How do you push yourself to workout?

janejellyroll

I sign up for races throughout the year. I love racing and I know it won't be fun if I don't do the proper training, so that's great motivation to get it done!

tjawesometaco

I always pack my workout clothes and gear before I head to work. If I lose motivation to exercise as the day drags on, I can't excuse not going to lift or do 20 minutes of cardio because I already spent the time organizing my stuff. At that point I just suck it up, grit my teeth, take my pre, and go lift.

It doesn't always have to be a sweat-drenched, brutal workout. Forcing yourself to go, without motivation, builds discipline and mental toughness. Those two things will take you farther than motivation ever will.

kdbulger

It's just a mental discipline I had to develop. Now I don't think about it, or let my feelings about willingness to do it govern my actual action.

In the beginning stages it was a build-up. Started 3x a week with short, easy workouts and just gradually increased duration/intensity/frequency. I would plan once a week and build the time right into my schedule. I had a rule that I had to show up, and if I still felt terrible or didn't want to after the first ten minutes, then I could quit. I only used that ten-minute 'out' a few times when I really wasn't feeling physically well.

vjoffre83

If getting out to the gym is the issue, specially these, cold, snowy days of winter... I use the SworkIT app and do a body weight workout at home. You can program how many minutes and if you want full body, upper or lower body workout. I put it on for 15 minutes, and if I feel like I can do more, I set it for another 15- which usually ends up being the case- but if not, 15 minutes is better than no minutes

ridiculous59

quiksylver296 wrote: »

Like others have said, I made it a habit that wasn't optional - like brushing my teeth.

To facilitate the habit, though, I found there were things I can do to make it easier. I workout in the morning before work. So the night before, I lay out my workout clothes and pack my work clothes/shower items, etc, for getting ready at the gym. I prep/pack my breakfast and lunch and put them in the fridge so I can grab them on my way out the door.

I do NOT allow myself to hit the snooze button. I found that I never really fall back asleep anyway, and I end up regretting it. So I just don't do it. It is not an option.

We used to have a dog that had to be walked every morning before work. Didn't matter what the weather was, he was a high energy dog and HAD to have a walk at 6 a.m. Rain. Shine. -30 degrees. Blizzard. Didn't matter. I always laid my clothes out the night before and when my alarm went I turned it off and rolled out of bed in one motion. If I didn't.....if I even thought about it for a nano second....I was done and wouldn't get up. When I started running a few years ago I applied that same process so I could run before work. It always worked for me. Don't think about it. Do it. Motivation not required.

Courtscan2

I set my alarm for 5am and get started before my brain has a chance to properly wake up, and tries to talk me out of it. Also makes it harder for the "stuff" of the day to interfere with my planned workout.

ahoy_m8

All good comments that apply to me too so I don’t have anything original to add except another example.
1) All my cardio is outside, and sometimes it’s the only time I’m out in the sun all day and sometimes it’s the best part of my day. Even if the weather is hugely demotivating and I’m not feeling it, I still kinda *need* the cardio, more for my head than my body. I start feeling anxious and fidgety without it. It’s my only disciplined time to check in with what’s going on emotionally and process stuff. Sometimes stuff bubbles into my awareness and sometimes I spontaneously solve a work problem. It’s pretty productive uninterrupted time for myself.
2) I’m not in love with weight training, but I do love feeling strong. I have 2 routines that I alternate 2-3 times a week each. The key for me is each routine is only 15 min. It’s hard to make excuses when it’s only 15 min. I usually do it before eating lunch.

For me, it was easier to achieve consistency when I found a balance between a “workout” that is challenging enough to hold my interest when I’m feeling strong but also easy enough that I know I can get through it and do some good even when I’m not at my best. I hope you find something that works for you and that you enjoy, OP. Anyone who is consistent has days they feel unmotivated or not at the top of their game, and they do it anyway.

AnnPT77

1. I do active things I find fun, mostly,

and

2. I think about how much future Ann needs me to stay reasonably fit, so that she need not make a permanent move to assisted living any sooner than absolutely necessary, and can have a satisfying life for as long as possible.

I'm 64. I have some fit friends, including some up into their 70s and 80s, mostly recreational athletes. I have some very unfit and overweight to obese friends, in their 50s through 70s, mostly mixed-media artists.

On average, the latter people need to take more medicines (with side effects); have more surgeries (and recover much more slowly/painfully from them); can't do lots of fun things that involve much walking or stairs (art fairs, events at sports stadiums, music festivals, etc.); need help with a wide range of simple home chores (from children or paid help) like flipping the mattress, shoveling snow, yard work, etc.; have more food/drink restrictions (from health conditions or medicine interactions); have difficulty with mobility (many have canes or walkers); need "grabbers" to pick up things that fall on the floor; and more. (This is not criticism: These are wonderful people whose friendship I value greatly, from whom I've learned many useful things, and whose company I enjoy. I'm sympathetic and sad about their current circumstances, truly, especially as most don't really believe that much improvement is achievable for them. Of course I do what I can to help them with practical things).

I know which group I'd prefer to be like, as I grow older, to the extent that I have a choice. It's not just about longevity per se, but about quality of life for more of life. For me, that's pretty motivational.

neugebauer52

I leave my walking shoes right in front of the door. I look at them in disgust but put them on anyway, because my wife wants me to fix the lawnmower so I can cut the grass and because the dogs are hauling because they want to go for a walk. Then I look out of the window and see my gorgeous neighbour getting ready for her walk. Taking this all into consideration, there is no quicker way putting on my walking shoes...

rheddmobile

I agree with many of the tips that have been given so far: pick activities you enjoy, use discipline and habit instead of motivation, and remind yourself of your reasons for doing this.

However, even with all those things I sometimes feel like I just can’t.

When that happens, I tell myself it’s okay, I just won’t do it. I give myself permission to not work out that day. I spend the whole day up until time to leave relaxing and enjoying being a bum.

And then I gather my running clothes, eat my pre-run snack, get dressed, and drive to the park where I run. And by the time my brain figures out that I am a big lying liar, I am doing my workout.

Machka9

strongernurse wrote: »

How do you push yourself to workout? When you feel down or not motivated.

I don't.

I have to push myself to do all the other things that get in the way of exercise.

Katmary71

Most of the time I can stay in routine and do it, I schedule my workouts for the same time each day. I was depressed in December and stopped going to the gym for a few weeks but still did weights and cardio at home despite not wanting to at all. If I'm really dragging I put in my ear buds and put on a fast workout playlist. On gym days I put my playlist on before leaving the house and don't turn it off for the two hours of the drive, cardio, and weights. At home I only let myself read novels when I'm on my exercise bike, I've spent way more time than planned on it when reading suspense or to finish a book! I discovered part of my problem was doing the same routine for a year so even doing something like putting on disco and dancing was enough to start switching things up, I started trying new things and discovered I love the stair treadmill and can do push ups and like yoga!

NicbPNW

I have to workout first thing in the morning or I'll never have the energy otherwise. After working out consistently for a couple weeks, it's a habit now and I actually look forward to doing it. I feel good all day long.

hunhun57

It’s all about your “Why”! Why are you wanting to lose? It motivates me and gives me that drive to go after what I want. I’m here to better myself and to achieve my goals. After awhile it becomes a routine.

Lesley2603

I just get up and do it. Gym clothes are ready the night before, alarm goes off, I go to bathroom and dress and out the door. Grab a coffee on the way and by the time I get to the gym I am awake and ready to go

rainbow198

When I first got started exercise hurt and I didn't look forward to it. Getting up first thing in the morning and getting it out the way worked well. Plus the early morning workouts set my day up nicely. It gave me energy and made me want to make healthier choices at meal time.

As I got a little fitter things became easier and it wasn't so bad. I was able to try other workouts and I found things I enjoyed.

Then it became a habit. Now I love and crave my workouts/activity everyday, It didn't happen overnight however.