How do you get motivated to work out when you're REALLY tired?

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megbee617
megbee617 Posts: 100 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi everyone -

I'm sure we've all been there: you slept 3 hours the night prior, worked a 10 hour day, you're STARVING because you're trying to stay under your calorie goal, but... you have to drag your butt to the gym.

What do you do to stay motivated and work out when all you want to do is go to bed??
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Replies

  • Alwayssohungry
    Alwayssohungry Posts: 369 Member
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    Every time you work out - right down how good you feel after the workout - gets me up for those 5am runs every time :) I also work out in the AM so I have no excuses at the end of a long day AND it starts my day "in the hole" calorie-wise, purely psychological I know, but it works for me....
  • fobs13
    fobs13 Posts: 1,080 Member
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    Think of the end result but if I have had a particularly bad day might skip it especially if this was not my usual routine. Think you need a decent amount of sleep to function well buy that might just be me!
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
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    this should pretty much answer your question on how to make it happen.

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10017066/my-last-word-on-motivation/p1
  • mikkielias
    mikkielias Posts: 21
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    drink a pre workout
  • ElliottTN
    ElliottTN Posts: 1,614 Member
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    caffeine......and porn
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
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    ElliottTN wrote: »
    caffeine......and porn

    actually-yeah- both of those things are great. LMAO
  • Valtishia
    Valtishia Posts: 811 Member
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    If I have a horrible night, then I would probably just go to bed. I have had those nights when my toddler isn't feeling well and is up most of the night and I maybe get an hours sleep. If I can barely function for the rest of my day, I am probably not jumping on the workout train that particular day. If I am just tired cause I didn't sleep as well asI normally would, then I can usually just get up and put the workout gear on. Once its on, its pointless to take it off without doing it.
  • gamesandgains
    gamesandgains Posts: 640 Member
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    pre or caffeine.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,874 Member
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    For one thing, I don't try to stay under my calorie goal...I try to hit my calorie goal...it is a goal after all. For another, if you're starving then your goal is likely too aggressive or you're not eating the right things. Thirdly, if I really need to take a rest day then I do. I've had all nighters with my kiddos before and had to miss a workout because it would have been futile...in the grand scheme of things it's not a big deal...only if you're missing all the time is it a big deal...and if you're missing that much sleep then there are probably other issues that need addressed as well.

    Usually, even when I'm dog tired I will make my workout...I generally feel 100% better for it too.
  • Lofteren
    Lofteren Posts: 960 Member
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    I watch stuff like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L3mQFk9zZ8

    Then I snort some ammonia before my top set
  • AniLandSmiles
    AniLandSmiles Posts: 89 Member
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    If I only got 3 hours of sleep, I would allow myself to skip it (if it only happened once in a while). Otherwise, I just constantly remind myself why I'm doing it. My kids, my husband, and that skinny girl who thinks my husband it cute is about all I need. ;)
  • Silverdracos
    Silverdracos Posts: 110 Member
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    That's why I get up at 6 for my workout. I'm also doing a program that makes me sweat and gives me sore muscles but doesn't leave me wanting to take a nap afterward. With my MS I have to be very careful with my energy use. I'd rather get it done first and leave the laundry sitting on the couch another day because I'm out of gas.
  • Dave198lbs
    Dave198lbs Posts: 8,810 Member
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    get naked and stand in front of the mirror ...Like what you see? go back to bed....Not happy with what you see? work out
  • yopeeps025
    yopeeps025 Posts: 8,680 Member
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    Sometimes I youtube women workout videos.
  • stealthq
    stealthq Posts: 4,298 Member
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    Yeah - if I get only 3hrs of sleep and I'm really tired - like falling asleep at the steering wheel tired? I might run if it's not a long run, but I'd never weight lift like that. I'd probably drop a weight on my foot or tip over backwards doing a squat, or something equally as stupid and potentially painful. I wouldn't be able to put together a worthwhile session if I'm that wiped anyway.
  • JenAndSome
    JenAndSome Posts: 1,908 Member
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    Depends on the situation. Why did you only get three hours of sleep? Part of changing my lifestyle included making sure I get enough rest to let my body recover. If it was just that you slept like crap, stop making excuses, get up and go work out. Also, make sure that you have an accurate calorie goal and that you aren't too far under it. If you are starving you are not eating enough.
  • emdeesea
    emdeesea Posts: 1,823 Member
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    It really depends on the day but usually I make this deal with myself. I make the commitment to at LEAST do 10 minutes. If after 10 minutes, I'm just not feeling it, I give myself permission to stop. (But I have never stopped after those 10 minutes) The hardest part is just getting there, really.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
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    I work out in the morning - if I get up for work, then I also work out. If I'm tired or sick enough to skip work, then I'll also skip my workout. I'm a wreck when I'm tired, I need my sleep!!!
  • ChampCrucial
    ChampCrucial Posts: 120 Member
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    emdeesea wrote: »
    It really depends on the day but usually I make this deal with myself. I make the commitment to at LEAST do 10 minutes. If after 10 minutes, I'm just not feeling it, I give myself permission to stop. (But I have never stopped after those 10 minutes) The hardest part is just getting there, really.

    This right here. If you can do the warm up and still not with it then go to bed knowing that you did at least something. Know that those workouts often end up being the best workouts you ever have in your life. Just make sure you don't have to wake up super early for something.

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