It's very...VERY rare that I actually look forward to or get excited to exercise. It's when I'm at work or otherwise in a situation where I have to sit still that I actually WANT to move. I've followed the 75 Hard (that is behind me) and the 75 Soft program for a while now. I keep starting over and I don't think it's horrible. There's a list of things I get to check off every day. 45 minutes of exercise, read 10 pages of a book, drink a gallon (128 oz) of water, eat well (I'm not allowing any sort of diet mentality stuff...I check this off at the beginning of the day), avoid alcohol (I don't drink alcohol), and take a progress photo.
Part of the program IS to do stuff that you "don't want to do," but I'm starting to wonder if the constant...going to bed excited to wake up and get an invigorating workout in and then actually waking up and wishing the world would just end...is not going to be sustainable. Like...the very few days that I have done an early morning workout....the rest of the day has been GREAT. But I don't have many of those days to shout for.
Also, like...I like the feeling AFTER having worked out (or moved/exercised/etc). Almost nothing else is motivating for me. There's a body pump class every Wednesday at my gym at flipping 5:15 in the morning. Yes, it's real hard getting up and going (and most of the time I miss it and go later in the day when I'd rather be making dinner or relaxing). But I also feel like my muscles WANT it. I do know there's benefit to other areas of my life when I've done a little strength training and other exercise.
Just don't know if I'm trying to overdue it or if I need to let go completely and not "plan" anything and just exercise when mind and body really want it. I don't know. I'm thankful for the progress I've been making with the eating side of IE. Just a little discouraged about the movement part.
lindstromal is it possible for you to begin looking at 'exercise' as movement? Our bodies are designed for moving and as you have already noted, in fact will want to do that, if out of motion for a period of time.
Another thing you may want to ponder is how 'exercise' (patterned, forced movements) is usually a mandate of Diet Culture which slips into diet mentality in our own minds. Who says each of us OUGHT to take X steps each day? Or drink X amount of water etc. When you can follow THE only 'expert' - your own body - which knows you and has your best interests in mind, whatever movement you do is what will please and satisfy your dear body.
I hope you will share your experiences and feedback as you experience that. Best wishes!
Interesting. I finally got on this after a couple weeks of checking, but my original post didn't show up until now? Maybe until you commented? Oh well. Trying to figure out how this platform works. :D
I too am not a fan of this platform for a forum. There aren't notifications - for moderating or if another member replies/comments. The original (Ning) platform was better for members but all the content and ease of use disappeared when that was dropped in favor of this (WordPress) platform. The reality is that the IE Pros aren't software experts.
