how do you guys stay motivated

stacezilla

When you aren't seeing the progress you would like?

33Chief

It happens to all of us. Sometimes you just plataeu a little. Other times you just have to ensure you are making honest, good choices. When I hit a lull in progress I step my workouts up a bit and that normally helps. Keep strong!

Honeybea86

Its hard but knowing that even if my body isnt making the physical change just yet it is getting stronger and faster. My accomplishments in the gym and during my runs show me I am on the right track. Sometimes you can't measure your success by the way you look or what the scale shows you but how much you have improved physically

cahair72

I haven't been seeing much of any process lately. However, I am staying motivated because I feel better. Of course I got a boost of motivation when my 2 year old saw an advertisement for Dr. Oz with a 700lb woman and said "that's Mommy"....I do not weigh anywhere near that nor have I. I worked out a little harder that day.

MizTerry

Like carrying a torch, every day is an effort.

stacezilla

I've only lost 5-6 lbs since January and I want to lose 16 more. My measurements don't seem to be moving but I can go longer and at a higher level than I could before with cardio. Also I went up on some weighted leg work but other than that nothing. It just doesn't seem worth it sometimes.

BurtHuttz

I look at the progress that I've made. Take before shots, take measurements, and then look at the bigger picture. Even if your weight goes down, do you really think you would've been better off eating that office face cake for Tina's birthday? She's always spreading gossip anyway. SCREW YOU TINA I LIVE MY OWN LIFE!

matt2442

just thinking of how good i feel after a workout, the confidence boost you get from being healthy, how much easier things are to do than for some other people. if you arent seeing results, change it up. You may be at a plateau.

WarningBell

I look at the progress that I've made. Take before shots, take measurements, and then look at the bigger picture. Even if your weight goes down, do you really think you would've been better off eating that office face cake for Tina's birthday? She's always spreading gossip anyway. SCREW YOU TINA I LIVE MY OWN LIFE!

Seriously lol'ed.. all I could think of was "DAMNIT, PATRICE!"

dinoskycm

I would keep a journal of your workouts and how you felt after each workout. That has helped me out a bunch. I started writing down exactly what I did and if i felt like it was hard or easy, and I'll go back and read those entries from like two months ago and compare them to what I can do now. The change may not reflect on the scale, but it reflects in your body and how you feel, and that's always been the most important part for me. Plus, journaling gives you a written document of your progress that you'll always have to look back on.

triciab79

Everyday I get on here and I look at my before pics. I don't want to go back so I choose to stay on track.

jofjltncb6

I've only lost 5-6 lbs since January and I want to lose 16 more. My measurements don't seem to be moving but I can go longer and at a higher level than I could before with cardio. Also I went up on some weighted leg work but other than that nothing. It just doesn't seem worth it sometimes.

It's February...the month immediately after January. You've lost 5-6 pounds in not even two months. Keep doing what you're doing and you'll be at your GW in a few months.

Weebs628

I hold on to every piece of evidence that shows me what I'm doing is working. Pictures, clothes fitting better, lifting more, running faster/longer, etc.

stacezilla

I've only lost 5-6 lbs since January and I want to lose 16 more. My measurements don't seem to be moving but I can go longer and at a higher level than I could before with cardio. Also I went up on some weighted leg work but other than that nothing. It just doesn't seem worth it sometimes.

It's February...the month immediately after January. You've lost 5-6 pounds in not even two months. Keep doing what you're doing and you'll be at your GW in a few months.

Lol when you put it that way...

I guess the reason I feel like that is because I haven't really moved since Feb 1

Bownzi

The older I get the more motivated I get....and this site helps a lot... I also work with someone who keeps me going...

MiloBloom83

I've only lost 5-6 lbs since January and I want to lose 16 more. My measurements don't seem to be moving but I can go longer and at a higher level than I could before with cardio. Also I went up on some weighted leg work but other than that nothing. It just doesn't seem worth it sometimes.

I hope you are eating enough. Eat back those exercise calories, especially if you are stalled. I'm guessing you are at 1200? Reset to lose a 1/2 pound a week, and be prepared to stay at this for a while. And eat.

jofjltncb6

I've only lost 5-6 lbs since January and I want to lose 16 more. My measurements don't seem to be moving but I can go longer and at a higher level than I could before with cardio. Also I went up on some weighted leg work but other than that nothing. It just doesn't seem worth it sometimes.

It's February...the month immediately after January. You've lost 5-6 pounds in not even two months. Keep doing what you're doing and you'll be at your GW in a few months.

Lol when you put it that way...

I guess the reason I feel like that is because I haven't really moved since Feb 1

Ah, so it's like a mini-plateau. Yeah, that happens...to everyone...at all stages of the process. Best advice I can give is during those times, A) if you're confident that your program is legit, keep at it...(or tweak some *minor* things mostly just to change it up for the illusion that it will make a difference. You're just buying time for your progress to resume). Or if you're not confident in your approach, like, for example, you think you may be at too high of a deficit, take this opportunity to improve your program.

ETA: This is all IMHO, of course. Not everyone is wired the same way, so not everyone will take the same approach to these little bumps in the road.

Crochetluvr

I just remember that this is for LIFE....and that's how long I will be doing it. So if I have some not-so-good days, that's ok because life has its ups and downs. As long as the downs are fewer than the ups, you are ok. My weight loss has slowed considerably the closer I get to my goal....which I expected. But I will get there....no hurry.

stacezilla

I've only lost 5-6 lbs since January and I want to lose 16 more. My measurements don't seem to be moving but I can go longer and at a higher level than I could before with cardio. Also I went up on some weighted leg work but other than that nothing. It just doesn't seem worth it sometimes.

I hope you are eating enough. Eat back those exercise calories, especially if you are stalled. I'm guessing you are at 1200? Reset to lose a 1/2 pound a week, and be prepared to stay at this for a while. And eat.

I aim for between 1450 and 1600

stacezilla

All helpful advice. Thanks all.

NYCNika

I'm having same issue - scale went back 2-3 lb and not moving over a week. I keep at it. At least I know I an getting fitter.
I motivate myself watching documentaries on obesity when I'm running on a treadmill.

stacezilla

Really though working out seems like such a chore sometimes. Even though I still do it, I get home from work and then school and I'm like fuuuuuuuuuuuu I just want to sleep. People who feel good after working out are crazy.

But yeah, that's why I don't update my diary usually. Too many entries I have to make, so little time. Usually just write it down on a piece of paper.

CharityGC

I like to make workout goals. My most recent one was to complete my daily three miles in under 40 minutes, which I finally did today. It's something tangible that I can work on and it really helps me to stay motivated.

stacezilla

The face I make when I realize I still have to go to the gym:

stacezilla

I like to make workout goals. My most recent one was to complete my daily three miles in under 40 minutes, which I finally did today. It's something tangible that I can work on and it really helps me to stay motivated.

Oh this is good! I like this! I kind of do this sub consciously.
Congrats

nandi5

I'm having same issue - scale went back 2-3 lb and not moving over a week. I keep at it. At least I know I an getting fitter.
I motivate myself watching documentaries on obesity when I'm running on a treadmill.

Me too! that and if I don't want to exercise I google how morbidly obese people clean themselves and I get scared and go run. works like a charm.

Dslayer121

All I have to do is get out the old photos of when "muscle weighs more than fat" days. I am NOT going back there! That's motivation enough for me.

Hearts_2015

When you aren't seeing the progress you would like?

I find myself clicking on the "Success Stories" section. I know if others can do it, if I keep pushing myself, making healthy choices, stick to working out, I too will continue to be successful.

Some days, some weeks are harder than others so looking at others as examples can really be helpful also if you've been successful in the past focus on that instead of how far you need to go.

You'll get there! Stay focused, don't give up and pull that drive from within - that's where the motivation for each of us truly lies.

Hearts

dangerousdumpling

I remember what has happened in the past when I've quit.

sum1serin

I'm having same issue - scale went back 2-3 lb and not moving over a week. I keep at it. At least I know I an getting fitter.
I motivate myself watching documentaries on obesity when I'm running on a treadmill.

Me too! that and if I don't want to exercise I google how morbidly obese people clean themselves and I get scared and go run. works like a charm.

Wow....just wow.