Have any of you had difficulty starting an exercise program? I have been pretty successful with the program in many ways, but have had difficulty in beginning to exercise. I need to do so to reduce cholesterol and get better control of acid reflux etc. Any suggestions?

Thanks
Fr Bob

Fr.Bob,

I have not had any trouble starting the exercise program but I wanted to respond to you to see what EXACTLY your problem was with starting. Is it motivation or are you unsure what you should be doing for exercise? If it is motivation you should JUST DO IT. Sometimes when I am lazy I will do sit ups etc in front of the tv so I do not have to go to the gym. If you are unsure about what exercises might be good, start with walking. You can walk outside or at a local mall. You do not have to go fast to get benefits you just have to move. Maybe you could sign up for a class like yoga or aerobics.

Let us know how it is going!

I definitly have a hard time with motivation when it comes to getting into a workout program, I know it would be good for me, and I know that I need to do it, but it's just a matter of doing it! That's a good idea of doing some situps while watching TV, or even some stretching, something to relieve all this excess energy that I have, because it's not like it's not there to do it, just don't feel like doing it! LOL Another thing to work on.

The thing about the exercise is that once you start doing it - you will not want to make excuses to get out of it. It really makes you feel THAT much better.

Hi Fr Bob,
I was always really unmotivated when it came to exercise but I finally got myself started and have been sticking to it amazingly. I toured a couple gyms, found one I liked and bought a membership. I knew if I was paying for it I would use it. The first few times are hard b/c you're getting used to the place and the equipment, but once you start, I actually enjoy going now. They have TV's mounted everywhere even on some right on the equipment so it's very comfortable, I love tv =-) I honestly believe if I can make it to a gym, anyone can. I never thought I'd do it, but now, I cant imagine not. Just take that first step and stick with it for a while, it is an adjustment. Good luck!
Jocelyn

I too have a "issue" with doing anything extra. Yes I do move, clean house, grocery shop, the day to day movements, but not a regimented, excerise program like when I was younger.

I think because I do not have any classes this summer, I will pop in my Leslie Sansone "Walk Away the Pounds" walking dvd's. It is nice to be able to do indoors now...the Chicago weather has gone from nice and mild to instant steam/humidity bath in the 90's! The dogs do not even want to go out for more than several minutes, so walking them when it is this hot is not their option! Walking DVD's here I come!
Thanks for the reminder that I DO have those dvd's to dust off and make use of! LizB

My issues with exercising are I freak out when my heart beats fast, and also sometimes I get skipped beats. I also convince myself that Im not going to make it home, that Im going to die right there in the street in front of all my neighbors. It's like IM frozen, I am living my life as a spectator. I think the challenge in Anxiety and Depression is jumping back into life, instead of just watching it. I wish this program had local support groups we could go to. Maybe I will look to see if my town has a anxiety support group. Have a nice Memorial Day..
Cathy