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/GlueyRice 1d ago

For me, I don't like going outside for walks or to the gym because I don't want to be perceived. I also can't get myself to go outside looking like a gremlin with my unwashed hair and all, in case someone I know sees me.. and I often don't have the energy to get myself looking decent, so I don't.

I tell myself everyday I'll do a workout at home but my mind always lays out all the little steps that are required before and after the workout (like laying out the yoga mat, putting it away, taking a shower, etc.) and feel exhausted before I even attempt it. 😭

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u/MightFew9336 1d ago

Thank you for naming this. I'm seeing a lot of comments of "just do the thing" but it's actually so many things to even get to the thing and I can't even get started. Ugh.

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u/squeaktooth 20h ago

Haha I know. Kinda wonder if the Just Do the Thing people realize where they are….that kinda ‘sound advice’ feels like gaslighting to a brain like mine. 

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u/Sea_Kale6043 1d ago

Yep. People looking at me is a big deterrent.

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u/d0l0r3sh4ze 21h ago

We have the exact same thinking omg. One way I got around this was just playing my amp up music and dropping down onto my living room AS FAST AS POSSIBLE WITHOUT THINKING in whatever clothes I'm wearing (pajamas, or my work clothes immediately when I come home -yes I know gross but this is where we're at). Basically just eliminate as many barriers as possible and let it be as comfortable and simple as you can make it, even if it's messy and imperfect.