Assalamu alaikum - Struggling to Keep Up with Exercise, Feeling Stuck
Assalamu alaikum, TW: weight and health mention I’m 30 and I’ve never managed to keep a regular exercise routine. I also have pretty strong executive dysfunction from ADHD, so that makes sticking to anything really hard. I feel like I’ve tried a lot: reward charts, pairing movement with things I like, putting my stationary bike out where I can’t ignore it, and more. Nothing really lasts. I’m overweight and my blood pressure is high enough that I can’t take the ADHD meds that might help me get motivated to lose weight and lower my BP. I genuinely need to move more - even 15 minutes a day would help a lot. The hardest parts are that I dislike the physical feelings of exercise (racing heart, sweating, heavy breathing) and the chain of little tasks it triggers: putting on workout clothes, filling a water bottle, setting up the bike, thinking about food afterwards - things that may seem small to others but overwhelm me. Because of that, going to the gym or attending classes isn’t realistic right now. I’m feeling really discouraged and wonder if I’m just not creative enough to find another option, or if there truly aren’t viable choices for someone like me. Any practical, low-pressure ideas that fit Islamic life and modesty would be appreciated - like brief home-based routines, movement that can be slotted around prayer times, or faith-friendly motivation tips. JazakAllah khair for any suggestions.