I just started to exercise again after a long break and I am somewhat out of shape. I am able to walk for an hour and a half at a time but I am spotty and don’t do it every day. When I do walk even for a half hour my blood sugars really improve and I would like to exercise every day. My question is how to get motivated when my body is hurting and I don’t feel like exercising. Unlike some people, I think exercise is boring, but I am hoping someone can change my mind. It sounds like a lot of people in this group have themselves together when it comes to diet, blood sugar control and exercise. Any helpful hints for someone who is not “together” when it comes to these things? My blood sugar is finally good, my diet is getting there, but I could use some more advice on the exercise part. Thanks!
Oh, lots of, I’m so NOT together on all the things that you talked about…I wish I could even fake it well enough to have someone believe that.
I had to find something that I liked. Walking was out, even though it’s the best and easiest for most people, I found it boring, and painful with my arthritis. So what would something be, that I would do even though it was exercise. I found it was swimming for me. I contacted a local motel that had a pool, and they had swim passes for an inexpensive amount, were open 24/7, had a shower, and weren’t busy during the day or late at night…my times. I tried it out, and I do love it. The part I hate is changing clothes 5 times a day, but that’s a small inconvenience. My second choice, even though I thought I was going to hate it was a recumbant bike. My clinic has a small gym, with two bikes, three treadmills, and another machine, that I don’t know anything about. But I can sit, and bike away for 30 minutes between the hours of 8 - 5…and leave. There is no charge because I am a patient,…but it is worth it on days I don’t feel like changing clothes 5 times, or days that the motel is full of people. My only problem with both is the weekends. And then I found a pilates beginner’s DVD that is perfect for me, cause I can do it on my own time…
So I think the idea is to find several things that you are interested in, you can afford, and fit your schedule. (does exercise ever fit our schedules???) A friend maybe to go with??? I’d rather do it on my own, but I know many people depend on that friend to get them out and going…but I do believe you have to like it to do it consistently. And then there’s always walking. Good luck.!