Any FORMER couch potatoes on this forum?

 I was cursing all the people who talk about how good you feel and how addictive it becomes and how much you want to exercise once you start because it elevates your mood and you physically feel better with more energy etc.


Out of everything that I've read here, this resonates with me the most.  

Intellectually, I know that exercise is good for me.  I know that it would make me healthier and more fit.  It's not really about the weight because I've maintained within 5 pounds of goal for over three years.

When I was big I used to diet and exercise like a fiend trying to lose weight.  It never worked for me long term.

I might have a mental block that I need to get over. 

having my lap band put in.  I put my only child's only mother under general anesthesia for what I consider a pretty drastic last option, and I vowed it was going to work.  I knew going in that exercise was key, and I started walking up my cove 2 days after surgery.  Really never looked back.  Now, I run 3.2 miles three days a week and walk 5 miles 3 days a week, and rest on the 7th.  I have 38 more pounds to go, but I look at my exercise as training for maintenance.

Running my first official 5k on Saturday!

P.S.  Couch to 5K

Put your money where your mouth is.

Start a couch 25k program
Sign up for a race. 
Sign up for a race that is far enough away that you need to pay for a hotel.

Make it hurt to not participate.

Really though once you start exercising, give it a couple weeks, it becomes routine.  You will actually feel better on the days you workout.  You will miss it if you don't.

It's easy to be a couch potato, just like it was easy to get fat.

It takes effort, desire, and focus to make a real change for yourself.

Scott

When I couldn't hardly walk without feeling like I was going to pass out!

Let's see...
1.  High Blood pressure
2.  Diabetes
3.  Conjestive heart failure
4.  Arthritis
5.  Not seeing my kids grow up
6.. Not being able to put my shoes on without feeling like I was going to pass out.

That will about do it!

Feels damn good knowing I can do things..marathons, etc.. that most of the population cannot.

Darrell

Thanks, everyone, for your input.  I appreciate it.

Dear Blessed,

All the threads are very inspiring.  I kick myself everyday for not exercising....there are many excuses everyday.  I had my surgery 11/08 and have lost 75-80 and feel my food is pretty much on track although not perfect.  The exercise after a 8 hr work day seems to be the toughest thing to do :((
I need inspiration...as I know that is a need to get moving and off the couch!

The BIG fear is ending up where I was before......

Thanks