How can I motivate myself to go to the gym?

This doesn't make it more fun, but when I feel motivation dragging, I make a deal with myself. If I don't go to the gym, I donate $50 to an organization I despise. You could even write the check and put it in an envelope and give it to a friend to send if you don't uphold your end of the bargain.

NOM has yet to get my $50

Hey. I am one of the old people at the gym.

Actually, you are in fact making excuses. If it's important to you, you'll do it, whether or not you find it to be "boring". Find exercises you enjoy doing. Does your gym offer classes? Spin class, zumba, kick boxing, etc. That way you're doing a variety of different things, so you don't get bored, and there are lots of other people doing it so you're not alone. But, like it or not, there's nothing we can say that will instantly motivate you, you have to want it for yourself.

This! And I am also one of the old people at the gym. Either its important enough for you to go or not. I absolutely hate strength training even though its very important so I do boxing classes at the gym instead. Bring your favorite music and when I'm on cardio equipment I often will read my nook. BUT I put my nook so that I can keep track of my heart rate/ speed so that I'm not sacrificing quality workout while getting engrossed in my book.

You know what motivates me to go to the gym? Looking in the mirror. Truly.

Workout at home then. its simple, you can do just as good at home than you would working out in a gym. if you aint got no equipment workout using your body. Google home workouts without equipment :smokin: SIMPLE! :drinker:

You can always join a gym with people your own age. Look at their class schedule. Try boot camp, kickboxing, zumba, etc.
Keep track of your workouts and compete against yourself. Think of all the hunky guys/girls.

Best motivation for going to the gym. Do a plank with your shirt off and look down.

The first step is going.. i was never motivated but took baby steps and my ipod.. once the weight starts coming off and you notice the difference that will help motivate you.. Nowadays I have to make myself NOT go to the gym and give my body a break.

Also see if they have someone who can help you with learn how to use the weights or machine right.. Once you get comfortable going it will be a breeze...

Just go. I know that sounds harsh, but hear me out.

Not long ago at all, I also hated the gym -- I don't love it yet, and I have a LOT of mental hurdles to get over in the weight-lifting section, but I made a deal with myself. I would just make my goal to get up and go to the building. Anything that happened there was gravy.

That way, even if it was a bit of a weak workout, I still felt good about myself, because I went. Mentally, it just worked for me. If I went three times a week, I was pleased as punch, even if I just walked on the treadmill.

Slowly, I starting making ever-so-slightly ambitious goals. Like to get over my fear of having others assess my physical fitness. At my gym there's a free assessment, so one day I went, and just asked them to show me the machines, assess my form and tell me my appropriate lifting weight for each. Then they offered to measure me and weigh me. I was nervous, but I let them. Now that little card is a big motivator! I want to fill it up and have to ask for a second one (to record more cardio in). I want to keep tracking my measurements and watch the numbers shrink.

These days, my goals are to stretch out the duration and intensity of my cardio, and finally get to the point with the weight machines where the amount I lift increases.

In the new year I may spend my Christmas cash on a personal trainer .

Also, things that REALLY helped me focus and enjoy my time more:

1) A great playlist. I can't stress this enough! Try the Songza app for some inspiration.
2) Podcasts. Sometimes I find it all engrossing to listen to stories like The Vinyl Cafe or This American Life while I run. By the time the broadcast is finished, I've run far faster and farther than I would have otherwise.

If I only had an FM receiver for my iPhone, I could get audio for the TVs, too.... I think running through some dramatic, distracting hour long show (even something like Dr. Phil) could keep my mind off my desire to leave the machines .

Edited to add: You could also try swimming instead. Great cardio, and a nice warm pool for the winter!

1) Find a different activity that you enjoy. You don't have to go to the gym for exercise.
or
2) Make it a habit, like brushing your teeth. Brushing teeth isn't exactly fun, but you do it, right? (I hope you do!)

#2 is what I'm working on now. To get there, I pledge to get my gym clothing all rolled up and stacked so that all I have to do is pick up the roll and go. I'm aiming for first thing in the morning. It's such a relief to get that chore out of the way and done with.

I really couldn't tell you much about the people at my gym because I'm pretty much in my own world when I get there. I'm not there for them; I'm there for me.

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Exercise does not HAVE to be done in a gym. If it is the gym that is the problem then buy an exercise video, invite your friend over and y'all exercise in your room.

If you decide the gym is your best option to prepare for track then thick of me when you don't want to go. I would LOVE to go to the gym but I can't afford it. We have an awesome gym that I have taken my son to for baseball lessons (the owner is an MLB player). Or you could give me your membership!! Please!!

At first you just suck it up and do it because you know its good for you. At least I did. Eventually I really started to enjoy it. Now, I watch what other people do and when I see someone do something that looks like it would be a challenge for me, I tell myself that I want to keep coming until I can do what that other person did. Just keep chasing goals and setting new ones. The achievements and the progress I've made are what make it fun!

This has helped me in all aspects of my eating and working out but I am taking a Burlesque class and at the end of each 6 week class there is a performance! The thought of being on stage half naked is very motivating!! I lost like 13 or so pounds the first 6 week class I took and am hoping to get as low as possible for my next performance!
I also make myself go immediately when I wake up or right after work/barn. No sitting down or relaxing first, get it done and out of the way. Music/TV helps.

My biggest motivation is thinking about the feeling afterwards. To get up and get myself going is awful. But think of it this way...will you ever regret GOING? NO. not ONce. ever. but you will (and do) regret NOT going.

That being said. The gym sucks. the machines scare me and I don't know what I'm doing. So I'm doing Insanity from beach body at home. Maybe one day. But until then, Insanity is working wonders.

i get some really good pump up music going...only way....I like going by myself , I get in my own zone and think about stuff, good music is key though...and treat myself to some new gym clothes once in a while :happy: I just love how I feel after I am done