Elusive Exercise Motivation

By RosieLorne

2 min read

Before I acquired asthma in 2014, I was fit and active. I swam regularly, hiked, did tai chi, and took regular walks with my dog.

Since having asthma, I find it very hard to do anything much. The constant stopping and starting totally erodes my motivation and enthusiasm! Each asthma flare sends me further backward. The weight gain from steroids hasn't helped. I don't like how I look and feel and I don't enjoy the effort it takes when I am always short of breath.

Finding exercise motivation with asthma

Motivation can be elusive. The only thing that keeps me trying is my dislike of how I am, including not being fit, becoming fearful of falling again, being unable to do everyday things, and loathing knowing that I am obese.

I have come to the conclusion that exercising with a friend isn't for me. Why? Because when I get up in the morning I never know whether I will be able to participate or not! I dread the phone call: "Sorry, can't make it today". My asthma is constantly present. I never have a day free of it. "Control" is an alien concept... days are rated as: okay, cautious, or not good. My motivation goes along similar lines... positive to questionable to none!

Making a plan to stay motivated with asthma

Since a recent accident, I am struggling. I have a broken arm and back damage. I cannot drive at the moment either. But, I have made a plan. And I must put in place a timeline or I just won't start. A timeline is essential for me or I will procrastinate!

My exercise motivation plan

Tai chi: Find an appropriate program and make contact next week. Start when doctor says it's okay.
Home visits by a physio... program started.
Restart hydro exercise program (do it on my own) and swimming... when doctor gives the okay. Give up... it hurt my arm too much.
Get walking program going... start now!
Accept some days of "nothing" is okay. (Keep working on this attitude)

Exercise motivation with asthma is a process

Motivation can be elusive. My goals are to build up strength so I don't fall again, and maintain a reasonable level of fitness to help my asthma, and, maybe lose some weight. I know this will get interrupted and I will have to restart over and over again. It is important for me not to give up, nor to give up on motivation.

How do you keep yourself motivated, especially when it becomes difficult to exercise?

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jules123 Member
<inline-mention username="RosieLorne" user-id="3929205"/> I completely get you with exercise motivation. My allergic asthma is exerberated by exercise, and on mornings when I wake up and my chest is tight and I'm coughing or just basically feel allergified, it really takes some effort to get moving in the morning, especially knowing that my exercise routine is going to be that much harder because I am already at a disadvantage before even starting. What motivates me on these days, is knowing that I have a great group of friends that I have made while attending gym classes. I know you say that you dont want to exercise with others, but in a gym environment you are not letting anyone down if you are having a bad asthma day. In addition, gym instructors should have attended first aid training and know what to do if you have an asthma attack in the gym. It is a safe environment to exercise. Training with others in a class, builds team spirit and if you are anything like me, just knowing that everyone around me is also working out to the best of their ability with their own strengths and weaknesses gives me plenty of motivation to give of my own personal best. In fact, you may find a fellow asthmatic there.
Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
Hi <inline-mention username="RosieLorne" user-id="3929205"/> - thanks so much for sharing your story here with the community. I hear you! After reading your story, I found that I like your motivation plan - a lot! From my perspective, it sounds like a successful plan. All you have to do is stick with it and execute it - you will get there, Rosie! I say this because, for what it's worth, I have been where you are - many times over the many years. Naturally, there is life - marriage, house, children, pets, three jobs, illnesses, accidents, broken body, many surgeries, partially healed body, more illnesses...and on and on. These can all set you back or, act as spring boards for the next round! They should be springboards for the next phase - that is certain! Each time, and there have been many times, I have "picked myself up, dusted myself off, and started all over again!". My family, and work family, have all been loving and supportive - I find that to be an enormous plus. If I can do it, Rosie, you can do it. I have confidence and faith in you! Keep at it, as many times as is necessary - I can tell you this - life is well worth it!! If I can assist you in any way, please let me, or any other moderator / team member know. We are all here for you! All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)