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Cardio King
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# Posted: 6 Nov 2007 19:27


So now that it seems like my hereditary hypertension has found its way into my life, I feel more of a sense of urgency to get in the gym and shed some serious pounds. And the desire is definitely there (for health as well as cosmetic reasons).

However, I've gotten to a stage now where I'll make up any excuse NOT to go to the gym, and I'm usually pretty good at convincing myself. Yesterday I told myself that I had to update the music on my phone's MP3 player and ended up not going.

Anybody got any good motivation tips? I've been looking for a work out buddy, but have been unsuccessful thus far.

PLEASE HELP!



Thank you, come again (gotta love it).


THE NEW ME
The Master
Posts: 2856

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# Posted: 6 Nov 2007 20:31


is there any exercise you like to do? anything you like to do outside of the gym? start with baby steps. start with a small walk. remember rome wasnt built in a day so you cant get fit overnight. try to do one small thing to help yourself and you will feel better. can you make non-food rewards for yourself after you commit to exercising this week?


Jeff West
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# Posted: 6 Nov 2007 20:36


Quoting: lglcctj
Yesterday I told myself that I had to update the music on my phone's MP3 player and ended up not going.


When you workout first thing in the morning Curtis, you don't have time to give yourself excuses. If your schedule allows, wake up one hour earlier and hit the gym before work/school.

Cheers!


Cardio King
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# Posted: 6 Nov 2007 20:42


Jennifer - I've heard that advice before, but I have the hardest time finding good rewards for myself. One of my biggest problems right now is that I use food as a reward for when I do well, or as comfort when I'm not doing so well. NOT GOOD!

Jeff - I know exactly what you mean. I wish I had the time, but I spend too long in the gym to be able to do it in the mornings. But I'm thinking about starting up my morning jog routine again, and then go to the gym after work in the evenings. Double up on the cardio, woo hoo!

Thanks guys


THE NEW ME
The Master
Posts: 2856

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# Posted: 7 Nov 2007 00:14


so what would you like as a gift from someone? what would you buy yourself at the mall? what would you do if you had extra money? there must be something that you want! a new pair of sneakers, sunglasses? a new shirt? a massage? or how about a nice bath? i could think of 100 things i would do!!! no excuses curtis! can you make calls to people when you want to comfort yourself with food? can you write in a journal? or buy yourself a journal to write in (your feelings)? 1 step at a time. if you double the cardio you might overtrain and not want to go back so try not to overdo it.


Splint Chesthair
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# Posted: 7 Nov 2007 15:56 - Edited by: splint


Goals


Lisa Parziale
traineo Regular
Posts: 45

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# Posted: 8 Nov 2007 20:31


I was given some great motivation to lose weight and get fit:

My doctor said if I didn't, I would not have a long life.

I know it is hard Curtis, as you inherited genes with all sorts of pre-dispositions to things (blood pressure, heart, diabetes). But HOW you decide to combat them can simply SAVE YOUR LIFE!

When I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes and started having trouble with blood pressure (I was 39 - 20 years EARLIER then my mother), it became apparent that I needed to do SOMETHING FAST!

Do you have children Curtis? A wife you love? Doing it for yourself is the best reason, but there are others who would want you around as long as possible!!!


Dan Jones
traineo Fanatic
Posts: 175

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# Posted: 9 Nov 2007 00:35


Quoting: lglcctj
but I spend too long in the gym to be able to do it in the mornings


But I thought that you're making excuses to not go; are you going or not? Stop procrastinating, up your maturity about this whole thing and just go. I recently had to adjust my schedule to get up at 4:20am to work out for an hour. I used to take my time at night and workout 2 hours. Now, I barely can fit in 60 minutes unless I'll be late for work. As a teacher, I can't be late.

Let's be frank...a phone mp3 player?!

It's probably not what you want to hear, but if you have high blood pressure and are still avoiding exercise, you'll be on meds and eventually, your condition will kill you. You need to take responsibility so you can be proud of your accomplishments.

Not bashing you, but I used to be in your place...it's a simple attitude adjustment...after all if you don't do it who will?


Blue Licorice
traineo Newbie
Posts: 1

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# Posted: 9 Nov 2007 03:20


Curtis, there is nothing that anyone can really say that will make you want to be more motivated, as this must come from within yourself. If you don't truely want to do it, then you aren't going to do it. Everyone has to think hard on this and then make a committment to doing what it is that they need to do. Procrastinating is normal, we are not creatures of change. We all like to fit into our little niches and don't want to step outside, for that means taking a risk. Blood pressure can be managed with medication, however is that okay with you?

Everyone had some good ideas, but I've never found promising myself a reward worked for me. Only I can make the decision to do this or that and so it is with us all.

Good Luck.


Minu ~
The Master
Posts: 2592

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# Posted: 9 Nov 2007 11:16


Health is the big payoff. The increased reserves physically and mentally are just as paramount and are waiting for you.

You must take the bull by the horns, Curtis, and listen to all the voices both here and the one in you, who are all telling you what you already know, get at 'er.

You are the only you you've GOT.



John F.
traineo Newbie
Posts: 8

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# Posted: 9 Nov 2007 12:05


truth be told, going after work is better for me. i've found that I'm in a better mood when i see my wife and kids, and i sleep better. plus, early in the morning is when all the meatheads with clown pants and fanny packs are working out. who wants to work out around that crowd?


C. B
traineo Regular
Posts: 39

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# Posted: 9 Nov 2007 12:07


I'm definitely with Jeff on this one, if you roll out of bed wearing your workout clothes and lace up your shoes (which should be there right when you swing your legs out) it's tough to make an excuse, you're already in the gear... why not. Also being easy on yourself, you really only need 30min first thing in the morning... don't bother spending longer or convincing yourself that you NEED to go longer. Like you said, you got after work for that bit I always split it 30-60min in the gym, im up at 6am and keep an eye on the clock to watch my timing... then 30-60min in the evening? works wonders!! best of luck to you mate, just remember with every excuse you make you are only cheating yourself out of the healthy body you deserve to live in.


Cardio King
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Posts: 1784

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# Posted: 9 Nov 2007 14:29


Lots of good advice, thank you all.
I'm definitely considering doing something in the morning, even if it's just a jog around the block. Once my work schedule pans out, I'll be able to plan my workouts better. And I need to get a calendar like everyone suggested!

Down 2 pounds this week and my eating habits are definitely getting better. And the blood pressure is slowly decreasing.

About these morning workouts...should I split them between cardio and weight training? I usually do both in the same workout, but it might be better to do one or the other in the mornings so I'm not there for more than 40 minutes maybe. How does that sound?


Splint Chesthair
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Posts: 471

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# Posted: 9 Nov 2007 15:42


Quoting: lglcctj
I'm definitely considering doing something in the morning, even if it's just a jog around the block.


Arrggh, Curtis, I just want to scream at you to DO SOMETHING! You're always "thinking about starting", or "looking for a workout buddy", or trying to figure out a good start time, or "definitely considering"... none of these is doing you any good at all. Don't think about starting, START. Go for a walk tonight or tomorrow morning, at least it's something. You won't find a workout buddy in your apartment. You know where you can find a workout buddy? AT THE GYM. You know how you can figure out whether to workout in the morning or not? WORK OUT IN THE MORNING AND SEE IF IT WORKS! Want to know whether to split cardio and weight training? Try splitting it, try not, which one do you like better? which one makes you feel better? which one shows better results?

Or are you gonna post for the next year wondering about whether to wear a red head band or blue one.


THE NEW ME
The Master
Posts: 2856

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# Posted: 9 Nov 2007 15:58


i agree with splint. go, do something, get your body moving. get into a habit of going to the gym or jogging around the block. once you start forming the habit of moving then you can work on changing your methods if you dont see results. you will definitely see results in the beginning as long as you are moving more than you used to and you arent overeating. once you start doing it you will feel so much better. i dont want to go to the gym today. we all have days like that. im going anyway bc i know i have goals and i know i will feel better after and it became part of a routine for me. let us know how you did!!!


Cardio King
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# Posted: 9 Nov 2007 16:09


Alright, alright. Jeez. I'll let you know what I did splint


Fred L
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# Posted: 9 Nov 2007 16:47


Make some goals, look in the mirror, think about your health, fitness, etc.

They have already said, just do it. Get into a routine. Once you are in a routine for 3-4 weeks, you will like it and it will get easier.

Good luck Curtis. Believe it and it will happen! It is NOT easy, but it does get easier.


Herb Morreale
traineo Regular
Posts: 69

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# Posted: 9 Nov 2007 18:53


Curtis,

As someone you asked to motivate you, I'm with Splint and Jennifer. I can't help get you going if you're not willing to work at it. Get out of your head and into your heart. Your head space is a trap - it just cycles. Do what you know you need to from deeper inside. That's where motivation comes from, not analysis.


Dave Nicholson
The Master
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# Posted: 9 Nov 2007 19:20


Reminds me of the business saying, paralysis by analysis...


Shanna H
traineo Newbie
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# Posted: 9 Nov 2007 23:20


I don't know what they've got in Houston, but in Austin, I found a 3-week boot camp to get me going and get me motivated and out of my gym-burnout rut. (It was way cheaper than a personal trainer.) That might help. Commit to something for a few weeks, and when it's over, it'll be easier to keep on going. I could rationalize a hundred ways to turn onto my street on the way home from work than rather keep driving to the gym. Now I'm paying for this pricey boot camp and realizing that if I make the wrong turn, I'm only cheating myself...


Cardio King
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# Posted: 9 Nov 2007 23:43


Paralysis by analysis...very helpful!

Shanna, write me and tell me more about this boot camp. Anything cheaper than a personal trainer is good, because they're pretty pricey.

So far today I've done two hours of yard work. Not exactly running or weight lifting, but better than nothing.

Thanks for the inspiration guys!


Splint Chesthair
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Posts: 471

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# Posted: 10 Nov 2007 02:50


Yay Curtis, a post about something you can actually log into traineo!

Heck, I've done yardwork that's been tougher work than some of my gym workouts. That's a good start. You're up a moving instead of possibly deciding to defintely consider some options.


Cindy N
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Posts: 733

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# Posted: 10 Nov 2007 04:05


Glad to hear you got out there and did something, Curtis!

Regarding the hypertension, you really can help yourself a lot by exercising and getting in better shape. Do everything you can do to manage your BP yourself. I avoided going on blood pressure medicine for two years by adopting a healthier diet and exercising regularly. Plenty of people are able to manage their BP indefinitely this way, which is preferable.

Eventually, genetics got the best of me. I started taking medication a couple of months ago. I have a terrible family history of heart disease, and I had to accept the fact I was better off taking the medicine as much as I hate it. I would much rather live past 60 (two of my grandparents were gone by then from heart attack) and have a good quality of life (third grandparent had a rough last decade due to heart failure). Don't be afraid to take medicine if needed.


Richie Anderson
traineo Fanatic
Posts: 177

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# Posted: 10 Nov 2007 05:35


Quoting: splint
Goals


qft! i lost a little weight here and there until i had a definite goal and deadline. i had to loose 20+ lbs in 2 months to join the U.S. Air Force. done.

i think if you give yourself some kind of "or else" scenario, it will be easier to get up and get going. now, how to create said "or else" scenario is up to you, as i have no ideas

later


Dave Nicholson
The Master
Posts: 2094

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# Posted: 11 Nov 2007 03:15


awesome Curtis! Keep it going That boot camp is a great idea, to paraphrase steven covey it takes 3 weeks to form a habit (and consequently break a bad one), so that will get you moving and get you accustomed to it!

And just start going to the gym, do some cardio and make sure to challenge yourself... By experiencing it you will have more questions for here because you will be informed, and as time goes on you will improve your routine. But you can't improve a routine that doesn't exist. within a few weeks you'll be almost a pro! (well, you'll at least know what you're doing!)


Cardio King
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Posts: 1784

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# Posted: 12 Nov 2007 00:52


40 minutes of moderately intense weight training today. AND I had to work today...6 hours on my feet (murder on the lower back). How ya like that Splint!?!?!?!

Lol...thanks for the support guys.


Splint Chesthair
Fitness Guru
Posts: 471

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# Posted: 12 Nov 2007 01:02


I like it. Nice job. You keep that up. You've already accomplished the first goal of starting. How's that feel?

Now can you workout three times this week? Can you do that for the next 3 weeks?


THE NEW ME
The Master
Posts: 2856

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# Posted: 12 Nov 2007 01:20


good job curtis. are you "x" on your calendar? you should have a few "x" on your calendar now. soon you'll have a chain. dont break it!


Cardio King
Fitness Guru
Posts: 1784

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# Posted: 12 Nov 2007 14:34


I forgot the calendar. This weekend was a blur, lol. I didn't do anything I said I would except go to the gym yesterday. But I'm going to print a calendar right now and mark 2 x's. WOOHOO!

Gym again tomorrow morning.


THE NEW ME
The Master
Posts: 2856

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# Posted: 12 Nov 2007 15:33


sounds good.


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