What workout tips/motivation have you found?

I am able bodied, and want to workout, but then again I totally don't. I want to be one of those people *****ally use this tool to their advantage and make the best of it.to increase my monthly weightloss  I'm ready  What do you guys do to help you stay motivated to work out? what makes your workouts enjoyable?   

I don't know if you can use the word enjoyable...Maybe you can.  There always needs to be some effort/stress to improve over time.  Example...I'm not saying going to the gym and working out hard weights/exercise and you become so tired you want to give up.

Start out slow!  You may need to go from one activity to another.  Find the one that works for YOU...My exercise plan is not yours...Yours not mine.  Do find things you enjoy and go from one to another till something clicks.  Here are some basic ideas for someone who still has a ways to go with their weight loss...As you lose more weight, more exercise options become available to try.

1. Walking...When you can.  Start slowly...Then build up.  Many times in business areas/malls, I see women walking in groups close by their work.  I see elementary teachers playing on the playgrounds (games) at recess...The kids love it!!
2. Water aerobics...Simple classes.
3. Gym...Treadmill, elliptical, light weights.
4. Youtube beginning exercise videos. They have basic one and ones with exercise bands.
5. Gardening...Not going crazy, but it works muscles and builds up a sweat!!  Plus you see all those people in their 80s and 90s working in their gardens...We know there is something there.  More studies have shown that gardening is just as good basic exercise than other forms of exercise.
6. Couch-2-5K.  It's spelled in different ways.  Many WLS patients find this plan (internet/app) and use it.  Most on the day of their 5K...After they have built up to it over the months, are very jazzed about the walk.  It's a fun run/walk.  You can always find one local for different good causes.  Most WLS people become very emotional when the cross the finish line...Something they have worked hard at for months...The end of a major goal for them.  Many take up the jogging part...Others just do the walking.  The idea is you are moving...Trying to get your body healthy.
7. Find that secret exercise that works for you.  My first few months post RNY, it was raining.  I would put on rock/moving music and walk around the house...Maybe grab a can/weight (1-2 pounds) and slowly swing it as I moved.  Curtains closed...So the neighbors wouldn't see.  I still do this when it rains...9+ years out!!  My favorite exercise for the last about 7 years is my bicycle...I run my errands on it (I'm retired).  But for most people, you need to get down to a certain weight before the bike becomes enjoyable.  It's hard moving your weight thought the energy to move the bike.  But, once you've hit a certain point, the bike can be a real kick.  Many new people just find local paths or schools that are closed on the weekends to ride safely.   

Whatever you wind up with...Do enjoy it.  But don't be afraid to challenge yourself a bit.  If you have been walking 3 blocks for a few weeks...Take on that 4th.  You may be a little tired...But it sure becomes rewarding!!  Brian

Wow! Thank you so much for the encouragement and inspiration!!!!!!

My goal is to be active. Forcing myself to go to a gym is not something I am going to do. I do walk a lot. My fitbit keeps me on-track with that. There is no hiding from the numbers when you see them. I have several playlists I rotate when I walk. The walking while listening to my favorite songs makes me happy.

I like the sworkit app on my ipad, that came as a recommendation from Anny on this board.  they are short little videos but effective!  The other thing that i did was set a challenge for myself.  My first challenge was to complete a 5k.  I downloaded the Couch to 5K app and picked a race to run.  I finished that first race and committed to doing one charity race a month for an entire year.  I completed that goal and then committed to a 10k, completed that goal and decided to sign up for a triathlon, so i am currently training for that and continuing my second year of one charity race/month. I have discovered that I don't really like running that much, but I definitely LOVE finishing!!so i guess my ego, is my #1 motivator!

Also, I must have music to work out to, I have several playlists, some are super cheesy (think Eye of the Tiger from Rocky or Born to Run by Bruce)  sometimes it is hard core punk music, but i have a variety and that makes it fun!

As a busy working mom, i have found that for me the best time to workout is first thing in the morning.  There are no meetings or drop off/pickups at 5;40am.  It also forces me to be organized and efficient.  Clothes are laid out, lunches are packed, papers are signed, backpacks are ready the night before.   Exercise has made me a better mom!!!

Finally, I threw out my scale, so if I want to weigh myself (which I obsess about!!) I have to do it at the gym!

Best of luck!

Eileen

my main form of exercise post surgery is walking.  I have an mp3 player full of music.  I have my Android phone that has Walkamon (like Pokemon, but your pets level up the more you walk) and Ingress to make the walk more fun.  Browsing on my friend's apple phone, I found so many more fun walking games, but I don't remember the names unfortunately.

I walked into the gym last March/2015. I am now an addict. My wife seems to think that I have transferred addictions, though she is not complaining. I did not enjoy it at first. I had to work hard and I started slow. I slowly added running into the equation. I can run 5 miles with ease and I play Hockey 2 times a week with kids that I coached....I just continued to work hard and increase my tolerance levels. my cardio is through the roof. it is truly amazing. My point, just start slow and stay consistent and you will be amazed.

Transfer addiction is real...But for most it is socially acceptable.  That is unless it becomes a problem with your personal life.  Brian  PS  I hear the Montreal Canadiens need a new defense man...Are you ready??  Just kidding...

Brian - LOL.....The Poor Canadiens are having a tough year. My oldest son likes the Boston Bruins and my youngest is a Buffalo Sabres fan. I get it from both of them.

I used to go to the gym, but later I got bored & the gym I like it was a pain to find parking. So I bought the fitbit one & started walking. It was something simple to do, I didn't stand out & could increase my speed & distance over time. I like being able to make my goal of 10 thousand steps. It gave me something to aim for.

When the weight started to drop, I wanted something more challenging so I started taking up bike riding again & I luv it. I ride to work, I ride on my days off. I like riding along the water, it's so peaceful, even if it is a bit too windy sometimes. I can put on my tunes & zone out, its me time, reflect time, whatever, plus I felt like I accomplished something that day.

Eventually I'll branch out & try new things like rock climbing, something I never would've done years ago is now a possibility. I'll probably hit the weights again at the gym & concentrate on getting stronger.

I think you have to experiment to see what you like. 1 lady on here really took to fitness & always did such  amazing workouts, she really liked yoga. Eventually you'll find something that doesn't feel like exercise, but is something you actually enjoy & becomes part of your routine that you'd wonder how you ever went thru life without it.

Good luck to finding something you'll love.