How I Found Motivation to Exercise When It Seemed Impossible

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Let me start by saying this: I’m just an ordinary person who exercises. I’m not a fitness guru. You won’t catch me at a 5 a.m. boot camp (because sleep is life) or posting daily kale smoothie pics on Instagram (seriously, no thanks). The only “burpee” I do is after finishing a big meal. Honestly, those fitness influencers, whose sole purpose seems to be motivating others, usually make me feel like a couch potato; like I should just give up and dive into a pint of ice cream while binge-watching my favorite shows.

So, don’t fret! I’m not here to throw shade like, “You’re not exercising because you’re just lazy.” That’s not helpful for anyone struggling to find the motivation to work out. If you’re reading this, you might be looking for some encouragement, and that’s perfectly okay. I’ve been there too.

After welcoming three kids into my life in five years and indulging in a few too many desserts, I found myself feeling sluggish and heavy. I was on the verge of hitting 300 pounds for the first time, and it hit me hard. I felt like I was trapped in my own body, so much so that I avoided social gatherings to escape the judgmental glances that might come my way. I used my kids as a convenient excuse to stay home, but deep down, I was just embarrassed about my appearance.

I read countless articles about body positivity, trying to embrace myself as I was, but I just couldn’t come to terms with how I had let things get so out of hand. The thought of taking any action felt downright daunting. It seemed like an unattainable goal meant for someone with more determination than I had. So, I spent my days in oversized shirts and stretchy pants, feeling guilty for every moment I spent glued to the couch.

Then came my turning point. I wish I could say it was for my health or my children, but truthfully, it was vanity. I knew my weight was spiraling out of control, but I managed to avoid mirrors until one day, my youngest was recording videos on my phone. Unbeknownst to me, he left it on while I rummaged through the fridge, my belly spilling out of a too-tight tank top. I was hit with the stark reality I had been avoiding. Heart racing, I forced myself to watch it and ended up in tears.

Though it was a painful wake-up call, it made me realize I couldn’t ignore my situation any longer. However, the thought of losing over 100 pounds felt like a Herculean task. Just thinking about starting a workout made me feel exhausted. I remembered a Shel Silverstein poem about a girl named Melinda Mae who ate a whale, one bite at a time. This became my mantra for tackling overwhelming challenges.

I started with baby steps. Too intimidated to hit the gym, I began by simply walking around my house more. I infused energy into daily chores, danced with my kids, and even used them as weights for arm workouts. I invested in a little step platform and would step up and down while watching TV. Progress was slow but steady, like chipping away at an iceberg.

Eventually, my neighbor convinced me to join her for a Zumba class. I was nervous, being the biggest person in the room, but to my surprise, I had a blast! I ended up moving to the front of the class and dancing like nobody was watching—rolls and all.

While my journey wasn’t without bumps, over two years, I managed to shed 112 pounds. This transformation gave me a level of self-confidence I never thought I could achieve. I’ve faced setbacks—like when I got pregnant with my fourth child (a total surprise!) and gained 60 pounds back—but I’ve learned to forgive myself and bounce back.

I’m not one of those fitness fanatics. Left to my own devices, I’d happily bake and lounge all day. Staying motivated to exercise is a constant battle for me, so here’s how I keep myself on track:

1. Move: Seriously, just get moving. Momentum breeds more movement. On days I want to do nothing, I force myself to walk around, and once I’m in motion, it’s easier to keep going.
2. Do What You Love: I despise the elliptical, and I’m not a runner. But, I love dancing, walking, and taking step aerobics classes. I enjoyed Zumba so much that I became an instructor! You won’t stick with things you find boring, so explore different ways to get moving.
3. Use a Fitness Tracker: I wear a tracker that helps me keep my competitive spirit alive by counting my daily steps. Setting goals and competing with friends keeps me motivated.
4. Incorporate Exercise Into Daily Life: You don’t need a formal workout to stay active. I squat while picking up toys and do calf raises at the sink. I even find ways to make chores fun.
5. Stay Accountable: As a group fitness instructor, my classes depend on me showing up three times a week. If group classes aren’t your thing, find a workout buddy to keep each other accountable.
6. Prioritize Exercise: Like any self-care routine (think dental hygiene), exercise has to be on the list. I make it a point to stay active, even if it’s only a couple of times a week.
7. Motivate Others: Helping someone else stay on track can motivate you too. It’s hard to preach healthy habits while slacking off yourself!

It might feel impossible from where you are, but once you weave exercise into your life, you might find yourself looking forward to it. Sure, there are still days I’d rather do anything else, but consistency is key. Remember, whether you’re trying to lose 10 pounds or 200, you’re worth the effort.

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In summary, I turned my seemingly insurmountable challenges into manageable steps, and you can do the same.