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Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: I’m just an everyday person who exercises. I’m not a fitness junkie. You won’t catch me at an early morning boot camp (because, snooze) or sharing daily shots of my kale smoothie on social media (no thanks). The only time I do a “burpee” is when I’ve eaten too much. Honestly, the people who try to inspire with their extreme dedication often leave me feeling like I could never measure up, leading me to consider a cozy couch and a pint of ice cream instead.
Relax, I’m not here to give you the tough love speech that you’re lazy. If you’re reading this, you might be struggling with motivation just like I was. That’s perfectly okay.
After having three kids in five years (and enjoying quite a few desserts along the way), my body felt like a sluggish mess. For the first time in my life, I was teetering close to 300 pounds. I was miserable and ashamed, avoiding social outings to escape comments about my weight. I even used my kids as an excuse to stay home because, let’s be real, wrangling toddlers is a full-time job. But deep down, I was hiding from my own reflection.
Despite my efforts to embrace body positivity through various articles, I couldn’t reconcile my self-image with my reality. The thought of changing felt overwhelming—like a distant dream meant for someone with more determination than I had. So, I wrapped myself in oversized shirts and stretchy pants while feeling guilty about my sedentary evenings.
What sparked my change? I wish I could say it was for health or my children, but truthfully, it was vanity. I knew I had gained weight, but I wasn’t prepared for the shocking reality that came when my 4-year-old recorded me rummaging through the fridge. The footage was a raw confrontation with my denial, and I found myself sobbing in disbelief.
That moment was a brutal yet necessary wake-up call. I couldn’t ignore it anymore. But even with this realization, the thought of losing over 100 pounds felt daunting. The mere idea of exercising exhausted me.
I remembered a poem from childhood by Shel Silverstein about Melinda Mae, who ate a giant whale one bite at a time. This inspired my approach: How do you tackle something overwhelming? One small step at a time.
I began my fitness journey at home, where I felt safe. I walked around the house, danced with my kids, and even turned household chores into mini-workouts. I also got a little aerobics step to use while watching TV. Gradually, I started noticing changes, though it felt like chiseling away at an iceberg.
Eventually, I agreed to try a Zumba class with my neighbor. I was apprehensive, being the largest person in the room, but to my surprise, I had a blast. Before long, I was dancing confidently at the front of the class—rolls and all!
Over the next two years, I lost 112 pounds, gaining a level of confidence I never knew existed. Of course, life threw me a curveball when I unexpectedly got pregnant again, which added 60 pounds back on. But I learned to forgive myself and get back on track.
Let’s be clear: I’m not the epitome of fitness. My natural inclination is to lounge around with baked goodies. Here’s how I stay motivated to exercise and maintain a healthy weight:
- I keep moving. Movement creates momentum. On days when I feel sluggish, I force myself to take a walk, which makes it easier to keep going.
- I do what I enjoy. I can’t stand the elliptical and running isn’t my thing. But I love dancing and step aerobics. In fact, I enjoyed Zumba so much that I became an instructor!
- I use a fitness tracker. This gadget feeds my competitive side, allowing me to set personal goals and compete with friends.
- I find ways to incorporate exercise. Everyday tasks can be workouts in disguise. I squat while picking up toys and do calf raises at the sink.
- I stay accountable. As a group fitness instructor, I must show up for my classes. If leading isn’t your goal, find a workout buddy to help keep you on track.
- I make it a priority. Just like dental hygiene, exercising is now a part of my self-care routine. I won’t neglect it.
- I inspire others. Helping someone else stay on track motivates me too. I can’t preach healthy habits while slacking off.
It might feel impossible right now, but trust me: once exercise becomes a regular part of your life, it can transition from a chore to something you actually enjoy. Sure, there are days I’d rather endure a painful procedure than workout, but consistency is vital. No matter where you’re starting from, you are worth the effort.
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Summary:
Finding motivation to exercise can feel like an uphill battle, especially for those of us who don’t identify as fitness enthusiasts. By starting small, doing what you love, and holding yourself accountable, you can make exercise a regular part of your life. Remember, even tiny steps count, and you are worth every effort.