Burn Out

[Jenny]

It seems like after I have been in a consistant exercise routine for 4 or more months, I get BORED. I have tried many things to motivate myself. I go outside to exercise, turn on the tv or music. Anyone have suggestions? BTW, I haven't found anyone to exercise with me yet. My husband doesn't like to workout.

[TAutry]

Hi Jenny,

Staying motivated is a challenge. You didn't really say, but your post seemed to suggest that you are varying your workouts. If you are including a variety different activities, that is a good start. If you aren't, pick three or four activities that you can do with some regularity and mix it up.

Another key to staying motivated is your goal set. If you aren't seeing results, it is easy to give up. Make a list of your goals. Be specific, focus on each in turn and check them off when you complete them. You can make it more interesting by rewarding yourself after a period of time. When you have accomplished the first three goals, reward yourself with some new exercise wear, equipment or something else that you would enjoy.

Unlike your husband, I enjoy working out. Will he do other things that are active, but not 'exercise'? Although we haven't been able to do it lately, my wife and I used to get out the gloves and a softball and play catch some. We would also get out the frisbee or football and toss it around. Maybe you can talk him into a bike ride.

Good Luck! Keep us posted.;)

[am1977]

Jenny,

I can't say I really enjoy exercise either, I mean I drag myself to the gym nearly everyday, but if I didn't have to worry about weight or controlling blood sugar, I'm not sure I would be there nearly as much. I guess what gets me there are those reasons along with using exercise as my prime way of relieving stress and also enjoying how I feel AFTER I am finished.

Travis is right, staying motivated is tough. He had some really good ideas about setting goals and rewarding yourself. Those are things to try. It's true that working out with a friend or family probably helps. I wish I had that too. but I guess sometimes we do have to go it on our own. Adding to Travis's suggestions...I would suggest having your gym or exercise clothes and supplies set out ahead of time. Half the battle is just getting to the gym in the first place and if your stuff is all ready for you then it makes things a little easier. I know for myself, I have my stuff all set in my car so that I can just go right to the gym, w/o being distracted at home. Also, maybe it's just that you haven't really found something that you really like. You might try taking some classes, there are so many to choose from nowadays. Or if you don't belong to a gym, get a memebership...you might even meet someone to work with on a daily basis there. I must admit that the gym had gotten a little boring for myself, but having paid for the year already that also motivates me to get my money's worth. I also probably need to change up my routine a little bit. I tend to get into a rut.

Hope those ideas help. Good luck and let us know how things go..

[Lorna]

Why don't you find some exersise classes you coudl start going to, then if you make friends, you become motivated by the social experience.

[Jenny]

Thanks for the suggestions. I just don't like exercising around others. I have several costly exercise machines in the bsement as well and feel as though I should use them. Maybe I should just invite a few friends over. :)

[rzrbks]

Jenny,

Perhaps a TV in front of one of several costly exercise machines in the bsement . Perhaps, one of those small ones with a VCR and just pop a tape of one of your favorite shows in when it's time to exercise???

[gettingby]

My exercise routine revolves around walking. My daughter will put on her roller blades and go with me.

[Jenny]

Rzr,
Yes, I do try putting my favorite show on while I work out. Sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn't.

[SunniD]

I like music to help motivate me as well as tv shows. Music does it for me. I also use goals to achieve-personal goals for instance if I am light wt. lifting I might lift 10 -15 lbs for so long and so many times and then increase it to 20 lbs so you have a challenge to achieve.

Nobody ever said that wt lifting for diabetes was about heavy wts. -it's not. Lift light wts and increase the number of times or switch the routines around so you don't lose interest.

If you need more incentive, rate the male butts walking by<smile>

Exercise is supposed to be fun.*g*

SunniD

[statdeac]

Upbeat songs work for me.