Exercise Motivation

andie2013
andie2013 Posts: 101
in Motivation and Support
I don't know what to do, I have a hard time getting myself motivated to go the gym and excercise.

Not so much that I don't want to do the excercise -once I'm at the gym I can get a good workout in- I just can't get my butt to leave the house.

I'm new in town and so I don't have that 'buddy' to call me and tell me to come.

What has been getting me to the gym is the fact that I have a personal trainer and so my motivation there is that I go right after work (no stopping by the house) and I will lose the money I paid for that session.

The gym is 10 mins away from home and so I got no real excuses.

Any Tips on how to get motivated? What you guys and gals do?

Replies

  • jaybird60
    jaybird60 Posts: 1 Member
    I keep a note in several places that says "the body isn't lazy, the mind is" That reminds me to throw out the negative thoughts and just do it. We tend to think negatively first--but how many times have you ever regretted going and exercising? I also remind myself
    that I hate that negative voice in my head that tells me "you should've gone--you have no excuse".

    New town--new start-new chances. Yeah--you have that buddy--You! Who better than you!
  • KateL1969
    KateL1969 Posts: 98 Member
    Psychology place a huge part in motivating yourself to meet your goals.

    I write down weight and fitness goals, stick it up in my bedroom and read them twice a day to remind myself that exercising is my chosen priority. No-one is forcing me to do it but I choose to and I want to. I write my goals in present tense with a date, imagine myself standing in front of the mirror when I reach that goal, and think about how I will feel when I see my reflection. Research shows that if you do this visualisation twice a day it will help you keep it a priority. We base alot of our choices on feelings created out of past experiences, but we can create feelings about chosen future experiences and this can be really positive.

    Also be aware that you mind likes to freeflow - it is what makes you act like you automatically and easily - which means that it does not like change. You have to over-ride this when you change your lifestyle. Every time you exercise, turn down unhealthy food, eat a healthy meal tell yourself "This is what I do" This will help your mind to create a new you and freeflow will incorporate healthy food, exercise. I now run every morning and I tell myself this is what I do.

    If you want to see my goals to help you write your own, friend me.

    "Change the way you think and you change the way you run your life"

    Kate
  • FITnFIRM4LIFE
    FITnFIRM4LIFE Posts: 818 Member
    I agree, with others, set goals! and once you start you always feel better, it just getting there:-) Good luck! Just do it;-)

    “First you fuel the desire, and then the desire fuels you.”
  • Christi6604
    Christi6604 Posts: 247 Member
    Two things have worked for me:

    1 - it's non-negotiable. It's not something I have to have motivation to do - I just do it. Like brushing my teeth or showering. It's just daily maintenance. I don't let myself have the record in my head "explaining" why it's "okay" to skip or whatever..I ignore that until it goes away....eventually, it doesn't even pop into your head anymore.

    2 - I change to a different exercise if I'm not feeling one. Walking, biking, elliptical, swimming, running. Just do SOMETHING.

    Good luck!
  • princessachristina
    princessachristina Posts: 45 Member
    I do my exercise routine at home and it just becomes part of fitting it into my daily routine before I leave the house. Once I get started I have no regrets!
    Good luck!
  • Loulady
    Loulady Posts: 511 Member
    I agree with scheduling it. It's just something you do, no matter what. How often do you wake up in the morning and just don't feel like going to work? You still go, right?


    Also - youtube some nike commercials.:wink:
  • B_Running
    B_Running Posts: 158
    For me, I need to continuously update what I use for motivation. One day it might be looking at pictures of how I use to look (and getting disgusted with myself). Another day it might be listening to music that makes me either want to run or lift heavy weights. Or sometimes it might be going out and buying a new pair of running shorts or some other piece of clothing for working out.

    One thing that really helps (but seems somewhat out of my control) is using an upcoming event as motivation, i.e. a wedding, a vacation, a party, some sort of out-of-the-ordinary social gathering. Those usually work quite well as I want to look and feel my absolute best.

    Hope this helps : )
  • garlic7girl
    garlic7girl Posts: 2,236 Member
    Finding a fun fitness class helps too! One motivation for me was spin class because the music was awesome!!!!!
  • Muscles_Curves
    Muscles_Curves Posts: 385 Member
    I pay myself $1 for everyday that I workout. I use that money to reward myself on day 50 or 100.
    I also have 2 big days coming up.... my 31st birthday and the Marine Corps Ball. I use those days as motivation to get off the couch
  • jcomley1
    jcomley1 Posts: 133
    It really is quite simple.

    I
    Just
    Do
    It.

    :happy:

    Besides, "Damn I wish I hadnt work out today" is a sentence said by no one ...... ever.
  • andie2013
    andie2013 Posts: 101
    Thanks for the tips.

    I really need to get serious and make myself go... because as someone posted earlier, I hate thinking "I should've gone to the gym today" because, let me be honest...It's not like I was doing anything productive instead. :-/
  • Dawnea64
    Dawnea64 Posts: 7
    You say your new in town, what other way to meet people at the gym. They aready have a intrest like you to get in shape and there is the place to get a workout buddy. Use that as a goal, I might find a friend and work out at the same time. There you go this is a win/win situation. If you lived in Las Vegas I would join you lol, have fun and music is a good motivator find something you feel the beat and want to get dancing too. Mine is Footloose, Eye of the Tiger, and sound track of Flash Dance and many more.

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