Sooo frustrated!

**Ravenhair** · 10-27-2011 04:16 PM

Hey everyone,

I used to be in great shape, and then a health issue caused me to stop working out for nearly two years. As you can guess, that "great shape" is now "round is still a shape, right?"

This is the second week I've been working out, and I'm enjoying it but frustrated. My flexibility and stamina have completely disappeared, and often I end up just feeling bad about myself. Sometimes it feels like I'm going to be a blob forever.

I guess I'm just wondering if anyone else has the same frustration, and any solutions to the mental hurdle? When I can't even finish the stupid workout video, I feel so gross and terrible!!

**MeghanCouture** · 10-27-2011 05:43 PM

Seing that you haven't worked out in so long it is going to take time to get back to where you were. The best advice I can give you is to just start small. start out in the morning by doing maybe a 30 minute walk and maybe some stretches. eat halthy, and drink a lot of water. then maybe the next week up you're walk and do let's say 40 minutes? For the workout video, only do like half of it. then when you feel like you're ready ad 10 more minues to the video. Just remember don't over do it, take small steps!

**LanaBear** · 10-27-2011 05:48 PM

My only suggestion is to keep at it. Two weeks isn't long at all and I think you are expecting too much from yourself. Personally, I think workout videos are a HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE way to start on your quest to get in shape. I mean, really, who wants to look at chicks in leotards who can run circles around you when you haven't worked out in 2 years? I sure didn't want to. No wonder you end up feeling bad about yourself.

Start walking or riding a bike. Hiking? Can you jog? If you have a local High School, use their track or walk up and down the bleachers.

Just don't give up, you will just end up feeling worse about yourself. Keep at it, the only way you will get in shape is to push yourself past this hurdle.

**Crystalblue** · 10-27-2011 06:29 PM

I got really frustrated when I first started really getting into working out and getting back into shape. I had been going at it on the elliptical at home for a few weeks and going strong, then the machine broke and I new I could either try something else or give up on my workouts. I started out really easy at the middle school track. I would run a lap then walk a lap until I had jogged 2 miles. Getting a work out buddy might help too. I went jogging regularly enough that I got used to seeing to same group of people on my running days. I felt like since I expected to see them, they probably expected to see me. It was a way of keeping me motivated and tricking myself into thinking I was accountable to my fellow walkers and joggers. If you need some extra encouragement, we're fixing to start part IV of our fitness challenge next week. We'd love to have you!

**Goosey** · 10-27-2011 09:57 PM

I think everyone has this frustration after not exercising for a while.

I get this every time I start re-exercising. I just wish it was easy!

Stick with it --- it will be worth it in the end, and it does get easier!

**Goosey** · 10-27-2011 10:09 PM

Oh I`d like to add...

When it comes to not even finishing a video -- don`t be worried about that. Just try to get to a point in which you DO finish a video. Stick with it -- and you will finish the video, then finish it and not even be really tired, moving to a harder video -- or something else!

**Chicklit** · 10-28-2011 06:24 AM

If you can find a way to enjoy the exercise and know it's doing something really good for you - and not think about some specific end result - it might lessen your frustration. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither are physically fit bodies. After YEARS of working out like a demon and still not having my body look the way I think it should, I have made it a point to focus on what my body can DO rather than just how it looks. It's good to have a goal that can be measured - not with a tape measure - more like "I want to be able to do 10 push-ups" or "jog 2 miles without stopping"..... Just something to think about. Try not to be mad at yourself. We all go through phases....and it sounds like you're ready to start a new one! 8)

**Ravenhair** · 10-28-2011 07:08 AM

Thanks everyone for your kind words. It's nice to know there are other people out there pushing it!

Jogging/walking are problematic for me because of my health issue, but I've been doing what I can at home. I'm trying hard to focus on the little improvements (I did three extra minutes of the video yesterday! Go me!) and everyone is right, that's the part that counts most of all.

I would love to do even 3 sessions with an in-home personal trainer, just to get some focused attention and tips - I'm looking around to see if anything is affordable.

Patience, patience ... you all are right. It's so easy to be hard on yourself and knock yourself for "failing."

**HookedOnFitness** · 01-18-2012 06:40 AM

Keep your head up! It's just like riding a bike. Once you get back on that bike, you'll be ready for the marathon in no time. Just remember, smaller steps in the beginning until you get back into the swing of things both physically AND mentally...

**lizzardb63** · 01-18-2012 09:14 AM

One thing that keeps me motivated is listening to music as I work out. It puts me in the "I can do whatever I want" mode. Set your goals small and work your way up to it. It takes a while to get back to it and once you get the hang of it, you'll realize "Wow, this wasn't as hard as it was 3 weeks ago". Keep at it! You're doing great!