INTERVIEW WITH MOM, an AVID NON-GYM GOER (but wants to get into shape)

• Why don’t you go to the gym?

Because if I joined a gym and spent all that money, I would probably go at first and then gradually quit going.

• Why do you get disinterested?

Because excercise hurts and in a gym it’s downright boring.

Also because I have no stamina and feel foolish trying to do it around others who are in shape and can do it.

• If you could exercise privately, would you be more interested?

Yes, if I could figure out how to work myself up from an easy routine to a more difficult one.

When I do a routine that’s too hard, I tend to throw in the towel because it’s too uncomfortable.

• Do you think it hurts because you might be doing the exercise incorrectly?

Probably…AND because it’s hard to move my heavy body around. I feel too weak to support my weight.

• What would help motivate you to gradually start building your fitness up? (it can be anything)

Probably if I could diet and lose a little weight before I start working out. But that’s difficult also. I LOVE FOOD.

It would be motivating to see a little less poundage in the mirror. Would probably make me WANT to start excersizing to speed up the weight loss.

• So say if you could get a simulated photo of you “in-shape”. Would seeing that on a regular basis be enough to push you towards exercising consistently?

I don’t think so. I used to keep a photo of me when I was 20 in a bikini on the refrigerator and it did not deter my eating. I think I would have to see my real reflection in the mirror with a little less weight on me.

• Do you think you are more motivated by fear of negative consequences or hope for positive consequences?

Obviously fear of negative consequences. That’s why I’ve been overweight so long.

It’s also a depression thing. When you’re not feeling too good about yourself, it’s hard to want to get in shape because it takes so much energy AND motivation, two things I don’t have much of.

• So perhaps some encouragement both visually and verbally would be nice then?

Yeah. I guess so. I feel silly for even saying this. Sounds like I’m a little kid needing lots of praise and encouragement.

I’m not a very self-motivated person… At least when it comes to self-improvement.