Need help to get started again!

Posts: 519
3/21/13 9:23 A

Stress is what allowed our cave person ancestors to be able to react to a charging mammoth. Your body is trying to store up energy for the coming emergency. Our bodies aren't really equipped to handle emergencies like financing a new company or dealing with regulations or interviewing employees.

Scheduling anything when you have little ones is very difficult. If you can get away for a few hours a week, you might consider looking into other exercise classes. It might be a good way to network with other people who are in the same boat as you. It also might be a good thing to network with massage therapists. (A good part of this networking could involve you lying on a table, listening to gentle music, while someone releases the tension in your muscles.)

Another idea that might be win-win for you is to try out some workout DVDs. They might give you some ideas for your classes. Our local library has over 100 to chose from. You can do these at home, so it will either be easier or harder, depending on the kids.....

You may feel like you are being self-indulgent trying to take care of yourself when there is so much to be done for the business and your little girls. But you are not. You are worth it. And if you can do something to remove some of the stress in your life and take a little time for yourself, you will be better at everything else.

Posts: 13
3/21/13 9:21 A

Well, my life has changed drastically in the last 3 months. I bought a Boot Camp franchise. I went from teaching a handful of times each week and working out at least 6 times for me. Now I teach 7x+ a week on top of caring for my children full time. I rarely find the time to workout for myself, and if the time is there I usually am too exhausted. My business was not bringing in the business I thought it would when I purchased it, so I was living under constant stress of money. I also had doubts about taking over ownership and keeping existing clients on board. I have come to a leveling off point now and am generating enough revenue to cover business expenses. I think this is going to be the best shot I can give at regaining my determination to my own health. I just am having a very difficult time finding a workout groove for myself. I was not always a fitness enthusiast, and really need a group environment to feel motivated. I have been trying to do at home workouts and can't seem to find a groove. I really miss the support of my old Boot Camp mates. I feel like I can't show my weakness to my class otherwise they won't see me as an example :(. I definitely don't want them to notice the weight gain. I know the eating is the biggest factor in why I am gaining - I stress eat. I need to harness that and the rest will hopefully fall into place. I don't want to give up this time. I am ready to get myself back in order!

current weight: 141.0

142 137.75 133.5 129.25

125

SparkPoints: (114,578)
Fitness Minutes: (180,925)
Posts: 17,597
3/21/13 5:04 A

MOMMYMUSCLE,

What's different in the last three months ? Has your diet changed in any way ? Have you been under any unusual stress that may have caused you to turn to food for comfort ? No one would fault you if you turned to food because you were stressed out. This is something that has happened to us all when we get stressed out.

Not to get nosy, but have you changed birth control or gone on any medications these last three months ? I know women who gained (water weight) when they changed their birth control. Changing BC can cause women to gain weight as a result of water retention.

Have you changed your exercise routine ? Have you done any intense strength training ? As you know, our muscle fibers soak up water like a sponge when they've been worked intensely. So, if you've recently made a change to your exercise routine, some of that gain could be a result of water retention too.

If you've gained weight these past three months, the first question I ask is "what's different". What changed. If you can identify what changed, that will give you a starting point. Because if you're under a lot of stress and turning to food, then you need to find ways to reduce your stress. If you changed BC, then you need to talk to your doctor for a different prescription.

You could just be plain exhausted and suffering from burn out. I work as an instructor and PT, burn out is a common cause of weight gain in trainers. So, you may have to consider cutting back on your exercise or changing up your routine if some of your weight gain might be a result of burn out and exercise fatigue.

Just a few random thoughts. The more you can tell us, the more helpful we can be.

SparkPoints: (6,024)
Fitness Minutes: (1,357)
Posts: 57
3/20/13 11:16 P

What advice would you give one of your students? Be kind to yourself. It's not about all or nothing. Focus on your positives and feed off of that good feeling. Don't let your emotions and stress sabotage you. You are only human and we are not perfect (thank goodness). Don't fall into the trap of throwing in the towel and beating yourself up when you stumble along the way. Try not to obsess about an imminent threat to your livelihood as worry serves no positive purpose and just perpetuates a vicious circle of anxiety and failure. YOU CAN DO THIS!

current weight: 179.0

215 192.5 170 147.5

125

Posts: 13
3/20/13 10:59 P

I have gained 10 lbs in the last 3 months. I am a fitness instructor and own my own Boot Camp. I spend all day every day inspiring and motivating others, but can't seem to motivate myself :( I hadn't gained weight in 4 years except for pregnancy and have started to pack it on since the new year. I took over a company and have been under a great deal of stress. I have started binge eating again, and feel hungry all the time. I also never find the time to exercise outside of teaching which is a limited amount of exercise. I need help getting started and finding a support network and diet buddies. I keep doing great for a few days with weight loss only to fail miserably by the end of the week. I can't seem to get past small failures and have been giving up all efforts for the day. I know how to eat right and exercise. I just need to regain my strength and will power. I can't let myself gain any more - it will hurt my business as well as myself!

current weight: 141.0

142 137.75 133.5 129.25

125