for those who don't like to exercise

I continue to not like to exercise but I do it anyway.  I'm hoping it will grow on me.  I do love the gym I go to; this is the first gym I've ever felt like this about.  It's also the gym my bariatric center set me up with.  I've had some very motivational young woman really help me get into a good mode.  The first was actually a graduate intern who helped me learn the machines, helped me to win a contest, and pushed me to start working out with a trainer.  The second is the trainer I work out with now.  She has been extremely positive and I have made so much progress with her.  It's not a gym with a pool, spa, sauna or track.  It's a gym with serious workout machines and weights.  It's also in a hospital parking lot, and there is always a doctor in the house. 

I have belonged to several gym previous to WLS and none have motivated me like this one.  Most of the others were meat markets and drama places.

Anyway, I know this one is a positive environment.  Not sure how much of my progress has been from that alone, or the shift in mindset to do everything I am supposed to do this  year.

I think you need to keep looking for the right mode and environment that makes you feel comfortable.

You know what just occurred to me reading your message?  I hate treadmills, ellipticals, walking the mall, etc.  too... but maybe it'd be better if I was listening to books on tape (or CD or iPod) while doing those things!  I've always listened to music... and while that helps, it's not a huge motivator or thirll.  I love books... and think if I trick myself into ONLY being able to listen/read the book while working out in some way, I might even look FORWARD to that time of day!

I'm going to look into it... I would gladly trek regularly to the library or wherever to get a new book on tape (or whatever) if it was actually helping me work out while also indulging my book habit!

Who knows, just an idea...


tori

 I was never fond of exercising either but we moved and are only 5 miles from a gym that is large and warm with TVs and there is no reason to not like it.  At a certain age you body starts to go downhill and sometimes it seems like 2 steps forward and three back.  At that point you will wish you were active when you were younger.  During the summer we do a lot of gardening but the gym equipment really tones up your muscles.  Friends are noticing and complimenting me on my progress.  Actually mentioning my butt in particular. LOL

Well after reading all of these posts, I got up off my lazy butt and exercised!  It was the "I can do anything for 5 minutes" comment that got to me.  I CAN do anything for five minutes!!  

I know that in previous periods of my life, I really loved to exercise.  I would go on spurts of regular exercise for six months at a time and then get tired of it.  And of course, by then the diet I was on was getting really old too, so everything kind of went by the wayside.

At one point I was doing a step video nearly every day and also using videos for a little weight training.  I was very enthusiastic!  I remember that I got my start on that exercise kick by using a tiny step machine, you know the kind with just the foot pedals, no handles or anything. 

I've been struggling since my surgery nearly 6 months ago to do more than walking for a half hour at a time on weekends.  So I figured that I'd get another of these small steppers and try to recreate my love for exercising. 

I bought this one at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001J8SLQW/ref=oh_o00_s01_i 00_details for only about $62.00 and free shipping.

I've used it a few times but like you Kelly I'm not all that interested in getting up off my duff, putting on my shoes, and using the dang thing. 

But like I said above, after reading all these posts I did it for five whole minutes!  If I keep that thought in mind (I can do anything for five minutes -- hardly longer than a commercial break, really) maybe I'll get back into the swing of exercising.

Kelly you may not have been inspired to exercise, but your post and the responses it elicited sure inspired me!

Kelly,

I have issues with not 'doing it well'. I am competitive and I do not like being awkward. It just annoys me to no end. I can go for a walk or a hike, love that, even when it's cold outside. Decided to take up snowshoeing, because that is just winter walking, doesn't have to be in the mountains in 3 feet of snow, it can be in the park down the street.

I am reaching a point, where I want to find out if I can do more. I have signed up for a couple of 5k's because I don't have to run, and I like the energy I get from a crowd. I actually want to try and run one.

Think it's about doing small things and feeling successful. Too often people bite off the 90 minute zumba class and are so frustrated at the end, they never go back. If you can be successful for 10 minutes, then you might push for 15, and it builds from there.

Before surgery I loved water aerobics. Now... I hate it. I can't float. I can't do the exercises, because my swimming sucks. So I go to the shallow lap lane, and I walk. Because darn it I paid for those sessions!

I think it's about moving. It doesn't have to be organized fitness. But moving your body. Anything you can do, and repeat, it has benefit.

Good luck to you. Start small, celebrate the success and then add as you feel good about it.