Avoiding burnout

[amytug 996]

I've been an exercise fiend several times in my life. Ill get really into it and about 3-4 months in it fizzles out.

Well here I am, super into it and scared that ill burn out on it. I'm keeping it fresh and being creative with my exercise. Biking, walk/jogging, walk DVD, DDP yoga, t tapp etc. I use a heart rate monitor and love watching how many calories I'm burning an then challenging myself, etc.

How else do you keep yourself from getting bored? I'm not joining a gym until winter, I plan on taking full advantage of at least the weekends in summer. Also, we can't really hike in Missouri. At least not near me. It's a bummer really.

What's your thing? How do you keep motivated?

[swimmom 124]

Find new goals to work towards, like a specific race or challenge. A group of us are preparing for a 5K mud run (obstacle run) in October. When that is over, I will find my next goal/challenge - perhaps something completely different. It helps to have a goal and a focus to keep you motivated! Just be sure to find a new goal or focus as soon as you complete one.

When I was thin many years ago, I also got into triathloning because I got burned out on just running - the training and racing variety was good to help keep me motivated.

Finding a friend or a group to exercise with really helps to keep you accountable!

And if you can afford to, buy some new, super-cute workout clothes! Sometimes that helps to get me up and going.

[Nicolanz 1,484]

It'll be different this time because you won't be able to eat the calories back and you will get results! What I am going to do differently is not give myself more than one day of rest a week. I don't want to lose motivation either and when something gets too easy or repetitive, I'll challenge myself and switch it up. Don't expect to fail. Failure isn't an option anymore!

[aroundhky 1,174]

"Amytug"........is there anything in particular that you enjoy about the gym? I know the working out from home thing works for a lot of people and is very convenient, but sometimes getting out to a gym or a busy (with other people) place to walk can be more fun. How about walking around the mall? Just wonder if it would be more interesting/fun to get away from the house to do your exercise...other than the walking close to your house? Just grasping at a few things here. How about a workout partner, do you have one? Maybe the socializing (in moderation ) will give you the motivation to look forward to the exercise? Good luck and try to be as creative as you can!

[amytug 996]

Thank you all for your ideas and encouragement-

Swimmom- I'm having a hard time finding time to d c25k and don't have good shoes, but that is a goal of mine eventually. I'd love to do any of those fun runs!! Probably next summer.

I take my kids to walks in the lark with me and I'm kindof a loner. I think I push myself harder when I'm only focusing on me and my burn and my breathing etc. yanno? I may invite someone on days I need extra motivation to get out an about tho.

Oh new clothes!! I was just planning in that next weekend. Woohoo! Do they make anything hot pink in xl? What style/brand do you recommend?

Nicolanz- you're right, it IS different this time! I allow myself one day or less a week off. What do you do for exercise?

Other guy whose name I've forgotten-

I ride w the kids around the neighborhood. Walks at the park. Lots of hills there! I take my kids one at a time. (There are 6) thy provide entertainment and sometimes we race etc. hehe

About the gym. I have figured ill join in winter or when it gets too hot out to enjoy moving outside. It's on the to do list. I LOVE working out at the gym but I don't enjoy being there when there are a lot of people there. "/ lol maybe I should call and see when they are least busy. Years ago I went at 5 am before work. LOVED IT. now that I'm a stay at home mom mornings aren't an option. planning the gym though, does motivate me. By the time im a little bored with home workouts ill have the gym. Then when winter is over ill have home workouts again. I hope I find a way to make it work!!

[amytug 996]

Oh, also!! I WILL in line skate next year. I WILL!! I bought a really good quality pair online a few years ago and they didn't fit my fat ankles. Next year they WILL.

[Nicolanz 1,484]

I do Jillian michaels DVDs. I have a collection!

[Fiddleman 4,376]

I do Jillian michaels DVDs. I have a collection!

I have a collection of Bob Harper DVDs! Aren't we the pair. Lol. I have all the biggest loser DVD (very helpful 5-7 years go), a cardio DVD, a weight lifting DVD (never really got into this one), a yoga DVD (need to spend more time on this) and a strength training DVD (my current focus with Bob - loving it mixed in with my other workouts). Love his style of training. I am sure it is very complimentary to Jillian. The cool part is a lot of these are cheap from TJ Max, Ross and other discount stores.

[Nicolanz 1,484]

Lol I get mine on Amazon. 7-10 bucks!

[Nicolanz 1,484]

I'll have to yry Bob too!

[amytug 996]

I do Jillian michaels DVDs. I have a collection!

Dang girl, you're a rock star!! What's your favorite? I did 30 day shred a while back (years) and oh my gosh!!

I'd try again tho.

[ertlandia 74]

To keep myself motivated I set outlandish goals. Before I could finish a 20 mile bike ride I registered to do a 100 mile charity ride. I knew that I would have to push myself to get to that point. I am also a strong self motivator I lift alone, bike alone and run alone. I challenge my self to get a better time per mile, go longer distances push more weight. I use a heart rate monitor and the digifit program to track my stats. I have progressed to being able to complete up to 66miles on the bike in a single day. When I feel like I want to quit I have a picture from right before I was diagnosed with Diabetes that I keep on my phone, I look at that and know I don't want to go backwards. It drives me to keep moving forward to become a better, healthier, stronger version of myself.

[amytug 996]

To keep myself motivated I set outlandish goals. Before I could finish a 20 mile bike ride I registered to do a 100 mile charity ride. I knew that I would have to push myself to get to that point. I am also a strong self motivator I lift alone' date=' bike alone and run alone. I challenge my self to get a better time per mile, go longer distances push more weight. I use a heart rate monitor and the digifit program to track my stats. I have progressed to being able to complete up to 66miles on the bike in a single day. When I feel like I want to quit I have a picture from right before I was diagnosed with Diabetes that I keep on my phone, I look at that and know I don't want to go backwards. It drives me to keep moving forward to become a better, healthier, stronger version of myself.[/quote']

That was awesome and woah you're doing fantastic!!!

I have more questions for all- how do you know when you're doing too much/getting obsessive? Do I have to take a day off? If I'm working out pretty hard every day right now (I also have a heart rate monitor and wouldn't live without it now) if I stall will I have to push EVEN harder?

I LOVE exercise!!! A few weeks ago I hated it. Go figure.

[lsereno 2,525]

I am not an exercise lover. Not now, not ever. But I do get up and walk with friends as often as 4 days per week. I have to exercise first thing in the morning. I simply won't do it later. And I'm planning to also start taking a morning exercise class with a buddy. I have a good friend that does exercise class in the evening, but I just won't do it.

I buy exercise clothes at Target since I got in non-extended sizes, and I bought at Walmart when I still wore woman's sizes. Target has cute stuff in XL through XS I have worked my way down to S now. I'll never be an XS again. Too tall and too old.

Lynda

[ertlandia 74]

That was awesome and woah you're doing fantastic!!!

I have more questions for all- how do you know when you're doing too much/getting obsessive? Do I have to take a day off? If I'm working out pretty hard every day right now (I also have a heart rate monitor and wouldn't live without it now) if I stall will I have to push EVEN harder?

I LOVE exercise!!! A few weeks ago I hated it. Go figure.

I am one of those people that I can never give it enough. I try to do something atleast six days a week. Your body will tell you when you are doing to much. Not paying attention I fell off my bike, i clip in to the peddels and forgot I was clipped in tried to put the foot that was attached to the bike down and it was still attached you get the picture, I banged my knee up pretty good. I kept going I didn't listen to my body. I haven't ridden in like a week because of it trying to allow for it to heal.

I have learned, as i have lost weight, to listen to the queues my body gives me. It can be tuff some times I like to push myself. I take atleast 1 day off. I go 110% every time.