What motivates you to work out, when you'd rather not?

babesintow

Today is one of those days where I am dragging my feet. It is hot out and I am really sore from my work out yesterday... but today is just going to turn in to a day where my heart isn't in it until I am done. I know I will get there and that is what counts...but I would love to hear what motivates you on days like this???

kranetakesflight

Knowing that taking the day off usually turns into another day off, and before I know it I've been absent from the gym for months.

katejkelley

I aways feel better and have more energy after I work out. I remind myself of that. Also, my "personal trainer", my springer Abby, does not let my being tired be an excuse for not walking after work. Once I walk, I usually feel more like doing pilates or some other workout.

larkiedeek

I'm training for an event in 2 months. I don't want to fail.

I think I will book another event when this is done to keep me going.

patchesgizmo

how sore is too sore to exercise? if you are super sore, do something light like walking in a pool, you really do burn calories there. If you are only moderately sore, do aerobics, etc base it like that. I find pool time I am losing weight hand over fist and I don't feel like I am exercising. so do some fun exercise instead of chore exercise.

sho3girl

the mirror

knowing that the sooner i start the sooner i can finish... choose a short program so I've at least doen *some* exercise and it gets to a place (now) where i think I'll do a little more

kmurphy0506

I had this kind of day yesterday. Work was crazy and all I wanted to do was go home and lay on the couch. But I never regret being active. So I hit the gym and felt like a million bucks afterward. It doesn't matter how fast or slow you go. You're still lapping everyone sitting on the couch. Good luck with your work out today! :-)

montana_girl

I always have a race planned sometime in the future, so knowing I have to stay in shape and train keeps me motivated.

On the days I just don't feel like working out, I tell myself to do it for 10 minutes and if I'm still not in the mood or I'm just too tired/achy/whiney then I give myself permission to stop. But everytime I've done this, I've gotten 10 minutes into whatever I'm doing and I end up finishing. I figure I'm dressed for it, I'm already sweaty, might as well "get 'er done!" :laugh:

blonde71

Knowing how much lousier I'd feel if I skipped the workout.

MalissaDC

For me it's my progress and wanting more progress.

Tomorrow is 10 weeks of exercising 5-6 times a week which is a first for me. It's in the 90's or 100 here all this week and we have no air.

3 of the days I exercised this week, I totally wanted to veg on the couch in front of a fan, but I realized if I let myself quit I'll slide ride back where I was--out of this habit I've worked hard on.

I did cut back--for example today I was going to walk 3 miles with Leslie Sansone but by the end of mile 2 I felt sick so I quit. But at least I did it:)!

supplemama

What motivates me? Getting all this fat off me ASAP. It's time for this extra weight to hit the road. Also, though I may sometimes regret starting a workout, I NEVER regret finishing one! I always feel so good when I am done.

1holegrouper

The fact that my personal trainer expects daily logs and will kick my a$% if I don't do it.

galaxiegal

the mirror

this^

whenever I feel like skipping a workout I go sit in front of the mirror and look at my biggest problem areas until I feel motivated. Just remember even a 10 minute workout is better than no workout, plus once you start you will probably want to continue!

MogwaisGrandma

I look great compared to what I did a few months ago and love all the comments I get. If I stop so will the compliments.

I am proud of my training regime. I now do a minimum of 4 days a week in the gym and I no longer want to disappoint myself of my training buddy/PT.

Dave198lbs

Knowing how much lousier I'd feel if I skipped the workout.

this.

also, when I start talking myself out of going for a work out, I tell myself ok,,,just go and do ONE measly exercise like a set of miliary presses or one set of squats and then quit if I still want to, Everytime I end up staying and getting ina good workout,

_AllieCat_

The regret of not going motivates me to go. Plus, I can eat more if I workout.

susiebear29

I am training to be a nurse and have spent years looking after elderley and sick patients, I do not want to end up with diabetes, heart problems, poor mobility etc....this always motivates me I want to be strong and healthy for as long as I can!! Am also hoping to do my first half marathon in March to raise money for a cancer charity, when Im struggling on a run I just remind myself of that goal!!!

kierstin1976

I feel guilty when I don't workout. I know that about 10 minutes into it, I'm going to pumped up and ready to go.

FuneralDiner

When I need motivation, I come on here and look through the success stories forum.

mommasox

Knowing how good I will feel after my workout is my biggest motivator. Another is.... I know if I work really hard I can eat more!

Also... even though I know its impossible, I feel like I look better after a workout.

Patg2728

look deep in yourself and think about when you don't workout . how you feel? then think about how you feel when you do . its all baby steps . but everyday is a new goal . try to beat out the day before with longer walk or add a swim . also you know shopping or anything you like is a workout . pick something you like doing and push yourself at it . it will not feel like work

ReinventingLisa

For me, I know that the scale will be lower every day that I go to the gym. Also, I know I will feel great after I work out. Even if I only end up doing 15 minutes, there are days that I feel like doing an hour once I force myself to get at the gym.

Cmandy67

What motivates me is the fact that i've paid for the gym membership and spent time making a plan for myself and not following thru makes me feel guilty. I don't like to waste time or money ... that makes me go and I try to remember how good it feels after. I feel great after exercise always!!

cmeade20

Three things motivate me

A. Getting to eat my exercise calories
B. The fact that my appetite is easier to control when I do exercise (bit ironic aint it?)
C. If A and B dont get me off my butt a peek at the little bit of flab left on my tummy usually does.

devil_in_a_blue_dress

This was me yesterday! I choose to do programs that have determined length (Ripped in 30, 30 Day Shred) because I like accomplishing tasks. That's what keeps me going when I want to quit the most.

Gilbrod

My hot and sexy wife, my kids and my photos of me a year and a half ago.

jolarocknrolla

I tell myself "if i wait for a day when i feel good enough to work out i'll only work out once a month!" I tell myself to toughen up and gut it out. My pride will usually not let me give in.

I cut myself a break if i'm hurting badly or if i've worked hard for a LONG time and i really and honestly need a rest ... but i'm afraid of that slippery slope where one missed day turns into 2 or 3 etc.

AliciaStinger

One thing that motivates me is looking at people who have the same body that I could have if I stick to my diet and stay active. I found a bunch of pictures on Google (sounds kind of creepy, I know) who have about the same body as I do, but with a lot less fat/flab. I think about how much better I'll feel about myself when I can look in the mirror and not only say I reached my goal, but that the person in the mirror matches the person I keep picturing in my mind.

Edit: Changing the exercise helps, too...if walking looks like a chore, I find some kind of exercise that looks more fun, or someone to go with. Also, my town has an indoor track that's free to the public. If I can't stomach the heat (live near Chicago, 90's and 100's most/all of the week), I can go there. There's also a gym near me (a Lifetime Fitness) that will charges like $15 if you just want to get in for the day. Any chance you have an indoor track near you or a gym that'll allow you to "visit"?

linda1243

I don't think I ever manage to motivate myself. I just force myself into the car and force myself into the gym and force myself onto the treadmill. The entire hour I am running, everything in me is screaming at me that it doesn't want to do this today and can't we just do it tomorrow. I guess for me sometimes it's not about motivation, some times its just about discipline. There are days I don't want to go into work and I would never allow myself to just not go so I try to treat exercise with the same kind of discipline.

However, if I am really sore and it is just one of those days where I am totally run down, I will let myself have a night off and just have a light dinner but I absolutely will not allow this two days in a row.

fitpilatesqueen

If your muscles are sore then go walk instead of do exercise. It helps my when I feel sore.
The motivating thing for me is to exercise so I can eat more than 1580 cals per day

bsinno

i just KNOW that TOMORROW i will have wished id done it.....

can't get to the "after" without putting in the work