No motivation to exercise - how do you handle?
kapetrosky
Posts: 7 Member
So, today is day 73 for me (this time around). From the first day I've been extremely motivated to exercise which has been awesome for changing how I look and also helping to bump up my daily calorie goal. Today is the first day I just have zero motivation to do any type of exercise at all. I'm really nervous about this feeling because this is how I felt everyday for about the last 7 years - and how I gained weight slowly over time. How do you all handle days like this? Do you find they pass and you move on the next day? Do you push yourself to get your butt out and exercise even though you have no motivation?
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Replies
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Unless it's a rest day, exercise anyway. When I'm lacking motivation and decide to NOT do my workout, I feel worse and even less motivated. When I'm lacking motivation and just do it, I end up feeling better, pleased with myself for doing it anyway, and more motivated because I've proven to myself that I can complete a work out without having to be chomping at the bit to get it done. Plus it reinforces exercise as a habit, which helps maintain the activity even on low motivation days.0
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I go anyway.
Wed is lift day- so I go lift.
it as absolutely nothing to do with how motivated I am.
Remove the emotion and go do the thing because that's the thing that needs doing.
Successful people are successful because they commit to the work regardless of how they are feeling that day. People who fall off the wagon "don't feel motivated" or don't have the energy.
Just go- you'll feel better.0 -
So, today is day 73 for me (this time around). From the first day I've been extremely motivated to exercise which has been awesome for changing how I look and also helping to bump up my daily calorie goal. Today is the first day I just have zero motivation to do any type of exercise at all. I'm really nervous about this feeling because this is how I felt everyday for about the last 7 years - and how I gained weight slowly over time. How do you all handle days like this? Do you find they pass and you move on the next day? Do you push yourself to get your butt out and exercise even though you have no motivation?
I'm confused by your post and not sure - Have you worked out 73 days in a row? If so, then YES, take a Rest day!!! I0 -
Motivation is overrated.
It is an emotion, which means that it's bound to change at some point. If you base your actions on an emotion that is bound to change, your actions are also bound to change.
Take "working out" out of the emotional space in your mind and put it into the practical space where "going to work" lives.
Like Nike says: Just do it.0 -
Yeah... have you been going 73 days straight with no rest days? If so, then this is your problem. You'll lose steam fast that way. Give your body a break and time to repair itself.0
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No, I take rest days. Wednesday's are not usually rest days for me. Today is just the first non-rest day where I've felt overwhelmingly unmotivated to do any type of exercise.0
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I love the "remove the emotion." You're so right. I never thought of it that way. Thank you for the reply!0
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I get in funks where I am extremely motivated and I go 4-5 days a week. Then I will only go twice a week. I try not beat myself up about it. At the same time, I make it a point to not stop going all together. Like so many others, my life is crazy! I seem to run on autopilot and anything that rocks the balance throws me off for long periods of time. Last month I went to the ER for some stuff, and it's been 4 weeks since I have worked out more than 2 days a week at the gym. It's taken time, but I have found a few friends that go to the same gym I do, and I talked to them about where I'm at. They agreed to help push me. We have a plan for getting back and I know I will stick with it. It's just one foot in front of the other.
Just keep going!0 -
I see this quote
Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice.
-Wayne Dyer0 -
theres just no thinking about it.
if you follow a schedule, stick to it.
todays an "on" day?...get it done.0 -
Preworkout0
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Its human to have fears, I chuck it down to listening to my body and stop myself from awfulizing the situation, whenever I feel unmotivated to work out.So, today is day 73 for me (this time around). From the first day I've been extremely motivated to exercise which has been awesome for changing how I look and also helping to bump up my daily calorie goal. Today is the first day I just have zero motivation to do any type of exercise at all. I'm really nervous about this feeling because this is how I felt everyday for about the last 7 years - and how I gained weight slowly over time. How do you all handle days like this? Do you find they pass and you move on the next day? Do you push yourself to get your butt out and exercise even though you have no motivation?
I walk 10miles daily, but sometimes I miss a day or two.
I know what you mean, I have slipped down the slippery slope before, and used to worry when I am not motivated to go for my walk, Nowadays, I reassure myself its not the thin wedge of the knife.
Trust yourself. You have learnt from your past.0 -
No, I take rest days. Wednesday's are not usually rest days for me. Today is just the first non-rest day where I've felt overwhelmingly unmotivated to do any type of exercise.
If this is the first non-rest day in 73 days where you've felt like taking the day off, I'd take the day off. You didn't say how many rest days you take or how many days per week you're exercising, but you could be over training, or possibly coming down with something. I'd take the day off and see how you feel tomorrow. If you're sick tomorrow, take more time. If you're ready to exercise again, exercise. And if you're feeling lazy again for no apparent reason, then force yourself to get back into the routine. But one day in itself isn't going to make much difference one way or the other.0 -
Well I "Just Do it"0
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Having an app with scheduled workouts and goals by day helps a lot. Treat it like it's part of your regular calendar. You do it long enough, and it's second nature.0
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CHANGE occurs within... you either want it and make it happen... or you can feel guilty about it...once the day passes YOU will never get it back again... and as the saying goes you only regret the things you didn't do. conquer this feeling today... get up an ddo something... and tomorrow you will be a hero unto yourself.. you will have shown and proven to yourself that YOU are indeed the master and commander of the ship that youhave chosen to sail through life on. ohh look at me gittin all phiosphy and stuff.0
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I think that patterns yield intellectual/emotional change, not the other way around.
Do it three times every week for a couple months, even if you don't want too.
When the time has passed, you will want too.
You changed your opinion and emotion through action.0 -
Motivation will only take you so far...nobody is motivated to do anything all of the time...if you let your motivation be your guide, it's going to be pretty hit or miss I would think.
Also, it is important to have rest days programmed into your routine...rest is just as important for your body as the exercise is. If you haven't been taking rest days I would strongly suggest planning those into your schedule.
Regardless of whether I'm motivated or not...****ty mood or good mood...and barring other circumstances out of my control that would prevent me from doing so, I:
Monday - 15 mile ride at lunch; weight training in the evening
Tuesday - 15 mile ride at lunch
Wednesday - REST (still go for a nice walk at lunch)
Thursday - 15 mile ride at lunch; weight training in the evening
Friday - 15 mile ride at lunch
Saturday - 40 mile ride
Sunday - REST
Sometimes I'm unmotivated to bathe...but I do it anyway...my fitness is no different.0 -
I love the "remove the emotion." You're so right. I never thought of it that way. Thank you for the reply!
I never feel like doing the dishes. Ever.
But dishes have to be done.
And I'm usually glad I did them when they're finally done and put away.
Especially since I have the means with which to eat again.
Working out is often the same for me.
I often don't "feel" like it.
But after I'm done, I'm usually glad.
Sometimes, those are my best workouts!
And then, after it's over...
I GET TO EAT! WOOO!0 -
What about finding a workout that you love? Rowing or aqua zumba or something fun?0
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Working out is often the same for me.
I often don't "feel" like it.
But after I'm done, I'm usually glad.
Sometimes, those are my best workouts!
And then, after it's over...
I GET TO EAT! WOOO!
^^^
That's always my motivation. :blushing:0 -
1) recheck your cal intake vis a vis your size with a TDEE calculator. Make sure you didn't just run out of cals.
2) recheck your workout schedule to make sure you are including adequate rest days for your intended goals/activity.
3) recheck your sleep schedule to make sure you are rested enough to do the work you've been doing.
4) recheck your motivation, did anything happen recently to derail you? damage your self esteem, shift your focus?
5) if all these check out you just make yourself go. bribe yourself if you have to with rewards. trick yourself saying your only gonna get the clothes on. you're only gonna walk for five minutes. then another 5, and so on until you realize you can actually do it.
NOTE: do not even try step 5 until you have thoroughly and HONESTLY checked the others as number 1 is prolly the first reason why people run out of steam. the few cals are enough for the first several days but that can't last forever and pretty soon your running on fumes.0 -
Motivation is overrated.
It is an emotion, which means that it's bound to change at some point. If you base your actions on an emotion that is bound to change, your actions are also bound to change.
Take "working out" out of the emotional space in your mind and put it into the practical space where "going to work" lives.
Like Nike says: Just do it.
Perfect.0 -
“The only thing standing between you and your goal is the bullsh*t story you keep telling yourself as to why you can't achieve it.”0
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"being motivated" is okay for a month or two of getting started (i love being excited about *kitten* as much as the next guy) but changes predicated on one's emotional state are unlikely to last. just ask anyone that has bought a gym membership on january 2nd or got married after their second date.
at some point, you simply decide that controlling portions, choosing healthy foods or exercising is just what you do, like brushing your teeth in the morning or getting to work on time: you do it because that is what you do. and then you make this decision again and again until it is not a decision anymore. you brush your teeth every morning because you've been brushing your teeth every morning for a zillion days. and it *is* a decision; emotion, feeling, and so on are irrelevant.
if there is any magic to forming long-lasting habits, it is this: do anything two or three hundred times in a row and it is likely you will keep doing it forever, good for you or not.
EDITED for bad grammar.
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If it is just one day of feeling unmotivated, just suck it up and do it anyway. If it is a lingering feeling over the course of a week or so, then you may need a break. I take a 3-4 day break and just stay under my calories every few weeks or so if I start feeling burned out. I always come back more motivated than ever.0
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Thank you all for your awesome responses. I got my *kitten* out there and did it. Not gonna lie I dragged myself through every minute of it but I got it done. Thank you for helping me to push through it and stay on track!0
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Have you been doing the same routine, workout schedule for the full 73 days? If so, maybe you are bored and need a change. It's best to change up your workout routine every 30,60,90 days so your muscles get confused. Have you stopped seeing results maybe?0
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a.) I generally only do 30 min of exercising (unless its running, then I try to go out as long as I can) but I make it an intense 30 min (I use a lot of Jillian Michaels stuff) - it helps with motivation b/c I tell myself, its JUST 30 minutes! I can do 30 minutes! or if I'm not buying it...
b.) I tell my self if 1 get 15 minutes in and feel like quitting, I can... but I never do bc by then I'm engaged0
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