Sometimes being supportive with others going through the same thing may help. I'm in the same situation as you are. At the beginning of the year I was in a horrible accident that killed a good friend of mine and left me with multiple injuries. I am just getting up and going again and have found that aside from gaining weight, I've also lost strength, energy and range of motion (flexibility).

I also just received a letter from my physician telling me my cholesterol and triglycerides have topped the chart and need to begin a low cholesterol diet and get moving!! LOL

In the early 80's I was teaching choreographed aerobics and also weight training, so I know what it takes to get fit, but I'm also 24 years older!! Maybe if we get some older mavericks here to help motivate us, we can work together. Would you like that?

Perhaps we can start out with a walking routine, twice a day stretching for a week or two, then build up to bicycle or other aerobic exercises (e.g., water aerobics, if available), adding free weights (if you don't have any, then canned good, or other things around the home could be used).

I also found that keeping a journal of what I eat and my daily exercise helps tremendously! In doing this, you get an idea of where you're messing up, you see progress, and it keeps you aware of what you're doing. I recommend weighing yourself only once a week. If you do it daily then you may get discouraged with the frequent ups and downs one sees with water weight gain and muscle mass gain.

Well, there are some ideas! What do you think? Do you want to see if one of the more fit members wants to coach us, and if anyone else wants to join?

For years I've found a regular routine (up at 5:30 for my morning run, regardless of weather or other factors) was a key attribute to staying on track.

After a series of injuries and just plain getting older, I've found that my body can't do the same thing every day. So I've been forced into running one day, biking the next, swimming the third, and so on. Problem is that it was easy to run every day, regardless. Didn't matter if it was raining, snowing, -10F or 95F. Riding and swimming aren't quite as flexible. :(

But I'd still say that having a regular routine is the first step. I still get an AM workout in just about every day, even though it isn't as high in quality as it used to be.

I know that the support works wonders and I also know that I am very competitive, so if we can combine those two angles we might just have something. Thanks so much for reading and responding.

I agree that a regular routine is the goal, my problem is the lack of motivation contributes to me allowing other things to rise to the top of the priority list.

I agree that the best thing is to keep a journal. I record my weight, exercise routine, foods that I eat and my mood. I tried to get back in a running routine last year and I just was not mentally ready yet, due to over training. I did do aerobics at home and did keep that in my journal instead.

I am now out early in the morning running with friends. It makes me more committed especially now that we are signing up for two half marathons toward the end of the year.

It takes determination, and I found early mornings, I typically don't make excuses not to exercise. It will make you feel good for the rest of the day. As they say, Just Do It!

Good Luck!

Sunshine Coming Your Way!

Definitely. First, don't get discouraged. Begin with the end in mind and celebrate the little victories along the way. Definitely, try to mix it so you don't get bored. You need cardio, resistance/strength and flexibility to make sure you are fit. Focus on being fit and healthy. Honestly, I try to schedule my exercise so it is part of my routine. I do it for me. It is my time.

I'm sorry but I don't have any spare catapults.

What I can share with you is that I was in a similar spot as you not too long ago and took a fairly big lifestyle change to get me off my "ass".

I have found that the older I get the less I can draw upon the anger and lust I used to have as a young man and without that "source" if you will I tend to drift at times.

That said, at least for me, it normally takes some type "external" stimulus before I get myself back on track.

Perhaps you can get a workout partner - someone that will nag you? Or maybe even a trainer - again someone that will nag you?