Stuck in an exercise rut

I've been stuck in an exercise rut for a long time.  My main problem is that my head hasn't yet caught up with my body.  I feel too self conscious still to join a gym.  Most of the ones around here are full of folks that don't look like they need it, and I feel like I stick out like a sore thumb.

This is stupid stinkin' thinkin' though.  I'm now a size 10, and that's respectable (although the media still classifies size 10 as plus size.... grrr).  However, I still find that I don't see myself clearly.

It's hard to break out into a new routine or new direction.

This sounds like the exercise story of my life! I think so many of us feel like the only exercise we can get must be in a gym! I found out that is just not true. In the summer I like to swim and take walks on the beach. I ALWAYS feel the burn walking in the sand. Even standing thigh deep in the water and trying not to let the waves push you around for 30 minutes, makes my muscles sore. When I can't be at the beach I do a different work out routine every day. Cardio every day but one week on the treadmill one week on the elipticle (sp?) one week on the bike then one day I will do arms and abs one day legs and abs and one day arms, legs and abs. I have taken a Zumba class and even a tap class as other forms of workout. I always get bored with routine and I find myself constantly looking for new ways to shake it up a bit. I hope this post either gave you some new ideas or jogged your brain for some new fun exercises you find pleasurable :-)

I think it is important to have a routine and to have someone to exercise with - to keep you on your toes and hold you to it.

After dealing with several major stressors in my life I was stuck in the rut of "I don't have time"  and "I am too tired".  Well all I can say is that you just have to exercise whether you feel like it or not....So far I have walked 3 times this week and hope to walk tomorrow morning.  If you are stuck, just get up and go do something.....wish me luck so that I can keep it up!

When you are stuck in an exercise rut, you really have to have discipline to continue.  But there are lots of ways to get exercise, you really need to vary your workouts

When it is hard to do a structure "exercise" regimen I try to just be more active in my day to day life. Walk a little more, watch my posture, breathe, carry rather than push a basket at the grocery store,  double up the stairs, squat to pick something up, etc... Little bursts of activity through the day can go a long way... Not exactly cardio but keeps the metabolism burning and helps with energy.

Hate it, Loathe it, Don't do it. If it wasn't for Physical Therapy for recent 3 weeks ago back surgery i would do none. I do not like to sweat, hate the gym, cant be bthered never find the time. I know, I know shame on me. I do not know how but I shrunk and it has been awesome u look at me and would never know I was 315 and that I did not work out.
i currently have no strength or endurance and have some issues with atrophy from being in/out of hospital for Gall Bladder surgery, Acute appendicitis and then the Monster Cervical spinal leaks of my dura C2-C7 3 months later, 3 hospital all the way from NY to LA I am now 3 weeks post op and have a sigh of relief. I have been in/out of hospital since 3/10/2010, lost my JOB, On disability, food stamps and medicaid, but I am alive.
So currently my daily goal, wlak to end of driveway 2 x a day, PT 3xweek, eat right(now that I can again) and regain strength so i can get back to work before the end of this year.
But I still hate exercise!!!!!

For most of my patients, Keeping the schedule after one year is tough. They go away from the surgery day and eventually become buzy in thier life anf the focus is lost. Keeping up with routine seems tough post surgery.

After 8 years post op, I have a difficult time fitting any type of exercise routine in my schedule and constantly feel guilty, but truly unable to find time (during the school year).

Wow, I love this one!  I used to dread exercising but I have a great friend whom I've reconnected with and she is into total fitness.  She has me doing things I really never thought possible.  I started off walking but am now running (very slowly), trail running, swimming in the lake, mountain biking, road biking, body pump, yoga, and some Zumba.  I will never just do one exercise again.  I love to mix it up and do different things.  I'm always registering for 5k, 10k, and am currently training for my first sprint triathalon.  I have made so many new friends and have a better attitude towards life.  I'm willing to try things that I thought were not possible.  It is amazing what you can do if you just get out there and do it.  I always tell people to find a few things that you like doing and do them. There are no more excuse, this is my life now and forever.