I started swimming leading up to my wedding. I know you are thinking, "To be more fit in her dress". But actually no. I made my dress and didn't finish it until the week of the wedding (full disclosure: my mom sewed me into it that day). So, I could have altered it to fit my shape as needed. I swim to increase my energy and stamina.
It's been hard staying motivated even for the 2 months I've been swimming. Don't get me wrong, I like to swim. I love to play in the water. I've been able to swim well since I was a wee bitty girl. But, I'd rather be in the studio. I'd rather be reading. I'd rather be writing.
Having SLE (Lupus) means that I am tired often. Swimming helps me to do more of these reading, writing, and art-ing "rathers". Regular exercise is imperative to an energy level I need to function in a normal capacity on a daily basis. This is truly my motivation. The bonuses of being healthier mentally & emotionally are just not enough to motivate me on their own.
Every morning, I got myself psyched up with inner-commentary: "Go swimming! You will be able to dance longer at your wedding without being tired if you do! You'll have more fun! You only get to do this once, so you'd better enjoy it!" Now that the wedding is over, my inner dialog is something like this: "You are doing great! You are already stronger! Don't lose the progress you've made. You can do it! Just today. Just go today. You enjoy your life better when you swim." But it's hard. I struggle every day to overcome my tiredness and desire to do other things to make the time and energy for swimming.
I try to also set little goals for myself. The first day I swam, I realized how hard it was! For those of you who don't swim, I find it to be really hard work. So, I built up. I started with Breast Stroke. I worked up to 30 minutes of laps. Always giving myself time at the end to play in the water. I started to do small strength training exercises in the pool or at home. Then I worked in a lap or two of Free Style. Then worked up to 2 laps Free, 1 lap Breast Stroke. Now, I swim for 30 or more minutes of Free Style most days. It is still hard every day. I'm still not that strong. I feel as if I can only swim for 30 minutes of Free Style after 2 months! Zeesh.
Maybe the point of this post is just to say that it takes a long time to build up strength. Stick to it! You can do it! Maybe also, to say that if you struggle with motivation to work out - I HEAR YOU. Maybe that if you have SLE, plan a little exercise into your daily routine if you can (or 4 or 5 times a week), because it really and truly helps.
There is no shame in starting small. The smaller you have to start, the prouder you should be. If you are not super fit, not comfortable in a gym, and have to start small - GOOD FOR YOU to make that happen. Remember it is you who have the most to gain. Remember that whatever your level of fitness, every moment you put in benefits YOU.
Find something that's fun - classes, group running, organizations, pod-casts...and/or find a cause - a benefit race or walk to train for, you and a friend/partner getting healthy together, or an event you will be attending in a few months.
Do what works for you. If everyone tells you to vary it up, but you love that one thing, who cares? In the end, they are not you. Listen to your body. It will tell you what is working and when you need a break or to rest. Eat protein.
Splurge a little on yourself. Get clothing you like to work out in. Indulge. It'll be a little reward and also might help get you motivated to work out ("You just spent $x on that - use it!").
And remember to go easy on yourself. Some days after 15 minutes in the pool, I'm done. No guilt. That's just how it is. Give yourself a pass sometimes. Give yourself pep talks. Reward yourself.
Pick out all the things you like about yourself. Remind yourself of your best qualities often.
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