HOW DO YOU GUYS KEEP MOTIVATED?!?!

xdelgadop

I have found it hard to keep myself motivated in the winter time. Instead, I find myself depressed because it gets dark too early and when I get home, I don't feel like working out.

How are you guys keeping the motivation to continue with workouts and such? I need help finding my motivation.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Marymoe138

Whenever I feel myself not wanting to workout or making an excuse, I pull out my before pics and measurements. Seeing where I was and where I am gets me up and going. Then there are days that I downright do not want to get up but I do it anyways. I know it will suck the first 10 minutes or so, but then I get that energy surge and I am good.

HannahLynn91

I understand about feeling like not working out. I hate that its dark by the time i get home from work too. Almost every time I feel like just sitting on the couch. But I still workout. I make myself, even though I feel like I don't want too, I realize I have no choice. I make it a priority to get at LEAST 30 min. And once I'm done, I feel so much better.

It's hard to stay motivated, I just don't give myself any other options.

Holly_Roman_Empire

I look at her. She's my fitspo.

caminoslo

I do a few things.....
One I go weigh myself on the scale before I decide to indugle on junk food.
Or I go put on some clothes that are starting to fit again and it makes me feel better.

aka_Kamalevantis

I look at my old (fat) photos and it reminds me how far I have come, that then makes me realise that I cannot & will not go back to where I used to be.... I am happy in what I'm doing and with what I have achieved thus far; the desire to not fail is my driving force to make me succeed....

running_shoe

Winter is difficult. I'm Canadian and feel like I don't get outside except to get from the building to the car to the building for six months of the year. I don't like the cold. By late December, I can have seasonal affective disorder in full swing! But, you have to fight it. Even if you feel your strength has left you, just go to your work out and do what you can. Often, you will suprise yourself. A couple of other things that motivate are prepay at a gym for your difficult period (for me six months!) That way, if you're a tightwad like me, you'll go cuz you've paid! Also, and perhaps most important, chose an exercise plan that gives you results! I started a lifting program in September, and within six weeks had dropped a dress size. Your tummy disappears, the skin on your legs smooths out, and yourr core feels like steel. You feel so strong, and you want to keep all that success! Good luck!

mboromom

*Be consistent with logging and don't deprive myself of any foods, just fit them into the daily allowance.
*Set goals for the week, goals for the month and add an incentive for reaching them.
*Focusing on how far I've come rather than the end result.
*Celebrating myself for being brave enough and strong enough to begin this journey.
*Not taking slip ups hard....we all make those mistakes and have a day where we may overeat and not workout..I just strive to do better the next day.

corinne2003

All the examples on how to stay motivated are great. As a disclaimer; I am not good at any organized fitness class and I will state for the record that aerobics and Zumba are also not for me. Despite these things I joined a friend who goes to a Hiphop/Zumba/Bootcamp style high energy (500-700 calorie burning) 1hour class five times a week. The group of ladies (few gents) keep each other going through the winter. I try to never miss it because they are my Zumbee friends. So, long story short - see if you can join and pre-pay, as suggested before, for a high energy class in the evening. The sun going down early will be a moot point if you can go dance and giggle with some friends. I will add that I am lucky to not have any time constraints for going directly home after work, so maybe this won't work for every one.

navyrigger46

I don't believe in motivation, it's BS. Think about it, when the alarm goes off at 0500, are you motivated to get out of bed? NO! But you do it anyway out of habit. turn your workout into habit and you won't need to find "motivation."

Rigger

LeanButNotMean44

I don't believe in motivation, it's BS. Think about it, when the alarm goes off at 0500, are you motivated to get out of bed? NO! But you do it anyway out of habit. turn your workout into habit and you won't need to find "motivation."

Rigger

I do believe in motivation, but I also believe STRONGLY with making working out a habit so that it is just something you do everyday, like brushing your teeth.

_Zardoz_

I actually don't keep myself motivated all the time. It's unrealistic to think you can. What I have done though is ingrained habits. I run outside no matter the weather and there are many days when it's cold wet or snowing that I'd rather not. I could make excuses but I just do it because that's what I do it's now such a habit I don't think twice. You need to get the habits in place so when you're not motivated its such second nature you don't even consider not doing it.

Matt_1972

What is your inspiration/motivation?
Why do you want to lose weight?

silken555

Motivation only gets you so far.

You have to make it a habit...same as going to school or work or keeping those dr's appointments, groceries, etc. Winter doesn't stop us from getting up at the same time everyday to go to work and the early darkness doesn't stop us from going home at the same time either...if we can do it for work, we can do it for ourselves too...:)

Matt_1972

We don't go to work out of habit we go due to motivation. Whether that be to get money to pay the bills, because we love what we do or for any other reason. The act doesn't equate to motivation or lack thereof.

chelso0o

Team sports.

I am accountable to my teammates to train with them, and they are accountable to me. We help each other!

cranky78y

is EVERY winter this happens this means that you arent really into weight lifting you should probably stop

Whambam087

Its habitual. I have a regular workout routine that isn't tedious or over the top, but realistic and totally doable so I don't get burned out and I' m able to stick with it: A 4 day a week upper/lower body split. Monday's and Thursday's are upper body. Tuesday's and Fridays are lower body days. All strength workouts are followed by 45 minutes of cardio. I think sometimes people think that they need to go all out with there workouts like they do on the biggest loser, when that's totally not the case. Then they get overwhelmed by all they think they have to do so they just give up...So what it really comes down to is having a plan and just doing it consistently.

Sunshine2plus2

Post this picture bc I am never going back there!!

MickeyBoo

I have a motivation board, basically a big cork board that I have pinned pics, quotes (some uplifting, some confronting) and my weight loss/weight to go kind of thing. Its on the wall in my bedroom so its the first thing I see when I first wake up and the last thing I see before I go to sleep. I've changed things around a few times, added new stuff, taken stuff away and hope to add some before and afters at the halfway point in time as well It's the main thing that keeps my head in the right place. The other thing is going to the gym, if I set the time to go and arrange the day around it then I am more motivated to follow through. I also meet a friend or two at the gym classes so it's nice to get out of the house for a bit.

joolsweb

I struggle with the darkness too but one of the best investments I've ever made was a SAD or 'daylight' alarm clock, which sends out a low 'sun light' about 30 mins before my alarm goes off, gradually making it brighter - its really helped. I was struggling to do my exercise in the evening too, and I know it sounds counterintuitive, but for the last 2 weeks I've actually set my alarm another 40 mins early, and I get up and get some exercise in first thing. Seems odd, but as I was getting up in the dark anyway, it doesn't seem to make a difference and i think the rouitine of it is actually helping my sleep patterns.

ahomsi1

You may find this silly, but what really keeps me motivated are the comical book superheroes and Anime shows that I love to read and watch. Think with me here, you see all these super heroes like Batman, Spiderman, Superman, Ironman, whatever, what is it that they have in common? They are ALL fit, healthy, and look good. Yes they may be just cartoons, but the actors in the movies even get trained to fit their role. Like Sylvester Stalone, Brad Pitt(look at those abs in fight club movie), Ryan Reynolds, or any other really fit celebrity(The Rock!). Now I ask you...are they better? Better as in, if they can do it, then why can't I.

Another HUGE motivation which tops the above paragraph, and I think people will agree with me here, is the huge drive you get when you start seeing results. It just motivates you more.

And remember, nobody is motivated all the time 100%. it wavers here and there, but the point is you need to have a can do it attitude, commitment, and especially discipline. Its not easy and not everyone can do it, but that is what will make it all the more sweeter when you achieve what is rarely achieved globally. Hope I didn't bore you too much, and I apologize if this was poorly written its 250am and I need to sleep

lucyloutoo

I get up and do it in the morning, is going to be dark no matter what side of work I excersize on, so I'd rather get it over and done with than go all day knowing I've got to get it done.
I alternate between a run and dvds at home...and its worth it for the smug self satisfied feeling I get whilst having a cuppa when it's finished.

kelsmcdowall

Looking at celebs weight loss in magazines! Cutting them out and sticking them to my treadmill :laugh:

DeanR88

Looking through the MFP forums whenever I get a spare minute usually keeps me motivated. You guys are awesome!

SezxyStef

I don't need motivated...I love what I do...it's not work...it's fun...well except maybe the HIIT I do 2x a week but it's only for 15mns so..

The eating part...eh I eat what I want...within my goals...

This is my key...and often others...find "exercise" you like or love you will want to do it...

Don't restrict your foods that is such a downer...I mean who could expect a woman to go without chocolate for any length of time..I mean really...craziness...

cookiealbright

I get a "schedule" in my head and try to stick with it like I "have" to. Monday - Yoga (couldn't do it this week because I had to work till 7:00 p.m. and that what time the class starts). I have a yoga dvd at home, but I was tired and cranky (hungry) so I failed :sad:
Tuesday - treadmill
Wednesday - rest
Thursday - gym (strenght training and cardio)
Friday - rest
Saturday - treadmill
Sunday - walking with dogs/grandkids/husband

Next week - I'll get the Yoga class in! Good luck to ya! You can do anything you set your mind to. :flowerforyou:

catylina71

I look at it not as a "diet" but as a new hobby. I read everything i can find about weight loss and healthy eating and cooking on the internet and magazines. i stay away from the "quick fix" weight loss plans. in my opinion slow and steady is the way to go. i also LOVE LOVE LOVE to cook. and since i did not cook healthy before, this is a whole new thing for me to dive into. learning to cook healthy. my whole family benefits from it. not just me.