Hi all, another question for you lovely people. Before my mum died in December I was a really active person. I was training for a Hyrox competition, I went to the gym a lot, I ran and my mental health was always better as a result. Since December, I just can’t get motivated to do anything. I’ve done the odd run and been the gym a couple of times but I can’t get any sort of consistency. It feels too much. I even struggle with walking much on my own as I just don’t have the energy. The trouble is, I know exercise helps me. Or it used to help the me that I was before. So my question is, should I keep trying and make myself exercise more? Or just give it up for now? I’m spending plenty of time sitting alone with my grief so don’t feel like it’d stop that. I’d really appreciate any thoughts or experiences.
I should also add that I live alone and exercise was a big part of my social life. I have friends at the gym and ran with people too. So not doing anything of it has also been isolating. It was also a big part of my sense of purpose. Now I’ve lost my mum who was the other massive part of my life I feel I need the exercise. But can’t motivate myself to do it. Hope that makes sense.
Please don’t give up Bach. My partner died six months ago and going to the gym has helped me enormously (we used to go twice a week). It’s been quite a struggle as I am very, very elderly - probably the oldest one there and, at times, I might feel a bit self conscious. But, I am so uplifted after each session. Keep going, thinking of you.
Thank you. It’s good to hear it’s helped you. My friend just dragged me out for a short run- it felt hard but I know I need to keep getting myself out. I’ll keep trying thank you.
Hi @Bach
Could you just aim to go for a short walk every day to start a routine again then build on that? It does sound like you feel exercise has a benefit for you
Just a thought, but what about a different sort of exercise? I find going for a walk in the fresh air is one of the few things that helps even a tiny bit with the grief for the loss of my mother, but I’m also currently not terribly well. I joined a clinical trial researching whether gentle exercise can help with my disease, and as a result I’ve been doing an introductory course of tai chi. I would never have thought to do that without the trial, but I’m finding the gentle exercise and stretching really helpful. I wonder if trying a different sort of exercise like tai chi or Pilates might help you? Grief is exhausting and stressful and I’m not remotely surprised that you can’t motivate yourself to do strenuous exercise, but perhaps a more gentle approach might work for you at this moment and if you join an in person class then you would potentially meet some new people? Just a thought. J
Yeah I used to love yoga so could definitely give that a go. Not really up to new classes/places yet but I’ll see how some online ones go initially. Thanks for the suggestion- I really appreciate the response.
Yeah I’ve even been finding that hard on my own but need to get myself out especially when the sun is out. Thank you.
Hello Bach, I find walking helps me feel better. I felt exhausted. The emotional side of grief can cause leave someone feeling exhausted. Mindfulness can also really help. I would keep going but perhaps pace yourself as well.
Yeah I’ll try getting out walking more definitely. Thanks.
I’ve not done any hyrox training since it happened. Definitely too intense. Trying the odd bit of strength training when I’m feeling up to it though but yeah walking is probably best for now. Thank you.
Well that went well. Been the gym a couple of times now and just done my own thing when it was quiet and was doing ok. So thought I’d try a class today. It was really busy, I did the warm up and cried so ended up walking out 
Guess I’m not ready.
Bach - I go to a public gym, it’s a real tonic for me. Although people don’t converse with each other there’s a lovely atmosphere of “togetherness” if that makes sense. Please don’t give up.