How to stay motivated

Good Morning Ladies,

The past couple weeks I've been so busy with finishing up my classes, cramming for my License exam and entertaining my Hubby, Son, Daughter, Son in Law & Grandson (2.5 and the love of my life) all in my little 3 bedroom condo.  I have had little time for my friend and I know I prod her a lot to get up and move, even for a bit. Since I've been super busy, she hasn't walked or exercised. 

I would appreciate a few suggestions on how to encourage her to push herself to be more active, even if I am not available.


Thanks so much,

Shauna

Well I'm no help there cause I'm the first one to look for an out when it comes to moving.  One thing I did do years ago when I rode my stationary bike alot was keep track of how far I went on a state map and could see the daily progress as I "rode" around the state. I suppose that could work for walking too and maybe use a local map so it's not so intimidating. It did help keep me motivated to see the line keep growing longer. You are such a great friend and I'm sure she appreciates all your help.

Thank you His Lady,

I so love my friend and want her to stay motivated. I can't be her sole support and at this time I am.  I have so many irons in the fire I have only been able to see her once a week.

Shauna

Well... I don't know if this will be much help either as I need to draw very deep a lot of days just to get out and about. But....
If I'm having a bad day (pain/fatigue/stiffness/whatever), and I want to get out, I go to locations where I know it won't be busy and where there will be benches (any seating) that I can rest at as needed.  I also go swimming and do something called Waterworks (like aquasize but gentle movements for us!).  With these in mind, it's at least a little harder for me to talk myself out of going out.
Hope you can her find a great way to motivate herself!

Thanks Anukis,

My friend is a trooper for sure, I'm always asking if she wants to rest or take a break and she says no, she keeps on chugging. Only if we are participating in something, I wish she could draw deep too and find it in her to do what she knows needs to be done.

Some people are self starters, she isn't there yet. We do a water class once a week at LA Fitness and I know that helps. Once a month now I take her for a deep tissue massage and that always feels fantastic.

Thanks for the suggestions

Shauna

I don't mean to be depressing but motivation is the hardest thing for me. I HURT so bad from both the arthritis and fibro it is hard to wrap around my mind walk or exercise will help me feel better???? Of course at 64 my habits are pretty ingrained in me. I work at a alternative high school sitting all day working with the teens and I get off at 2:00. I am so warn out when I get home I fight to stay a wake until 7:00..... So it is so hard.

Pam,

You're not depressing! Not in the least. This is one of the issues my friend struggles with. I am looking at the backside of 47 and my friend is in her early 50's. I just want to be an encouragement for my friend and anyone else who needs it.

Relax today ladies, if you can.


Blessings,

Shauna

i've been working on core muscles with my physical therapist.  both my cardiac surgeon and my  orthopedist told me i'm DECONDITIONED.  i thought it was a polite way of saying i'm out of shape.  duh.  but then read an article where it describes people such as myself who are in so much pain they can't work out and then when they do work out the pain just gets worse.  that's deconditioning.  and that's me.  and it might be your friend.
so my physical therapist is showing me the most basic of core exercise.  no working through the pain, or working it til it hurts.  instead of 'no pain no gain' i'm learning to stop when i feel the stretch.  because that's my 'breakeven point' .  and it seems to be going well so far. 
my point is this...if she could do core strengthening when you and she aren't going out for the day she'll see some strength return.  i know i have.
good luck.  take care of you, too.  you sound really, really busy.

Dorthe,

Wow, what an informative post. I would suggest us older ladies are all deconditioned. I know my hips and feet bother me if I try to "push" myself to hard that day at the gym.

I will talk to our trainer and ask him for core exercise routines and i'm sure that will help her a lot.
I believe that if she sees the progress she will become more of a self starter. I lead a very busy lifestyle. I travel to see my grandson about every 6 weeks, participate in themed events such as Ren Fairs, Pirate Fests and Celtic Gatherings in the South East and I am currently finishing up my Real Estate Lic requirements.  I love her to death and only want the best for her, but sometimes I feel I am her only means of support. Her family is not very encouraging and sometimes very disrespectful.

Thanks again ladies, you all are so wonderful for sharing your experiences.

Shauna