exercise - what is your motivation for getting out of bed?

I had lost 45 lbs and was doing great, then I was put on Serequel and gained almost all of it back. I'm still struggling for 100% on a day to day basis and fear adding in exercise before I get there. I tried to workout a week ago, I was still yawning at the end of the workout and felt extra dead throughout the day, and it was cardio. Any thoughts or suggestions? I have an almost 3 year old so that makes time flexibility difficult.

Sorry it has taken me so long to respond. I have been extremely busy lately and haven't had time to check in here.

Seroquel did cause me to feel very unmotivated. I like to use a daily checklist as my motivation and have a flexible goal. 15 minutes is the minumum goal for me and I allow myself to feel proud for the accomplishment if that is all that I can do for the day. (I started at just 5 minutes a day)

My back went out several months ago and then I had a lot of extra responsibility piled on me that made it VERY difficult to fit exercise in again. I finally have to step back and realize that if I don't take care of myself eventually I'm not going to be able to help anyone else. Exercise is a necessity not a luxury and I have to make it a to priority just like taking meds.

It also helps to talk about exercise and health goals with others to keep each other encouraged.

I had the same exact thing happen to me on the Serequel. I told the dr that I'm not taking these anymore because they are not helping all they are doing is making me fat. Then after two years of getting fatter and getting a digital camera I starting hiking. It's the best thing I have ever done for myself. It re awakened my love of photography and got my lazy butt up off of the couch. I have lost most of what I gained and am not stopping with winter coming. If you have Cable with On Demand, Exercise TV is pretty cool. It gives you the option of different lengths and difficulty to your workout with out having to buy any dvds.

I have had trouble with weight gain and antidepressants for years. When I was nearing the 200# mark and my blood sugar was at 100 fasting I told my doctor we had to do something! My primary care switched me to generic prozac (he called it "weight-neutral"). I asked about Topomax for my fibromyalgia pain as I'd heard it was helpul for weight loss as well. My neurologist had to make that decision as I have a history of absence seizures, but he was in agreement that would be a good med to trial. I was later referred to a psychiatrist who also added Ritalin. The psychiatrist also informed my that Topomax is used as a mood stabilizer. With these med changes, plus stopping Flexiril, I've lost 26# in 5 1/2 months. Before all of these changes I FINALLY started exercising, what worked for me after all the excuses I'd used over the years was to get up, leave my PJs on put on my walking shoes and walk on the treadmill. I read a book I only allow myself to read on the treadmill - an extra incentive to get back on the next time if I want to know what happens next. :-) My stamina has improved and I've added some Pilates and yoga to my regimine, and even took a Zumba class last Saturday. So, don't give up - talk to your doctor and try different things until you find one that works!

Nice! Topomax worked for me but now medicaid wont cover it for bi-polar. They say it's not effective LOL I'm really depressed today and could use some exercise but I'm also getting a migraine. Maybe they'll give it to me for that.:)

Ask for Depakote or the generic version...it is for migraines and for bipolar....just something to think about marisposa. Ask, it doesn't hurt.


Also....I use the Wii Fit, the Active game is nice as well....with personal trainers, a journal of how you slept, ate, moods (:D), and water. There is more...but, truly this is a great idea.

You can do this at any time of the day. It doesn't wake the neighbors, unless you run LOL. They are very motivational and keeps a nice graph for you...very encouraging...goal oriented for sure.

talk about fat! Depakote blew me up to 260 lbs.

what personally motivates me? the fact that i have to pass a PT test twice a year. but just start out exercising a little at a time, if the weather's decent, go take a walk with a friend, or maybe a light jog. learn to play a sport. take a dancing lesson. there are a lot of little things you can do that can really add up.

My sister bought me a gym membership. I know it wasn't cheap and I feel REALLY guilty if I don't use it to it's fullest advantage. On the other hand I know she understands if I have a lot of trouble getting out of bed, so it works for me. I have found the most successful routine for me is to take a class at the gym first (those are usually an hour), then run and walk on the treadmill for an hour, then go home and clean for an hour consecutively. Obviously I can't do it all the time but I can cut things out (like the class) and still feel like I am Doing Things.

when I get upI eat and run outside and go to my friends house and help walk his dogs after lift some weights and box around for little bit then eat fruits then then run some more

ive been working out at the local Rec center since last june (09). and was going regularly, even through the winter which is usally very hard for me to get up and going, but i went. i have mild Cerebral Palsy, so i need to keep my muscle moving or else i REALLY having trouble walking..

i met alot of other people with similar issues as me and that made me feel not so alone. cuz of course i thought i was the only one in the world that feels the way i do. i do feel better after i go, just being around people helps . i have no friends to hang with or to talk to, so getting to the Rec center has helped.

i am married and have 1 child but they r like talking to wall most of the time and they r gone most of the day.. when i have my "meltdowns", i like had this past weekend, they just left me alone. my hubby is very non-emotional, so he just lets me be. kinda pisses me off. and by the way, i did tell him that it makes me more upset when he ignores the situation..

some days , as of late, i have to really push my self to go workout, especially when im feeling blue and upset. i get very tired .so like this past week , which was a rough week emotionaly, i was not very motivated. i just started a yoga class this week, so i hope i can motivate myself to continue.

i just found this site a few days ago in hopes writing and viewing other's situation will help me deal and not feel so alone. and maybe i can help someone else.... :-)

so yes, get out and move/execise! i know its hard! and it does help reduce stress!

Roller derby!! After years of dealing with undiagnosed (of course!) Bipolar II of the mostly depressive type, I am thrilled for the first time in a long time thanks to derby. A committed schedule, fun and supportive women and full-contact, aerobic exercise is best thing I've found to keep me up and moving and help release alot of pent-up aggression and irrritability. The accountability required with the training schedule is key - to miss practices is not cool, and attendance is a must. Exactly what I need on those days when I have zero motivation.

Taking it out on my skates has been a lifesaver. Literally.

For me the motivation is having a 2-hour space of time to myself; no interruptions and time for me. I have a 6-year old so time to self is fleeting. I know I'll be able to listen to my music, have a sauna at the end, and feel good about myself after the workout. I had to join a great gym to reap these benefits.

Some days I don't feel like working out but it is a must so I'll chose to do a 15-min walk or chose to go the gym for at least some motivation. I'll get into the 15-minute mark and find myself wanting to do 10 more minutes.

That's my motivation.