How to get back into it?

J

JeanBe

Cathlete
Hi all- I am coming here for some advice and some kick me into gear talk! It's been almost a year since i've had my third child and I had gestational diabetes during this pregnancy. I gained an enormous amount of weight (but I did with all three) and thought I would lose most of it just like the first two times. Well- I lost an initial 15lbs but have lost not one ounce more. My problem is I can't seem to get myself working out at all. I'll try for a few days, get discouraged and then quit.

I had pp depression after this birth (probably after all three but never diagnosed before) and I'm wondering if this could be why I have no energy for working out. I am so discouraged by how big I am (larger and heavier than ever before) and I seem to keep eating even when I say I'm going to try and eat healthy.

So- any wonderful motivational words? Any wonderful butt-kicking into gear words? I would appreciate any advice- I really miss the great feeling of being swaety and feeling strong after a workout.

Thanks for reading
Jean
 
You say you love and miss the "great feeling of being sweaty and feeling strong after a workout." Home in on that! Focus in on that feeling and really try to capture it in your head and hold it. Then, start working out. When you feel like quitting, go back to that thought to push you through. I know personally, some of the days I feel like not working out, if I push through it, I end up feeling even better afterwards. That "high" that you get is even stronger! Then, just try to keep at it. Don't aim too high - start with 3 days a week; then go to 4. Be realistic and don't try to do too much at once. If you loved it once, you can definitely get it back! Good luck and hang in there!
 
well a year isn't TOO bad. I waited almost 4 since my last boy was born! ack! I gained since the pregnancy also. I actually worked out the whole pregnancy and was much thinner after he was born than when I started working out again. eek. That was also the reasons I was feeling down about it. I felt I'd never be back in shape. It did take a bit at first but now I'm really seeing results and feeling much better. I've lost 10 lbs the last 2 1/2 months and am again enjoying working out. I had to push myself the first few weeks though. It gets easier as you keep going. Once you start to feel stronger a bit and see a bit of results. Now I can hardly miss a day again. I'm sure in a few more months I'll be back into my old clothes (finally). Its been worth it. Its work getting back into it when your out but I feel so much better that I can't believe I stopped for so long! I only worked out sporadically over that time and being "out" of a regular routine made working out more of a bothersome chore than a lifestyle habit. You can do it!! One thing that helped me was keeping a journal of what I ate and my workouts. I felt accomplished when I did good on eating and finished a workout and got to write it down. Now I'm kinda bothered with it and am eating good/exercising anyway so maybe don't need it anymore. but it really helped at first. Also I did start a bit easier and take a day off when I needed to... the more in shape I get the harder I can workout and less time I need to rest. - Jess
 
Thanks so much for the responses! I am going to try and make it a habit again! I am hoping it won't take too long to get some stamina and strength back again!

Jean
 
What really got me back in the swing of things after my last pregnancy (although I didn't start working out again until my little one was over 15 months old) was more of an attitude change than anything else. So much of it was in my head. In the past, if I missed a bunch of workouts I would beat myself up and figure what's the point and then give up. I made up my mind this last time that I would do what I could, and if I "messed up" by skipping some workouts I would just get back on the wagon, no beating myself up. Just pick myself up and move on. Any exercise is better than no exercise. On days when I didn't feel like it, I made a deal with myself that I would work out for only 15-20 min, and if I didn't feel like it after that then I would stop. Of course almost every time by the time I got to 15 minutes I didn't want to stop and I would finish the whole workout.

Almost 3 years later, exercise is a part of my daily routine and although I still have off weeks now and then, I know I can always pick myself up and get back to it with no problem. (Having said that, the last couple of weeks have not been great, with very few workouts, so I know I have to get back to focusing on working out again. But I'm trying to focus on the positive. At least I had some nice walks outside last week in the great weather!)

So my advice is to start slow, don't bite off more than you can chew (so to speak :) ), and give yourself time to get used to it...it's a lifestyle change, not a quick fix. And don't beat yourself up! Focus on the positive and take it one day at a time. HTH!
 
I think you're exactly right- it is more of a mind thing! I need to just get committed and do the best I can. Maybe jumping on the trampoline with my two kids and dh could be good for some exercise!LOL

Thanks for the support!
Jean
 
I gain huge amounts of weight everytime I have a baby. (I'm currently pregnant with #7.) I mean like 65 lbs or so and believe me, it's always demoralizing to stand on the scale post partum and have like 50 lbs to lose--again. But I've done it everytime (except after baby #4--long story) and always manage to get back to my normal size (which is about 10lbs from where I'd like to be--oh well)

Anyway, I just believe that weight loss needs to be slow and steady. It takes me about a year to lose the weight each time and I just expect that. That way I don't get too discouraged when the scale moves too slowly. I've found that as I age, diet matters even more than exercise and that's a real challenge for me.

I think that one has to make a commitment to workout x times per week and just stick to it come hell or high water, regardless of feelings. I mean listen to your body and don't injure yourself, but don't skip exercise because of discouragement. Just do it. The results will follow eventually.

take care and keep us posted. Oh and there is a check in forum here if you need extra accountability. People here are very friendly, helpful and encouraging.

Maggie:)
 
Thanks Maggie- Wow #7! I thought three was a lot! I actually gained about 65 lbs with the last two pregnancies and lost it with #2 but can't seem to budge anything after #3.

I really appreciate your advice- thanks for taking the time to share and best wishes to you during this amazing time!
Jean
 
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