How do you motivate yourself to exersise? | ADHD Information
I would try to get my husband motivated by doing something that required going outside. He would always lose interest and motivation when it came to "boring" inside things, like, situps, push ups, and stuff like that, if he just did them alone.
So we bought new bikes, (instead of boring inside machines), so that he could get out and go outside. He rarely get's bored doing this. We also made plans to get inline skates, and we regulary frequented the community inside swimming pool. He was more easily ready to "get up and go" outside than to do the inside stuff. He thinks it's "fun" so it's not miserable to him at all. We would "prepare" before going out, by doing pushups and situps, but we did this in preparation to go out.
Sometimes, though, it is hard for us to get motivated enough to get ready to go out. But that's not just for excercises, that's for ANYTHING. So I guess that's, like, a different problem to deal with.
I have ALWAYS had problems sticking to healthy eating/exersise routines. I am not obese, but am borderline overweight for my height. I am 26 years old and I pant after climbing 2 flights of stairs. I have strong legs, but can't do a single pushup. I hate thinking I could feel better and be healthier if it weren't for my motivation issues. Whenver I think of exersise, I groan inwardly and think "I'll do it later".Some tips and ideas would be great, but I'd settle for some co-miseration at this point too.
I hear ya on the motivation issue. I love to exercise, but if I've gotten out of the habit of doing it, it is soooo difficult to get started again. Especially if it is cold out. I cant seem to motivate myself to do squat when its winter.
Have you tried joining a gym? I've found that if I do that, I feel like I *have* to go since I'm paying for it. Somehow, the money investment works as a motivation for me.
I've just bought some hand weights and am trying an exercise routine/walking with them. Of course, my husband will probably move them from their designated spot, and I'll forget they exist until I find them 5 years later.
I am in process of losing weight and have trouble motivating myself to excercise and do not have ADD myself. I would say it is an all around the board subject. Some say do it first thing in the morning, ha I have no time I run crazy in the mornings. I can say I am down 50 lbs at least. Maybe it will kick in soon for all of us.If I ever get the urge to exercise I go and lie down until the urge goes away.
Mark -
Only a NON-ADDer would have dreamt up the idea of a gym (and the idea of a "workout" routine consisting of boringly riding a dull stationary bike).To keep motivated (and to keep the weight off) I joined a boxing/grappling club. Great workouts, great group of guys (hate to miss a session with my buddies!). Also roped 2 of my neighbours in so I can't opt out if I feel lazy, cause we carpool!
Sorry. BCGIRL no comiseration
. If you are not careful, my carpool will come past your house and force you to join us!!!Mark,
That's so funny! I don't do anything to motivate my self to exercise
Mark,
That's so funny!
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It's not my line I'm afraid, I stole it from the late Peter Ustinov 
Mark -
I can hardly remember where I put clothes to wear in the morning much less excercise. 8( You could try taking up an actual sport usch as biking, fencing, etc. Sports are a lot more fun so you will be much more likely to stick with it. The gym is just BORING.
scarygreengiant38446.855775463I find it so funny that you guys think the gym is boring - I love it!! I do all the machines and then get going on one of the treadmills and watch tv. Maybe its bc that is the only way I can ever get myself to watch tv. God knows I cant seem to do it sitting still at home! I also love rollerblading and walking.
I've noticed the same thing as floofthegoof- exercise really reduces my adhd symptoms.
My only problem with joining a gym is that I would never find the time to go. I work til 4:30 Mon-Fri, and don't get home until 5. That's dinner time. You then expect an ADDer to get up and leave the house again after I've gotten home, settled, and taken care of dinner? Did I mention settled?
Regular gyms DO bore me... but my university athletic centre had a circuit workout that was awesome. However I had to walk 15 minutes to get there (and of course 15 minutes to get back) so my laziness inevitably did me in, as usual.
I've been thinking about joining Curves, but I've GOT to get out of this damn rut. I can't see myself going out again after I've gotten home and settled.
Why am I sooooo lazy?Exercise? HA HA HA HA....
Fortunately I spend alot of time everyday frantically running around trying to figure out where I left my head. That is enough to keep me in reasonable shape 
I've tried going to the gym before but I always get distracted and
bored and end up wondering around the gym. You probably won't be able
to get distracted at Curves but it is boring boring boring. I hate gym
workouts. I still vote for taking up a sport. You'll have so much fun it won't even feel like "exercise". I joined a Tae Kwon Do club last year when I was still a university student so I got a lot of exercise and had fun at the same time. But I have graduated and moved back in with my mother so that's not an option anymore. Tae Kwon Do schools outside of universities are a LOT more expensive than what I had to pay when I was in the TKD club at school and the quality of the classes in my hometown is just terrible. So I'm trying to find other ways to get exercise now. I was thinking of trying biking. I got a free bike online so now I just need to find some biking trails. Its so hard for me to keep the motivation to exercise. Once I start exercising, I get bored from the repetition. I think the key is finding something to sustain your interest, that you can do for an extended amount of time. Also, buddying up helps.I have found that really setting aroutine time to work out helps. Once, my daughter goes down for her nap, I work out. If you can't get out, buy a variety of tapes. Something funny-- I was an elite gymnast growing up, and I just read in the paper that adult gymnastics classes are taking off in my city. I am thinking about doing it again. I suppose I can do Mommy and Me in the morning and mine at night. I find this hilarious for some reason. I suppose even though it has been ten years since I last did anything, it could be worth a try. Oh, the glory days.
Ride a bike to work!
I get up, put an outfit in my backpack and go. Then I get changed in the bathroom when I get to my destination. I don't care if it seems weird, keeps the pounds off, and good for ADD symptoms.
The other benefit is that you have to throw clothes in bag and go, so there is no oppportunity to waste time dressing, mucking around, going back for items and ending up missing the bus.
I try to go to the gym too and do weights, but I avoid peak hour. All the tvs, loud music, people everywhere, and instructor shouting out in aerobics classes freaks me out. Too much going on.
I joined Curves last October. I went pretty regular until mid-November when the stress of the upcoming Holidays set in. Then I didn't go back until last week!!! I always "meant to". Just always had an excuse..........which I really DID have a horrible winter.....Kidney stones, Thanksgiving, Christmas, FIVE sinus infections (and feel like I'm getting another one!), Death of a very close family member, own and run my own business, 3 kids, etc,etc,etc.......Things ARE better now, but instead of being AT the gym, I'm SITTING here, typing .....I AM going today , I am, I am, I am...........I have a "system" haha..........I hate to get up a minute before I "have" to. (don't we all?) so I lay out my workout clothes to put on in the morning instead of my work clothes. If I go to the gym, I can change before I go to the shop , if not, I can change at the shop anyway and go to the gym after work..........I'm not saying this always works,but it HAS helped the past week....
About CURVES - I really like it as far as the "circuit" type thing, you never have to wait on a machine, good music, lots of motivation,etc, but it is stll SOOOOO boring!!!!!!!!........I get bored to tears when I'm there..... I just keep telling myself, It's worth it, It's worth it, it's worth it.........I did lose a few pounds when I was going before, but I did not have my eating under control......I am doing "Sugar Busters" now and haven't felt this good in a long time.........I highly recommend it, but it, like everything else, takes a LOT of discipline......and I'm a sugar junkie - I could eat it right out of the bag - sometimes I'll catch myself looking for candy or chocolate, and think - what am I doing???!!! - I have to really TRY ......and for all of us, just TRYING to remember to do something is the hardest part........
I have a lot of motivation now, anyway just beacuse summer's coming and my step son is graduating from high school and I know I'll have to see my husband's ex-wife (size 4). I will not dare let her see me fat and untanned - yes it bothers me. She is ugly as S*** on as stick, the ONLY thing going for her is her size. NOTHING else about her is attractive....I'm not intimidated by her......but it still gives me something to obsess about ....AND stay motivated about .........When graduation is over I'll have to obsess about another situation to keep me motivated......haha , does anyone else do this ??? I LOVE this forum!!!!!!!!!
OK GOING TO THE GYM NOW !!!!!!! Kimberly
I have started physical therapy, so having to go to that makes me be motivated. I plan to get a gym membership after, and I find I do go more often when I have a friend or trainer. Blah, more often? LoL...that's the only way I'll go.
Also, I have a million workout DVDs. If I can get myself to play them, the variety of them helps a lot. I have everything from belly dancing, aerobics, The Firm, Tae Bo, lame dance ones (oh yeah, I bought Darrin's Dance Grooves, lmao...that's just sad, really!).
Eliza - I can't ride a bike to work for four reasons: 1. My work is too far, 2. It rains here - A LOT - yuck! 3. I'd have to get up even earlier than I do now. And 4. I have a hard enough time sitting in my desk and trying to be comfortable, I couldn't imagine doing so after I'd just worked up a sweat and got drenched by rain by riding in to work.
Scary and chix0r- I SUCK at sports, and aerobics.
I have zero coordiantion, and zero flexibility. I did the Tae-Bo tapes
for awhile, but then they just got boring. And I always felt like such
a goof, I could only do it when I was home alone. Nowadays, that NEVER
happens because my BF and I have the exact same work schedule.I guess I'm just screwed.
But I'm still entertaining the idea of joining Curves. maybe for a month or two, and see how it goes.[QUOTE=bcgirl1978]I SUCK at sports, and aerobics. I have zero coordiantion, and zero flexibility. I did the Tae-Bo tapes for awhile, but then they just got boring. And I always felt like such a goof, I could only do it when I was home alone. Nowadays, that NEVER happens because my BF and I have the exact same work schedule.
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Blah, I'm having to write this again...page error.
Anyway, I have horrible coordination as well, LoL. I was doing step ups at therapy today (easy, right?) and tripped and almost fell face first, LoL. I won't do aerobics or anything like that in front of people. It takes me several times before I have the routine down, and i still mess up, LoL. If I stop to think about what I'm doing, it's all over!
I also won't do them in front of people at home either (my dogs get a laugh). I made space in my room to do them...although my roommate (who used to work from home) is now always gone for his job, so I can take the living room back, LoL. I get fiesty after Tae-Bo...I'm not allowed to do those anymore, LoL. I wasn't really kicking anyone, I was just showing them what I learned!! hehe
I got those Carmen Electra strip-aerobics, and my boyfriend was all excited thinking he'd get to watch me do those....sorry for him, LoL. I don't think me tripping over a chair and knocking myself out is sexy! Plus, I tend to get goofy as my attention fades.
Hi, I agree with the comment on how much exercise helps with how you feel mentally. Doesn’t make things perfect, just better. I was always struggling to cope day to day and things just kept getting worse, in every way. I started going to a gym about 15 years ago as I was always interested in weight training. I didn't kill myself though or even do aerobics of any kind! I could only do what I was interested in and that was tough enough. It about 6 years for me to start doing a regular 20 minute bike ride at every work out. I also ran for a couple of years and only stopped cause of the knee thing. For the first time I stopped going to the gym 2 1/2 years ago. Big Mistake! Started back a year ago. Still can't stand doing the indoor running/biking thing so I use my bike as transportation generally and also ride it to work every day. Uphill all the way in the morning. Good for anxiety. I also have changed my diet over the years. I was able to do these things over years only because I was so desperate. I don't work out so I can have a great body, I have already done a lot of damage to my body that I can never repair. I do look better when working out but it really is about your mental health and you get stronger bones which is a real plus. It can get boring and the only remedy is mix it up. Change routines often and take classes. Or do anything to get moving , whatever it is. When we feel so bad, in distress, we need to take some responsibility for ourselves. Biologically we are not meant to be sedentary and our biology has not changed that much since the hunter gatherers. Too bad our society is so messed up (see, shallow) about how we look. Means nothing but we make it mean everything and it gets confused with just taking care of yourself and not letting yourself be poisoned as sanctioned by our governments. Why does anyone think it is okay to feed kids meat or chicken that has been pumped full of hormones? Or red food dye?
Yes, I agree, bike riding is very well suited to Sydney weather!
I just remembered a better thing, thanks to Slug Bug's post. I try to get up early on weekends and put my sporty outfit on...gym shorts, sneakers and singlet. Then I walk around feeling sporty and pretend I'm going to the olympics today, it makes me feel like going to the gym.
Sometimes I don't get around to it, but at least the sporty feeling is very motivating.
eliza38449.6505439815 [QUOTE=floofthegoof]An excersize routine is really tough to stick to, especially for an ADD type, but I have noticed that during the months when I'm succesful at keeping it up, it really helps to diminish alot of my ADD symptoms. Once you really force yourself for about a week, it becomes easier until something really stressful happens in your life and it breaks the cycle. I usually get on 4 or 5 month excersize kicks before quitting for the rest of the year. It usually takes the other 7 months to get motivated again.
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I heard you there. I go really hardcore, then something happens. If something really bad happens when I'm NOT working out, though, sometimes it gets me working out again. When my mom and brother died it was early fall, I just started running up and down the country roads every day to get away and clear my head. But in Iraq I twisted my ankle, couldn't work out for maybe 3 or 4 weeks, and haven't worked out since then.
It's been 5 months now since I've exercised at all, but I'm starting to feel like maybe possibly going again.
"If I ever get the urge to exercise I go and lie down until the urge goes away."
You explained me to a T!
[QUOTE=bcgirl1978]Well - I HAVE to get some exersice this weekend - I've agreed to dog-sit for a friend, which means a minimum of two walks a day! Maybe I'll like it so much I'll take it up full time (the walking, I mean, not the dog-sitting 
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Well, just remember the dogs! LoL A while back, I got my car all ready, grabbed my dogs' leashes, and headed out to the park 1 morning....then realized I left my dogs...LMAO oops! 
).Fear motivates me to exercise. I have high cholesterol (courtesy of my mother's side of the family). Right now I am very overweight because my wife and I have been eating like crazy for months but we've started dieting again this week. And this time around I will try my best to avoid the processed foods to see if that helps the ADHD.
For exercise we have a treadmill that is near the TV. Usually if I put on headphones and listen to CDs while the TV is on there is enough stimulation to keep me from getting bored. And now that the weather is nice we'll start walking and biking outside.
An excersize routine is really tough to stick to, especially for an ADD type, but I have noticed that during the months when I'm succesful at keeping it up, it really helps to diminish alot of my ADD symptoms. Once you really force yourself for about a week, it becomes easier until something really stressful happens in your life and it breaks the cycle. I usually get on 4 or 5 month excersize kicks before quitting for the rest of the year. It usually takes the other 7 months to get motivated again.My boyfriend told me something funny recently. There's this excercise video program for people to excercise while sitting in a chair called "Sit and be Fit". He is claiming that will be a birthday gift come July. LOL
I guess that would work for ADHD people quite well. They can wiggle all they want and still play on the computer.
This is way off base, but I think it would be great to generate electricity with exercise. Even to store it in a kind of battery. I am going to look into generators you could hook to rowing machines or the hated stationary bikes. My ecologicical guilt might get me to exercise. What if it powered your favorite tv program. What if cycling replaces snacking ?