This is where it could all fall apart

I've never been a serial dieter, but I have tried to jump on and off the exercise wagon more than a couple times since high school. My repeated lapses have given me a bit of insight into what thought patterns derail my progress.  Right now I think I am falling into one of those patterns.

At first, I was excited about the treadmill.  It is the one exercise I can do that doesn't hurt my back or my knees.  However, it hasn't taken me long to start thinking about the other exercises I should be doing.  For instance, my butt could use some work and I know that squats and lunges are great for that.  Unfortunately, squats hurt my back and I can't even do one proper lunge without my knees giving out.  In the past, this would be the time when I would get discouraged and just stop exercising altogether.  It is the warped perfectionist in me -- why exercise if I can't do the perfect exercise?  I've got to eradicate that attitude!

keep on it, Dani!

I can totally relate to seeing yourself getting into a bad pattern and being afraid you can't stop it! Like an out of body experience almost!  Unfortunately your 'jumping on and off the bandwagon' has me smiling - THAT sounds like exercise to me! LOL.  I'm sure you know that walking is actually a GREAT workout for your butt...but if you're REALLY bored by it, CAN you switch it out for something else for a while?  Or will that derail you entirely?

Make sure you keep on that treadmill while you're deciding, though...ok?  Walk a half mile for your friends here at extrapounds :)

OH - and you know this already too, but just to help drill it in - there IS no 'perfect' in weight loss. There's just one step at a time.

Good luck!

You Know What They Say.....

WALKING is the best exercise.  Concentrate on that right now and don't do things that hurt you.  I am an xray tech and have seen hundreds of bodies over the years.  When I see the "fit" ones, I get nosey and ask what they do to stay in shape.  Guess what a good majority do (esp the 40's and over)????   Yes, they walk.....that's it.

You should be proud that you have gotten on the treadmill.  That's more than alot of us have done lately!