can't get motivated.

Sarah.R · June 8, 2008

Uh I know what you all mean, I'm not banded yet but I've NEVER been an energetic/gym going person you know? I joined with my sister one year and it was good because we would "race" each other on the treadmills lol but then she stopped going and she was my only way of getting there so I stopped going and eventually we cancelled our memberships, I think the biggest motivation is definetly someone going with you whether it be your brother,mother,sister, daughter, son you know? For me my sister is great because she makes it ummm "fun" lol just because she's a total idiot when she does it - also once I do get the band I'm taking my Ipod and putting all the fast/up beat music on there to help as well

gkeyt · June 8, 2008

You know, I don't really believe in "motivation" when it comes to exercise. In the beginning, when you are starting out, you just do it because you know you have to. After a while, you realize how good you feel doing it, and after doing it, and that is its own motivation.

The hard part is going from the couch to your feet. I think that's where we get the idea of "motivation" from--you need something to motivate you to get upright and go to the gym or go outside or whatever your exercise of choice is. But if you can just tell yourself to make that first step, I think you'll find the rest of it is a lot easier.

I've been working out regularly for 3 years (long before I was banded) and usually I have no problem doing my exercise for the day, but on occasion I feel sluggish or reluctant for whatever reason. Occasionally I just take the day off, but not usually. I find just changing into my workout clothes is enough to get me going. If I just drive to the gym, my body does the rest automatically and I feel great by the time I've started. If it's a run day for me, once I get my clothes and shoes on I'm usually good to go. But if I sit there without making that first step, it's much easier to just avoid the whole thing, even though I know I'll feel so much better if I just move my body.

I don't know, I think it's more a matter of making a decision than it is motivation. That's my take, anyway.

Oh yeah, there was some mention of forming the habit. That's a great point. The YMCA has a thing called the 12 week program, for new exercisers. It's usually included for free in their membership (I don't know if all Y's have it but I think they do.) You meet with a trainer in the beginning and then every 3 or 4 weeks for the 12 weeks. They set you up on a basic weights and cardio program and help you progress through it. Their theory is that if you can commit to doing regular exercise 3 days a week for 12 weeks, you have formed the habit and it is much more likely that you will continue. It worked for me, I did it 3 years ago and have been at it ever since. Anyway, that's a thought for people trying to form the habit of regular exercise. HTH.

beckn · June 8, 2008

Thanks Gwen, that was a great post for all us regular exerciser wanna bees. Becky

gkeyt · June 8, 2008

I'm happy it helped! :incazzato:

Ceradad · June 9, 2008

Don't let it get you down. Sure, diet and exercise will boost weightloss and even make for a better body and lifestyle...however,
the lapband system was designed to work without diet and exercise.

You are not alone! Just tinker around with different types of exercises, walk if nothing else. I've not ever exercised and don't plan on it either. (everyone is different)

First off Grace, WAY TO GO with the weight loss. Especially in light of your disabilities. You are a true inspiration to the rest of us.

That being said, I have to disagree with you on the "lapband is designed to work w/o diet and exercise" statement. Most of the "slow losers" on here, when confronted, admit they are not doing enough exercise (or none) and not eating properly. The lapband is a tool only. It can only do so much. W/o diet and exercise, you would have just as much success as if you took a hammer outside, layed it on the ground and expected to come back to a house built on that site.

A tool is only useful when it is used for it's intended purpose.