- This topic has 17 replies, 13 voices, and was last updated 1 week, 1 day ago by
Darla Martin.
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- December 18, 2025 at 8:30 pm
You don’t need a gym to get moving!
Check out our guide, Physical Activity: A Key Part of Your Health Journey, at bit.ly/4qR2eTa for safe ways to add activity to your day and reach your health goals.-
This topic was modified 5 months, 1 week ago by Dan Hager.
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- December 19, 2025 at 1:26 pm
Sometimes exercise can be so daunting, so I’m glad you brought up not needing a gym to get moving! Physical activity doesn’t have to be a chore…it can actually be fun! Maybe if you are hesitant to get started, grab a buddy. That’s what helps me when I am feeling unmotivated, especially in the winter.- December 19, 2025 at 1:28 pm
A buddy is such a great idea! When I have someone to exercise with, it not only makes exercise more fun, but it also helps me stick to it: I’m not going to skip if I have someone meeting me there.- January 27, 2026 at 8:18 pm
This reply has been marked as private.- January 27, 2026 at 8:54 pm
I am learning that a buddy whether in the form of a support group, or friend or fitness enthusiast is key to staying the course, especially in moments when you want to give up!- January 28, 2026 at 1:08 pm
I just popped in here for the first time, and I am pleasantly surprised at the wealth of resources that are available! I am very excited to jump in and do some reading!- February 23, 2026 at 8:37 pm
Hi. I have a question. It has been a very long time since I have done any type of regular exercise. Is there a way I can begin to build up my strength and stamina and be able to keep it going?
I also have several physical health issues that make exercise harder, but I am so looking forward to getting some exercise.- February 24, 2026 at 5:51 pm
That’s a great question, Teresa! I know you’re not the only one who has it, either.It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been active in the past or not—you can still start now. But, if you have never been active or have not been active for a while, it is important to start slowly.
Light activities like walking are fine for most people with diabetes. If you haven’t been active and feel unsure about your health, talk to your health care provider before doing anything more demanding. If you have any diabetes complications, there may be certain exercises you should avoid.
Check out our Getting Started Safely page for more!
- February 25, 2026 at 8:21 pm
Getting started is so frequently the biggest hurdle but you can start to build habits by exploiting some opportunities of convenience. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking further away from the building, or going for a walk after lunch can help to inject a little bit of exercise into your daily routines. But almost more importantly, these little steps will help make you more conscientious of other opportunities that can eventually evolve into a full exercise regimen.- February 26, 2026 at 1:42 pm
For me, it was challenging in the beginning. My A1C was in the double digits. Â I started by walking for 30-45 mins during COVID. Â I found making small, attainable goals was much more effective and rewarding i.e. lose 5 lbs by my next A1C labs. Â Then I began to change completely how and when I ate, focused on understanding the importance of nutritional labels, and began strength training. Â I just ran my first Peachtree Road Race in July 2025 (world’s largest 10K) and now my A1c is 5.4.- March 3, 2026 at 2:08 pm
The buddy system is always great! Incorporating movement throughout the day is another way to get needed physical activity. Build on baby steps. Start out with only a few minutes and work your way up.If mobility is a concern, check out YouTube! Chair exercises are a great way to start, though the exercises can get as intense as you like.
I like this saying:
No Equipment – No Rules, Just Move!
- March 9, 2026 at 12:16 pm
Hey Kevin,I was recently diagnosed with Type 2 in December and I’m still learning about what it means and how to naturally improve without medication. Thank you for the suggestions about things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator and parking further away from the building. These are so simple and much easier to fit into my day as I’m trying to get more active.
- May 5, 2026 at 12:18 pm
Hello everyone: Â I attend monthly Diabetes meetings at a local hospital and they recommended joining ADA Support forum. Â I am looking forward to reading and learning so much.- May 5, 2026 at 11:39 pm
For me it was a mindset adjustment.A few years ago I made a commitment to my self to the healthiest I can be. I started  going to a gym near my house. They gave a free 25 minute complimentary session with a personal trainer (of course they are hoping you book a few training sessions). I explained my limitations and the trainer tailored the weight bearing exercise to me. Every so often the gym offers a free 25 minute session with a trainer. A few years after I booked the free session after I asked an assistant manager who she thought would be a good for me. Luckily for me, I really clicked with trainer and booked 4 sessions after that. That was one of the best investments I did for myself. Every 12-24 months I will book 4 sessions for a tune-up to freshen up my routine. Even when I don’t feel like going to the gym, I force myself to go and feel so glad that I did.
Tagged: Exercise/start over???
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