Stuck in a Slump

[linanglab]

Okay guys....I have not had the motivation to excercise like I would like to. Am not sure why. I have been doing MUCH better with keeping my house straighten and clean. But I just keep looking at my treadmill and....well....that is about as far as it goes. We are planning on going to VA Beach next year, and my body needs a bit of work. Some toning here and there.

I think I need some more energy. I fight some with Fibromyalgia, so I think that is part of my tiredness. Any suggestions on either motivating me or giving me an energy kick? I use to be SOO good at working out EVERY morning. Now....if I do....it isn't for very long. HELP!!!!

[m 'n c]

I am with you Angela. Talk about absolutely no motivation to go work out. I have tried it all: energy bars, new workout clothes, ipod, tv shows, etc. Yeah it still isn't working but the fact that I am now on month 4 of WW and haven't lost a pound and the idea of being out of shape for the holidays and disney next year is starting to get to me.

So I'm trying again. I've lowered my monthly goal for October to one that I have been meeting so that way I can celebrate when I meet my goals. I also started reading the Time Travelers Wife during my cardio sessions so I'm hoping that when I get into the book it will help keep me motivated to workout if that is the only time I can read the book. Maybe you can find a book/magazine/movie to tie to your treadmill so that way you can get motivated to get back on it.

[linanglab]

Thanks for making me feel I am not alone. Before my knee surgery 2 years ago, I was SOOOOO in shape. The best ever, I think. I ran 40 minutes straight EVERY day. Now, I just LOOK at the thing....

I guess we were not very good at being motivation buddies, huh??? :rotfl:

I think I will try to get on the treadmill for only 5 minutes before lunch. Then maybe 5 minutes before dinner. It will be a start....

[dpayne1969]

i too have lost my motivation,i recently went back to work in august & i am just too tired when i get home,then i have laundry,house work,home work,it is very over whelming but i do want to exercise but by the time im done with all my work it is like 9 pm & i just plum tuckered out.Good luck to us all

[m 'n c]

Where is your treadmill Angela? Can you put it in front of the tv and watch a show? You'd never realize you were walking for more than 5 minutes if you were actively watching something. When I get really bad I'll go to the apartment gym and watch the foodnetwork while I work out. I love that channel and that's my only way to watch it right now.

[linanglab]

Where is your treadmill Angela? Can you put it in front of the tv and watch a show? You'd never realize you were walking for more than 5 minutes if you were actively watching something. When I get really bad I'll go to the apartment gym and watch the foodnetwork while I work out. I love that channel and that's my only way to watch it right now.

It is in front of a BIG screen TV! I also like the food network, along with HGTV and Discovery. Once I am on it, I get energized and usually get on it a couple more times a day (if I don't run for very many mintues at first).

I don't know how you all work fulltime and then find time to excercise. I am a SAHM and STILL don't have time nor the energy for it. Hats off to you all! Here is to tomorrow! I WILL get on and excercise TOMORROW!

[m 'n c]

I have to admit it took a Red bull to get enough energy to drag my arse to the gym today. I am normally not that bad but I had an all day meeting that drained all energy and brain cells today. I did feel better once I got past the weights and to the bike.

[Magical JenK]

I'm in the same slump ladies! I just can't get motivated to work out OR eat well lately! I could come up with a lot of excuses & they all sound good (I'm tired, I just need time to "sit", I just don't want to, it's the weather, I hate my clothes...). Lord, I have more than a few huh? BUT at the same time, I don't want to clean, do laundry or cook either! Only thing that seems to get done are the dishes....

I'm going on a all girls weekend this weekend & I'm totally dreading my clothes. I really wanted to buy some cute new stuff, but then I get on the scale & I'm like...ahhh no, you don't deserve new clothes.

Jeez...I'm sure a downer! Sorry! So basically, I have NO MOTIVATION whatsoever!! Poor Jenny, feeling sorry for herself....Sorry!!

[shades99]

I love the NIKE slogan: Just Do It!

[m 'n c]

I've operated in & out of slug mode since retiring from the Air Force in 2004. It sure did catch up with me too! After a high cholesteral scare, I got my diet back on track and the next step was naturally, fitness. So, here's your motivational e-kick-in-the-behind;o)

Sounds like all of you have been very fit at one point in your life and for whatever reasons - your motivation is slipping.

Don't you remember what it feels like to be in top physical condition? How much more energy you have? How much better your clothes fit?

I love the NIKE slogan: Just Do It!

My clothes remind me everyday of how much skinnier I use to be. I think what I am going to do is hang out a pair of too small jeans that I loved when I got them 2 years ago and look at them everyday and that should help a bit.

Jen - your excuses sound very familar. I am trying to get out of using them. Its taking a bit to change after being bad for soooo long but I think it will be worth it in the end.

[linanglab]

Okay...I wiped the dust off my treadmill and ran at 6.3 MPH for 7 minutes this morning. I will try and get on it 2 more times, to bring me to my 20 minute goal. I definitely feel better afterward. It is just getting ON it that is the problem. I will get on BEFORE lunch and BEFORE I pick the kids up from school.

Okay guys...your turn! Get up and GO. You will feel better!

[shades99]

Okay...I wiped the dust off my treadmill and ran at 6.3 MPH for 7 minutes this morning. I will try and get on it 2 more times, to bring me to my 20 minute goal. I definitely feel better afterward. It is just getting ON it that is the problem. I will get on BEFORE lunch and BEFORE I pick the kids up from school.

Okay guys...your turn! Get up and GO. You will feel better!

YAY:banana: for you!! Be sure to report back after your next run!! Keep it movin'!!

How's everybody else doing today?

[linanglab]

YAY:banana: for you!! Be sure to report back after your next run!! Keep it movin'!!

How's everybody else doing today? Are you motivated to MOVE yet? Set a small goal - 1 inch or a few lbs and work toward it. I'm sure you guys have noticed that waistlines on clothes have risen this season and continue to do so. Would you be able to fit (comfortably) into a pair of pants with an actual waistline?

There's no better way to get out of a sluggish mode than to exercise. Rather than focus on new clothes, focus on a new healthy eating plan. Find a fun food to add in as part of your plan. Try a "Grapple" (grape-apple) - I find them at the big walmart here - kind of between the apples & in the gourmet fruit section. They are packaged in a plastic container with 4 grapples. They are macintosh apples that have been infused with natural grape. Just smell the flavor when you pick up a package! It's smells wonderful! I eat a single serving of Old Fashioned rolled oatmeal (no instant) every morning with 1-2 chunked apples mixed in after the oatmeal is cooked. I also add a bit of Splenda & some chopped pecans. In 3 mos., this has lowered my bad cholesteral from 463 to 91. I also take NatureMade fish oil capsuls (oderless ones) 2-4 each day. I will tell you guys that it is proven that obesity is not necessarily a factor in high cholesteral. People with a "dunlap" belly (it done lapped over) - a waistline larger than the hips are at higher risk for high cholesteral (heart attack/stroke/heart disease) than obese people. It takes healthy eating and exercise - combined to achieve the ultimate result. You guys know this - I'll get off my soapbox;o)

Let's go - get moving and don't forget to eat HEALTHY to help your body mold back to where you want it to be!

JUST DO IT!! :sunshine2: :cooldance:

I am not a big person. 5 foot and around...well...you do NOT need to know how much I weight. But enough. I would like to lose maybe 5 pounds of fat and gain 5 pounds of muschle. However, having Fibromyalgia, I need to be active in order to keep feeling as good as possible, especially in the winter months when it acts up the most. Plus, my 2 uncles have had heart attacks at ages 45 and 50. They both were thin and fit. Taking vitamins and excercised regularly. However, heart disease and high cholestorol run in my family. I want to REMAIN healthy and fit. And it does help to feel like you look good too!!! (which I definitely do not look my best!)

I will report back after my 2nd session with my treadmill!

[m 'n c]

Congrats Angela on making it a 7 minute run. I find that when I run I have to do small runs mixed in with some walking breaks to work back up into longer runs. I usually start with a 5 minute walk, 7 minute run, 5-10 min walk to cool down then build up to 8 mins or 5-7-5-and then a small run to finish things off.

Shades - while I think you have some excellent points lets try not to be on a soapbox/preachy in the exercise and healthy eating threads. It can come across as discouraging. Everyone is exercising and eating well for different reasons (we did a whole post on this a month or two ago) and I'd hate to turn people off from sharing their progress or what they are doing with us for fear of getting lectured.

[shades99]

I am not a big person. 5 foot and around...well...you do NOT need to know how much I weight. But enough. I would like to lose maybe 5 pounds of fat and gain 5 pounds of muschle. However, having Fibromyalgia, I need to be active in order to keep feeling as good as possible, especially in the winter months when it acts up the most. Plus, my 2 uncles have had heart attacks at ages 45 and 50. They both were thin and fit. Taking vitamins and excercised regularly. However, heart disease and high cholestorol run in my family. I want to REMAIN healthy and fit. And it does help to feel like you look good too!!! (which I definitely do not look my best!)

I will report back after my 2nd session with my treadmill!

Go Angela!!:)

[shades99]

Shades - while I think you have some excellent points lets try not to be on a soapbox/preachy in the exercise and healthy eating threads. It can come across as discouraging. Everyone is exercising and eating well for different reasons (we did a whole post on this a month or two ago) and I'd hate to turn people off from sharing their progress or what they are doing with us for fear of getting lectured.

OUCH:( Good luck to you guys!!

[linanglab]

Well, I did my 2nd run. I am feeling good that I am 2/3 done for the day. It is nice to know you accomplished your goals!

[shades99]

Well, I did my 2nd run. I am feeling good that I am 2/3 done for the day. It is nice to know you accomplished your goals!


Good job!!!:cooldance: Only one more run to go to meet your daily goal:)

I've finished my Slim in 6 workout for the day. I like it when I am done early in the day. I gotta get the vacuum (Roomba robot) moving. It's one of the best cleaning items I've ever purchased! Only 2nd to it's buddy, Scooba. He's my robot that cleans my tile floors.

[linanglab]

Well, I finished up my 3rd work out. I am not DONE!!! I will try to do some abs and buttocks tonight. YIPPEE to ME!

[shades99]

Well, I finished up my 3rd work out. I am not DONE!!! I will try to do some abs and buttocks tonight. YIPPEE to ME!

:clap: Good job!!

[m 'n c]

Congrats Angela. I did not make it last night to the gym but I am going all weekend (see non-scale victory thread). You can make this a new habit. I have faith in you :)

[shades99]

Where are you guys at today? Angela - are you up and running today?

I appologize if I was too pushy - didn't mean to offend.

Please keep posting and keep movin'......

Sharon

[m 'n c]

Where are you guys at today? Angela - are you up and running today?

I appologize if I was too pushy - didn't mean to offend.

Please keep posting and keep movin'......

Sharon

Apology accepted.

I didn't mean to single you out at all shades/Sharon. Its just we have had a few new people around and I wanted to ensure that they all understood how weight loss and exercising is a difficult thing for so many people and the best thing is to stay positive and encouraging. I probably should not have directed that response only at you but just made a general comment. I will do that next time.

We do welcome all input. I liked the part about the grapple. I have always seen them but been hesitant to try them out. You might want to add that to a post in the eating healthy section about good snacks or even start a new one on things you find to be yummy and healthy.

Now back to the topic at hand. I am battling non-scale victories right now in WW terms. I have done well with 2 of them. I plan to hit the gym tonight since I didn't make it yesterday. I'm doing legs and cardio :cooldance:

[Magical JenK]

Great job Angela! Although I did eat better (& not constantly) this week, I wasn't able to get any real exercise in. This weekend's going to be hard too, but next week! I'm there! I'll dust off the eliptical, put in a tape of one of the new shows from this week that I couldn't watch & go, go, go!!

[linanglab]

Though I did not use the treadmill today, I did walk quickly for 1/2 hour.

Jen - eating healthy is a good start. I notice if I eat healthy I tend to get in the mood to excercise and visa versa. Like I said before, I do not know how full-time workers can find time to excercise on top of their job, housework, etc. Hats off to you guys!

[m 'n c]

ooh a 30 min walk is pretty good Angela. Its actually better than you 3 times of 7 minutes - you picked up 9 more minutes of exercise today :) I was so ready to go to the gym right after work since I got off an hour early and Mike wants to play a video game. Can you believe it?!?!? The one time I'm ready to go and he's putting it off. We will be going shortly. He's in the 4th quarter of his game right now.

[bs4free]

ooh a 30 min walk is pretty good Angela. Its actually better than you 3 times of 7 minutes - you picked up 9 more minutes of exercise today :) I was so ready to go to the gym right after work since I got off an hour early and Mike wants to play a video game. Can you believe it?!?!? The one time I'm ready to go and he's putting it off. We will be going shortly. He's in the 4th quarter of his game right now.
Sorry but i have to ask, What sports game is he playing, Madden?????

[m 'n c]

Sorry but i have to ask, What sports game is he playing, Madden?????

Madden 2006.

[bs4free]

Good Choice, Thats a big workout playing all 4 quarters in madden 2006!

[shades99]

YaY for everybody today! Everybody doing healthy things today!

I finished my workout dvd hourse ago today and I don't know if I'll get around to it tomorrow or not. I always take Sundays off - but, the entire weekend makes it more difficult for me to get going again on Monday. I'm thinking I'll put on my free pedometer and wear for a long walk tomorrow instead of during the dvd. Either I'm going to spend a long day shopping for a sofa to replace the one I just broke today:( or I'm gonna wonder around WDW.

Have a great weekend guys!!:cooldance:

[m 'n c]

Sometimes changing up your routine is a good thing so maybe a long walk will do the trick to get you motivated for the rest of the week. Do you have any other tapes to rotate between? I find that if I only stick with the windsor pilates tapes that I quickly tire of them and quit doing home workout videos. Luckily netflix has a ton of workout videos so I've been renting them and trying different ones out.

[linanglab]

I just bought some new Tae Bo tapes. I am going to try them (well, one of them) on Monday.

I would like to do some dancing videos. I love dance routines and think it would be fun to learn some dances and burn calories at the same time. So if anyone knows of any, let me know. I may purchase a few.

[m 'n c]

hmm I'm not too sure about dance videos. I think I did the paula abdul one years ago (on vhs). or maybe I just had it and never did it. I can't remember. I use to like the mtv the grind vhs tapes. Those use to be pretty good. I might still have the one that c note did back when they were trying to make it big (they never did).

[shades99]

Here's a dance/workout dvd you may want to check out on Amazon:

The Firm - Cardio Dance Slim Down by Allie DelRio Pointer

There are lots of reviews on Amazon that may help you decide if it is something you may like. I have a 30-min stability ball workout dvd by Allie and I like it a lot. I've never tried the dance one, though. If you decide to buy it - you may be able to buy it from deepdiscount.com and get a litte SR credit back.

[linanglab]

I used to have Paula's. I will have to see if I can find it.

Shades - Thanks. I will have to try and look that up tomorrow.

[jnorth1007]

I start back to exercising tomorrow. I wore my new workout shoes all day today so I could break them in. Thanks Catherine for the Addidas suggestion they are GREAT! I want to get in better shape. I swear there were times last week in Disney that I thought I just wouldn't make it. I need to work on my overall physical stamina. What do you think is the best for that?

[sunshinecindy]

I start back to exercising tomorrow. I wore my new workout shoes all day today so I could break them in. Thanks Catherine for the Addidas suggestion they are GREAT! I want to get in better shape. I swear there were times last week in Disney that I thought I just wouldn't make it. I need to work on my overall physical stamina. What do you think is the best for that?

boy, do I hear ya on that. We were walking back to the Swan from Epcot, up that little grade towards the Boardwalk, and I thought my heart was going to pound out of my chest. Talk about out of shape, sheesh.

[m 'n c]

I start back to exercising tomorrow. I wore my new workout shoes all day today so I could break them in. Thanks Catherine for the Addidas suggestion they are GREAT! I want to get in better shape. I swear there were times last week in Disney that I thought I just wouldn't make it. I need to work on my overall physical stamina. What do you think is the best for that?

Glad the addidas are working out. I love mine and I won't wear anything else.

Do you belong to a gym? I would try any of the cardio machines starting with 20-30 mins and building up. The eliptical is good if you don't want to tear up your knees running. I also like the stationary bike. According to either Shape or Self if you use the one where you sit upright you burn more calories/fat than the recumbant one. I alternate my programs between random, fat burn, and cardio burn.

[shades99]

I've learned that once I figure out what my target heart rate is, using a heart monitor helps me figure out exactly how hard I have to work on any given exercise to achieve and maintain my target heart rate for a sustained 20-30min. I've found it really helpful to keep from either under doing and more importantly - overdoing & over stressing my heart. For example, my target heart rate is 150-160 beats per minute. If I'm cycling my little heart out and bust out 163 beats per minute, I'm over exerting and from what I've been told by trainers, not gaining anything from it except a possible heart attack. So, I can slow down my peddling on the bike a bit.

I had to take a bike test (ride an upright bike with a heart monitor) every year in the Air Force to guage my fitness level. I'd guess about 17 out of 20 years, I failed the test because I couldn't keep my heart rate steady for the designated time required to show that my heart was working at optimal rate doing something other than sitting at my desk. Every year I failed, I had to start over with the heart monitor and figure out all over again how hard and for how long I needed to work out. I always felt more fit after a couple of months of heart monitoring and working at my target rate and I always dropped a few lbs.

Just an idea somebody may want to try.....might help somebody get more out of their workouts.

[Blessing and Miracle]

Okay, I can't believe I'm actually gonna say this but....I'm feeling horrible about my weight!:( I'm aware that I've gained some extra pounds, but after taking family pictures on Sunday, and actually seeing it in the photos had me quite depressed!

Due to the chemo that I'm currently on I've gained over 60 pounds! Yep, 60!!! I was handling it pretty well, considering the fact that after I was diagnosed with Leukemia and realized that it was better to have a little extra weight on you because normally with cancer you lose a lot of weight and I did at first. When you see others that are sooo frail and paper thin because of the illness that you don't care about the extra 10-20 pounds that you are carrying around. Not to mention, I couldn't eat at all with the first two chemos that I was taking! Absolutely, nothing! I decided right then that I would never complain again about my weight! However, with this new chemo, boy, it's designed to making you gain weight and right now, I'm heavier than I've ever been in my life!!! But, I can either keep taking it and live, but gain weight, or I can stop taking it, lose weight and well you know....so right now I'm kinda down about it, but I'm sure after today's visit at MDACC and seeing the other really sick, thin and frail patients, I won't complain!

So I say to all of you... don't stress too much about being a couple of pounds overweight. God forbid, if you get sick and along with the sickness you lose weight...will you have enough extra pounds to withstand! This is what I keep reminding myself of when I think about the extra pounds I've piled on!

[m 'n c]

Okay, I can't believe I'm actually gonna say this but....I'm feeling horrible about my weight!:( I'm aware that I've gained some extra pounds, but after taking family pictures on Sunday, and actually seeing it in the photos had me quite depressed!

Due to the chemo that I'm currently on I've gained over 60 pounds! Yep, 60!!! I was handling it pretty well, considering the fact that after I was diagnosed with Leukemia and realized that it was better to have a little extra weight on you because normally with cancer you lose a lot of weight and I did at first. When you see others that are sooo frail and paper thin because of the illness that you don't care about the extra 10-20 pounds that you are carrying around. Not to mention, I couldn't eat at all with the first two chemos that I was taking! Absolutely, nothing! I decided right then that I would never complain again about my weight! However, with this new chemo, boy, it's designed to making you gain weight and right now, I'm heavier than I've ever been in my life!!! But, I can either keep taking it and live, but gain weight, or I can stop taking it, lose weight and well you know....so right now I'm kinda down about it, but I'm sure after today's visit at MDACC and seeing the other really sick, thin and frail patients, I won't complain!

So I say to all of you... don't stress too much about being a couple of pounds overweight. God forbid, if you get sick and along with the sickness you lose weight...will you have enough extra pounds to withstand! This is what I keep reminding myself of when I think about the extra pounds I've piled on!

:hugs: Lisa. My brother goes through something very similar with some of his medications. It is quite frustrating but at the same time its better to be well and a tad overweight than sick and frail.

[linanglab]

Sometimes we take what we weigh and stress too much about it. I am one of those people. I ask that the doctor does not weigh me at the office. I really have NO idea what I weigh and prefer it that way.

You are right, Lisa. We need to be happy that we are healthy. Life is too short to stress about every little pound. I am not saying that we shouldn't try to stay healthy (heart problems run in my family, and I need to be healthy because of that). But we need to enjoy life.

Sorry you are a bit depressed. You have been given a tough go with life. But you sure have been an inspiration to a lot of us here. We think you are beautiful no matter what.....:hugs:

[askomsky]

:hugs: Hang in there Lisa, I agree with Angela wiht all that you've been through and how you keep a positive outlook on life has defintely inspired me (as I'm sure others) not to sweat the small stuff. Your positive :sunshine: attitude helps me stay postive also. It's like I can "see" your smile in all of your posts!

[Blessing and Miracle]

Thanks guys for the inspiration! I hate to complain, I really do. DH tells me not to worry about it I look just great to him and that I can just buy more clothing. I tell ya I had so many different sizes in my closet that I got rid of everything I couldn't wear anymore. For sure, for vacation I'll need to replace a lot of items :) I guess I can look at the bright side of it. :angel: