Hello everyone. I am a 55 year old female and would like to start an exercise program but just can't get motivated. My days are spent mostly working at my computer and I get really stiff and achy in my neck area from all the keyboarding I do. I just don't have the gumption to get into a workout routine right now. Any suggestions as to how I might get into an "at home" program that I can start slowly and easily?
how do I get motivated for exercise...
- Thread starter jeepers
- Start date
Fifty2drop
New member
Hmmm..
I know it doesnt sound like much but i started putting time aside to go for a walk in the afternoon... that then lead me to putting more time aside for doing a program on Pay TV..in the morning.
Just start with something small first... once you get the hang of it and it has settled into your daily routine, move your goal up a notch and start making another time spot available for some other exercise... One habit inevitably leads to another...especially as exercise make you feel good... The answer is within you... Try putting "I am" in front of what it is you want to do... it took me a week to actually get out of the house for my walks at the start... but everyday i got closer to actually doing it until i finally did.. ha ha ha...
TTFN
Chelle
I know it doesnt sound like much but i started putting time aside to go for a walk in the afternoon... that then lead me to putting more time aside for doing a program on Pay TV..in the morning.
Just start with something small first... once you get the hang of it and it has settled into your daily routine, move your goal up a notch and start making another time spot available for some other exercise... One habit inevitably leads to another...especially as exercise make you feel good... The answer is within you... Try putting "I am" in front of what it is you want to do... it took me a week to actually get out of the house for my walks at the start... but everyday i got closer to actually doing it until i finally did.. ha ha ha...
TTFN
Chelle
Walking is good and getting outside in the fresh air (even if it's cold) would help clear your head and eliminate some stiffness from sitting all day.
Yoga some people say help with stiffness as well.
Find something you enjoy and schedule it into your day..
Yoga some people say help with stiffness as well.
Find something you enjoy and schedule it into your day..
Mr_Anderson
New member
I find that if you wake up a few hours early and go for a walk you will have alot more energy through out the day. And by walk I mean run 
I live in the mountains so walking up and down steep hills for an hour in the morning really jump starts my heart and metabolism
I live in the mountains so walking up and down steep hills for an hour in the morning really jump starts my heart and metabolism
emmaceleste
New member
I don't know about the motivation for exercise part (I struggle with that too - I've only ever found that forcing myself to do it gets me motivated, but that doesn't help when I can't get the motivation to force myself!)
However, I'm a massage therapist, and have some advice for the stiff neck:
1. Take hot showers (not scalding, but very warm). Let the water run down your neck and back for a few minutes to help your muscles relax.
2. While in the shower with the hot water running down your neck, slowly bend your chin to your chest (or as far as possible without causing intense pain). When you get to that point, slowly "walk" your hands down your thighs, bending your back as you go (starting to bend with your shoulders, not just at your waist). Please MAKE SURE you have solid footing - slipping in the shower wouldn't help any stiffness!
3. A couple times during the day while at your desk, put one hand under your chair (for example, your left hand). Take your right hand and put it on your head bringining your right ear to your right shoulder. Using your hand to control your head movements allows your neck muscles to relax while stretching instead of working while they stretch. Keeping the Left hand under the chair ensures that your left should stays down allowing for a deeper stretch. Repeat on the other side. Hold each stretch for about 30 seconds.
With all of these - only go as far as you can. Don't push your body to intense pain. A little pain is ok, as long as it isn't sharp or shooting pain. But don't over-do it or you'll hurt your muscles worse. If you have any questions or specifics you can always PM me!
Hope that helps!!
However, I'm a massage therapist, and have some advice for the stiff neck:
1. Take hot showers (not scalding, but very warm). Let the water run down your neck and back for a few minutes to help your muscles relax.
2. While in the shower with the hot water running down your neck, slowly bend your chin to your chest (or as far as possible without causing intense pain). When you get to that point, slowly "walk" your hands down your thighs, bending your back as you go (starting to bend with your shoulders, not just at your waist). Please MAKE SURE you have solid footing - slipping in the shower wouldn't help any stiffness!
3. A couple times during the day while at your desk, put one hand under your chair (for example, your left hand). Take your right hand and put it on your head bringining your right ear to your right shoulder. Using your hand to control your head movements allows your neck muscles to relax while stretching instead of working while they stretch. Keeping the Left hand under the chair ensures that your left should stays down allowing for a deeper stretch. Repeat on the other side. Hold each stretch for about 30 seconds.
With all of these - only go as far as you can. Don't push your body to intense pain. A little pain is ok, as long as it isn't sharp or shooting pain. But don't over-do it or you'll hurt your muscles worse. If you have any questions or specifics you can always PM me!
Hope that helps!!
WineDeer
New member
I'll also add that the motivation to work is to work out! I'm serious.
I also put a lot of stress on my shoulders and I can convince not only myself, but everyone around me why they shouldn't go exercise after work -- but, the truth is, the exercise actually takes away the stress. The more it becomes a habit, the more I want to exercise, the more I miss it when I can't do it, and that becomes a very POSITIVE vicious circle -- you actually start to make room for it in your daily routine.
I also recommend walking -- it's refreshing if you do it outdoors and it doesn't cost a single thing.
I also put a lot of stress on my shoulders and I can convince not only myself, but everyone around me why they shouldn't go exercise after work -- but, the truth is, the exercise actually takes away the stress. The more it becomes a habit, the more I want to exercise, the more I miss it when I can't do it, and that becomes a very POSITIVE vicious circle -- you actually start to make room for it in your daily routine.
I also recommend walking -- it's refreshing if you do it outdoors and it doesn't cost a single thing.