Starting diet/exercise regimen

kindra1

Give me any and all tips to keep me motivated and focused! I would like to hear ANYTHING that worked for you!

Haven1

Here's what I tell people about starting an exercise routine:

1. Go buy yourself cute workout gear (shoes, clothes, etc.).  Make sure it's something you really like.  Only wear this stuff for working out. You'll want to wear it because it's cute and because you don't want the money to go to waste.
2. Tell your entire family how exercise will fit into your routine and how it will effect them.  Do you need DH to watch the kids while you go to the gym?  Will your kids join you in the basement during a workout video? Make sure everyone knows this is a priority to you. You want their help to keep you accountable, but you also need their support so you have time to do it.
3. Have an exercise goal.  Is it a fall 5k?  Is it level 3 on the 30 day shred? Is it the full Zumba class at the gym without dying?  Reward yourself when you get there.

Good luck!

LindsaymR

For losing weight I set goals/rewards along the way - do something you really want and dont make it food related.

I have 3 goals for weightloss and my rewards are - massage, nails, and new pair of nice jeans.

For exercise you just need to figure out what you enjoy. I go back and forth between the gym and running outside. I don't use my membership a ton right now except a few Zumba classes but during the winter I'll use it more when I can't be outside and get sick of the treadmill.

katie00224

I have had gym memberships before & just didn't go. We have a bowflex in the basement that I don't use. I thought maybe I could make myself into a runner by setting a goal of a 1/2 marathon with Team in Training and decided that I am just not a runner. I don't care for at-home workout videos, soooooo

My soloution was signing on with a personal trainer 2x/week with a couple of friends and the motivation that I will have to wear a swimsuit in Key West next April For me, it's the accountability of going with friends, the variety of things he kicks our azzes with and the support/encouragement of DH.

JH1

Think of it as a gift to yourself.

Set a short term goal ... like for two weeks I will go to the gym/workout 3x/wk. Two weeks is doable. When you meet that goal, set another one. Each one is a stepping stone to something bigger. 

Take it meal by meal, snack by snack. Messing up in the morning with a donut doesn't mean you've blown the day. Every meal and snack is an opportunity to get back on track.  

melgul001

I know $$$ can be a factor here, but I saved some back from 3 paychecks and signed with a personal  trainer. I think she is what kept me motivated for 6 months ...well that and boot camp! She

She also said...dont use weight loss as goals (I will lose 10 lbs in 2 months)....we used body fat % but unless you have a way to measure that it would be hard....or I will do 1 mile on the treadmill in less than 12 mins in a certain amt of time...etc. She said its so hard to do weight loss when working out because depending on what you are doing...you are gaining muscle.