Let me begin by stating an essential fact: I’m an everyday person who exercises. I’m not a fitness enthusiast. You won’t catch me at a 5 a.m. boot camp (sleep is life) or posting pictures of my daily kale smoothie on social media (not my thing). The only “burpee” in my routine happens after a big meal. If I’m honest, those who try to inspire others with their extreme dedication often make me feel inadequate, as if I lack the drive and should just give up and indulge in ice cream and binge-watching shows.
So rest assured, I’m not here to chastise anyone for not exercising. If you’re reading this, you might be struggling to find motivation, and that’s perfectly okay. I’ve been in that exact place too.
After having three children in five years—and yes, indulging in plenty of desserts—my body felt like a shell of its former self. For the first time, I was nearing 300 pounds. The weight brought upon feelings of deep depression and shame. I avoided social situations, using my kids as a valid excuse to remain at home, but the truth was I felt embarrassed about my appearance.
Despite immersing myself in body-positive articles advocating self-love, I found it hard to accept what I had become. The thought of making a change seemed so overwhelming that it left me paralyzed. The goal felt like a distant dream, meant for someone with more determination than I had. Thus, I wrapped myself in loose clothing and sank into the couch, consumed by guilt every time I chose inactivity.
The moment that sparked my journey toward change? I’d love to say it was driven by health benefits or my children, but if I’m being completely honest, it was vanity. I knew I had gained weight, but I avoided mirrors until one day, my four-year-old captured a video of me rummaging through the refrigerator, revealing the reality I had been trying to ignore. Watching that footage was a shocking confrontation. It pushed me to acknowledge my situation, although the thought of losing over 100 pounds felt utterly daunting.
I remembered a poem from Shel Silverstein about a girl who ate a monstrous whale one bite at a time. This became my mantra: to tackle overwhelming tasks piece by piece.
Starting with very small steps, I initiated my journey at home. I began walking around my house, increasing my energy during daily activities, and even dancing with my children while using them as weights for arm workouts. I bought an aerobics step to use while watching TV. Slowly, I noticed changes, even though progress felt painstakingly slow.
Eventually, a neighbor convinced me to join a Zumba class. The first time, I stood nervously at the back, fearing judgment. To my surprise, it was enjoyable! I soon found myself moving to the front and dancing freely, rolls and all.
Though the journey wasn’t without setbacks, I lost 112 pounds over two years, gaining a confidence I never thought possible. Life threw me a curveball when I unexpectedly became pregnant again and gained 60 pounds, but I learned to forgive myself and continue my efforts.
I’m just a regular person, and if left unchecked, I would happily spend my days baking and lounging. I have to actively choose to prioritize movement. Here are my strategies for staying motivated:
1. Movement is Key
Once I start moving, it becomes easier to keep going. Even on tough days, I make an effort to get up and walk around.
2. Enjoyable Activities
I despise the elliptical and running, but I love dancing, walking, and participating in aerobics classes. Finding enjoyable activities is crucial for long-term commitment.
3. Fitness Tracker
I wear a fitness tracker that motivates me to reach my daily step goals and engage in friendly competitions.
4. Incorporate Exercise into Daily Life
I utilize everyday tasks as opportunities for movement, whether it’s squatting to pick up items or doing calf raises while washing dishes.
5. Accountability
As a group fitness instructor, my classes require my presence, which keeps me committed. If you’re not in a similar situation, find a workout buddy.
6. Make Exercise a Priority
Just as I maintain my dental hygiene, exercise has become a necessary part of my self-care routine.
7. Motivate Others
Helping others stay on track with their fitness goals keeps me motivated as well. I can’t advocate for healthy habits while neglecting my own.
This may feel like a distant goal, but I assure you: once exercise becomes a regular part of your life, you may even start to look forward to it. Sure, there are days when I would rather engage in something less strenuous, but consistency matters. Every step counts. Whether you’re dealing with a small weight issue or a larger one, remember: you are worth the effort.
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Summary
This article recounts a personal journey of overcoming initial resistance to exercise and developing a routine that prioritizes movement in enjoyable ways. By using small, consistent steps, the author transformed her lifestyle and lost significant weight, all while learning to prioritize self-care and motivate others.
Keyphrase: Motivation to Exercise
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