I hate to exercise. There, I’ve said it. Admitting you have a problem is the first step, right?
I can think of two times in my life when I’ve enjoyed exercising: the first was in college when a friend and I would meet at set times each day to speed walk (not that crazy hip-swinging kind, but just at a good pace) around campus and chat/debrief about our day, the second was about 10 years ago when I discovered yoga. I love yoga.
But time collapses on me. I have the best intentions. I make the resolutions each year just like everyone else, but bottom line – it is not a priority for me. So exercise (even yoga) gets pushed to the bottom of my infamous lists.
Here’s what I wish:
- That I wanted to exercise for health’s sake. But no, I can freely admit that it’s about 95% for weight loss. It seems so much more noble to want to exercise for a strong heart, muscles and bones… seems pretty shallow just to want to squeeze back into that pair of jeans.
- That there was a daily “exercise hour”. I know that sounds ridiculous when those in the military (like my husband) for whom it is required DESPISE it. But I have finally realized after 37 years, that I accomplish things much better when there is a due date or a set time for things. For instance, I actually did great going to Stroller Strides for a year (until my schedule changed recently). It was a set part of my life 3 times a week and I rarely missed a class. But now that I’m free-falling? Trying to exercise ON MY OWN?? Let’s just say it’s not working very well.
- That people or a person expected me to show up to exercise. My friend in college was there waiting for me. I knew that. And so I showed up. I used to feel the same about my yoga teacher and fellow students – that they’d miss me if I didn’t show. Can you say EXTRINSIC motivation?? Yes, I know. I wish I was intrinsically motivated to exercise, but I’m just not. That’s me.
Hubby (#8) playing football for PT
And here is why I think exercising in Okinawa is more difficult:
- Right now in “winter” it’s gorgeous and perfect exercise weather. But for 4 months out of the year, if you don’t get out there by about 9am, you just shouldn’t bother. It’s like stepping out into a sweat factory.
- Many of us have spouses who are deployed for significant amounts of time while we are stationed here. For some, that actually causes weight loss – not bothering to eat consistent meals because there is no one to cook for, etc. But for many, it means comfort eating because of depression (even mild) and not bothering to exercise because there is no one there to notice how great we look in those jeans. It also means you may be the sole caregiver for a brood of kiddos who make it difficult to schedule real exercise time.
- And by the same token, everyone else we are used to being encouraged by (friends and family) are far…. far…. far… away… We’ve got plenty of time before we go home next fall to do some dieting and exercising LATER, right?
So, I put this out there to you. Help me out here. How do you do it?? What exercise options do you choose and how do you find time?? Or what do you tell yourself so that you don’t worry your head about it at all??
Disclaimer: If you live to exercise and are a jazzercise instructor or something like that with a size 2 figure and perfect legs, I may not see things quite like you. But throw in your two cents anyways!!
My husbands schedule changes constantly and trying to go during daylight became very hard. I started going at 4am, no one was there so you can’t feel TOO self conscious, and no matter what shift my hubby was on I could go and not worry about what I was going to do with my kiddos. Since the beggining of this summer I have lost 30 pounds, just by alloting one hour of my day to exercise. It seemed SOO early at first, but now that I go I have so much more energy during the day and I just feel better all around. It’s such a hard struggle, but having someone that holds you accountable for what you’re doing helps a ton! Knowing that someone is going to be there or ask you what you did makes you want to go so you can tell them that you did it, not just sit on the couch and watch those AFN commercials we’ve all seen a million times:)
Did she say 4 am? My brain can not even wrap around that. Then again, if we train our bodies to get up at a certain time it becomes easier.
Plus I like that she lost 30 lbs. I am up for that!! She also gets it done first thing.
Kristin, what time do you go to bed in order to wake up that early? Also, do you have to take a nap so you can function all day. I am seriously curious. I am thinking about going at 5:30 am. To make it a habit of going everyday. Knowing you get up and go at 4 makes 5:30 seem like sleeping in!
Hi, your body will get used to it; the first two weeks you will want to sleep and then it will be automatic; it is one way to ensure you do get your exercise in for the day and you will not want to cheat as much and start eating bad things; bc you know how effort it took to get up that early and make a commitment…You can do it!!! Plus it is a great way to start the day; quiet time and if you have a partner that makes all the difference! Good luck!!
I usually work out better in the morning or early afternoon rather than in the evening because I feel more energized. Before I got a full time job, I would go at least 3 days a week to the gym and do the aerobics classes, and sometimes I’d work out with a friend in the weight room. The instructors show moderations on exercises for beginners. Now that I work, my job gives us an extra 30 mins. during lunch if we want to go to the gym, so if I’m not busy I head over there then to exercise, so I kind of get paid to work out which is a cool perk to my job. Unfortunately, I’ve been so busy taking photos lately, that I haven’t been able to get to the gym in the last 2 1/2 weeks…and I’m too tired to work out at night. So I really need to get back into working out. My advice is to go and try new things and find something you like. All the aerobics classes at the gyms are free..they do have yoga, also. Maybe go with a friend. And, if you don’t want to go to the gym, take a walk, try to change little habits in your daily life (ex. stairs instead of elevator…etc). Maybe get a workout video and exercise at home…Good luck!
Hi there..My sister lives at Kadena in Okinawa and introduced me to your great blog. I’m an American living in Sendai, Japan for my husband’s work (non-military) for one year. I really resonate with this exercise dilemma. I have a 1-year-old and my husband works/travels a lot for his job. I don’t have much of a support system living in Japan when I dont speak the language.
Back in the US I used to get up at 6 am and go running for 45 mins in the morning before getting ready for work. I live in Miami, where temps are just like Okinawa. It was a really nice time of day during the part of the year when the sun was up by 6. I set up the coffee pot have coffee ready at 6, slip on my sneakers, chug my coffee and head out my front door. I felt completely energized from the running and I dropped 20 lbs in 3 months right after my son was born. You could try that here in Okinawa. I should add that I am not a morning person but I did come to love those morning runs.
Outdoor running is not an option for me in Sendai, because it is sooooo cold. So I go exercise in the evening when my husband gets home from work. It’s not ideal because I’m usually really tired by 6 or 6:30 pm after chasing my son around all day. But it’s the only time I have and I need to exercise for my sanity. Sometimes I do one of the group exercise classes for an hour. Sometimes I get on the treadmill, usually run 3 miles and then do 30 mins on the stairmaster. I dont do much weights but I probably should.
Good luck…It’s not easy.
Like Lori said, your body does get used to it. At first, I thought to myself what am doing?!?!!? But…I’ve grown to love getting up. I love feeling so energized and productive the rest of the day. Keeping up with my two girls, ages 5 and 3, keeps me going during the rest of the day but by 9-930 I’m exhausted and ready for bed. And seeing those pounds drop off the scale and the inches fall off really make waking up and going to the gym that much more enticing!!! Good luck to all of us who continue with this battle..I still have my days where I don’t feel like doing it but once you get up and do it you’ll be so glad you did……
When we were in CA I tried to just walk as much as possible to lose baby weight. Now that we’re here and only have one vehicle, I’m basically “stuck” walking anywhere I want to go. I don’t mind though. My daughter has to walk to school and since this is her first school experience, the little guy and I walk her to and from school each day. On the rainy days it sucks, but I can’t exactly not do it. LOL So sleeping in becomes a non-issue – no matter how badly I want to skip it, it’s gotta be done.
Not quite PT but still “required” enough – and since I have to walk 4x a day instead of the 2x she has to, I’m definitely getting a decent workout. (I am also coming to dislike certain hills between here and there. haha)
I have found my excersize motivation recently and I LOVE it! I dont know where it came from, but im really enjoying it now! I am one who HAS to workout in the mornings. Any later them 10am and FORGET IT!
On my hubby weekends, we get the whole house up early and the kids get on their bikes and we strap the baby in the jogging stroller and we have a wonderful morning jog w/ the whole family (including the pup!) Now this all sounds nice and all, but we only do this 2x a week. Durring my husbands work week I RARLY get out for a run. I will try mt hardest to take the baby and dog on a walk, but when your alone it is quite boring and for me my week day excersize never lasts long. But hey, at least 2 days out of 7 aint’ bad! Right???
I hear ya!
the new year is screaming at me already about getting myself in shape. Me and my husband have already made a pact, we’re do a overhaul of the fridge and filling it up with the healthy goods. Exercising with kids running around ,you have to get creative! I really credit walking for a great exercise, because just put them in the stroller and go, it is also easier and more incentive if you have a friend to meet up with at least 3 times a week as well, along with a favorite workout soundtrack to listen too. I’d include a warm up song then faster songs then cool down song. I put anything from Bob Marley, Kanye West to old school classic Rock like Pat Benatar. Whatever gets you going and moving! I even throw in the old cliche of Rocky’s soundtrack!! (please stop laughing);), it was working for me last last year, so I think I should bring it back this new year. Now I have to put aside an hour to do it, and a friend to meet up with and a deadline like 6 mths from now or someting,otherwise I wouldn’t push myself..lol. I know I wished they had a spouse PT program we had to attend, with childcare, so we could tackle weights and maybe take an exercise class ,that would be incredible!! But since they don’t, all I’m going to do is eat properly and walk, my kid is enough weight for me.THose are my thoughts.
I go to One Moore Rep off base-I do bootcamp! I love it-I’m back into my pre-pregnancy jeans already (baby born 9/10/08).
I LOVE it because it makes me accountable-I am required to show up everyday. Childcare is provided, so I don’t have that issue to think about. I get time to work on me!
If anyone is interested…it’s a serious fitness program-there is friends/family day every Thursday, so just shoot me an email if you want to tag along…stamp-girl@cox.net
Ok, have to say, you have all inspired me a bit. I’ll be honest that I hated to even consider EARLY am exercise. But am beginning to think with my two toddlers and hubby’s weird schedule it may be the only thing that works… Sigh… I HATE MORNINGS.
This is gonna sound crazy, but my husband pays me ten bucks per hour-long workout! (Only good for once a day lol) The money really motivates me more than anything else (how’s that for shallow? haha). I used to teach aerobics and loved being paid to work out, so we found it’s a system that still works. Of course, it helps if you’re enjoying what you’re doing. There are all kinds of ways to exercise, from swimming to dancing and karate to yoga. Find what you like to do and it will be sooo much easier to actually do it each day. Heck, even walking the dog counts as exercise around here! (I just have to walk for an hour, opening the back door and telling pooch to “go potty” doesn’t count!)While it would be great if we all were health conscious and concerned about our hearts, I think the bottom line of just getting out there for ANY reason is what counts.
Joelle, your disclaimer made me laugh so hard. I was in the best shape of my life a couple years before I had my first child in 2001. Even in better shape than when I finished AF boot camp. 17% body fat, size 2. For real. I did the Body For Life 12 week program. I think I’ll do it again because I’ll be a matron of honor in August for my sister’s wedding. (I, too need a deadline, a tangible goal and structure or I’ll just slack off.) I’m probably like 1/3 body fat now so I’ll probably need at least 24 weeks! Sigh. Mind you, I’m only 4’11″ so every ounce shows! I loved this post. Very motivating comments too!
Wow, lots of hard workers out there. I have three young children and I’m about to have a fourth, and I really value my sleep so I just can’t convince myself to wake up early and go. I probably should, but as it is, I’ve joined the free co-op at Gunner’s Gymn on Foster. Basically, you volunteer yourself to watch other people’s kiddos in a really nice play room right at the gymn about once a week. Then the rest of the week, you get to drop your kiddos in said room and go have at it at the gymn. Alone. Kid free. It’s nice. There’s a set time space you have to go in (e-mail okicoop@yahoo.com for a list of available time slots) and it really keeps me going, because I know I have to go in at that set time or else I don’t get my exercise in for that day. Right now I’m in the 11:15-12:45 time slot, but I REALLY want them to open up the 7:30 am slot–that would be PERFECT for me– but right now there’s not enough people for it. Any takers? Just e-mail and sign up, and as soon as there’s enough people, that time slot opens! Come on and do it!
Exercising can be sooo very hard, especially after having a child. I have a very energetic 2 year old who loves to play. So I just use that as a way for me to get some exercise in. We may go outside and just run around in the yard. I’ll put her in the stroller and walk around my neighborhood here on Kadena. She loves to dance, so we just turn on some music and boogie for what seems like an hour!! It’s sooo much fun and it gets your heart racing! I tried to do the whole going to the gym, but my husband works odd shifts, so that wasn’t working at all. I have pilate dvd workout tapes that I do and enjoy being able to do it whenever I can at least 3 times a week. When you look at it, you have more of a gym at your house than you do actually going to the gym!! I was the type of person that felt if I went to the gym I would actually do the workout. I realized that I have to keep myself motivated in order to get anything done. It’s been hard and I’m still trying. So just hang in there and try some things at home. I hope this helped:)
Does anyone have info on the “Balance”
program at Lester?
I might be odd man out but:
at my age, dare I say it? Menopause, ugh there is the dreaded word, has caused me to gain 15 lbs. My weight is now stable, but I seem to be unable to lose any weight. I am not fat by any means, but not a size 6 anymore. At this point in time I decided that I just don’t want to jiggle all over the place. Muscle tone is key and I really try not to care about the numbers on the scale anymore.
I do yoga,in my very own yoga room, and walk the dogs for at least 3 miles if I have time.
Anybody else out there in the big “M” age wants to share message me. There are other strange things going on:)
Finding the motivation to work out can be hard. I’ve gained some weight since I’ve been married (married over 2 years) so I use that as a reason to why I should workout. I don’t have the same metabolism like I did in my 20′s. I have to work a lot harder now that I’m in my 30′s. Perhaps I’ll never get back to my slim, slender, 115 pound, 20 something body (I’m 5 feet tall btw), but I can sure try. I’m a type of person that needs structure and disclipline so I enjoy taking the fitness classes at Gunner. Taking classes, I’m told what to do and I know exactly what time I need to be there! I go to the gym about 4 days a week and run/jog on weekends. So if you’re like me, take the classes! They are so many to choose from and they are ALL so great! Good luck to you. And thanks for being so candid and honest. I know many of us can relate!
My problem is that mornings do not work – my hubby works until 7am and I think the base would frown upon me leaving 2 kids at home sleeping while I went for a run! Then by the time the day gets going I get so busy that I never quite make it there. I have started going for 3 mile walks with my hubby in the morning after we take my oldest to school. It isn’t much but it is start. I am still trying to figure out another time I could go workout and some one to go with it is always more fun with a friend!
I signed up for Body by You bootcamp on Foster (Kadena has Extreme Fitness) in September. I had gained quite a bit of weight over the last year and got tired of making excuses for myself.
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I went to an hour long class. We did spinning, cardio, circuit training, weights, running…you know it, we probably did it! I also worked out on the other days except Sunday. Our instructor, Daniela, gave us cards that we could use on the days we didn’t meet with her. Every Monday, we had weigh in so that helped to keep me on track.
I also started eating right! Lester has a great dietician and nutritionist that will help guide you in the right direction…it worked for me!
At the end of bootcamp, I was deemed “The Biggest Looser”. I had lost 23 pounds in 12 weeks and lost 3 sizes in clothes!!! Even after 1 month I have still kept it off. Now that the holidays are over, 3 of us have signed up to run the Okinawa Marathon…OK we are running the 10K but still that is huge for someone that couldn’t even run 1 mile 6 months ago without stopping! The 3 of us get together almost everyday Monday-Friday and workout togehter.
No matter what you do, just find what works in your schedule (you may even have to MAKE it work) and get moving! Best of luck!!
I always say that I could be the poster child for “Fat, but Fit”. I actually enjoy exercising most of the time, but am a pretty constant size 12. I’m pretty certain the reason I never lose is my lack of control with portion size, but for now I’ll focus on exercise. I love running, but still find it hard to get motivated all the time. The big thing for me to do to stay motivated is to sign up for a race. Knowing that I have a half marathon or marathon coming up gets me out the door. It’s also very important to cross train so try finding a lot of activities you like. On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9am I go to the Strength and Cardio Class at Kadena. The instructor, Sadie, is great and I definitely feel stronger after attending that class regularly! Good luck and just know that you can do it!
Laura, I am very motivated by your post!I am just dieing to do a 5K fun run and eventually a marathon (or 10k…lol)
I am just jumping into the running world, but I am already proud of myself for being able to do a 2mile run w/ no huge problems =)
Oooooo, I like the idea of being “paid” to exercise. I will jump right into that shallow pond with you! I can think of several furniture items I would love to buy with my newly found income…and with the copious amounts of fat I need to lose I will be loaded! LOL
I too am a faithful follower of the 1 Moore Rep clan. John’s bootcamp program was talked about in hushed reverent tones it seemed around me by many for quite some time but no one really could point me in it’s direction and honestly, it sounded like a lot of work and I had been afraid to work that hard. I’m lazy at heart. *grins* Finally I reached that rock bottom with myself of it’s either dive forever head long into the chocolate chip cookie dough never to be seen again and quit whining about it, or get up and face it! So, I did. It turned out to not be the frightening torture chamber I had envisioned. Although, you do have to work hard for your goal. It was life changing. The people I met held me accountable but were supportive, John himself was always positive but able to battle my SUPREME stubborn nature and keep me moving and as Nicole said above, childcare is provided which was the key for me. My hubby is not a 9-5er. He works 12-14 hour rotating shifts. The bootcamp also had tons of times to choose from ranging from butt crack early (4am) to later in the evening and night (9pm was the latest class I believe). And for those not interested in bootcamp he also offers aerobic classes, personal one on one training, nutrition, the works… Ok, I know I’ve written a novel. But truly, this place gave me more than wieght loss, it gave me myself back. My time to de stress daily, to re learn a healthy lifestyle that I have been able to maintain now for 8 months and me. The me I hadn’t seen since before marriage and child birth. INSIDE and out. You can find out more by emailing the studio: j1moorerepfit@yahoo.com
Hi everyone! I just thought I’d pipe up and give you my 2 cents. I have been regularly exercising for over 8 years, and it still can be a mental battle to get myself to workout!
I will say that it’s much easier for me to work out when it’s scheduled and planned… that’s how I got into attending group fitness classes – which eventually led me into teaching them (I teach Zumba & Kickbox @ Risner). I would pick the classes I wanted to attend, and arrange my home/family/work schedules to accommodate (ie: I got a sitter (and did not rely on my husband), would go after work, have dinner started before I left the house, etc. I’m one who lives off a schedule, and not just my own. I manage my 2 kids’ schedules as well as the family’s! I’m no different than any of you other spouses and mothers; we all live busy and full lives. But I decided a long time ago that my health is a top priority in my life; only I am in control of my health, so I have to make choices to manage it.
I think once you make a conscious decision to actively improve and maintain your health through fitness, you’ve overcome the biggest obstacle.
Make the time. Start small, and stick with it. Do something you enjoy, try new things and make practical goals. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish with just these baby steps! Before you know it, you’ll look back (6 weeks, 6 months, 6 years) and be proud of your fitness journey.
I have to tell you…I’m active duty and I’m SUPPOSED to work out but I HATE IT!!! Hate it! I had my 2 girls a year apart. My 3 year old May 2005 and my 2 year old May 2006. After my 2 year old was born i topped out at 195 lbs. I AM 5 FT TALL! anyways, I did really good working out at first. I have lost about 60 lbs. I fluctuate between 130 and 135….when you’re only 5ft…that’s still considered over weight. I noticed this thing at the Risner called the Extreme fitness Challenge, and I’m really thinking about doing it. Maybe if I have other people relying on me I’ll be able to lose some more weight. Check it out http://www.kadenaservices.com/fitness/ExtrFitChallange.html
Good Luck~
I’ve finally decided to get my butt in gear and sign up for the 6pm EFC with Jackie
She’s super nice! Hopefully this will be a nice jump start so I can finally get the motivation to continue working out on my own 
The EFC has quite a few different times available and sign ups start the 7th at 10am – classes begin on the 12th. You can call the Risner for more information!
Amy, I hear you. Being just shy of 5 feet, I know every little ounce counts. My husband who is active duty is thinking about signing up for the EFC. So we decided that we’d compete with each other too, while he is doing it. Hopefully, that will give me the boost I need. (We’re pretty competitive that way!)
my advice is to enroll in something that keeps you accountable. Bootcamp, Extreme Fitness Challenge, or anything like that. I am probably someone you would consider to be part of your disclaimer, but I have had a baby and I chose not to remain the way the baby left my body. It was hard and grueling.. and it still is. But if you work hard now think of all of the work you will save yourself later. It is not nearly as hard to maintain something you worked for years ago as it is to start from scratch. Start now. Start small. Changes don’t come overnight and routines take some time to get used to. If you don’t like mornings, exercise in the afternoon or evening. I have a child and workout afternoon tues.& thurs. and night m,w,f. It is a sacrifice at times, but so is not being happy with yourself…