Exercise Motivation Needed

I'm hoping I can get some input on getting myself motivated to exercise. Before I had RNY I would go to water aerobics 3x a week and did weights 2x per week. I was never a fan of the weights but loved swimming. I'm now 7 months out from surgery and feel like I'm doing well with my eating plan but can't get any consistency with going to the gym. I've gone to water aerobics a couple of times but can't seem to get back into the swing of things. I know part of that is because they are waiting for a part to fix a humidity control system in the pool room and for the winter they've had to open a door to the outside to keep the room clear enough and cool enough for the instructor, but it's been freezing in the pool room because of it and dealing with the cold was difficult for me. Obviously it won't be as cold now but I still I little desire to go. I haven't even tried doing the weights. While I can't motivate myself to get to the gym, I'm also beating myself up for not going. Any ideas on why I'm having such a lack of motivation or how to get more motivated? What has worked for you?

I got a trainer. I know that's not an option for everyone based on schedule and finances. But, I pay for the classes ahead and don't get my money back. On top of that he's one me about compliance with "the plan". I don't always want to go. Heck, sometimes I have to drag myself, but I know he's waiting.

+ 1 for the personal trainer.

Not sure I could afford the trainer and the gym. I know they have group training that's reasonable but I don't know how well that works.

A few years ago I would only do cardio and weights. I really don't enjoy those things, but I did them anyway. Eventually I stopped because I dreaded going. I had to find things I liked and wanted to do, but what? So, I tried all kinds of classes found a few I liked, started swimming laps and found a love for hiking.

Try something new, you never know!

I went to the gym for the first year, but had to be honest with myself. There was just no way I was going to hit the gym long term. And I'm convinced one of the keys to success with WLS is adopting things we can do long term.

It helped me to think in terms of increasing activity rather than exercise. My Fitbit really helps with that. I have daily and weekly goals for activity, and it's a great motivator.

I think the best plan is to find something you love - and then do that. I joined a gym that offered fitness classes and pretty much tried everything that seemed even remotely appealing to me and gave each new thing I tried 4 tries before giving up. That got me through the "downward dog WTF" stage and the "I look ungainly and I'm totally uncoordinated" stage.

So I basically tried everything and found I love tai chi, pilates, and yoga. I also started walking which led to running and I found I love running too. :)

Try everything - figure out what makes you happy.

Apparently I need to be training for something to keep me motivated. I totally stopped exercising routinely until I sighed up for the 1/2 marathon in January.

It's the hot searing fear of embarrassment that I won't finish, or that the friends I am going with will laugh at me, that keeps me out on the course every day. But I have a competitive personality and that's just sort of who I am...

There are few things more motivational to me than having a race on the calendar and paid for :)

I have to admit that every time I've decided to get more active that the hardest part is getting there and deciding what to do. Fortunately I found swimming last year and now that I'm cleared for the water, I'm back in the pool as much as possible. I love our deep water aerobics class but I wasn't a fit with the regular aquasize or certainly not the zumba water aerobics.

I also found out a few years ago that I love the time that I run. I'm a few years older and I'm still hesitant to start again for fear of injuring myself, but I'm with JB in that I like the competition of going to 5Ks. I'll never win anything, except with myself, but it is just getting out there on race day that pushes me.

I think the key is finding something that you like and that works for you, but also focusing on the results rather than the immediate moment may help to. I walk some days because I want to be able to do hills and stairs in the rest of my life. I tell myself that if I hit the road each day that when I want to take a walk with friends or the elevator is out that I won't be gasping for breath. Just a thought.

Thanks for asking your question though, because it is something that I have struggled with on and off during my entire life.