What's stopping you from exercising? V... - Weight Loss Support

Weight Loss Support

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What's stopping you from exercising? Vote and leave a comment

TheEditor profile imageTheEditor626 Voters
157
I'm too tired to exercise
130
I'm not very confident
129
I don't enjoy exercising
111
I don't have the time
35
I'm worried about injuring myself
25
I get sore muscles after exercising
25
I don't know how to exercise
14
There's nowhere to exercise near me
74 Replies
Aussieblues profile image
Aussieblues

I do two Zumba classes and a body balance which is yoga based class a week but want to have energy to do the bike spin class again

notsobigmama profile image
notsobigmama

I do exercise four times a week for about an hour each time!

Soozz profile image
Soozz

Since doing C25k I can't get through a day WITHOUT exercise -I'm addicted!

geemel79 profile image
geemel79

to be honest the real reason I dont do as much exercise as i want is the fact im a single mum and no sport centres etc offer somewhere for the kids to go while im participating, if i havent got the money to pay for classes and a babysitter then I cant attend I work full time also so during the day when the kids are at school is not an option, in the evenings after 7pm id the only time im free and its a little too cold to drag the kids out in the evenings in the pouring rain for a walk, weekends taking the kids swimming is about the highlight of it, trying to motivate myself once kids are fed and sent to bed to do anything in the house is a killer :( its all well and good saying there are plenty of classes etc and places to go but in reality its very difficult

bunblebeaz profile image
bunblebeaz in reply to geemel79

If you don't have any family or friends that will babysit for you then you need to motivate yourself in the evenings.

If you have a wii, the wii fit has loads of fun games on it. It also allows you to run, 'cycle' or do step whilst you are watching TV.

Try a zumba DVD or other workout video.

Or for free, try the 10 min cardio and strength and flex on the nhs livewell/losewight pages.

geemel79 profile image
geemel79 in reply to bunblebeaz

i have bought the wii games, and no i dont have anyone who can watch the kids, im up at 530 in the morning to go to work and get home around 6 in the evenings, my kids dont go to bed till 9 by which point im dead on my feet, would be much better if gyms offered a facility to enable parents to bring kids along and leave them whilst the grown ups work out

bunblebeaz profile image
bunblebeaz in reply to geemel79

ouch, only trying to help.

bizzyb profile image
bizzyb in reply to geemel79

absolute sympathy with you on this one, its difficult when you work long hours and have a fairly stressful lifestyle, when I am mega busy I try to walk for half an hour at lunchtime or do half hour dvd in the morning before work, now and then get into a real groove with this, trying to get back to it at the moment

jayanthi profile image
jayanthi in reply to geemel79

I totally agree

LadyJazz profile image
LadyJazz in reply to geemel79

Hello,

I understand where youre coming from. Full time work and kids and housework.!!! You're doing well. You must be shattered. I guess it reallly depends on how much you want to lose weight. You will have to find a way to do this. Do you have time to take a brisk walk at lunch time or break time at work? Instead of doing an hour/half hour work out - could you try doing 2 minute exercises throughout the day. For example, doing a couple of stretch excercises whilst your in the bathroom in the morning or waiting for the kettle to boil, toast to cook etc. Sometimes when I'm ironing or washing up I put on a cd or listen to the radio and dance whilst I'm doing my housework. !!! Sounds daft but burns up more calories and gets your metaboblism going.

Beek profile image
Beek in reply to geemel79

Hi geemel79. I was on my own with 2 little ones and I know it is not easy. Money is tight too and it is jolly hard work on your own. I was very fortunate that my children liked porridge - because I often had to resort to that for their Sunday lunch! As a result I ended up many kilos overweight. I have found the Strength and Flexibility pod casts useful and you can do it around the house if you can't get out. Maybe the children could do it with you for a laugh? Make the most of your weekend swimming days with the children.

Have you looked at Low GI way of eating? It works for me and is totally family friendly! Plenty of books in the library about it.

Hope things pick up for you very soon. It is hard for you, I know, but it doesn't last for ever.

6 months ago I was at the gym twice a week (doing mobility exercises for joint stiffness due to arthritis) and swimming once a week. Then I had a nasty arthritis flare up that is yet to abate (if it ever does). I stopped exercising literally overnight because of excessive joint pain and stiffness. With the help of painkillers I recently started gentle exercise again in the form of an exercise bike which I trundle away on for half an hour a day 5 days a week and am feelng much better. Cannot say if it's helping my weight loss but it is certainly helping my mobility. And although my gym days are definitely over, I think my dogs will finally start getting their long promised walks in the park soon.

kimmyquevil profile image
kimmyquevil in reply to

Hi lovely, is there perhaps a heated pool you could go to perhaps? Take it easy and do some very gentle exercising.

mitzymoo profile image
mitzymoo

I'm 43 and I would love to be able to exercise, but have no feeling in the right side of my body, causing very bad balance and the arch in right foot has dropped causing severe sciatica.

Has anyone seen a scrap heap anywhere?!

LadyJazz profile image
LadyJazz in reply to mitzymoo

Hi mitzymoo,

I don't think your'e ready for the scrapheap yet honey! Much too young yet! Maybe you could try some gentle excercise whilst sitting down with some support for the right side of your body. Bending, elevating and stretching limbs can excercise you muscles. Raising your arms above your heart , perhaps lifting small hand weights above your head repeatedly can be aerobic. Try and think of alternative ways of excercising that suits you. Think of what you are able to do and adapt. All the best.

mitzymoo profile image
mitzymoo in reply to LadyJazz

Hi lady jazz

Thanks so much for your kind words, you've cheered me up.

I will have a go at the exercises you've suggested, anything is worth a try.

Big hugs

TheEditor profile image
TheEditor

Hi Mitzymoo,

We've just published a new routine for people with sciatica

Here it is:

nhs.uk/Livewell/Backpain/Pa...

mitzymoo profile image
mitzymoo in reply to TheEditor

Thank you so much for this I'll have a go at some of the exercises, the ones stood either foot on step is a no no, as I have no balance on two feet with walking stick! But if I can get on to floor I'll try others.

Kindest regards

in reply to TheEditor

I have just had a look at them but can't lie flat on my back due to shoulder and hip pain

kate2604 profile image
kate2604 in reply to TheEditor

I just looked at this. You might want to explain which muscle is which rather than just the name because I dont understand the names.

bunblebeaz profile image
bunblebeaz

If I don't exercise, usually its because I'm being lazy and in cba mode.

But generally I am at the gym 3 times a week, m,w,f and then on the weekend have another session or do an activity. The past 2 weeks I have been skiing Saturday night.

W3ndy2159 profile image
W3ndy2159

No option for:- NO WILLPOWER! :-)

legs2013 profile image
legs2013

Dose any one have any tips how to elleviate sore muscles? I have been doing 30 minute works outs mon-fri (but ache so much). Just to get back into the swing of thing. I have Dyspraxia and hyperextensive joints. Therefore I really do suffer with muscle soreness. I love going to the gym and doing classes, but alass I'm a full time carer and getting out of the house is very difficult. Although I had a brain wave last week (it didn't hurt) managed to get my daughter a prescription to attend the gym from our doctor. That way we can both go together. We have our inductions next Monday.,

jah2507 profile image
jah2507 in reply to legs2013

Do you stretch after your workouts? Stretching improves elasticity, improves range of motion, increases blood circulation, improves posture, and increases strength. I'd recommend at least 5-10 minutes stretching after every workout, while your muscles are still warm from exercising.

bunblebeaz profile image
bunblebeaz

Hi legs,

Do you think you are doing just enough to give your muscles a good workout or are you doing too much?

The best tip I have been given for muscle ache is for after hiking: blast with cold water in the shower for 10/20 seconds and then turn to your normal hot temperature.

I like Deep heat, or maybe you could try that ibuprofen gel that's on the telly a lot (never tried it tho - sorry).

Nice one on the gym pass though! :)

Jonnycave profile image
Jonnycave

for all that have posted their reason for not exercising to lose weight please watch this video and reconsider your excuse.. i mean ... reason ; youtube.com/watch?v=qX9FSZJ...

bunblebeaz profile image
bunblebeaz in reply to Jonnycave

'like'

LadyJazz profile image
LadyJazz in reply to Jonnycave

very inspirational.

Tootsieroll profile image
Tootsieroll in reply to Jonnycave

Amazing! Makes me a bit ashamed of all the 'reasons' I come up with for not going to the gym!

moc247 profile image
moc247 in reply to Jonnycave

:) thank you for sharing x

puchi profile image
puchi in reply to Jonnycave

Thanks for sharing. I m really inspiring u and I will try not try I will do reduce my weight as my weight is 60 kg according to my height it should be 48 kg.i did yoga classes but i done wrong yoga which was not good for my neck and result came I m suffering from cervical problem so I can t yaga bcoz I m afraid if I ll do yoga then I ll suffer same.but when I see your video I thought I cant do yoga or exercise but I can walk.So today m starting walking atleast 2 hrs in a day and also ll take healthier food.

geemel79 profile image
geemel79

cheers im trying in work to get exercise if possible go out for a walk if its the weather for it ive had a chest infection for 8 weeks now and was hospitalised for same last year, managed one day out walking about 3 weeks ago ! but usually end up working through my lunch and eating at my desk these days, we actually have a gym in work and before i qualified i was able to use it no problem as the job was a little less stressful, just been given a weeks free gym pass through the work as it is work that is organising this weigh in at work scheme and its near to the work which is 20 miles from home :( shame as its got a creche ! im trying to organise a facebook page locally to see if we cant get a group of us taking turns in babysitting and exercising but alas it seems im the only parent at the minute that doesnt mind 20odd kids running around my house ! my friends all think im nuts but hey if you knew my daughter 100 kids would be easier to cope with lol

i think this site is great for motivational tips and as far as losing weight goes im doing well but the reason im doing this is more for my health im on the hit list for sickness everything and anything going i get it :(

Aussieblues profile image
Aussieblues

well what about when weather gets better getting a mums group together and going for walk with kids in park and when kids want to stay in play area get couple mums to watch them while others do circuit of park taking it in turns to kiddie watch. the fresh air will do you good as know what its like to be in stressy office!

PinkNinja profile image
PinkNinja

I do karate twice a week (because I really enjoy it) and walk everywhere but I need to do more. I just feel so tired. Perhaps when I get my thyroid and cortisol levels sorted out I will be back to my old energetic self and can start running again :)

moc247 profile image
moc247

personally there are a few reasons i think people will be staring at me if i joined a gym say and laugh at me when i wouldn't be able to do even one rep of something , i dont really know what i am doing and in all honestly i hate to do it, i am hoping when i lose a bit of weight and i am feeling more energetic i will be able to start excercising without the pain i get x

needmorewillpower profile image
needmorewillpower

i dont mind exercise but i hate going to do it on my own and after recently becoming unemployed i have to find free or cheaper alternatives . Tried running however doing it on my own i soon got bored. Im single and live on my own and don't really live near any friends that are willing to do anything physical.

kate2604 profile image
kate2604 in reply to needmorewillpower

Have you looked into cycling. I have a pedals away group near me. I hire the bike and helmet for £1 a session. There are a great bunch of people that go and ride together outside in the fresh air. The park we ride in is traffic free and is also getting a green gym. There are also free walking groups around if you look. Look for running groups that dont charge it might be more fun to run with a group.

Prin profile image
Prin

Well today it's that my blood sugars stopping me they are only 3.3 so I can't drive to the gym, still I have a brisk 30 min walk to work, and spin and Zumba to look forward to this evening!

SVR28 profile image
SVR28

I enjoy exercising but I too, like geemel29, am struggling to find the time. Working fulltime with a young toddler and a husband who works long hours means I'm up before 6am and only finish with house admin around 8pm by which time I just want to relax and have some "me" time. However, I am going to try get up 15min earlier and do 15min skipping each morning and every other evening, if my husband get home at a decent hour, to go for a bike ride, now that that it is lighter in the evening. The gym near me has no creche facilities and the classes are all at times that are not convenient. But if I want to be fit and healthy I have to do something! I'm sure once I get started with the skipping and bike rides it will get easier and become habit. I'm sure I feel better for it too and probably less stressed out once the endorphins kick in. Here goes...

mermeid6 profile image
mermeid6

Learn how resistance bands can become a full gym-in-a-bag and increase the effectiveness of your circuit training regimen in the comfort of your own home. This article will outline the benefits of training with bands, as well as what to look for when shopping around for a quality set.

mermeid6 profile image
mermeid6

"Reggie is the perfect combination of inspiration and motivation. Not only has he helped me with understanding my body and food intake, he has also helped me with muscle tone and balance. The result, over 30 pounds of weight loss, increased stamina and well sculpted body. I am lucky to be able to work out with him."

jah2507 profile image
jah2507

message for the women in the '21% - I don't like exercise' group and the '22% - I'm not very confident' group: If there is a Curves near you, pop in for a free tour and fitness assessment. I promise you'll be surprised at how Curves works and what Curves can do for you.

jamie01 profile image
jamie01

wao, weight loss is one of the hottest topic now, most of the time , we go for gym, we do dieting, we do what ever is possible , but still results where depressing. We must take some experts advice then we should move further.

andor42 profile image
andor42

Health problems are a problem for me now. But one I did do when my kids were small

I saw a CD in a car boot sale. IT was a CD to do your your house work to. ANd it was full of them all loud dance songs that you dance with the hover. And wiggle your hipps as you dust. A bit of party music go a long way it also boost your spirits big time.

Its gets the house work done in half the time. Only problem is I lent it to a pal and never got it back and now if i wiggle my hips I get a slp disc but it was great fun

Shahrah16 profile image
Shahrah16

For the last 3 -4 monthsI'm been revising for my GCSE's and have had no time at all to exercise. And now i am so unfit! So i'm starting next week hopefully :)

Janelily profile image
Janelily

I was a great athlete when I was younger. I'm 58 my knees are finished! I've had operations on both with knee replacement on the books. Providing I loose weight. But, I love yoga and riding my bicycle; weather permitting. I have been to a knee clinic so I now know what exercises are good for me. But again, is this enough to loose weight.

duck29 profile image
duck29

I used to go to the gym regularly, then the prices got hiked up so I hade to give up! I don't like walking on my own and I have no friends interested in just walking, I live close to town and not near to any nice walks either and the thought that people are probably looking at me and my wobbly bits and having a good laugh just puts me right off!

Andersn1974 profile image
Andersn1974

I enjoy excercising, but really struggle to find time to do it. Home from work late, busy with children's activities / housework and then too tired when I finally do have some time.

sadie38 profile image
sadie38

its hard with only one leg

kate2604 profile image
kate2604 in reply to sadie38

But not impossible. Finding the right exercise is the key.

sadie38 profile image
sadie38

since my op I have put on a few pounds

aud153 profile image
aud153

I feel like I'm in a vicious cycle - I don't enjoy exercise because I get so out of breath and it hurts. As well as feeling rubbish I know I also look rubbish.

I recognise that happens because I'm so over weight.

I know I have to love myself enough to work at losing weight and exercising - but so far sitting on my bum is easier and eating a comfort.

Despite how crappy I generally feel - daft eh?

To know and do nothing, worse to know and continue destroying myself.

Like I said viscous cycle...

kate2604 profile image
kate2604 in reply to aud153

I feel for you and completely understand. I too was like this but have changed since I have found cycling. Now I get out and meet people in a group of riders. We ride in a park away from traffic (and other people lol) Ive been riding for over a month and this week started my "diet" to lose weight. Getting out and exercising with people was hard to do at first because of all the baggage we accumulate around being fat. The people stares, rude comments, the tendence to want to hide because we are ashamed of ourselves without everyone else putting pressure on us. The hardest part is taking control and finding exercise that you are happy doing. Its up to you and you alone to do this, no one can force you into it.

I think the main reason I do not exercise is lack of motivation due to depression. However I also find it depressing to have no one to exercise with. I do have a friend 30 miles away and occasionally go walking with her, but it is too costly to travel there for regular exercise. The local over 50s is mainly full of very much older women and I feel out of place there as although I am a pensioner I feel much younger. Ramblers start at 5 miles but I can't walk far due to sciatica and other joint and soft tissue problems. The local gym is over-crowded with equipment so it's easy to trip over one thing whilst getting to another especially as it's busy, also not a pleasant atmosphere. The one gym I loved transferred to a state of the art gym at the local college but that closed down after 6 months! The private gyms are too expensive as we live on a pension. I don't have any friends locally so have no one to walk with and really dislike walking alone. The Get Walking programs are awkward to get to and the only one near me is on a day when I have a regular health appointment. I lack motivation to exercise indoors and as a result probably only do a maximum of 200 steps a day. I do despair how I am going to change that as I know it's a matter of use it or lose it. Sue

Michael Moseley's book the 5.2 diet is great for explaining how that works.

rika profile image
rika

Losing weight is a matter of simple math. To drop pounds, you need to eat fewer calories than you burn. There’s no way around that. But what you eat can have an impact.

thank you

see more: <a href="painandmuscle.com/5-best-we...

crimsonmoon53 profile image
crimsonmoon53

Its going to be hard starting to exercise again,I am bigger, more tired and no energy, :-(

JillianP profile image
JillianP

I have a physical disability with chronic pain, and wear orthotic shoes. I walk to work and back every day (45 minutes each way). My daily commute is my Exercise! I need a social way if exercising. I do a few active things each week, yoga, sedate kayaking. The fitness classes I have tried are soulless and solo swimming is boring!

pebbles39 profile image
pebbles39

I've recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea so wake up exhausted. waiting for sleep clinic confirmation and treatment then touch wood will be able to start exercising with out feeling like I,m going to collapse

kimmyquevil profile image
kimmyquevil

I used to have a job which varied my work shifts so I had no pattern and was unable to make commitments.

kate2604 profile image
kate2604

Im in the "I dont enjoy exercise group". The trouble with exercise is its sweaty, uncomfortable, gives you painful muscles, and most of all boring. Now Ive said all that I do believe we should exercise but exercise in something you enjoy. What counts as exercise? Most people will answer running or gym, or with the new dance exercise maybe things like zumba. I like cycling in the fresh air on safe paths. Yes I still get the odd muscle pain but its fun to ride in the sun. Rain does make you want to ride faster lol.

las2811 profile image
las2811

I used to hate exercising. My main form of exercise was going to the Gym. It was boring and repetitive. Now however I have found the couch to 5k program and it has really made me enjoy exercising. I used to hate running, now I love it! I find it relaxing and now can run for 25 min without stopping - hopefully I will be running the full 5k soon !

sat7461 profile image
sat7461

Not Planning it into my day.

graceobel profile image
graceobel

The thing that is stopping me from exercising is the risk of humiliation.

I don't want anyone I know to see how unfit I am or how much weight I've put on.

Every time I do exercise - I feel everyone's eyes on me thinking - 'whys the fat girl here, she can't do it'.

smudgersmith profile image
smudgersmith in reply to graceobel

l thought l had written this myself!!! l feel the same way too xx

smudgersmith profile image
smudgersmith

l would LOVE to have to motivation to exercise.l would like yo see more groups for overweight people who have exercises designed for us to feel safe and happy to do exercises as individuals and in groups.Along side these groups where people can talk about why they are overweight and to share there stories.l have been to slimming groups and while they have there place l feel that there is no place for dealing with the emotional issues of overeating xx

Emma-and profile image
Emma-and

Health plays a key fact for me and other things like I don't like my family seeing me exercise and when I try get opportunity to my husband won't pay for gym membership and I use to use Xbox fitness but it would come up that he was on it etc so now I have to rely on YouTube mainly x

RodeoJoe profile image
RodeoJoe

I'm just over a year post Liver transplant. Straight after the op I was very weak and on steroids for months. Then in the summer I started walking but when I tried to up it to jogging is was too much on my knees as a side effect of some of the drugs effect my joints.

So I got myself a new bike from the cycle to work scheme and try to cycle to work at least 3 times a week. It's a 20 mile round trip doesn't cost anything (after the bike), and probably only adds an hour in travel time to my day.

It's only really the weather that stops me.

Flab2Fab2016 profile image
Flab2Fab2016

My free time is very limited between work and family commitments, and I feel this "down time" should be spent doing something I enjoy .... which sadly (at the moment) does not include exercise. In time this may change as the weight comes off

At 23 stone + I do like exercise when it comes in the form of a sport - badminton or cycling. For badminton I would need to have a partner and I am too embarrassed to go cycling. I have a gym membership which I haven't used but I have resolved to use it twice this week and take it week by week.

11stone2go profile image
11stone2go

I have Major Depression, apart from low mood, self esteem and I interest in things I used to enjoy, two major factors that prevent exercise (and many other activities) are low/no motivation and fatigue.

It's a hard one, a catch22 too, as I know getting moving is good for mood, but it's hard to just be some days.

Kaaz7 profile image
Kaaz7

Myself. i am the one I can't get my head round

albinohedgehog profile image
albinohedgehog

Chronic illness should have been an option. I have fibro and CFS so will get ill if i exercise. Im going to try to do gentle yoga though.

I have just downloaded the C25K app so starting that and hoping I am not too heavy to complete it. Know I eat so much better when I am exercising, but confidence is a really big issue for me, not that I can't do the exercise, more that everyone else in the gym is better at it than I am. So hoping working out at home is going to be more ideal.