How do you motivate yourself to work out?

Macacadopai

I have this folder in my computer of pictures that really motivate me for ex. Beyonce in a bikini (hot!), and whenever I feel like I might not want to workout, I just look through them and get inspired. Or I try on a pair of jeans that are a little bit to small (I always buy a pair that's a size smaller. My "motivational jeans" I call them lol) This stuff might not make sense to other people, but it really helps me get pumped. What do you do to get motivated? Any secrets or tips for those days when u'd just rather skip the gym??

registers

I go in to great detail about motivation and how to do it, in my blog.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/asmcriminal/view/psychology-and-motivation-103881

parkgirl1

I just think if i dont, I will always be fat and unhealthy and people will say yer yer just another diet shes going to fail that generally works for me lol xx

Macacadopai

I go in to great detail about motivation and how to do it, in my blog.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/asmcriminal/view/psychology-and-motivation-103881

Great post!

snflwr04

I keep a photo of the old me on my treadmill. I also have the excess skin and streatch marks left over from the old me - one look in the mirror and I'm planning my next workout

lhurtubise

I have this folder in my computer of pictures that really motivate me for ex. Beyonce in a bikini (hot!), and whenever I feel like I might not want to workout, I just look through them and get inspired. Or I try on a pair of jeans that are a little bit to small (I always buy a pair that's a size smaller. My "motivational jeans" I call them lol) This stuff might not make sense to other people, but it really helps me get pumped. What do you do to get motivated? Any secrets or tips for those days when u'd just rather skip the gym??

LOVE THE MOTIVATION JEANS! I think I will try that!

FemininGuns

I simply remember when I was NOT able to exercise and remember the promise I made "when I get healthy, watch me go!" That's what keeps me going - Plus I LOVE to move and feel awesome!!! AND much happier when I stick to my exercise schedule!

flausa

I asked my hubby when I first started this journey to provide gentle encouragement when I need it. So on days when I'm feeling a little bit slug-like, all he has to say is "you know you'll feel better once you've done it" or "you know you'll regret not doing it." It's not a big thing, but it certainly seems to make a huge difference.

littlemissanguissette

I'm buying a pair of motivational jeans, I used to have a pair but I tossed them last year because I figured there was no way I'd ever get back into a size four haha

mak_101

I just got into my "motivational jeans"....time to buy a NEW pair. Been waiting 2 years to get into those jeans.

beccarockslife

I think about how fab I feel when I'm done.

Felesina1

While my start of loosing weight started a very long time ago and 150 pounds heavier, I keep my "fat pictures" of me back then as motivation on my bathroom mirror. Even today, when I show them to people I love to hear, "My god! That's was you!! It doesn't even look like you!" So now that I'm into the phase of dieting/exercising to get to a weight that I want, I still use those pictures to remind me of how far I've come!

debbiequack

There's a lot written about motivation with respect to ceasing substances (which I think is a similar topic to weight loss or any major behavior change).

To be honest, I don't feel very motivated. When I see that scale go down, and when I notice I'm stronger, I feel motivated, etc.

I'm a pretty routine oriented person, so if I put exercise into my morning routine, then I'm pretty sure I'll stick with it. That's how I combat my motivation problems. Once I do it, I feel more motivated. It's something called "behavioral activation"-- there really is a psych concept behind "just do it" in terms of making yourself feel better. Depressed people don't feel like socializing but if they "just do it', they feel better. Same with exercise.

It's maybe too early in the morning to be trying to make sense, but I hope this helps

rgoodearl

I try to keep a schedule of events planed like 5k's and bike rides and staying active on MFP (my accountability partners) ! :happy:

MoLivesLuvsLifts

I'm still in the beginning of my weight loss journey. I have 150 lbs to lose and have lost 32 lbs to date. So, I just do it. I work out everyday. I enter alot of challenges (I'm in 6 now) to keep me accountable. I don't like it. I feel lazy. But somehow I always feel GREAT when I'm done. So, just strap on your shoes and get going!

Oh yeah...sometimes if I feel sick or down before I go to bed, I actually wear my workout clothes to bed so that I can "pop" out of bed the next morning and exercise.

I've now moved form morbidly obese to obese. That said, I just got to "git 'er done"!

jonathandavid_t

I click the link for MyFitnessPal and see things like this posted on my 'wall':

Macacadopai burned 1155 calories doing 107 minutes of "Gym: Treadmill, weights, elliptical"

THAT motivates me

Macacadopai

I click the link for MyFitnessPal and see things like this posted on my 'wall':

Macacadopai burned 1155 calories doing 107 minutes of "Gym: Treadmill, weights, elliptical"

THAT motivates me

Lol You totally just made my day!! much love!

cheshirechic

Two words: Wedding dress.

Or these two: Honeymoon bikini.

Haha. It may seem superficial, but it works!

PinkAndSparkle

Two words: Wedding dress.

Or these two: Honeymoon bikini.

Haha. It may seem superficial, but it works!

couldn't agree more. NO FLABBY ARMS IN WEDDING GOWNS ALLOWED!!

guppygirl322

My hubby does the same. It really helps a lot. Mostly though, it isn't about how I will look, or how thin I will get. To me, it is about being heart healthy. I look at my daughter, and I want to be around a long time, to see her graduate, see her get married, maybe even have the stamina to babysit my grandchildren! I'm in this for the long haul.

mamato4kids

I have a few girlfriends that I workout with...we meet at 6am to run...if I don't show up, they knock on my bedroom window! Or call at 6 am and wake me up....including my family! So I get up, so they won't have to hunt me down....waking up my family at the same time!

Keegansmum6

I look at my son crawling around the floor on the verge of walking and think I gotta get my butt in gear so I can keep up with him!

cheshirechic

Two words: Wedding dress.

Or these two: Honeymoon bikini.

Haha. It may seem superficial, but it works!

couldn't agree more. NO FLABBY ARMS IN WEDDING GOWNS ALLOWED!!

...and no more back fat! I'm going for something low!

emmaleigh47

On the days when I think my motivation might wane, I post my planned workout to MFP in the morning. It motivates me because I promised them that I would do x miles or do this workout. I cant let my friends down and since I know I am motivating others it makes me get up.

I also have my favorite phrase "The only run you will regret is the one that you dont take."

TourThePast

A good prodding of my big wobbly belly usually does the trick! :bigsmile:

Joking apart, I don't bother motivating myself at all, I simply have set times that I always go to the gym, and at those times I go. The way I see it, it's like having an appointment, it's like going to work. It's what I do on X day at X time.

In February I decided that making myself healthier and happier by working out would be part of my routine, I chose days and times that would be convenient, and my workouts went into my diary as recurring appointments. From that point it was part of my routine. It's not like I choose whether to go or not, or need motivating, I don't have a choice.

What motivates me to do additional exercise is lovely weather that lures me into gardening or going for long walks, or spending hours walking round car boot sales.

jambs5

Hi All,
Whenever i log in my food and see the calories add up, I say "WOW I better do some more cardio exercise and burn those calories off." I have a few sisters who have been using MFP for 300+ days and have reached their goal weights. I say "if they can do it so can I". Please feel free to add my as a friend. the more support/encouragement the better. Good luck reaching your weight loss goals. Have a great day.

wonnder1

My gym has an awesome hot tub, heated from the core of the earth and run by jet engines. I don't get to use it if I don't go.

Also, my sister and I have a guilt trip/motivation thing going on. She picks me up from work. She can't skip because she knows I need a ride home, and I can't skip, cause I don't want to just use her for a ride...

TourThePast

Also, my sister and I have a guilt trip/motivation thing going on. She picks me up from work. She can't skip because she knows I need a ride home, and I can't skip, cause I don't want to just use her for a ride...

What a great arrangement, that's exactly the sort of thing that works.

Black_Swan

OK when it comes to the worst, I say to myself that I simply love that protein bar from the gym and that I have to have it and deserve it. So I go there for the bar, I exercise, and then I eat it.
Haha.
But now I signed up for a 10k and that is like CRAZY motivation, I feel like I want to run around just when I think about it!
Also I want to be finally fit, for once (and ever!) in my life!

Macacadopai

I have a few girlfriends that I workout with...we meet at 6am to run...if I don't show up, they knock on my bedroom window! Or call at 6 am and wake me up....including my family! So I get up, so they won't have to hunt me down....waking up my family at the same time!

that is just so awesome! i wish I knew a group of friends that would be willing to go run with me! Awesome! Tell your friends they rock xD