Does it get easier?

[Shannon.H]

I haven't exercised in almost a year! I've been sick for months and have tried off and on to get back into exercising but I just can't. I now have had 2 solid days of good workouts, I know it doesn't seem like much though! How can I not get discouraged because I'm not where I used to be? Ahhhhh!

It sure felt good to back at it though! Whew!

 

[Stephanie0523]

Lord knows I've been in your shoes. I've had three babies, and after each one, I wondered if it would get easier to get back into fitness mode, and the short answer is, "yes." You will get there... One thing that always helps me, shallow as it may sound, is to buy some new workout clothes, get a few new workout DVDs and you will find new motivation. Be in the moment and don't fret over not being where you used to be.

 

[PhyllisG]

Yes you will get back there quicker than you think. I was in the hospital for a month a few years ago and thought I would never get back to my former schedule but I did. My DH claimed that all those years of working out was like money in the bank and now you could draw on it and make a faster recovery. He was right. I kept that thought in mind and it really helped me not to get discouraged.

 

[Pedmom]

ITA with the other answers. Don't give up! I didn't exercise for about 3 years, and I have no good excuse. I was just lazy (and suddenly single lol) and gained a LOT of weight and got totally out of shape. I started back April 1st of this year, after losing most of that weight and after a couple months I felt great again. I still have about 15 pounds to lose, but I feel better than I have in years. It's well worth the initial struggle (and DOMS lol).

 

[Shannon.H]

Thanks guys! That right there gives me the motivation! And it's true Stephanie! buying new stuff to workout in/with alwaaays helps!

I've been doing 30-35 min. workouts this week and maybe next week I'll bump it up to 37min. Lol jk, 40!

 

[RapidBreath]

Shannon- Don't worry about it, your endurance and fitness will come back, I promise! Just focus on having fun with your workouts. The fun factor is needed in order to help motivate yourself, at least it is for me. Don't forget to join a check-in, that can help too.

 

[tralaiven]

Shannon: I was right where you are at the end of October of last year. I had taken off 2 years (except for walking) and was nowhere near any fitness level I had seen before. Just to do 8 push-ups on my knees was a challenge! I just jumped in though, pulled out my old dvds, got a few new easy ones, and went to it. I was determined! And I was sick and tired of feeling yucky. No matter what, I was faithful to do my workouts and to try to eat well. Sometimes I thought I would never be fit and would get sooooo discouraged, but I kept on going.

Now, yesterday, I did 69 full-body push-ups in one workout and rode 20 miles, AFTER I did my STS Legs disk 23. (yes, it was a bit over-kill) But hey! I am so thankful that is where I am now! Even though I still have about 10 pounds to go, my fitness level is back up.

You will be able to do this too with determination and faithfulness! I agree about buying new dvds to keep you motivated! Also joining the Cathe forum 3 months ago has really helped to keep me encouraged. You can do it! I am rooting for you. It starts in the mind...so don't allow yourself to get down!! Fight for it!!! We are all on your side here.

P.S. love your Avatar pic...it is so cute.

 

[Shannon.H]

Wow Tracy! That's amazing, I'm so happy for you and what you have accomplished in such a short period of time! Thank you so much for your kind words, it's totally what I need to get me going!

Thank you Rapidbreath! I've been trying to remember how much fun I used to have so I can get over the dread of knowing I'm not up to where I was! It's helped so far!

Thank you so much everyone!!