How I Found the Motivation to Exercise When It Seemed Impossible

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Let me preface this by saying that I’m just an everyday person who exercises. I’m not a fitness enthusiast by any means. You won’t catch me at a 5 a.m. boot camp (because, sleep) or posting pictures of my daily green smoothie on social media (because, yuck). The only time I perform a burpee is after a large meal. To be honest, those ultra-dedicated fitness influencers often make me feel inadequate, as if I’ll never have that level of commitment and might as well give up and indulge in ice cream while binge-watching Netflix.

So, let’s be clear: I’m not here to criticize you for not exercising. Nobody needs that kind of negativity, especially when they’re struggling to find the motivation to work out at all. If you’re reading this, chances are you can relate—and that’s perfectly fine because I was in the same boat.

After having three kids in five years and enjoying a few too many desserts along the way, my body felt like a sluggish mess. For the first time in my life, I found myself hovering close to 300 pounds. It was a dark period; I felt overwhelmed and isolated, avoiding social gatherings for fear of judgment. I used my kids as an excuse to stay home, which was somewhat valid since wrangling toddlers is no easy task. But deep down, I was ashamed of my appearance.

Despite reading countless articles about body positivity and self-love, I struggled to accept how I had let myself go. The idea of taking action was so daunting that I felt paralyzed. It felt like a mountain too high for me to climb—something only someone with more determination could achieve. So, I buried myself in oversized clothing, feeling guilty every time I sank into the couch for another evening of mindless TV.

What finally pushed me toward change? I’d love to say it was for my health or my kids, but in truth, it was vanity. I was aware of my weight creeping up, but I avoided mirrors to keep that reality at bay—until one day, my youngest was recording videos on my phone. Unbeknownst to me, he had left it rolling while I rummaged through the refrigerator, gut hanging out of a too-small tank top. Watching that footage was brutally eye-opening. I cried, feeling defeated and shocked.

That moment, though painful, was a turning point. I could no longer deny the truth. But the daunting prospect of losing over 100 pounds loomed large. The thought of exercising felt exhausting in itself.

I remembered a poem by Shel Silverstein about a girl named Melinda Mae who ate a monstrous whale by taking it one bite at a time. Inspired by that, I decided to start small and focus on baby steps. I felt too self-conscious to hit the gym, so I began at home. I walked around the house, danced with my kids, and even invested in a small aerobics step to use while watching TV. Progress was slow, but I started to see changes.

Eventually, my neighbor convinced me to join her Zumba class. I was the biggest person in the room, nervously standing at the back, ready to leave at the slightest hint of mockery. But to my surprise, I had a blast! Before long, I was dancing at the front, rolls and all, and it felt liberating.

It wasn’t always easy, but over two years, I managed to shed 112 pounds. With that weight loss came newfound confidence, something I never thought I’d experience. Sure, I’ve faced setbacks—like when I unexpectedly got pregnant again and gained 60 pounds—but I’ve learned to forgive myself and keep moving forward.

Strategies to Stay Motivated

While I’m not naturally inclined to fitness, I’ve discovered a few strategies to stay motivated. Here’s what works for me:

1. I keep moving: Movement generates more movement. On days when I want to do nothing, I make myself walk around. Once I’m in motion, it’s easier to keep going.
2. I choose activities I enjoy: I despise the elliptical and I’m not a fan of running, but I love to dance and take walks. I was so passionate about Zumba that I became an instructor!
3. I use a fitness tracker: My competitive nature kicks in when I wear a gadget that counts my steps. It helps me set goals and compete with friends.
4. I sneak in exercise: I don’t need a formal workout to stay active. I do squats while picking up toys and calf raises at the sink. Every little bit counts.
5. I stay accountable: As a group fitness instructor, I have to exercise at least three times a week. If that’s not your style, find a workout buddy to keep each other on track.
6. I prioritize exercise: Just like I wouldn’t skip essential self-care practices, I now view exercising as a necessary part of my routine.
7. I help motivate others: If someone asks me for help in staying on track, it keeps me accountable too. I can’t preach healthy habits while not practicing them myself.

It might feel impossible right now, but trust me: once you make exercise a habit, you’ll begin to look forward to it. Yes, there are still days when I’d rather endure a painful procedure than work out. But consistency is key, and even the smallest steps matter. Remember, whether you’re looking to lose 10 pounds or 200, you are absolutely worth the effort.

For more insights on motivation and wellness, check out our post on embracing personal growth. And if you’re exploring options for at-home insemination, this kit is a great resource. Additionally, you might find this guide useful for understanding pregnancy and home insemination.

Summary

Finding the motivation to exercise can be challenging, especially when it feels overwhelming. By starting small and incorporating enjoyable activities, setting goals, and staying accountable, you can gradually build a fitness routine that works for you. Remember, progress takes time, and every step counts toward a healthier you.