Need assistance please

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Posts: 17,672
8/21/12 4:50 P

Hi Melly - I won't comment on the gym membership thing other than to say that often in the very beginning it is more expensive to pay as you go, in the long run it could prove to be cheaper because a large proportion of members don't actually use the membership that they are paying for.

It is possible that you may have started your journey by making too many changes at once without allowing your mind or body to get used to them. This usually causes people to lose interest and fall by the way-side. Baby steps truly is the best way - baby steps with nutrition and with exercise.

The other thing is the motivation part and 'not doing' - if this impacts on your life in general, it is possible that you could be suffering from depression. Sometimes it is low-grade and just needs a little kick in the pants short-term by a professional, and sometimes it is a little more than that. Often those who suffer it don't realize it and could have in fact been like this for years. IF this sounds like you, perhaps a visit to your Dr and tell him/her what is going on so that bloods etc. can be done to determine if there is something wrong medically. IF a referral to a therapist is deemed necessary, then that can be arranged then.

Ensuring that you eat a really healthy balance of quality food also helps - energy, general health and the mind, and of course the weight-loss, which also encompasses the general health :-)

Good luck,
Kris

current weight: 151.0

211 196 181 166

151

Posts: 84
8/21/12 3:22 P

Thank you all so very much. I've decided to keep my membership. I emailed one of my gym buddies out of the blue who used to go with me faithfully. She is in the same rut as me, so we are going to go back to AF. (smile)

SparkPoints: (114,460)
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Posts: 17,580
8/21/12 1:14 P

MELISSA_HUGHES,

There is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about. When we're under excess stress, we can lose focus. So, don't beat yourself up if you seem to be a boat without an anchor right now. You can put things back into focus and into perspective.

First off, would you really like to continue going to that gym ? If so, then don't waste your money by not going. You're basically throwing your hard earned money out the window. If you want your money to be productive, you've got to decide whether or not you're staying with this gym. If so, then you've got to be ready to make some sort of commitment of some kind.

Also, you don't need to have a gym membership to be fit. Plenty of people work out at home using a variety of DVDs, resistance bands, free weights, etc... There really are an awful lot of options for working out when you're trying to make ends meet.

My advice ? If you can't afford the gym, go first thing tomorrow and cancel your membership. If you think you can motivate yourself to go on a regular basis, be ready to go on the days you set. Being indecisive is too expensive an option for you.

You've got to make at least one decision. Once that one is made, it will help you get out of this rut.

SparkPoints: (158,833)
Fitness Minutes: (112,042)
Posts: 46,222
8/21/12 12:33 P

Melly,

A few big mistakes I hear members make are:

1. Trying to do too much too soon. If you have been pretty sedentary in your exercise routine, being too regimented can lead to burn-out and over-fatigue issues. This is one reason SparkPeople starts our members with such a small amount of exercise. For many people 30 minutes 3 times a week to begin with allows them to slowly build up their fitness overtime.

2. Trying to be too perfect...life gets in the way sometimes, but allowing some wiggle room in your workout routine is how many people stay motivated to their plan. Even if you planned on an hour of working out but only have 30 minutes, something always trumps nothing.

3. Not making exercise a priority. When we write our exercise appt down, it helps keep us committed to us. This is why for me, registering for a race is a big motivator. When I put forth the money toward a race, I know I will have to be committed to the training, especially for events that take months to train for. I am on week 10 of a 20 week marathon training program...and while it is a grueling and tiresome routine, it keeps me accountable even when I do not feel like running.

You can do this!

Coach Nancy

Posts: 15,379
8/21/12 10:31 A

If I had no plan and no money....


I would cancel the gym membership.
I would concentrate on my diet... making good choices and logging them.

Then, when I got into a rhythm with logging....
I would start walking, at least every other day.
I would start some strength training in my house.

But that's just me!
What would work for you?

Posts: 84
8/21/12 10:24 A

I have been contemplating even posting on this board due to "embarrassment". I am truly embarrassed. Last year (August 2011) I joined Anytime Fitness and was dedicated for a good 3 months. It took a picture of me taken on July 4th 2011 to convince me that something needed to be done.

I lost interest, quit going and was burned out. I've been paying the dues every month, contemplating going back.

$$$ is really tight right now and I just refuse to cancel that membership. I have absolutely no focus (but looking for it). I have no plan, (but looking for planning help).

I'm typing away and my head just feels like I'm in a "blurry position" right now. Not sure where it is coming from...

Can SOMEONE please give me some insight or direction... thank you

Melly