My wake up call and recent unholy frustration.

[TNHermit]

Hi there and hello neighborinos! 

 

Let's see, let's see. I'm 25. Moved to Grand Rapids, MI maybe three years ago. In possession of a strange and irrational dislike of complete sentences. I am a truck driver by trade. Been battling depression and anxiety for a while now. Got the depression mostly under control, the anxiety still eludes me (you human people are terrifying). Likes include fantasy, sci-fi, cartoons, scandinavian folk music, Tom Waits, travel, driving, and animals. Dislikes include bugs, heavy traffic, and reality TV, mostly bugs though.

 

And now the wake up call. About two months ago I got offered a new job. It was a dedicated route that would get me home every night (or most nights) and weekends. I would finally have the time to build develop a social life. On my way downstairs to go to Chicago for the orientation when I fell down the stairs and broke two bones in my ankle badly enough to require surgery. Ever since I have been in Pennsylvania, sitting on my parents couch, healing. If I had been in better shape I might not have broken my ankle, I might not have fallen at all. More than that I'm tired or being winded every time I go to my third story apartment. I'm tired of not liking the way I look. I want to actually do the things I...want to do.

 

So here's the unholy frustration part: I also have a procrastination issue so today was the day I decided get my act together and try working out - I need to figure out what fruits and vegetables I like, Mom's getting groceries tomorrow, I can work out right now. I can't do much but I can do some stuff. And that's when I found out just how out of shape I am; just how much I don't know. I tried the dumbbell rows but is my form right? I'm supposed to engage the muscles in my back but...am I? I can't feel anything and I don't know how to get my back muscles working.  I thought I could do push-ups on my knees but I can't and I can't do the wall push-ups 'cause, you know, broken ankle. 

 

I was discouraged.

 

That was a few hours ago. I've calmed down. I'm at the very beginning of a very long journey. Let's focus on the things I can do and build. And expand. 

 

Here's what I can do: bicep curls, tricep extensions, shoulder press, lateral raise, and chest fly.

 

I started weight bearing three days ago. I can stand without aid. I can walk - slowly, carefully, with crutches but my foot is flat on the ground.

 

So that's me.  

[Evenstar]

A+ for neighborinos.

 

Welcome! I'm new here as well, and I can totally relate to the discouragement you can feel when starting your fitness journey. As someone at the beginning of my own journey, I know what makes ME feel better is to remember this quote:

 

 "Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use." - Earl Nightingale

 

Be patient and kind to yourself, every little change you make helps. I have found these forums to be full of great information and supportive people, and I hope you can find some information that helps you on your way. As for your form, I would suggest posting some pictures or a video here so that others may be able to give you some helpful pointers. 

 

I wish your ankle a speedy recovery!

[TNHermit]

Hello! Thank you for the kind words. 

 

The kindness and the patience are things I know intellectually but it's nice to have it from a third party. 

 

I had no idea there was a form...forum...! I'll have to explore some more. This community thing is already paying off 

 

Good luck on your journey as well, fair half-orc.

[MegaShe-Ra]

First of all Tom Waits is amazing so you are pretty awesome for knowing that.

Secondly. I really understand how discouraging it is to realize just how out of shape you are, but! It's the first step in improving.

Every day you exercise it gets easier and it feels great! It's all in the baby steps.

I'm really bad for procrastinating and making excuses but I've found the support here is amazing! It really keeps me motivated knowing people here are going through the same things and cheering me on!

Good luck with your progress!

Ps you might want to consider jumping into the 6 week challenge. We've only just started week two so it's not too late to join in. I've found the challenges really keep me accountable and help me focus on my goals.