Accountability and Fitness

ChrisTheRed

ChrisTheRed

Well-known member
I've really let my fitness go over the last few months particularly the last lockdown.

I'm frustrated and need to get back into it.

How do people motivate themselves and hold themselves accountable?
 
I totally understand where you’re coming from. I’ve kept myself fit all my life, never having a period where I felt unfit. I’m still going out at weekends to do some walking and trying to do some push-ups etcetera during the week. I’m working from home and I’m really conscious that I’m getting nowhere near the number of steps or cardio that I should be doing. I’ve definitely started to physically notice it and I can definitely see it. Again like you I know it’s my own fault and I’ve got the snap out of it and I keep convincing myself that as soon as the nights get lighter it will be okay.
 
Johnnyweetabix said:
I totally understand where you’re coming from. I’ve kept myself fit all my life, never having a period where I felt unfit. I’m still going out at weekends to do some walking and trying to do some push-ups etcetera during the week. I’m working from home and I’m really conscious that I’m getting nowhere near the number of steps or cardio that I should be doing. I’ve definitely started to physically notice it and I can definitely see it. Again like you I know it’s my own fault and I’ve got the snap out of it and I keep convincing myself that as soon as the nights get lighter it will be okay.
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I've been telling myself the same thing... Light nights etc. But it is all just excuses 🤦🏽‍♂️

I feel so unfit compared to a year ago and it's leaving me so frustrated with myself.
 
ChrisTheRed said:
I've really let my fitness go over the last few months particularly the last lockdown.

I'm frustrated and need to get back into it.

How do people motivate themselves and hold themselves accountable?
Click to expand...
Think a lot of people will be in the same boat. I was getting really fit, lots of walking in the hills and hitting the gym 4 times a week, I'd lost 15lb since the end if the first lockdown.

Then lockdown 2. Gyms closed, only local exercise, etc., Christmas and now $hlt weather o_O . I think you just have to be realistic with your goals and don't beat up on yourself if you slip. Just keep getting back on the horse.

I still get out walking on my own but as I don't live near the challenging walks its all a bit sedated. I do find filling in dead time with exercise works. e.g.. I do press ups / sit ups when the bath is running, waiting for the toaster or kettle etc. or when TV adverts are on. I'm rocking out a few hundred a day which really works for me.
 
Judging by the numbers out walking there's plenty doing something about it.

Just get your trainers/shoes/boots on and get outside the house.

It's simple.
 
Konrad_the_Barbarian said:
Think a lot of people will be in the same boat. I was getting really fit, lots of walking in the hills and hitting the gym 4 times a week, I'd lost 15lb since the end if the first lockdown.

Then lockdown 2. Gyms closed, only local exercise, etc., Christmas and now $hlt weather o_O . I think you just have to be realistic with your goals and don't beat up on yourself if you slip. Just keep getting back on the horse.

I still get out walking on my own but as I don't live near the challenging walks its all a bit sedated. I do find filling in dead time with exercise works. e.g.. I do press ups / sit ups when the bath is running, waiting for the toaster or kettle etc. or when TV adverts are on. I'm rocking out a few hundred a day which really works for me.
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That’s pretty much me . Also if I’m being honest I’m still nibbling on Christmas chocolates . I mean is it physically possible to throw out a mint aero or a forrero rocher? 😜
 
I used to go to my gym 4-5 nights a week. Just for an hour and nothing He Man. I'm really missing it and the interaction with random people.

I've been on a few runs but I've not been doing anything like I used to. I'm dreading them opening up as my fitness levels will be so low. Then again I've only put on a couple of pounds as I guess I'm not drinking or eating as much sh*t.

I've tried to at least walk or do something daily. My job has me driving so hardly ideal. The gym just kept me ticking over. After 23 years in the armed forces I don't wonna become a fat knacker 😂. Then again I can see why it's easy to fall into that trap.
 
Just get started, first step is the hardest etc.

Then the hormones start pumping, you’ll enjoy it and next time will be easier.

Soon enough you’ll be addicted.

When struggling to motivate yourself and you’re thinking “should I or shouldn’t I”, instead of focusing on the excersize and how tough it will be/ how cold it is outside etc, focus on how good you will feel when you’ve finished.
 
I like to get out into the countryside for a walk , need hills really for it to help keep me fit but don't feel comfortable driving 5 plus miles for a good ramble
 
I think being honest with yourself and not setting overly ambitious targets helps. If you aim for 3 hour long sessions a week, you can create a routine that you want to build on. Plus some quick diet changes - no midweek booze, no takeaways midweek etc - soon make a difference.
The chemical rush and the little signs of progress spur me on and before I know it, I've got a settled routine. Niggly injuries derail me, as do things like Christmas etc.
 
As mentioned, Being honest with yourself (also mentioned by SAS man Ant, love him or loathe him when talking about dieting) and starting doing something. The weather here has been crap (Mrs LEx fell heavily yesterday on ice.. lots of tears) so when I can't cycle or walk I crank up the volume on the music, and start stepping. Feels a bit "Victoria Wood" but actually is a good workout.
 
Don't feel guilty about letting things slide, the majority of people are struggling at the moment. In general those who guilt trip themselves into exercising are less likely to sustain the activity than those who are motivated by enjoyment.

Flip things around and make your return to exercise a positive thing. Ask yourself, what do I enjoy about exercising? Is it the outdoors? Competition? Feeling yourself getting stronger?

Next, set yourself some goals, make your goal something that excites you and motivates you.

Google 'SMART goals' before setting your targets.

Job done.
 
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