I am 12 days post op and I have been doing pretty well with walking for at least 30 minutes a day. As I loose weight I would like to become more and more active. I have a treadmill which helps but I would like to get motivated walk more even start running. I would also like to start a strength training routine. Choosing the type of work out will be different for many because the goal is to workout and (as much as possible) have fun while doing it.

I created this post so we can share with each other exactly what (we) you say to yourself or what you do the moment you are tempted to talk yourself out of working out. What motivates you to get up and do it despite of...

I appreciate anyone sharing it will greatly help me to hear your advice and I'm hoping it will help others as well.

(BTW I got the Weslo Cadence G 5.9 for $287 Best selling treadmill on Amazon and 3 year warranty less than $50) Best purchase I've made in a LONG time.

My husband and I go to a gym on weekday mornings. We worked it out with our neighbor to pick her up each morning. We all have a tendency to "laze out". This way, each of us is waiting for the other to go. Works out well.

I am not very athletic, but I am determined. When I started working out I went specifically looking for someplace that offered Water aerobics. I had a newly diagnosed arthritic knee and I was determined that I would never have knee surgery. I also knew I did better with structured classes. Once I found a place I decided to start slow. I promised myself I would do 2 days a week to start come hell or high water. I bought 2 suits and 2 towels so I would never have an excuse not to be prepared. I packed my bag at night and set it by the door. I came home, hung up the wet things, replaced them with the dry set and put it back by the door. I could go any 2 days a week, but I had to go 2 days. As I got used to 2 days a week, I added another. At 4 days a week, I would occasionally go in and walk the treadmill or go on the walking path in the local park. I even tried my hand at pilates a few times. I now do 5 days a week water aerobics but I also do short videos (10 -15 mins) at home on my non gym days. My current goal is a minimum of 30 minutes exercise each day.

I guess not wanting knee surgery was my motivation at first, but by the time I was attending 3 - 4 days a week, the way my body felt was my motivation.

I think of exercise like I do any other task like brushing my teeth. We rarely have to argue with ourselves over a task like brushing our teeth, we just do it. If I'm having a day where I don't want to work out or I'm trying to tell myself I don't have time, I just commit to 10 minutes. Usually getting started is the hardest part and I rarely stop when the 10 minutes are up.