Working out is becoming "work" instead of fun...help - ThinnerTimes

Squishy · 03-23-2008, 08:45 AM

Hello everyone,

Sorry that I haven't been on the forum much lately. Things have gotten very crazy lately at work. There is some restructuring going on and it appears that there are going to be some significant reductions. I've been caught up in all of the stuff that goes along with the process. Not much has been announced yet, but I expect to know what's happening around the first of April. Not much I can do until then. Worst case scenario (for me) was that I could be losing my job. It now appears that this is not going to happen, but I think a lot of friends could be in that danger. Ugh... I hate that.

There is something I could use some advice on... I have been attending a step-aerobics class four days a week for the past two years. I really did not think that I would like it, but I found that I really did. I looked forward to it and enjoyed the group. Lately, I find that I am "forcing" myself to go. I watch the clock the whole time that I am there. I've been missing about half the days due to work conflicts in the past few weeks.

This session is about to end, and I have to decide if I want to sign up for another 12-week session. A couple times recently, I went to the session, but when I got there, instead of doing the aerobics, I used the elliptical machine and kind of enjoyed that.

I'm a little afraid that if I don't sign up for the class, I will go to the gym less and less. I just saw a friend who had WLS a couple years ago. He lost a lot of weight, but has gained it back. In talking with him, he stopped working out and then started eating things he should not have been. I could be in that situation so easily that it scares me.

On the other hand, I really am not enjoying the aerobics class anymore and if I associate working out with unhappiness, how long will I keep doing it? Maybe I can sign up and do aerobics 2 days a week and eliptical 2 days. (Every other day)

So, the question is.. how do you break through these exercise barriers? I'm sure many of you have been through it, so I am looking for some ideas.

Thanks!
-Mike-

fisher1000 · 03-23-2008, 09:10 AM

I've been going fairly regularly since October--and I have YET to enjoy it. I make myself go. Now, there have been times when I didn't HATE it per se, but I know that I have to do it. Out of the seven days in a week, I commit to three--Sunday (just got back from the gym!), Wednesday, and Friday. My wife goes Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Occasionally, we alternate Monday's or go on an off day, and rarely do we "skip" our schedule without making it up.

I know I could be doing more, but I'm trying to do what I can at a rate that will easy enough to keep up with for years. Some days are better than others...but I still go.

Maybe that's all you need...just a commitment to show up--not necessarily the aerobics, but just gracing the door and deciding what you'll do from there.

I'm in a pretty good routine right now, cardio then a little of the weight machines and even though I could do more, I go with few skips. (Work has interrupted a couple of times for me too...)

I try to look at exercise the way I look at Water, Vitamins, or Protein--in order for this to work, I have to make a lifetime commitment--they all have to be taken care of.

If you're out of love with the aerobics--I'd chuck it, but keep that gym commitment or even buy a treadmill or something for home so that if you do have to skip a day, you can do something.

I think I'm starting to ramble...I've got to go and get some caffeine--hope this helps!

-Mike

Toony · 03-23-2008, 12:13 PM

Mike - What does Jane do? Would it help if you went with her?

Do you like to brush your teeth? Mow the lawn? Shovel snow? Well you do it anyway... so "GRIN AND BEAR" (sic) it hon!!!

katie

katzz87 · 03-23-2008, 12:55 PM

I'm very impressed that you did the SAME THING for 2 years!!! I think it's time to change things up!

I too do NOT like to exercise but know that it is a "necessary evil" if I want to get healthier and lose more weight. Try to remember that ALL exercise does NOT have to occur at the gym! Walk, hike, play tennis, swim...change things up and have fun!

Okay, that said I really need to take my own advice...

pebitpeb · 03-23-2008, 01:05 PM

If the aerobics are becoming unpleasant, perhaps getting a friend to join up with you would be an answer. Look for the activities that you enjoy. Maybe a nice long walk afterwork would revitalize and energize you for the evening and also help give you a good sleep. I know that there are so many new ways of getting the heart moving to give the important exericising, what about water aerobics, deep end it is a real challenge. Swimming laps is also another thought. Riding bike. Cross Country skiing is alot of fun, but is seasonal. I joined a group through community education some years ago in Oregon that offered exercise and then we played volleyball afterward.
Your friend is a good example of what you dont want to have happen for yourself. Mike you have worked too hard to get here and now it's time to be creative with your exercises and remember sometimes a work related stress is strong and overwhelming and can pull away from other energies in your life.
Stay strong Mike and hang in there.
Paul

Lu Lu · 03-23-2008, 02:18 PM

Hi Mike!!

Glad you are back posting! Sorry about the stress of your job lately.

I agree with the others about mixing things up. Also I know I commit more to exercise if I have a buddy... someone who I enjoy being with and would not want to let down by cancelling on them!

Let us know what you decide to do! I am going to start swimming a few days a week and walking on the others. I am starting tomorrow morning with the swimming!

Best of luck to you!!

Janelle · 03-23-2008, 04:25 PM

Oh, and with spring approaching, what a great time to get out and enjoy outside. I think mixing up your routine will help. Is there something besides aerobics you could sign up for so you feel more obligated to attend? Water aerobics? Spinning? Yoga?

Squishy · 03-23-2008, 05:57 PM

Thanks for all the good advice. I know it is something I have to do, but I think where I am struggling is that I was really enjoying it. I never thought I would enjoy exercise, but I did. The class that I attend is made up of people with whom I work, so that is really what kept me going at first. The commitment to the group and the chance to spend time with friends.

Now that I know that exercise can be fun, I hate to just settle for forcing myself to go. I really want to find something else that is fun so thanks for your suggestions.

I do like to swim, so maybe I can work that into the routine more often. I bought a compression shirt which holds the skin in, so I don't feel so self-conscious about it.

I've considered Tae Kwon Do, but I'm not sure if I am ready for that commitment. And not sure my knees will take it. We'll see.

Thanks again for the support and ideas!
-Mike-