Don't Feel Like It

[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. :D 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]

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. :D 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.

[thomasb]

Days when i don't feel like lifting, i just think about the way i will feel when i get home, knowing that i sucked it up and went to the gym anyway.
Also, i try to have a goal with my workout, a longterm one. It helps with motivation and makes me feel like i am doing this for myself and my body. Oh, and also, i sometimes congratulate myself for doing this knowing that I have to work harder the average "healthy" guy. Ahm.

[Alice]

Cold weather makes me turn into a turnip...I don't even like chilly, otherwise warm days...I hate to bundle up...but coming from Chicago, I can't complain now...I just wish I wasn't a temperature sissy...I can walk in 100 degrees...just not chilly weather.

(Truthfully, once I get going I normally "warm up"...it's the getting started that tough)

[Kim_in_TN]

You all make me look so terrible! I am soooooooooo out of shape it isn't even funny! I just started yesterday taking brisk walks around the block ... yes, one block. I have a new rescued Husky who is my new walking buddy! It takes me about 10 minutes, maybe a tad less and I am very out of breath when I finish.

I used to do aerobics when I was thin and younger and I loved trying to do strength training as well. I just wish I could get back to that stuff again. I NEED a personal trainer! Anyone know of a FREE one in TN? LOL!

[Alice]

Kim, my PBS channels (I seem to get a lot of them now) have some pretty good workouts...good for cold days. That's about as free as you can find these days...I really think walking (briskly) at whatever distance you can handle is excellent. I was at a luncheon this week where a (very expensive) personal trainer was the guest speaker. He recommended getting your heart rate up between 90-120 for burning fat...I'm going to get a heart monitor for walking...I tend to stroll and look at the squirrels if I'm not careful!

Walking is pretty cheap too!

TN is a great walking state...(except for Kingston Pike!)

[ant hill]

You all make me look so terrible! I am soooooooooo out of shape it isn't even funny! I just started yesterday taking brisk walks around the block ... yes, one block. I have a new rescued Husky who is my new walking buddy! It takes me about 10 minutes, maybe a tad less and I am very out of breath when I finish.
Heh, I am too so out of get up and go as I was cutting wood for the fireplace and at humidity at 72% I was so uncofortable in a gallon of sweat. Also using a dangeous machine was a concern too and so buy before I get to use the chainsaw I made sure that I was OK BG wise. :)

I used to do aerobics when I was thin and younger and I loved trying to do strength training as well. I just wish I could get back to that stuff again. I NEED a personal trainer! Anyone know of a FREE one in TN? LOL!
Gee, Ballet would be nice but to do those exersices at the barre well no. :(

[Schlep]

Heh, I am too so out of get up and go as I was cutting wood for the fireplace and at humidity at 72% I was so uncofortable in a gallon of sweat. Also using a dangeous machine was a concern too and so buy before I get to use the chainsaw I made sure that I was OK BG wise. :)


Gee, Ballet would be nice but to do those exersices at the barre well no. :(

I went out and cut wood once for the fireplace, used a chain saw and swore I would never do it again. The $60.00 for 2 years of wood is much easier by just calling and ordering :eek:

[Fawkes]

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.

Agreed, especially if you're going to run on it. If the planned usage is walking, you can often get away with a less expensive one. But, you do get what you pay for.:D

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?

Was it just lack of motivation, or did you feel low on energy? It could be a dietary thing.

[Scratch]

You all make me look so terrible! I am soooooooooo out of shape it isn't even funny! I just started yesterday taking brisk walks around the block ... yes, one block. I have a new rescued Husky who is my new walking buddy! It takes me about 10 minutes, maybe a tad less and I am very out of breath when I finish.

I used to do aerobics when I was thin and younger and I loved trying to do strength training as well. I just wish I could get back to that stuff again. I NEED a personal trainer! Anyone know of a FREE one in TN? LOL!

The thing to remember is that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. That first walk around the block. And the steps following that.

While you may look at what some of us here are doing and think it is so far away from you, it was once that way for everyone who decides to go that thousand miles.

I know sometimes it can be discouraging to look at what others are capable of. I know sometimes it can be motivating too. But try to learn to trust that it's going to take a lot of steps to get there and my suggestion is that you try to enjoy each and every one.