Starting now, real change

[creators_child]

I've read some of the posts and must say I've really enjoyed this forum! I start to reply here and start to read there, and realize what I really want to do is discuss what I'm starting now.

You are looking at ME. I have NEVER stuck to an exercise program. I recognize that its good for me, and believe that I need it. I want it. In the past I've said I abhorr exercise cause I hate suffering. I've suffered a bit since then without exercising. LOL So a bit of suffering is inevitable.

What I'm trying to kickbutt my way into doing is be fit by next summer, about this time. I have a goal: of a white water rafting trip, which has an intense hike in and out of the Grand Canyon. Ahem. This is something I've wanted to do for a long time. So I've given myself a year. I'm a single mom with 3 kids--ages 6, 9, and 11, work part time, and involved with church stuff too. My times I have available to exercise is either while I'm with the kids or early mornings before they wake up. What I have available is a YMCA family membership, and a treadmill in the basement, as well as living in a quiet neighborhood where I can walk/or (GASP TORTURE) - jog/run.

What I need is to stop talking and start doing. (and support buddies???)

As a truly misfit person I'm kinda embarrassed to talk about my stats. But I'm so glad that by next summer I'm going to be in shape so I know I'll be proud and thankful for where I am then. I've been gaining weight recently, and then went on vacation to Jax Beach FL, and gained weight on vacation too!
I'm a part time food server---and my uniform is getting tighter by the week! Not GOOD! HAHAHA I turned 32 and now everything is TOO TIGHT!! haha

That was last week.
and now here comes next week.
I know------>that body image is different for many people so I will tell you the details so you can have a concrete image and not my perception.

I'm 5'2 and weigh about 170
OK I don't wanna be honest about those last five pounds. 175.
And I love good food, and living: I get too much good food at work, so I try not to eat there. (lots of mashed potatoes, or starchy foods for lunch. they do have iceberg lettuce available though. )
I cook for my family-as well as my parents everyday as well so sometimes I'm getting in two good meals a day plus snacks. I didn't get this way on a starvation diet!
Thanks everybody for listening to my ramble! Feel free to comment!
I also liked the idea that Alabama Man had on giving up sodas altogether. I've made a water bottle my personal friend and add lemon wedges to it. YUM. Just what I need.

 

[fitmom]

Hi there! Let's start by changing the term 'misfit' to deconditioned! You are not a misfit, and like many people, you need to exercise more often!

In 1994 James Prochaska, John Norcross and Carlo DiClemente (phychology profs) developed a model for change called the Transtheoretical Approach for Change. Or the Stages of Change Model. Here are the five stages, and I will focus on the one I believe you are at:
Pre-contemplation, - Contemplation, - Preparation, - Action, - Maintenance,-
Also, don't put your stats up, you know them, there is nothing wrong with them, you just want a change. If you feel degraded in anyway re. your stats, keep them to yourself. Discuss them with your Dr. The next step for you is to feel great, not guilty.

I think you are predominantly at stage 2, we are never in one stage 100%.

Stage 2 (from the text) People are now aware of their lack of activity and are willing to acknowledge that they need to make a change.

How to successfully move to stage three: Learn and emphasize health benefits and find ways to move into action.

So, suggestions anyone? Health benefits and action ideas? I will emphasize heart health and more energy, and suggest trying a group fitness class.

If anyone has questions re. the Stages of Change Model, feel free to ask!
You are well on your way to success, Get Moving, Get active, sweat lots and PLEASE have fun! Find something you love, fitness is FUN and Groovy, God Loves You, J

 

[arizona_sunshine]

All right, I am among women so I do not feel like this suggestiong is completely out of the question:

One thing that motivates me (and I feel that it could adequately fall into the next progression step of preparation) is the purchase of sporting apparel. Honestly. Get yourself some good cross-training shoes, brand new ankle socks, and a variety of tops and bottoms in beautiful bright colors you may not be sporting otherwise. Fun!

Make sure all the clothing fits appropriately - no matter how much weight you 'plan on losing', tight clothing will be completely uncomfortable and will not serve as the desired motivation.


Another decision I would classify within the preparation stage would be go and sign up with a fitness club, if you have not already done so. Are you one to feel comfortable working out - alone - in a club, cc? I find it empowering, but I also really enjoy having a friend along if I can.

 

[allieisme]

I'll be your support buddy, I need one as well..
Although I dont understand why my pounds wont just melt away by next month,for my trip to the beach

 

[creators_child]

Well Arizona: I have bought a new pair of comfortable crosstrainers in the past couple of weeks in preparation for this! What a good idea though, about feeling confident in the socks!

When I went to FL recently got some jazzy new tshirts so I think thats alright for now.

I honestly don't know how best I feel for comfortzone: Alone or with others. Having a friend along would be great, but I honestly haven't done it. YOu know how you can have an idea about meeting a friend at 5:30 am to do this or that, and it never happened? That was me.
I may take some classes at the Y --but I'm primarily interested in getting some lap swim in first, which is more of an alone thing. I'm sociable enough to enjoy doing stuff with people though. Frankly, I want to get busy with exercise to the point where I MISS IT when I don't---
I've heard runners/swimmers say that they really look forward to doing it. Yup, thats what I want.



Fitmom: Thanks! I will conspire to have a lot of fun. I'll work at it! til I sweat!
) Thanks...God always loves us.

 

[arizona_sunshine]

Frankly, I want to get busy with exercise to the point where I MISS IT when I don't---
I've heard runners/swimmers say that they really look forward to doing it. Yup, thats what I want.

What a wonderful goal! This will not be difficult, cc, because once you get a real taste for how good it really feels to be consistantly active ... you will miss it, I am sure. I have been through phases where I do not even feel alive if my muscles are not slightly sore. This is an exciting time, and you have so much to look forward to! Do not put this off!

I say go to the gym solo, and learn to really enjoy that. This way, you do not feel that you need to depend on someone else. You may meet someone to work out with along the way, or better yet, you may become that steady, dependable fitness icon that will motivate one of your closests buddies.

 

[desi]

Gotta control the calories.

 

[creators_child]

Thanks desi

Allie: thats awesome, thank you!! I'll try to be a good support buddy too.

Note: to start off now instead of later I walked a mile - interspersed with jogging.
I recruited my six year old to ride his bike with me and he told me when I was huffing and puffing LOL.

 

[allieisme]

Tomorrow I'm going to the gym and I'm going to walk a mile on the treadmil, then 1 mile on the crossramp then light weights.. Off to the sauna..
Thats awesome that your taking your six year old with you, he wont let ya quit, even if you tried..
I'll post in here, just to post that I went..

 

[creators_child]

Today I uhh mowed the lawn and ........walked a mile with the kids. I jogged a bit too, but I have to say it was not super intensive. My kids are more out of shape than ME, believe it or not.

So altogether I walked 3 miles today.
Tomorrow I'm taking the kids a ways away to grandmas condo with a pool. We'll swim in the afternoon. The weather ought to be nice - and I will use that for my "workout" - and potentially still walk/jog when I get home. I may be so wiped out though--from the drive--from referreeing kids--and swimming in the sun that I'll just play it by ear.

Allie, how did you do today?

 

[allieisme]

Ok... well to be honest
I didnt go to the gym.. But I did go for a walk at the zoo with the kids, that was almost a workout in itself... especially with the 104 degree temp outside..
Sounds like you did awesome!

 

[fitmom]

If you guys want a lot more support re. your activity levels, or have questions, GodsBods is a well established thread and a great resource -
http://www.christianforums.com/showthread.php?p=8595898#post8595898

Check it out! God Bless, J

 

[California Dreamin']

Hi
I'm 5'3" and I weigh about 160. I am trying to get in shape for university.

 

[creators_child]

Hi CCbear are you going to uni in the fall? what sort of activities do you enjoy?

Allie: going to the zoo with 3 kids is almost a workout and a definite emotional workout!
How old are your kids? My favorite part of the free zoo that I take the kids to is the crocs. You can sit right down next to them - they are half submersed in the water. Fun to get that view. They look like mini T-Rex's in a way.

I took the kids to grandmas and although we were in the pool for an hour I wasn't "working out". It was nice to talk tho--cause she's a positive lady who works out at rehab and swims in the pool -- she had a lot to say. So I'm working at getting myself outside to sweat a bit and just be faithful to do it, no matter how small just to do it.

Fitmom: Thanks - I have read some at Gods Bod: it looks like a great established thread. Someday I may join the club! I want to get my body going though so I have something to say... (sort of like the person who tries to fix themselves up before coming to Jesus, ya know??) It just feels a bit overwhelming to even look at some posts ( 1,000 benches, 40,000 crunches and 295 abs) and think....Gee, I walked a mile in my very own tennis shoes!

OK ok I'll humble myself
and say: Looks like a great thread! Yah, Yah, I'll check it out! Thanks!!

Allie barely has time to think and breathe for herself with 3 kids. Ask me how I know.

 

[allieisme]

Allie: going to the zoo with 3 kids is almost a workout and a definite emotional workout!
How old are your kids? My favorite part of the free zoo that I take the kids to is the crocs. You can sit right down next to them - they are half submersed in the water. Fun to get that view. They look like mini T-Rex's in a way.

I have a 5 1/2 a 3 1/2 and 11 mo old all girls.. You have a free zoo? My gosh, I had to pay $19 bucks to get in. All kids 3 and up are $5 and I was $9

 

[fitmom]

Hi CCbear are you going to uni in the fall? what sort of activities do you enjoy?

Allie: going to the zoo with 3 kids is almost a workout and a definite emotional workout!
How old are your kids? My favorite part of the free zoo that I take the kids to is the crocs. You can sit right down next to them - they are half submersed in the water. Fun to get that view. They look like mini T-Rex's in a way.

I took the kids to grandmas and although we were in the pool for an hour I wasn't "working out". It was nice to talk tho--cause she's a positive lady who works out at rehab and swims in the pool -- she had a lot to say. So I'm working at getting myself outside to sweat a bit and just be faithful to do it, no matter how small just to do it.

Fitmom: Thanks - I have read some at Gods Bod: it looks like a great established thread. Someday I may join the club! I want to get my body going though so I have something to say... (sort of like the person who tries to fix themselves up before coming to Jesus, ya know??) It just feels a bit overwhelming to even look at some posts ( 1,000 benches, 40,000 crunches and 295 abs) and think....Gee, I walked a mile in my very own tennis shoes!

OK ok I'll humble myself
and say: Looks like a great thread! Yah, Yah, I'll check it out! Thanks!!

Allie barely has time to think and breathe for herself with 3 kids. Ask me how I know.

Hi there! Jesus will take you into His kingdom just the way you are, you don't have to prepare! His love for you is perfect. Also, at Gods Bods there are many men, so son't compare yourself to the gazillion pounds they can lift! Just do your workout and share, that is all! Remember to have fun and sweat lots, God Bless, J

 

[allieisme]

Why can I never stay on a workout routine? URGH! I love working out (most of the time) when I get to the gym, I have a hard time staying motivated

 

[fallen^sparrow]

Do you really love working out allieisme or are my just trying to convince yourself you enjoy it? You are going to have to find something you truely enjoy doing exercise wise if your going to have life long success. As soon as I hear something talking about having difficulties being "motivated" the battle is pretty much already lost. Have you ever talked/trained with a national caliber/professional athlete? Take cycling for instance... something I am familiar with. I often hear people ask: "How do those pros stay MOTIVATED to cycling/train 8 plus hours a day year around?!!" They can do it because they literally enjoy it more then ANY of sport/activity they are aware of, period. It can be pouring rain, +5 degrees Celcius with hurricane winds and they'll have a stupid grin on their face as they head out the door for a 4 hour training ride... and guess what? They still have the same grin on when they come in the door 4 hours later soaked and freezing! You need to find something you enjoy doing enough that "motivation" isn't even a factor allieisme. Honestly ... you won't have long term success without that. The world is full of un-used gym membership cards sitting in drawers that remain untouched after the first week of "motivation" wears off.

Now... if you'll excuse me I have to go riding... I hear its suppose to thunderstorm this afternoon! WEEEEeeee!

fallen^sparrow

 

[tndrwarrior]

Wow, this is a great message board. I'm a gymnast and I'm considering quitting to become more involved with running a bible study this year and in general just to be able to spend more time else where. I guess you could call it a shift in priorities. Anyways, I just started lifting weights and it is incredible how on fire I feel when returning from the gym.

 

[tndrwarrior]

Wow, this is a great message board. I'm a gymnast and I'm considering quitting to become more involved with running a bible study this year and in general just to be able to spend more time else where. I guess you could call it a shift in priorities. Anyways, I just started lifting weights and it is incredible how on fire I feel when returning from the gym.