Let me start by saying that I’m just an everyday person who exercises occasionally. I’m not a fitness guru. You won’t catch me at a 5 a.m. boot camp (because, let’s be real, sleep is life) or posting pics of my daily green smoothie (because, honestly, yuck). The only “burpees” I do involve a post-meal stretch. If I’m being truthful, those who flaunt their perfect fitness routines often make me feel inadequate, as if I lack the drive to even start, leading me to the couch with a pint of ice cream and my favorite series.
But fear not; I’m not here to play the blame game like some people do, suggesting you just need to try harder. If you’re reading this, you might be struggling with motivation to work out, and that’s perfectly fine—it was me not too long ago, too.
After having three kids in five years and enjoying a bit too much dessert, I found myself in a challenging situation. For the first time, I was nearing 300 pounds. I felt trapped in my own body, which led to a cycle of isolation. I started avoiding social gatherings, using my kids as a legitimate excuse to stay home, but deep down, I was ashamed of how I looked.
Despite reading countless body-positive articles telling me to embrace myself, I couldn’t shake the feeling of disappointment in how I had let myself go. The thought of making a change felt utterly overwhelming, like an unreachable goal meant for someone else, someone stronger. So, I hid in oversized clothes and felt miserable every time I sank deeper into the couch.
The turning point for me? I’d love to say it was about my health or my kids, but honestly, it was about vanity. I was avoiding mirrors until one day, my youngest was filming random videos on my phone. To my shock, I discovered footage of myself rummaging through the refrigerator, my midsection spilling out of a too-small tank top. It was a brutal wake-up call, forcing me to confront the truth I had been ignoring.
With a daunting 100-plus pounds to lose, the mere thought of exercising felt exhausting. Then I remembered a childhood poem by Shel Silverstein about a girl who ate a whale one bite at a time. It became my mantra: How do you eat a whale? One bite at a time. So, I decided to take baby steps.
I started moving around the house more, dancing with my kids, and using everyday tasks as workouts. I even bought a step platform and stepped up and down while watching TV. Slowly, I began to notice changes, even if they felt small at first.
After some encouragement from a neighbor, I tried a Zumba class at the gym. I was nervous at first, but to my surprise, I enjoyed it and found myself dancing confidently. Over two years, I chipped away at that whale and lost 112 pounds, gaining a confidence I never thought I could have.
Sure, there have been bumps along the way—like when I had a surprise pregnancy and gained 60 pounds again—but I’ve learned to forgive myself and keep moving forward. I’m not a fitness fanatic; if left to my own devices, I’d rather bake cookies and binge-watch shows. So how do I stay motivated to exercise?
My Tips for Staying Motivated
- I Move: Movement leads to more movement. On lazy days, I force myself to get up and walk around. Once I do, it’s easier to keep going.
- I Do What I Enjoy: I hate the elliptical and avoid running, but I love dancing and taking step aerobics classes. In fact, I loved Zumba so much that I became an instructor!
- I Use a Fitness Tracker: This helps me tap into my competitive side by tracking my daily steps and competing in challenges with friends.
- I Incorporate Exercise into Daily Life: I squat when picking up toys, do calf raises while washing dishes, and make exercise a part of my day.
- I Stay Accountable: As a fitness instructor, I need to work out at least three times a week. If leading a class isn’t your thing, find a workout buddy and stick to a schedule.
- I Prioritize It: Just like dental hygiene, exercise is now part of my self-care routine, and I won’t let it slide.
- I Motivate Others: Helping someone else stay on track helps me too. It’s hard to encourage healthy habits while not practicing them myself.
It might seem daunting at first, but once you make exercise a regular part of your life, you might just find yourself looking forward to it. Sure, there are still days when I’d rather not exercise, but consistency is key. Remember, whether you’re 10 pounds overweight or 200, you are absolutely worth every bit of effort.
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Summary
Finding motivation to exercise can feel impossible, but taking small steps, focusing on activities you enjoy, and holding yourself accountable can make a significant difference. Embrace the journey, and remember that every effort counts.