FabSwingers.com forum: Exercise motivation?

By *ovEyes OP Man
over a year ago

coventry

Hey everyone,

How do you all motivate yourselves for exercise? I'm struggling, have done since 3 bouts of knee surgery some years back.

I need to lose some weight, I don't eat much naturally but to lose the weight I need exercise but just can never be motivated.

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By *ealMissShadyWoman
over a year ago

St Albans/ Welsh Borders

I find classes help. And an exercise you enjoy

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The only motivation I need…….is to not want to die because of my obesity.

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By *ovEyes OP Man
over a year ago

coventry

"I find classes help. And an exercise you enjoy "

Classes are a great idea, I just need the motivation to turn up

I was an avid sports player until my injuries, that kept me fit but it's not really a possibility now.

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By *apidaryMan
over a year ago

Chipping Norton

You have to find exercise you enjoy doing. The masochism to keep going with something that gives you no joy is not to be desired; much better to keep the weight and remain unfit.

But hit upon the activity that gives you pleasure, regardless of it being a chore from time to time, and you win both ways.

Not trying to be glib, & I realise it's hard (particularly as exercise is loathsome for the time you're starting out and are still unfit), but there's got to be something out there. Doesn't have to be flipping bits of iron over your head on Venice beach, it could be a regular stroll. But it's out there. Good luck!

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By *ovEyes OP Man
over a year ago

coventry

"The only motivation I need…….is to not want to die because of my obesity. "

What if yiu aren't obese, but carrying some extra pounds. Life's not in danger but you also aren't happy with your body?

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By *ovEyes OP Man
over a year ago

coventry

"You have to find exercise you enjoy doing. The masochism to keep going with something that gives you no joy is not to be desired; much better to keep the weight and remain unfit.

But hit upon the activity that gives you pleasure, regardless of it being a chore from time to time, and you win both ways.

Thank you, yes I need to find something I enjoy. Competitive sports was it, I've just never found a replacement.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

No matter how good the knee surgery OP, being active and losing excess weight will be beneficial to all your joints, especially the injured one.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 20/10/23 18:22:01]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You don't need motivation, you need discipline. Develop that first, motivation becomes second nature after that.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"The only motivation I need…….is to not want to die because of my obesity.

What if yiu aren't obese, but carrying some extra pounds. Life's not in danger but you also aren't happy with your body? "

There’s your motivation. The desire to improve your body to a place you’re happy with.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Just seeing the results in the mirror has helped me. I'm doing weight training rather trying to lose weight but looking in the mirror and going up in weight to progress has always motivated me

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By *avexxMan
over a year ago

cheshire

maybe get some light weights and bench nothing to heavy tone your body up a little

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By *apidaryMan
over a year ago

Chipping Norton

"Thank you, yes I need to find something I enjoy. Competitive sports was it, I've just never found a replacement. "

I think that's a common predicament. When you've done a sport that you've really loved, what do you replace it with? Something you enjoy less, and are less good at? I think you have to, often; that's just the situation as we get older. There aren't many sports you can continue doing through life at the same level you managed in your twenties, and it's easy to be a little haunted by the change. I've always suspected that's why there are so many obese older ex-rugby players.

As others have said above, classes can be really helpful. You get an echo, a taste, of the camaraderie that makes team sport so pleasurable.

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By *ellhungvweMan
over a year ago

Cheltenham

OP I made it a habit to exercise regularly. I told myself that people like me make time to exercise and I started to believe it. Now I have made that part of my identity it seems odd to me when I don’t exercise.

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By *ealMissShadyWoman
over a year ago

St Albans/ Welsh Borders

"I find classes help. And an exercise you enjoy

Classes are a great idea, I just need the motivation to turn up

I was an avid sports player until my injuries, that kept me fit but it's not really a possibility now. "

I hope it works out for you

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By *oxy jWoman
over a year ago

somerset

my husband is a ill man so extercise is difficult but we brought a second hand running machine and its working very well for him he puts a record on and walks the duration of that album some might thinks its silly but hes lost over 3 stone in less than 8 weeks gentle exercise with big results ..

the other thing hes using is the revdite leg simulator to get his legs and circulation working again its working wonders

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By *annibal_LickedherMan
over a year ago

The Side of the Mersey

My motivation is that my mental health improves drastically when I regularly exercise

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Find yourself an accountability partner. Usually a gym friend who you can train with and then watch loads of YouTube videos on what exercises to to do and how to safely perform them (trust me this is important because I have a compressed vertebrae from improper form while lifting heavy as a teenager).

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By *ucka39Man
over a year ago

Newcastle

Mark it on the calendar ahead then each day prior do a little bit of something. Doing it no matter how much it's still effort then gradually increase as you see little difference giving you motivation to progress further

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Another thing try using smart goals

Small

Measurable

Achievable

Realistic

Time scale

Goals they help give you direction because a ship with no destination could end up travelling anywhere. So define what it is you’re looking to achieve?

Are you looking to lose weight?

Are you looking to gain muscle? If so how much muscle?

Are you looking to boost your mental health?

Are you looking to gain more confidence? If so what would confidence look like for you?

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By *ealMissShadyWoman
over a year ago

St Albans/ Welsh Borders

"My motivation is that my mental health improves drastically when I regularly exercise "

This is me too!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Once you know why you can figure out how to achieve it and once you figure that out that’s how you keep yourself motivated. Hope this helps OP

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By *ou only live onceMan
over a year ago

London

"You have to find exercise you enjoy doing. The masochism to keep going with something that gives you no joy is not to be desired; much better to keep the weight and remain unfit.

But hit upon the activity that gives you pleasure, regardless of it being a chore from time to time, and you win both ways.

Thank you, yes I need to find something I enjoy. Competitive sports was it, I've just never found a replacement. "

Can you still play the sports you like, albeit at a lower/less competitive level? I don't know what injuries you have, obviously.

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By *heGateKeeperMan
over a year ago

Stratford

Does it have to be at the gym? Could you try something different like Jiu Jitsu?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Do you not think ju-jitsu would be a little dangerous with a knee injury? Especially in a sport where leg and knee locks are prevalent…

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By *ou only live onceMan
over a year ago

London

"You have to find exercise you enjoy doing. The masochism to keep going with something that gives you no joy is not to be desired; much better to keep the weight and remain unfit.

But hit upon the activity that gives you pleasure, regardless of it being a chore from time to time, and you win both ways.

Thank you, yes I need to find something I enjoy. Competitive sports was it, I've just never found a replacement.

Can you still play the sports you like, albeit at a lower/less competitive level? I don't know what injuries you have, obviously.

Sorry, you said knee surgery. Ignore me. But have you fully recovered so your knee is "usable/functional" or do you need to find something that puts no pressure in it/them?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Hey everyone,

How do you all motivate yourselves for exercise? I'm struggling, have done since 3 bouts of knee surgery some years back.

I need to lose some weight, I don't eat much naturally but to lose the weight I need exercise but just can never be motivated. "

Start with something achievable. Be it walk to the corner shop to buy the milk instead of nipping to Tesco and you inevitably buy more (that what I do anyway!), just make better choices not using the lift all the way up using the stairs for the last two floors, or even the escalator, don't use it use stairs.

Get yourself in a routine, if there is a swimming class on try that be it once a week to begin with.

Later once you've started that and got into a routine, maybe add a class, ask a friend to join you for a 5k park run etc, but you don't run, you walk.... That's what my advice would be.

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By *avexxMan
over a year ago

cheshire

great exercise for you swimming,

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Hey everyone,

How do you all motivate yourselves for exercise? I'm struggling, have done since 3 bouts of knee surgery some years back.

I need to lose some weight, I don't eat much naturally but to lose the weight I need exercise but just can never be motivated.

Get yourself in a routine, if there is a swimming class on try that be it once a week to begin with.

Later once you've started that and got into a routine, maybe add a class, ask a friend to join you for a 5k park run etc, but you don't run, you walk.... That's what my advice would be."

This

even if it’s only a run round the block and then next time maybe go for 2 until you can do more and more

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By *imber wolfMan
over a year ago

Aycliffe

You’ll always struggle if you rely on motivation because you’ll keep needing to find the next source of it.

You’re far better off using will power. If you don’t have much then develop it. Start small and work up.

Develop your mind and it’ll drag your body along with it

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By *heGateKeeperMan
over a year ago

Stratford

"Do you not think ju-jitsu would be a little dangerous with a knee injury? Especially in a sport where leg and knee locks are prevalent… "

Depends totally on the gym (and your training partners).

If you’re no gi heavy then mindfulness would be required but if you’re yes gi heavy heel hooks and most knee submissions are illegal in many comps (and thus not focused on) at lower levels

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By *rMrsBrightsideCouple
over a year ago

Newcastle

My motivation is usually an upcoming meet or visit to a club. The thought of being naked in front of people always makes me get my arse off the sofa and into the gym

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Do you not think ju-jitsu would be a little dangerous with a knee injury? Especially in a sport where leg and knee locks are prevalent…

Depends totally on the gym (and your training partners).

If you’re no gi heavy then mindfulness would be required but if you’re yes gi heavy heel hooks and most knee submissions are illegal in many comps (and thus not focused on) at lower levels "

That would make more sense tbh! Are leg sweeps prohibited or again would that be discriminatory between training partners?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Discretionary*

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By *ellinever70Woman
over a year ago

Ayrshire

"my husband is a ill man so extercise is difficult but we brought a second hand running machine and its working very well for him he puts a record on and walks the duration of that album some might thinks its silly but hes lost over 3 stone in less than 8 weeks gentle exercise with big results ..

the other thing hes using is the revdite leg simulator to get his legs and circulation working again its working wonders "

That's a phenomenal weight loss in such a short time

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By *a LunaWoman
over a year ago

South Wales

I detest formal exercise. Much prefer walking or putting some music on, closing the curtains and having a bop around the living room.

I used to have one of those little mini trampettes and I’d stick on a euphoric dance cd and do high leg jogging on the spot. That was fun.

Every bit helps!

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

Baby steps are probably better for you than huge leaps.

I agree with others that if you can enjoy what you're doing, you'll probably stick with it more readily.

If you can get others to join with you, for some/all of it, it could potentially ease you back into being more active and adhering to it.

One step at a time. Go easy on yourself as further, avoidable injuries are not the answer.

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By *isfits behaving badlyCouple
over a year ago

Coventry

Motivation can be really hard. But just remember something is better than nothing. If you can't motivate yourself to do a session just do something. Even if that's to just go for a little walk or a 20 min youtube home exercise class, even a little light youtube yoga class. Doing something is 100% better than doing nothing. Also doing something little and light is far less daunting than doing something more intensive and/or long. And thus far more easier to motivate to do and achievable.

Then if you can master the attitude of a little something is better than nothing in your everday routine then you're more likely to naturally expand the scope of your exercise and your motivation as you go on.

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By *avie65Man
over a year ago

In the west.

Buddy up. I go to the gym by myself and cycling with my mate. It's easier with someelse there.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I look in the mirror, see that I’m a porker and remember why I eat plain food(75% of the time) and drag my lazy ass to the gym!

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By *hiteWitchXXXWoman
over a year ago

North Wales

"Hey everyone,

How do you all motivate yourselves for exercise? I'm struggling, have done since 3 bouts of knee surgery some years back.

I need to lose some weight, I don't eat much naturally but to lose the weight I need exercise but just can never be motivated. "

Just start walking more and build up from there.... you may not eat much but it's about what you eat

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By *onnieAndClyde8882Couple
over a year ago

East Sussex

Setting it as recurring event in the calendar helps a lot. You cannot argue with the calendar. It say time for gym, you just go.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You cannot rely on motivation for consistent exercise.

Habit is the key. Start doing 10th minutes of exercise every day. Bump it upto 15 every day

Then 30 etc soon it'll be second nature and you've built the habit which requires little motivation.

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By *uke_silverMan
over a year ago

London

"Hey everyone,

How do you all motivate yourselves for exercise? I'm struggling, have done since 3 bouts of knee surgery some years back.

I need to lose some weight, I don't eat much naturally but to lose the weight I need exercise but just can never be motivated. "

This is not motivation per se, but a behaviour that could work - it has helped me be more regular. Go to the gym in or near your office if there's one - take your workout clothes with you. You could do it morning/afternoon/evening depending on your preference - I do it in the evening after work. I find I don't have to generate motivation (which I would do if I were at home) because it becomes a habit. You've carried the clothes, may as well pop in, even if it's just for a shower (getting in is the hard part imo).

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