Forum Discussion

Deanne's avatar
Deanne
Member
10 years ago

Enjoyment is the 'key'

In the two and a bit years since I finished active treatment, I have been keeping track of 'exercise' in a daily diary. Every now and again I flick back through the pages and it gives me a great sense of achievement to see all those days and days of being active.

Never have I ever been this consistent with exercise in my life before! So what do I think is the 'key' to achieving this now? I think it is finally realizing that I can actually ENJOY being active. If I try something and I don't really enjoy it then I try something else. The important thing is do SOMETHING everyday rather then forcing myself into something major that I don't enjoy and therefore will ultimately not continue with.

So, if you are trying to get active during or after all this, then find something you enjoy and that is easily achievable. If you have to put in a major effort to just get ready or get to a location then you may not have any energy left to actually DO IT! After you have been doing something consistently you can then add to it or change it if you want. Don't set yourself a goal that is too hard. 

Now that I enjoy what I do I don't have to use my energy to come up with excuses as to why I can't do it! ;) Deanne xxx

  • Ann-Marie's avatar
    Ann-Marie
    Member
    10 years ago

    What you have said is so important. I believe with any exercise you have to enjoy it. When you enjoy it you don't even feel like you are working out. Thank you for sharing this with the group Deanne x

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    10 years ago

    Thanks Deanne, you're an inspiration, Trace xxx

  • Kari_2015's avatar
    Kari_2015
    Member
    10 years ago

    What a great idea, prior to my diagnosis I was just starting to get to a reasonable fitness and sort of enjoying the whole exercise thing.  Now that my hard treatment is finished I am now ready to start back again and it seems so daunting (I remember how much it hurt in the beginning - both physically and mentally).  A diary might be just what I need to show how much I am improving to keep me going.

     

     

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    10 years ago

    Here, here, every day I do something, whether I feel like it or not.  I hurt my back a couple of weeks ago and went stir crazy not being able to exercise.

    hugs

    Paula xx

     

  • Ann-Marie's avatar
    Ann-Marie
    Member
    10 years ago

    Writing it down Kari is always a winner, even a little video blog is great to keep.

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    10 years ago

    Exactly, Ann-Marie. I think I just so enjoy the fact that I am well now and can do some exercise that I no longer have this idea in my head that exercise is something hard or unpleasant! It's a positive experience for me now. :)

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    10 years ago

    Yes, it really has helped me to look back and see my progress. Hope it works for you too, Kari. xxx

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hope that your back is feeling better, Paula. I feel like a bird with my wings clipped if I cannot exercise! I hurt my knee last year but luckily could still swim for exercise while it healed. 

    Hugs to you too! Look after yourself. xxx

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thank-you, Trace. That's really lovely of you.

    But really I'm just hoping to encourage everyone to enjoy life. For me that means looking after my health by being active. We all know how wonderful it is to feel good again after what we go through with bc. I just want to keep feeling that way now! :) xxx

  • SarahL501's avatar
    SarahL501
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi All,

    Thanks for sharing your experience, Deanne. What kind of diary have you been using?

    Kari and others, we are thinking of making a downloadable exercise diary template available on our website. What would you like us to include?

    Days of the week, type of exercise, number of repetitions, duration, notes/comments?