Exercise Motivation

panjabi

Finally got off my backside and done some exercise today.
It does feel good.
How can I be sure to do it tomorrow?

I know I should do it and know it's a lost opportunity if I don't do it.

So why don't I do it?

oats4breakfast

Only you can answer that.
Go ahead and reread those words you put down on your profile - the reasons why you want to get in shape etc.
Are they valid or just lip-service ?

It get's easier. Funnily enough, exercising seems to have this 3 or 4 day hurdle. When you start, the first few times you'll be into it, then after 3-4 days, you'll be "too tired" or "can't find time". If you give in to that or whatever other excuse, you're screwed. But if you can push through those next 3-4 days, then it gets easier too. It doesn't mean you have to work out every day, just means that in that 3-4 day window, where you work out 2-3 times, it can get hard to find the motivation. Doing something else or nothing is easier. If you stop for 3-4 days, it can be another 3-4 day hurdle too... but it won't kill you. Once it becomes part of your routine, so long as you're not over doing it an becoming fatigued, you won't think twice about exercising. Even if you take a break.
Finding something you enjoy helps .... if you're doing weights, or riding a bike, or rowing a machine and you hate all 3, then find something else to do.

lutzsher

I fell off the exercise horse for about 3 weeks as I have bad osteoarthritis in my knees and they just hurt too much so it was easy to not do anything. I've jumped right back in as of this past Saturday and am happily sore and stiff still. I did a very intensive aerobics DVD last night that had a ton of side lunges, lunging up, down, across . . an absolute ton of them. My sides and the sides of my back are sore and stiff today so my husband suggested I take a day off . . . I laughed at him and called him my "enabler". Today is strength training day (every 2nd day) so I will stay away from side lunges to let that part of my body heal a bit . . . but Im NEVER going to take a day off again because one turns into two, turns into three, etc, etc.

I go home from work and put on my exercise gear immediately . . . I don't read the mail, listen to voicemail, absolutely nothing until Im done that workout. Im trying to get up a bit early to do it in the morning but just haven't gotten there yet as Im not much of a morning person.

Once you get into the groove of doing it everyday you actually feel lethargic and terrible if you dont and come to look forward to it. Find things you like or you won't exercise. I swim twice per week because I love that and am trying to find other things I enjoy as much since I have a hard time running due to my knees (my other love).

Good luck!

panjabi

Only you can answer that.
Go ahead and reread those words you put down on your profile - the reasons why you want to get in shape etc.
Are they valid or just lip-service ?

It get's easier. Funnily enough, exercising seems to have this 3 or 4 day hurdle. When you start, the first few times you'll be into it, then after 3-4 days, you'll be "too tired" or "can't find time". If you give in to that or whatever other excuse, you're screwed. But if you can push through those next 3-4 days, then it gets easier too. It doesn't mean you have to work out every day, just means that in that 3-4 day window, where you work out 2-3 times, it can get hard to find the motivation. Doing something else or nothing is easier. If you stop for 3-4 days, it can be another 3-4 day hurdle too... but it won't kill you. Once it becomes part of your routine, so long as you're not over doing it an becoming fatigued, you won't think twice about exercising. Even if you take a break.
Finding something you enjoy helps .... if you're doing weights, or riding a bike, or rowing a machine and you hate all 3, then find something else to do.

Great Advice Thank You, I'm going to give this a go!

panjabi

I fell off the exercise horse for about 3 weeks as I have bad osteoarthritis in my knees and they just hurt too much so it was easy to not do anything. I've jumped right back in as of this past Saturday and am happily sore and stiff still. I did a very intensive aerobics DVD last night that had a ton of side lunges, lunging up, down, across . . an absolute ton of them. My sides and the sides of my back are sore and stiff today so my husband suggested I take a day off . . . I laughed at him and called him my "enabler". Today is strength training day (every 2nd day) so I will stay away from side lunges to let that part of my body heal a bit . . . but Im NEVER going to take a day off again because one turns into two, turns into three, etc, etc.

I go home from work and put on my exercise gear immediately . . . I don't read the mail, listen to voicemail, absolutely nothing until Im done that workout. Im trying to get up a bit early to do it in the morning but just haven't gotten there yet as Im not much of a morning person.

Once you get into the groove of doing it everyday you actually feel lethargic and terrible if you dont and come to look forward to it. Find things you like or you won't exercise. I swim twice per week because I love that and am trying to find other things I enjoy as much since I have a hard time running due to my knees (my other love).

Good luck!

Thanks, I think you are right, exercise early morning or straight after work, I can relax after that.