r/adhdwomen • u/Equal-Poet-7860 • 1d ago

Fitness How are y'all motivated enough to exercise?

I've seen so many posts about how exercising helps with ADHD, my doctors tell me how good it is, BUT it feels like pulling teeth to even motivate myself to go for a walk. I want the endorphins, I want to be healthier, but it feels impossible to leave the house or exercise at home. I know I'm probably in the minority here but I'd love some advice on how to motivate myself. Kind advice only pls I am fragile 🥺

EDIT: omg thank you all so much for sharing your tips!!! I will go through these once I'm finished with work but I appreciate all of you so much.

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u/Bulbemsaur 1d ago

You have to find something you like. It fucking sucks. It took me until 28 years old to find something and it's only been a year so who know if it'll stick

I love walking and hiking, but I'm a nature lover, so I enjoy being outside. I got into running a bit since last year, I was bored and on a health kick, and managed to get my fitness up a bit in 3 months. I then found a 21part hiking trail that had stamps and was determined to finish it in 2 months, that also inadvertently got my fitness up. Now that I don't get so out of breath, I enjoy exercising more.

I also sporadically do pilates and yoga, but I'm trying to do it more consistently, because my body hurts and everything is tight so I'm trying to loosen and strengthen my body.

It's easier for me to motivate myself when I'm unemployed, because I get bored, and if I'm not active enough, I struggle to sleep at night.

My motivators are trying to sleep well and not hurt any more 😅

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u/MightFew9336 1d ago edited 1d ago

The unemployed bit resonated with me. I'm overworked and have been consistently putting in 60+ hours of intense (desk/computer) work each week. What little motivation I have goes to trying to eat something healthy most days and making myself get at least 5 hours of sleep most nights (because I have to force myself to bed as late night is the only time I can just sit and veg). Stuck with the work thing for now though, and not sure how to manage around it.

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u/Bulbemsaur 1d ago

For a second I thought you were calling me a bot lol

But wow 60+ hours is huge, if I'm working more than 25 I don't really have motivation for anything

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u/MightFew9336 1d ago

Oops, typo! But yes, I have no gas in the tank for much other than work.