How do you guys stay motivated to go to the gym?
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Habit. One it becomes one, you feel bad if you miss a day. I go 3 days a week, usually the same day and same time unless something really important gets in the way. Then, if I do miss, I try to go the next day.2
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I had to make some sacrifices to buy a one-year 50% off gym membership. It was hard. I'm a sole-support parent to two children.
That is my motivation. I took money away from "XYZ" (whichever living expense) to buy this membership. The thought of "wasted money" in not going is more than enough motivation for me to go.4 -
I tell myself on lazy days that I should go and change into my clothes and do the elliptical for 5 mins.
By the time I get there and change, I usually have found some more energy to do at least half or even the full workout I wanted too. Also thinking "if I want more of my dessert tonight, I should workout 5 mins more" and repeat.
Sometimes due to factors your workout might be half of what you wanted but humans aren't machines that can do perfect workouts all the time so even done some is still a success!2 -
Although I am generally motivated to go to gym but I find myself not pushing enough to see results.
Need some friendly motivation to drop my body fat percentage from existing 18 percent.
#Friendrequest1 -
I found a group class that I really like, Body Pump. I try to go 3 days a week if I can (kids' sports and other activities sometimes prevent this). I have an elliptical at home, so if I don't want to go the other days I just do it at home while watching tv, listening to music, etc... I was going to the gym to do cardio, but have lost my motivation to get there figuring it's less effort to do it at home. I think I work a little harder at the gym than at home though. My motivation with the elliptical is that I'm willing to work to eat. I just like the Body Pump class.1
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I had to make some sacrifices to buy a one-year 50% off gym membership. It was hard. I'm a sole-support parent to two children.
That is my motivation. I took money away from "XYZ" (whichever living expense) to buy this membership. The thought of "wasted money" in not going is more than enough motivation for me to go.
I feel this way too. I cannot justify the money going out every month for something I don't use. Also, I tell myself that me being healthy is good for my kids both short term and long term. When I am regularly exercising, I feel happier and less stressed which definitely benefits my kids. Sometimes I feel guilty for not paying attention to them when I work out or putting them in the gym childcare, but I remind myself of this. Long term benefits for my kids = I will be healthier longer in life and can be there to help them when they have their own kids. The fewer health issues I have as I age, the better it will be for them (I was prediabetic and had pretty high cholesterol before I lost the weight).0 -
I watch myself in the mirror and see what a fat slob I am. The disgust and anger motivates me3
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Recently I’ve tried eating a chocolate or a candy. I don’t have much sugar in my diet anymore and it works...instant energy. Even if the calories in that chocolate were to negate the calories I burned in my workout (which it doesn’t), right now I’m more focused on staying consistent with my workouts than losing weight. I still occasionally have problems with one treat leading to another so I do it in a controlled way. Either I put it in my pocket and eat it once I’m in the car ready to go to the gym, or if I’m working out at home I don’t have it till I’m dressed in workout clothing and standing in my home gym with my workout sheet in hand ready to begin.1
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It’s a habit. It’s built in to my schedule. It’s not a decision I need to remake each day. Motivation isn’t required.
It’s self-care. I feel better in the moment. I feel better in the long-term. I’m a better person when I do it.
I enjoy it. I participate in recreational athletics and it’s a fun hobby.5 -
Some days it feels like I just can't get up How do you guys stay motivated? Or is it more about discipline than motivation?
I do it first thing in the morning before I have a chance to put it off or make up excuses why I can't do it that day. This way, it's done and I can go ahead with the rest of my day without another thought about it1 -
A tip I stole from Graeme Obree. Do not decide from home whether or not you are going to train. Go to the gym (or whatever your thing is) as per your schedule and START. If you still don't feel like it go home.2
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"Today I will do what others won't, so tomorrow I can do what others can't" - Jerry Rice.1
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I do 2x Tough Mudders per year. And it is the thought of how I would feel after if I didn’t train for these (I’m too money-conscious to just not turn up)0
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It's easy for me. I joined 9Round & I can't wait to go back. It's a kickboxing exercise program & it's never the same twice. You work hard for 30-35 minutes & it's a lot of fun.0
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My best friend is always there, 5 days a week, before work, to workout together. And then, my A1C went from 8% down to 5.4% due to exercising, which keeps me motivated to keep going.0
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I wake up super early every day to bike in to work (takes about an hour and twenty or so minutes for the 23 mile commute). If I check the weather and it's cold as sin, then since I'm up anyway, it's into the car and off the gym instead.0
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Discipline. Habit. Early morning coffee.1
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I consider gym time "me" time and I download a book or movie and read/watch it during cardio. Also, one gym has a heated pool and a sauna and I love to swim.
Usually, I promise myself something. For example, if I work out at least 5 days a week, running for an hour, lifting for 1/2 hour for 3 months I can _________(buy a new dress or pair of shoes, get a massage, etc.)
If you do this, make the goal very specific so you can't find a way out. After 3 months you may find that you don't need motivation because a) you'll like the results and b) you'll be in the habit of going to the gym and c) you'll feel so good you won't want to stop.0 -
When I first decided to re-focus on fitness, I joined a gym. Knowing I was paying for something helped me to maintain motivation - every workout made the per-workout cost less. Now that I am in a place where I have access to a free gym, I lost that $$ motivation. So, I found a friend who was committed to working out first thing in the morning, like me. If I wake up at 5:30, if I even think about turning off the alarm and going back to bed, I remember that my friend will be waiting for me at 6:00. Our workout facility doesn't allow people to workout solo, so if I didn't show, she would get the shaft. Having someone count on you is a motivator.
Oh, and I also recently came across a photo of myself a couple of years back when I was in my peak shape. Knowing that I got there without HUGE sacrifice has helped motivate me to believe I can do it again.0 -
I usually schedule into my calendar when I'm going to the gym which helps me manage my time and when to go. I sometimes watch motivational/workout videos on youtube to keep myself going or look at some posts on instagram. I also make up my workout routines a few days in advance and sometimes I add a new workout to each routine so that way I'm always trying something new0
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