Rewards to Motivate?

Mission_Love_Myself_2014
Mission_Love_Myself_2014 Posts: 15
in Getting Started
Do you reward yourself for hitting specific weight loss goals? I'm looking for some "out of the box" rewards for myself for every 5lbs lost. I don't have the money to spoil myself with new clothes EVERY 5lbs but I could work that in a couple of times.

Any suggestions?
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Replies

  • jec285
    jec285 Posts: 145 Member
    Have a cheat day every time you lose 5 lbs.
  • Mission_Love_Myself_2014
    Mission_Love_Myself_2014 Posts: 15
    I really don't want to reward myself for a job well done with food. I struggle with binge eating and feel like i'm getting a grasp on it, I don't want to re-open that can of worms!
  • ittybittybadonkadonk
    ittybittybadonkadonk Posts: 11,634 Member
    I usually go get a new workout dvd since I workout at home ........or a manicure/pedi............or a new cookbook
  • BootCampCrazy
    BootCampCrazy Posts: 53 Member
    Throw $1 in a jar every time you work out. Once you get to 100 workouts you have a little stash to go buy new clothes ;)
  • jmht345
    jmht345 Posts: 189 Member
    New song for the iPod, especially if you use it for your workouts. New nail polish, massage, new yoga mat/exercise equipment, new book, kitchen gadget are some other ideas.
  • chelstakencharge
    chelstakencharge Posts: 1,021 Member
    I never reward myself with food.....I am not a dog. I go shopping
  • 1princesswarrior
    1princesswarrior Posts: 1,242 Member
    I don't reward every 5 lbs. But when I reach my goal I'm going to buy a fancy new dressage saddle for my horse and me. At 100 lbs I'm going to buy a new bike.

    I like the idea of throwing some money in a jar for every workout. Maybe you could do that for every 2 lbs or something or every 5 lbs depending on your goals.
  • Mission_Love_Myself_2014
    Mission_Love_Myself_2014 Posts: 15
    Throw $1 in a jar every time you work out. Once you get to 100 workouts you have a little stash to go buy new clothes ;)

    I really like this idea! Since this is the part I really struggle with, making time for myself to exercise. Could be the swift kick in the *kitten* I need.

    Thanks!!!
  • dauvis
    dauvis Posts: 57
    The only reward that I decided to give myself (so far) is to get a new smoker when I get to 110 lost.
  • BioShocked89
    BioShocked89 Posts: 330 Member
    I am stealing the dollar in a jar per workout idea, that's genius!
  • Mission_Love_Myself_2014
    Mission_Love_Myself_2014 Posts: 15
    New song for the iPod, especially if you use it for your workouts. New nail polish, massage, new yoga mat/exercise equipment, new book, kitchen gadget are some other ideas.

    A new book! I love that idea!
  • jessilyn76
    jessilyn76 Posts: 532 Member
    New book for my kindle.....for me, reading=not eating!!!
  • helsbelz78
    helsbelz78 Posts: 2 Member
    THAT is a great idea! Gonna go dig out my old piggy bank now.....
  • Quasita
    Quasita Posts: 1,530 Member
    I use things like Achievemint to earn points redeemable for money. No investment other than time and effort using programs like MFP. Not a quick money maker but definitely a goal setter!
  • mxmkenney
    mxmkenney Posts: 486 Member
    Get my hair colored, a pedicure or new clothes - since the old ones don't fit anymore... ;) (Ok maybe not every reached -5 pound goal - but every 10 for sure!)
  • SinomenJen
    SinomenJen Posts: 262 Member
    Throw $1 in a jar every time you work out. Once you get to 100 workouts you have a little stash to go buy new clothes ;)

    I really like this idea! Since this is the part I really struggle with, making time for myself to exercise. Could be the swift kick in the *kitten* I need.

    Thanks!!!

    Great idea, I used a similar method quitting smoking and liked it
  • rsclause
    rsclause Posts: 3,103 Member
    I like to get a new fitness app (like runtastic apps) or a fitness item like my Aria scale or new running shoes. My most recent addition is a heart rate monitor to help me train better for running. My thinking is that these items also help with future fitness and weight loss.
  • margaretchrys
    margaretchrys Posts: 3 Member
    Take a photo of yourself in the clothes that now fit, and get rid of the ones that are now too big. I've just worn a dress I've not worn for 9 years!

    Brag about it to someone who really loves you!
  • Sarah4fitness
    Sarah4fitness Posts: 437 Member
    Two things: I use the PACT app to track my workouts and receive monetary rewards each week for working out as I've pledged. I also set specific goals, not all of them weight related, and I give myself rewards for each attained. Some are rewards in and of themselves, like "Goal: I want to fit into the pants that make me feel like a cow. Reward: I look awesome in a pair of pants I couldn't wear!"
    Rewards: Spa treatments, mani/pedi, overnight stay somewhere nearby from a groupon deal, new shoes, new workout wear/gear, etc.
  • timmemin
    timmemin Posts: 72 Member
    These are all really great ideas. bump.
  • Mission_Love_Myself_2014
    Mission_Love_Myself_2014 Posts: 15
    I like to get a new fitness app (like runtastic apps) or a fitness item like my Aria scale or new running shoes. My most recent addition is a heart rate monitor to help me train better for running. My thinking is that these items also help with future fitness and weight loss.

    Good Idea! I have been really wanting a Fitbit!
  • perseverance14
    perseverance14 Posts: 1,364 Member
    New heart rate monitor is on my list too.
  • raholden88
    raholden88 Posts: 34
    I've been feeling as though the weight loss itself is my reward, as I am trying to get in shape for my upcoming wedding and in pursuit of finally having a better handle on my health. My first two weeks of dieting I felt I needed to have a reward, a piece of candy, a cookie, etc, but I soon grew out of that once I lost the mindset and realized I didn't need those rewards to succeed. My "Fat Brain" died away pretty quickly for me. Though much to my fiance chagrin, I replaced it with "Overly Obsessed Skinny Brain."

    I can't go one meal without pointing out the calorie crunch.

    Also getting a step counter, along with my weight loss, has given me daily rewards to seek. 7500 steps a day, 1 lb lost a week (used to be 2 lb when I had more to lose), and staying below my calorie deficit gives me more than enough reward to keep me motivated.

    So I'd suggest in the early goings, give yourself false promises of goodies to come, and after slowly depriving yourself, you'll realize you never needed them after all. You may hate yourself for it now, but the new you will be thankful.
  • missiontofitness
    missiontofitness Posts: 4,059 Member
    Do you reward yourself for hitting specific weight loss goals? I'm looking for some "out of the box" rewards for myself for every 5lbs lost. I don't have the money to spoil myself with new clothes EVERY 5lbs but I could work that in a couple of times.

    Any suggestions?

    I personally dont, BUT when I hit my goal, I do plan on buying a new wardrobe.
    I'd say do something big for your big goal, like new clothes.

    For smaller victories, I'd say pick something you enjoy that will keep you motivated. A "me" day, perhaps, or a photo, so that the reward can be tracking your progress. I think it's wise that you acknowledge a cheat day is a bad idea for you; if you feel it would be negative to your progress, it's good you know that. Keep up the awesome work!
  • Blokeypoo
    Blokeypoo Posts: 274 Member
    Nope, I didn't have wt related rewards at all, just a desire for a lifelong change which would make me feel better.

    The outcome is reward enough for me. I just returned from latest mountain walking hol (hobby of 18yrs) able to ascend to summit faster and descend without knee pain and do that day in day out and do up to 80 miles in a week, THAT means more than any pair of jeans to me but it's horses for courses really..
  • MrsHollingsworthThomas
    MrsHollingsworthThomas Posts: 164 Member
    I find that good rewards are non-food rewards.
    Some things that I've either given myself or have my eye on are:
    Fit Bit Flex
    New Fit Bit Flex arm band
    New work out shoes
    Mani/Pedi
    Massage
    New gym bag
    Movie night with the girls or boyfriend
    Trip to the hair salon
    Clothes, of course.
    Maybe you can do something like, start a rewards jar. For every pound lost, put in a dollar or so. Then use the jar/pot to do things with. That will help you SEE your progress and have something to look forward to in the end.
  • katlaf23
    katlaf23 Posts: 20
    Throw $1 in a jar every time you work out. Once you get to 100 workouts you have a little stash to go buy new clothes ;)

    I really like this idea! Since this is the part I really struggle with, making time for myself to exercise. Could be the swift kick in the *kitten* I need.

    Thanks!!!

    I really like this idea as well. Once I get a steady income I will put it in as part of my routine. In the meantime, just the endorphins from the workout are my reward. And the change in shape of my body :) I have some inspirational quotes on pinterest for working out - my favorite is "'I regret that workout'" - said no one, ever" bc it helps me to just start the workout (the hardest part for me).
  • missiontofitness
    missiontofitness Posts: 4,059 Member
    Throw $1 in a jar every time you work out. Once you get to 100 workouts you have a little stash to go buy new clothes ;)

    You are a genius.
  • Blokeypoo
    Blokeypoo Posts: 274 Member
    I like to get a new fitness app (like runtastic apps) or a fitness item like my Aria scale or new running shoes. My most recent addition is a heart rate monitor to help me train better for running. My thinking is that these items also help with future fitness and weight loss.

    Good Idea! I have been really wanting a Fitbit!

    My Aria scales I can live without but my Fitbit is now a part of my body and vital to the maintenance I've managed for over a year. It's a massive motivator to be more active on a regular basis as opposed to thrashing in the gym 3x wk then sitting down for the rest of it. That's just my take but it works for me.
  • boophil
    boophil Posts: 99 Member
    Throw $1 in a jar every time you work out. Once you get to 100 workouts you have a little stash to go buy new clothes ;)

    I LOVE this idea! :)

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