Getting started

I had my RNY surgery 8 weeks ago today.  I have done reasonably well losing weight and have been walking regularly.  I usually walk 1.5-2.5 miles each workday at lunch and get in about the same on the weekends, though on the weekends it is usually more broken up throughout the day. 

I have done pretty good with weight loss, but the past 4 weeks have really slowed down considerably.  I have also noticed my muscles are withering away.  I need to start some kind of workout program, but can't seem to motivate myself.  I have done simple things like pushups or crunches, but I do them for a day then stop.  I really need to find the motivation somewhere, but I don't know why I am not feeling it.  To make matters worse, one of my sons is an Athletic Trainer and the other is an ultra-marathoner.  How they ever came from me and my sorry lack of motivation I will never know.  My wife needs to begin working out as well, but we are not helping each other right now, instead we seem to be enabling each other.

We have joined health clubs in the past, but after a few months have stopped going.  She is unemployed right now and is back in school, so when I get home from work she is frequently doing homework or preparing for the next day's class.  Of course that is just another excuse, but it is what it is.

Sorry... I don't usually whine about stuff, but any ideas you folks might have would be appreciated.  Even if it is just to tell me to get off my lazy butt and do what I know I need to do.

It's been my experience that if I have to go somewhere, i.e... to a gym or track or trail, I tend to use that as an excuse to not exercise. I started the couch to 5K nine weeks ago and ran my first 5k this weekend. You just have to make a personal commitment to do it.  When you feel like be lazy just remind yourself of how you got to the position that you are or was in that lead you to WLS.  I also had to realize that sometimes my wife and I won't be on the same page and I'll just have to run by myself. That will in all likely hood motivate her. My wife and I tend to alternate motivation. She'll kick me in the ass and I'll do the same for her. You have to do this for you and your own personal goals.

So, in a nutshell get off your lazy ass and get busy living the life you deserve.

I sign up for events that require you to be fit and prepared. That forces the workouts when I don't feel like it.

I started with Couch-to-5K in order to run a 5K which I signed up for in order to be prepared for the Sprint Triathlon I signed up for. I knew I only had a certain amount of time to get ready so I couldn't waste any.

I'm definitely goal driven.  I can't run a race without having a next one scheduled.  That way I know I'll keep up in between events.  Whether you want to walk, run, bike, swim.... having SOME kind of goal really helps.

I once really wanted a popcorn maker.  I told myself I could buy it if I exercised 3X week for a month.  Kept track on the calendar and everything.  That can work as a couple if you want to plan a special dinner out or a trip or whatever.  You don't have to exercise together, but earning a joint reward is a great way to motivate...who wants to lose the prize for the team?  NO ONE!

Thanks for the tips.  Never heard of the Couch-to-5K, but I googled it and I think it might work for me.  Also, the goals based approach might be helpful for both me and my wife as well.

I'll try to remember to post my progress.  Maybe another thing that will keep me going.

 Have you spoken to your sons about your desire?  I bet they would love to workout with dad!

pushups and situps can be really hard at first, but a couple of cheap dumbbells from a garage sale can work wonders.  Its how I started out.  This guy's site has a lot of info to get you started - I pretty much lived on it at first for strength training:  http://www.scoobysworkshop.com/

I would also recommend couch to 5k, and set a goal, including pre-registering and PAYING for a 5k in a couple months, this will buy you into it.  Post here every day, religiously, your workouts, even if you do nothing. If nothing else it gets you to see some of the other posts and makes you think some.  

You CAN do this.  Once you start you'll find it gets addicting and easier.  Imagine yourself running a marathon next year!  Don't believe its possible?  Neither did I, but I have my medal from last sunday to prove it is possible!  :)  You got this!

Couch to 5k is a wonderful program. I did it and at the beginning I couldn't even jog for 3 minutes now I can jog 4 miles with hills without stopping. Besides running we need to lift weights. Julie

Wow, I'm glad I posted.  Running a Marathon with my son is one of my previously unstated goals.  I hope I will someday be able to do it.  I guess it all begins with the first step, so I'll start tonight.  I just need to keep going once I start.  That iswhere I usually stumble.  Hopefully not this time.

Be sure to stay on this board.  The people here are so supportive and keep you motivated.  They all started where we are now and look what they have accomplished!