[Schlep]

Wow this has never happened but this week it happened twice. I usually walk 4 miles every day and it takes me an hour.

Monday I got done doing 2.5 miles and just did not want to keep going. Today I walked just over a mile and the same thing happened.

Does this ever happen to you and if so how did you overcome?

[shiftzor]

I got lazy and stopped but that was before I even knew what a diabetic was, maybe you need to make it more interesting like walking a different route or something. I think everyone goes through this, it’s like going to the gym, best way to do it was with a friend, a motivated friend and that way you motivate each other. Not sure how that helps you in this situation. Do you have a dog? If not then maybe that would keep you motivated . Just a few ideas, don’t give up.

[morrisma]

Definitely get a friend (or 3) to go.

That way, someone in the group will always be available encourage the others to get moving! Life pretty much guarantees that someone is always temporarily "out of it" and needs a push. Walking is the best - don't give up!

I posted a cnn story under diet that shows how a guy lost half his (considerable) body weight just walking.
Mike

[susique333]

Back before I got my knee replaced I used to walk 3-5 miles a day. On the days I didnt want to do it, Id promise myself something special like a Starbucks coffee (sugar free of course) and that would give me a little push to get over the hump.

[Schlep]

The problem is I walk on a tread mill at home in front of a TV, one tread mill no friends.

[morrisma]

Ok, you need to get OUT! The fresh air makes the walk worth double. (A lie I tell myself.) And then you CAN invite a friend or 2 along.
Mike

[Scratch]

Yeah, you definitely might want to try taking some walks outside then.

I think everyone's motivation is subject to some waxing and waning. Don't beat yourself up over it.

[KCP]

yea, im getting to be the same!! I used to get to teh gym four+ times a week until xmas. But then you know how it is. You get thru xmas to disvcover you no longer feel like excersising!
Im getting in at least 2 times a week at the moment but only cos I have pt sessions!!

[ant hill]

There are days that I don't feel like anything physical as I can be a couch potato easily!!

[labob]

The gym I go to is right across the street from where I work. I don't even need to walk up or down the street: just exit my building, cross the street, and there I am. And yet I have been known to stand at the **** street corner and stare at the gym for several lights as I try to find the motivation to go inside. Sometimes the motivation just isn't there and I go home.

I've been on a really good streak for the last few months, though, and I think it has to do with a conscious decision to vary my routine. Most of all I've learned to accept that strength training really is important (I much prefer cardio exercises, but since following a regular strength training schedule that I alternate with pure cardio days, even cardio workouts are easier and more fun -- and my glucose control has never been better).

You might find exercise more interesting if you get a couple exercise videos (look for some that focus on strength training/overall muscle toning) and mix it up. You can still use walking on the treadmill as your default. Plus, if there's an affordable gym close by, check it out. I bet you'll find a variety of things that you look forward to doing.

[Wolf]

I just think about all the glucose accumulating in my blood. That usually gets me motivated!

I find that having a dog helps. Our dog is a border collie/lab cross, so he requires a lot of exercise. When he doesn't get a walk, he follows me around the house and stares at me. The stare is a little creepy, so I'm forced to get out there and walk him for at least 45 minutes so he can settle down when we get home. I would recommend a dog for anyone with diabetes.

[Schlep]

Thanks all for your suggestions and support. I found some preset programs on my tread mill that are really neat, give you a good work out and yet keep it more interesting.

I used to walk 4 miles in an hour at a zero incline and these programs go by time 30 minutes (I did 2) and what they do is they spend one minute in each different incline from 0 to 8.

It added some interest for me.

[tanyatype1]

I work out on a treadmill too Schlep, but I don't watch TV while exercising because it's too slow. We have a computer in the room where my treadmill is and I download rock music videos. (Turn it up nice and loud!) Gets ya revved up pretty quick! I make playlists so that the songs/videos play continually until I'm done.

[Penny]

When I was able to walk without too much pain in my feet and hips, I walked or rode my bicycle to pay bills, do banking, and pick up things I needed at the store. As long as I had a purpose for my walk, I did not mind it too much. Now I walk inside one of our mega stores, because I can hang onto a shopping cart to do it.......I walk as fast as I can without knocking down other shoppers. I get bored walking without needing to get someplace, but I realize it is time to do more.......I am thinking treadmill or my old stationary bike. But I am not looking forward to it.

[Schlep]

Originally Posted by Penny

When I was able to walk without too much pain in my feet and hips, I walked or rode my bicycle to pay bills, do banking, and pick up things I needed at the store. As long as I had a purpose for my walk, I did not mind it too much. Now I walk inside one of our mega stores, because I can hang onto a shopping cart to do it.......I walk as fast as I can without knocking down other shoppers. I get bored walking without needing to get someplace, but I realize it is time to do more.......I am thinking treadmill or my old stationary bike. But I am not looking forward to it.

If you buy a treadmill my suggestion is do not go cheap with the price and make sure it has features that you will use.