk because my legs felt so heavy and sore, and I have pressure sensitivity (which includes my feet). It also doesn't help that I broke my foot in October.

Anyway, I have found two wonderful forms of exercise that I have been able to do:

I purchased a recumbent exercise bike. No impact and because it reclines, it is much more comfortable. "love this.. I can do this anytime I want"

The second is Windsor Pilates. I am only able to do the 20 min workout so far as I am really out of shape. I do have a bit of a problem with two of the exercises due to the pressure sensitivity issue near my kidneys, but she shows modifications if you have a weakend neck or back.

Hope this helps

Veggiemom2

[SamL]

Lately I've been enjoying some gentle Yoga poses, breathing.
I've also been swimming, the water can be very relaxing.

There are so many different options

[karotw]

You all have such great ideas! I brough my yoga and Qi gong DVDs with me on this trip and have done a little bit each day. I've been trying to figure out a way to rearrange the furniture at home to have a place to do yoga a home. The body image stuff gets to me when I go to the gym, but, again, once I've gone for a week or two, I get over that. . .

Bruce - I am enjoying the hatha poses.
Emma - I downloaded the info from that site. . I love it and it makes me feel really good! Thank you.
Linda - wish you were nearby, I would go walking with you
I like the idea of a new outfit and something really cute, too. It's time for new shoes, so maybe I'll coordinate around those!

Veggiemom- I'll check out the Windsor Pilates, I've heard good things but always felt I couldn't do it. . .however, you inspire me to give it a good try. .

Sam- swimming is an old favorite of mine and where the body image really gets to me. I've been in the pool here in Phoenix one time and it was great. The gym near my house has a pool and a hot tub (which is a good inspiration!). . . .

Now, any of you care to come to California and join me? Okay, I know that you are with me in spirit, anyway. .

Thank you all for the great inspiration and suggestions!

Karen

[CherimoyaMel]

Hi Karotw,

I'm in the same predicament as you. I have fibromyalgia, and I haven't been motivated to exercise lately. I do have a rebounder though which is very good exercise. If you can do just 3 minutes, 3 times a day, you can feel a difference in your health and energy. I know from personal experience.

[CherimoyaMel]

PS Where are you in California? I'm in Dana Point.