Bottom line, I was becoming bored with exercise. Initially, when I began the weight loss journey after Thanksgiving, I held onto the treadmill for dear life. Now, I have upgraded from walking to jogging even playing the Wii for 60 minutes. From my view, my body is definitely transforming and I am happy. However, I am more of an outdoor person when it comes to exercise. The sun shining, fresh air, and scenery is right up my alley. It seems easier to workout and the time slips away which is what I needed. Bad thoughts started forming and at one point, I was going to give up but I dropped that thought quickly. Having a conversation with myself, I opted to research ways to make working out fun at home. After all, fun and weight loss shouldn’t be contradictory but complementary.
Finding fun in a workout is determined by your interests. There are days when I choose to dance and opt for the Wii. Multiple games from Zumba to Just Dance provide an extensive amount of variety. Since I am not the optimal dancer in the club, this allows me to be free in the comfort of my home. No worries of embarrassment or perverts gawking at the gym. Players can select various levels with Zumba and additional games. The best part, it is a great way to spend family time together. My children and I have contests and work as a team on certain songs. Extremely fun and it doesn’t feel like exercise. Unfortunately, I am not the proud owner of XBox Kinect but I am confident that dance is fun on either system.
After becoming bored with the treadmill from walking and not being able to jog for long periods of time, I began a run/walk challenge for myself. Find a great television show and watch it while walking the treadmill. When commercials begin, start jogging until the show resumes. Jog for the length of time that is comfortable for you. It’s okay to jog for only 10 or 20 seconds, remember weight gain and weight loss is a process. Another great option is to walk the catwalk, yes honey, you better work. This amused me to no end, not really sure why. The treadmill should be set to a comfortable speed and attempt to walk as a model. Visions of America’s Next Top Model played in my head.
Cable television and the internet are dieters best friend. I hate the term diet because I really making healthy eating and exercise a lifestyle. Anyway, cable television, depending on the carrier and package, has multiple fitness channels where workouts can be recorded. Levels vary from beginner to advanced, the best part, the workout can be paused for breaks. Internet offers YouTube which houses multiple workouts and tutorials, it is a matter of finding which fits you. Additionally, the internet is a great source to read inspirational weight loss stories of others. I would love to share my complete journey and make others aware of how to handle the bad days and how the body transforms. Alas, I discuss too much so I can’t. The true way to motivate others is by sharing personal stories with the entire truth, not editing.
Weight loss can truly be fun especially with friends. Ultimately, it must entertain the individual for the weight loss journey to continue. If you have the financial support join a gym, please do so. For some it motivates, for others it offers variety and for others it is a candy shop (steer clear of serial daters). Find what you love and amp it up as you progress. Don’t become discouraged, one bad day means nothing, it’s only a chance to try harder the next day. Once the pounds melt off, no one will need to motivate you because it will become a way of life. Remember, it takes 30 – 60 days to form a habit. Change your way of life for 30-60 days, it will become like second nature.
