How on earth do you stay motivated to work out?

tjah32

Looking for some motivation here. I generally don't have too much trouble eating less and choosing healthier options. It's getting myself to the gym that's the issue.

I have no clue how people find it in them to work out daily, or even 3 days a week. Every time I go to the gym, I'm bored out of my mind. I watch the clock just counting the minutes until I get to go home. And I find myself thinking, I have to do this 3 times a week, for the rest of my LIFE? JUST to be healthy, and not even particularly ripped?? And it feels so daunting and disheartening.

Maybe it's partly because I haven't gone with enough regularity to get to that point where I look forward to going, and feel like I'm stir crazy with extra energy if I don't. But at this point it just feels like it's just something taking up time, where I could be cleaning, or running errands, or doing laundry or any number of other things.

So, throw some insight my way! How can I make working out out something I WANT to do?

rachelwindon

I think of the extra food I can eat if I work out .... seems to do the trick :-)

Guamybear

You just have to find something you enjoy. I challenge myself with weights. I really enjoy pushing myself and lifting more.

cubbies77

I still don't always enjoy it, even when it's something fun, but I do it anyway. I think of it like taking medicine or brushing my teeth or cooking dinner or doing homework. I may not like it, but I HAVE to find time for it and do it no matter what.

cubbies77

I think of the extra food I can eat if I work out .... seems to do the trick :-)

Haha. This too.

brig_1_g

I work out at home with videos and also have a stationary bike with a desk on it so I can play on the computer while I pedal. Time goes by really fast that way. I used to get really bored as well.

evilmj31

I am goal oriented so I like to have something to work toward, like a 5k race. However it may be you haven't found the exercise you enjoy...try new things like dancing, martial arts, Zumba, kettle all, crossfit, swimming....something may just be the right fit

concordancia

Find something you enjoy! Try different classes at your gym. If you exhaust those and still aren't excited about something, start trying sports or classes in your community. Hula hooping is fun!

OkieTink

My motivation is that I totally dig that moment when you realize that 2 weeks ago your body couldn't do what it just did...

triciaj66

music did it for my at first, I also wanted my kids to see me work out . than it was seeing all the definition in my body ... I am hooked now.

vmekash

Honestly? Two things.
1. Being allowed more calories to eat motivates me to do cardio.
2. Posing in the mirror, flexing muscles I'd never been able to see before, and loving that look, and visualizing where I"m going (now that I believe it is possible to get there), motivates me to strength train.
Thanks for posing the question. I'd never thought about it much before.
:bigsmile:

Troublemonster

When I first started seriously working out it was because I had a fitness-related career goal with a definitive deadline in sight so every skipped workout was more of a chance that I was not going to succeed.

Now, it's become a hobby for me and I find myself really enjoying my workouts. If I do find my workout getting frustrating or boring, I change it, simple as that.

Sounds like you might need to rethink what workout you're doing if you hate it that much.

ValerieMomof2

Find something you enjoy! Try different classes at your gym. If you exhaust those and still aren't excited about something, start trying sports or classes in your community. Hula hooping is fun!

This. To stay motivated you have to find what interests you. So try out some classes, join a group that works out together (at gym or a fitness/running/hiking/adventure/whatever you like), find a workout buddy and that will help.
If you told me I had to go to a gym with no classes, I would be the same as you but classes make it more fun, takes the thinking out of it (since I just follow their lead) and watching others motivates me.
Oh and working towards a particular goal like someone else said helps too

gmallan

Find something you love (or enjoy) doing, do a variety of types of exercise so you don't get bored, play a team sport to incorporate a social aspect, have defined and set goals and challanges to work towards (use a reward system if that's what works for you), work out with a friend, make it a non-negotiable part of your routine

My personal motivation is being fit for the sport I play (and love) but that obviously isn't going to work for you. Everything else I do is targeted with that goal in mind and that goal is what gives me the extra something I need to push through a hard set, or to get out of bed early or workout when I don't feel like it.

In the end there are heaps of different strategies for motivation but you need to find out what motivates YOU.

yiffanarff

Some days I find it harder than others. Today was really tough, but luckily a co-worker kicked my butt and told me I shouldn't skip my workout. Once I was there and 10 minutes into it I thought 'I'm so glad I didn't just go home!' If you're having trouble with boredom, have you tried doing some different things. I did a workout on the treadmill yesterday for the first time in ages and I was bored to tears the whole time. HIIT is much more enjoyable for me. Weightlifting is also something I'm hoping to get more into.

Try mixing it up a little and see if you can find something you love (or at least don't hate) doing. There will still be days every now and then when it's difficult to drag your butt to the gym- but in my experience at least, I'm always glad I did. Even when it was the painfully boring treadmill workout!

Gaskirst

Why do you need to go to a gym? Go outside and go for a walk, go for a cycle, climb a hill. Exercise is so much more fun outdoors.
I also find signing up for various events gives me a deadline, accountability and something to work towards. Eg here is Australia I. Have done city to surf, coastrek, Sydney running festival, warrior dash. All required an amount of training which kept me going outside or to the gym if the weather was bad.
All the best.

sarahrbraun

Looking for some motivation here. I generally don't have too much trouble eating less and choosing healthier options. It's getting myself to the gym that's the issue.

I have no clue how people find it in them to work out daily, or even 3 days a week. Every time I go to the gym, I'm bored out of my mind. I watch the clock just counting the minutes until I get to go home. And I find myself thinking, I have to do this 3 times a week, for the rest of my LIFE? JUST to be healthy, and not even particularly ripped?? And it feels so daunting and disheartening.

Maybe it's partly because I haven't gone with enough regularity to get to that point where I look forward to going, and feel like I'm stir crazy with extra energy if I don't. But at this point it just feels like it's just something taking up time, where I could be cleaning, or running errands, or doing laundry or any number of other things.

So, throw some insight my way! How can I make working out out something I WANT to do?

first, I think you have to find your *thing* that works for you. For me, it ended up being weights. For cardio, it is the treadmill. I have the kindle app on my phone so I can read, and I listen to music at the same time too.

second, I think it kind of depends on the vibe at your gym. My gym is the YMCA. The staff is super friendly, and so are the other members. Going in there is like going to hang out with friends. Probably 2x a week I end up in a convo with the trainer that has NOTHING to do with fitness, its pure pleasure.

Loftearmen

When your motivation wanes you have to rely on dedication and determination to get up and go train. When I got home tonight I DID NOT want to train but I did and once I started it wasn't bad at all. The key for me is listening to super loud heavy metal. I also schedule my hardest, longest training sessions on the days that I don't work so during the week I'm not training until midnight.

Jamcnair

Have you ever tried a class? Zumba, pilates, piloxing (so fun!)?? I always work harder and enjoy going when I have an instructor and other people around

shade0343

I think of all the medications I won't have to live on for the next 20+ years. I'va actually gotten to the point where if I don't work out for a few days I start feeling pretty blah. During warmer weather it's a lot easier, I love riding my bike and walking the dog. The cold weather is when it's tough.

curlygirly80

I work out at home with videos and also have a stationary bike with a desk on it so I can play on the computer while I pedal. Time goes by really fast that way. I used to get really bored as well.

This is awesome! I just told my husband I was going to make one for my treadmill!

Vonwarr

Sounds like you aren't doing the right stuff. Personally, I find 30-60 minutes of staring at a wall while I'm walking in place (i.e. your average cardio session) to be mind numbingly boring. I find strength training to be much more enjoyable. Others find classes work well for them.

I also find motivation comes out of seeing results as well. If you incorporate some challenging exercises and see progression, either in your abilities or how you look, it can be exciting and motivating.

AZKristi

It can be hard at first but once I started making progress (getting stronger, getting faster, and building endurance) I actually started to enjoy it.

At some point you just have to make a commitment to yourself...

You can lose weight by eating less, but we all know that exercise is an important part of the equation for overall health. Its not only about longevity but quality of life. Exercise helps with so many physiological processes. Its great for improving moods. It helps you get a great night of sleep. Weight bearing exercise is the best thing you can do to prevent osteoporosis. All these things AND It improves your sex life!

nad3138

try zumba is sooo mood uplifting , fast ,you lose a lot of calories in a short period of exercise and its like dancing around 750 cal per session, you re with others so you comunicate and its less boring . you could also try team sports or any dance class seems less boring and helps you feel better with your body

artickb22

I have this pic as my background on my cell of a beautiful voluptous woman in a bikini. She is curvy yet obviously fit and healthy looking. That is my goal and everytime I feel like not working out I look at that pic and remind myself I'll never achieve my goal if I don't get up and move. It's a constant reminder. I workout everyday too. At least I have consistently since Jan. 1st. I've not missed a single day of exercise with a minimum of 20 mins/300 cals burned each day. I usually do about an hour though. I've learned I have to workout first thing in the am before I have a chance to think about it. I have a treadmill at home which makes it easier cause i dont' have to worry about looking decent ...lol. I also have a calander in my kitchen and each night before bed if I have met my exercise goal and not gone over my caloric goals on MFP I give myself a big black checkmark for the day. Every sunday I write on the calander how many mins of exercise I put in, how many calories I've burned for the week and how many lbs I lost. I have 22 of those checkmarks (23 after tonight) and I'll be dang if I let myself slip now...it's a visual thing. You just have to find the prompts and rewards that work best for you. I also started getting 2 hour full body massages every two weeks so long as I don't miss a day of exercise and don't over eat....major treat!! When I was going to the gym pre-home gym I would take all kinds of classes...water aerobics, zumba, kickboxing ect to keep it exciting. I still do this at home as I have treadmill, stat. bike, and numerous workout DVD's. It's all about finding your own way and motivating factors. Wishing you the best!!

BigGuy47

I think of all the medications I won't have to live on for the next 20+ years.

+1
Given the choice between spending an hour a day exercising or spending a few seconds downing pills, I'll take the exercise.

MouseTmom

I find working out at the gym rather boring too - I did like the weight machines but hated cardio!!
I walk or ride my exercize bike for my cardio and have started doing kettlebells for weights. I think the
secret is to find something you LIKE to do.

JohnnyMac174

I plan trips or events every other month I look forward to getting in shape. I also keep a picture of myself where I started, 60 pounds ago, next to a current picture to remind myself how far I have come. A lot of people use this technique for beach trips but seeing relatives, big parties, whatever works for you.

brandyanne0204

I have not joined a gym but I will be soon and my motivation is for me to become healthy and being able to shop for new clothes. Also my daughter is my biggest motivation and tired of being fat.

bdamaster60

Ask a man who goes to the course and plays gold every saturday how does he stay motivated to go every saturday ... he will tell you it's not motivation that gets him up every saturday to play golf. Because he loves to play golf, that's what gets him up every saturday to play. It's the same with exercise.

watergallagher

Read a book

Book of five rings

Autobiography of a yogi.

Tao of jeet kun do. Start there.

Namaste, to all who may see this.