At my last job, I worked so much that working out seemed impossible. It was all I could do to walk the dog after I got home! Due to that, I managed to pack on roughly 30 lbs, ugh. This is the biggest I've ever been and I feel hideous. The problem is, now that I'm not working as much, I still can't get motivated to get my butt out the door. I get as far as getting my workout gear on, then I come up with a thousand other things I need to do: pick up dry cleaning, laundry, clean the house, apply for school, redo my resume, etc. On top of that, I'm EXHAUSTED for no reason.

I'm not depressed, in fact my demeanor has improved drastically due to the lack of stress of work. I know that working out would make me feel even better mentally, not to mention physically, and increase my energy levels, but I don't know how to get out of this "rut" and go on a run or even pop in Jillian Michael's ripped in 30. Any ideas? I know it's just a mental game but I can't get over that hump. I miss my old toned body and being able to wear cute clothes without feeling self conscious.

Write down all the reasons why you should start exercising. Then write down the days and time you would like to do it. If you can fit it in your schedule the morning is best because you get it out of the way before you can make any excuses not to do it. Maybe you can get a workout partner too. It's always more fun when you workout with someone and they can help keep you motivated. I hope that you reach your weightloss goals. Wishing you the best!

I would suggest to start slowly back into exercising and trick your mind by not regarding it as exercising go for a walk after dinner or bike around the neighbourhood. no pressure to really start a strenuous exercise regime right away! this way you can trick your mind into increasing your activity level and once you get into it and enjoy it you will want to slowly increase the intensity automatically good luck!

Honestly, the biggest hurdle is simply getting back into the routine. You've got to start and you've got to be consistent. Once you get yourself into a routine, working out will just become part of your daily life. I always have a hard time getting started, but once I can get a few weeks under my belt, working out becomes the norm and I actually look forward to it. I am like you and will make all sorts of excuses, but I'm happy to say that I'm back to working out about 5-6 days per week again and it feels great. It really is as much about my emotional well-being as it is my physical well-being. My biggest motivation is knowing that I have to wear my bikini around all of my friends at our Country Club and believe me, at age 40, that's no easy task anymore...

Do you have a gym membership and a smart phone? I'm a bum about continually going to spin class, so I'm using Gympact, https://secure.gym-pact.com/ to motivate me this time around!

for me I hate exercise..but I love to dance! and who knew that counted as a type of exercise..when I wake up groggy in the morning and know I need to do something to get a natural perkiness to myself (for works sake) I listen to music, certain beats just make me want to move.

and once you get moving you'll feel a lot more energized to move more..maybe do some of the exercise you have been wanting.

mood is a huge key for me

also eating correctly, it's such a huge discipline! I love certain sugary things and can't give it up but it took total pigging out to realize it makes me groggy. a little bit is okay, make a meal of it even, but not so full I'm going into a food coma..

and also whatever healthy food that I actually like, I tend to stick to so I can keep my energy and not feel so bad.

every morning I eat egg whites cos I love it--so I don't feel like I'm depriving myself of a meal. I also love jelly beans and this mushroom candy (and I get it free x.x) so I snack on those too.

hopefully I said something that is helpful :)

Do some kind of safe 2 minute workout as soon as you get out of bed. I do yoga and abslide.

Then eat a healthy breakfast (NOT CEREAL) and don't get on TPF until you do a real workout. TPF can be your reward.

If it gets hot where you are, make yourself go running before it gets hot. If your dog likes to run, run with the dog. The dog will motivate you to run.

If you do yoga everyday, you will get addicted to it. Your body will need the wringing out.

Comcast has on demand workouts of every type and duration. Pick a workout to do everyday. It can be 5 minutes or 60 minutes. Just make yourself do one everyday. If you don't have on demand or dvds you like, do 100 reps of something hard.

I disagree with the school of thought that you should ease back into it slowly. I think that you need to jump right in. Easing into it slowly still allows you to make excuses. Choose your routine (meaning, make a decision about how many days per work you are going to work out) and get to it. The goal is to make it a habit and slowly easing into it, does not create habitual behaviors.

Originally Posted by vhdos

My biggest motivation is knowing that I have to wear my bikini around all of my friends at our Country Club and believe me, at age 40, that's no easy task anymore...

Haha, me too! I've been working for a while now towards a bikini outing next weekend! If that's motivating for you OP, plan a pool date with friends.

Pictures also really motivate me because I think I sometimes just forget about my goals...having a really fit six pack hung on my fridge or as the wallpaper on my phone is a constant reminder.

I agree with jumping in. Start eating healthy TODAY. Find a YouTube workout to do RIGHT NOW. I love Cassie from PopPilates, she has a ton of awesome workouts, I'll do a couple before bed usually.

Thanks for all of the advice everyone! My goal is to start fresh tomorrow, and not to call hanging up laundry my workout!

I do have Comcast, so I have the On-demand workouts available, as well as Netflix ones, and plenty of actual videos I've purchased. I don't have a gym membership anymore, but I do have a free 7 day pass for a local one that I can use - hoping to use it since the weather has been nasty here lately, or to do 2-a-days.

I have a few apps on my iPhone - iMapmyrun, My Fitness Pal, and couch - to - 10K.

Yes, with all of these tools readily available, it's absolutely ridiculous that I've "excused" my way into this rut. With the lessened work schedule, I can't make excuses and blame that, so it's time to get my body back! I had an ex-boyfriend call me fat a few weeks ago (not the first time he's done it, and he's the EX for a reason, right?) It stung, but it is true...and to be perfectly honest, it's pretty good motivation to get back into shape and let him know what he's missing, LOL.

I could have written your post. I know that working out will make me feel better and help me lose weight but I'm having a hard time getting started again. I've lost five pounds so far and would love to lose five more before the fourth of July. I think the only way that will happen for me is with working out. N

Originally Posted by vhdos

I disagree with the school of thought that you should ease back into it slowly. I think that you need to jump right in. Easing into it slowly still allows you to make excuses. Choose your routine (meaning, make a decision about how many days per work you are going to work out) and get to it. The goal is to make it a habit and slowly easing into it, does not create habitual behaviors.

ITA

Can you hire a PT to jumpstart your routine? That's what works for me when I get into a rut.

Originally Posted by coconutsboston

Thanks for all of the advice everyone! My goal is to start fresh tomorrow, and not to call hanging up laundry my workout! I do have Comcast, so I have the On-demand workouts available, as well as Netflix ones, and plenty of actual videos I've purchased. I don't have a gym membership anymore, but I do have a free 7 day pass for a local one that I can use - hoping to use it since the weather has been nasty here lately, or to do 2-a-days.

How did it go yesterday?

Originally Posted by lolakitten

ITA Can you hire a PT to jumpstart your routine? That's what works for me when I get into a rut.

Unfortunately I don't have the budget for that, or I most definitely would.

Originally Posted by Laurie8504

How did it go yesterday?

Slow, to be honest. The pup and I went for a long stroll in the park. I guess it's better than nothing. I always get kind of jealous when I'm being passed by avid runners (because I used to be and I'm super competitive), but it was humid so my knees were aching. Time to dig out the MoveFree pills and start taking those again, for sure! I was down a lb from yesterday though, so baby steps!

I think it's important to establish your personal reasons for working out and let them motivate you- if you have a "why" you can tolerate any "how" they say. Do you want to rock a bikini at the beach, fit into your favorite jeans, see grandchildren, etc etc. I write down my list of personal goals on my chalkboard at home and keep them on my phone to look at when I feel really "blah" about getting off the computer to go workout. It helps me remember that being uncomfortable for an hour or so a day is worth it when it comes to reaching my goals....
Other suggestions- I have a calendar on my wall where I write in my workouts. That way if I see a few days in a row with no workout I feel really motivated to get moving. Listening to good upbeat motivating music on my iPod makes a huge difference in my runs. Drinking lots of water and eating clean also have really helped increase my energy to me get off my butt to workout lately. I hope this helps!! Good luck