How on earth do you stay motivated to work out?

I think it's all about finding something that you enjoy doing. I don't have a gym membership (yet) but I do work out at home with Zumba for the wii. I also have done EA Active for the Wii and had fun with that too. I also get really bored doing the same things over and over. I think the key is to find something you like doing and don't be afraid to switch it up if you find yourself unhappy with your workouts. There are about a hundred different workout options out there. Try things out. Look up different videos on youtube. Have fun with it. Also, set a goal. What is one fitness-related thing you want to be able to do in the future? Work toward that. Working out doesn't have to mean hours in the gym. 20 minutes of activity a day has major health benefits. You can do this!

BTW, I know what you mean and where you come from. I was a true couch potato. Once I committed to eating within my calories and eating good quality calories (whole foods, cleaner eating) I found myself with much more energy and was eventually wanting to get up and work out. And as of a couple days ago I found myself motivated enough to start the Couch to 5K program (which is big because previously I "didn't" run and I often got really bored just going out for a walk/run on my own...the structure of the program keeps it entertaining to me) and today I went to my first ever boot camp. It just became part of life.

I have found some things Iike to do, and I work out from home. I have some DVD's and do barre workouts, and I enjoy the workouts.

When your body starts changing trust me you'll be motivated.

This fat ain't just gonna surrender and fall off on its own.

You need to find some exercise that you actually enjoy. A workout partner makes it more fun...

I got into exercise by playing a sport and taking cardio classes. I HATE endless running on a treadmill, I get bored out my mind. But a step/class/spin/kickboxing class? YES Sign me up. I love it!

The challenge of working out with a group, fun instructors, busy mind... love it all!!

I work out so I can eat what I want.

Some people never get to the point where they love to work out. I work out 5-6 days a week and still dislike every single minute. I would always rather be doing something else. Been that way since I started working out consistently five years ago. But my genetics predispose me to obesity. I'm not willing to be fat, sick, and unhappy because I don't like to work out.

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.

Why'd you have to mention homework...the very thing I'm putting off by reading this thread!

I sometimes have to push myself through mental issues that threaten my ability to finish my cardio. One thing that helps with that is to break up my cardio into 2 sets. I do 10-20 mins before doing weights and 15-20 after. I've also considered switching cardio machines, but using the hills program on the elliptical gives me enough variety, at least for now. I enjoy thinking about how hard I'm working and my form. Yes, I even imagine that those around me are impressed by my fervor :-)

Experiencing the results makes me more excited to work out. In the crazy cold temps we're having in MN right now, sprinting between my car and stores showed vast improvement.

Since shifting my calorie goal from 1 to 1.5 lbs/week, I'm more motivated to work out so I can eat more, but that doesn't make it more fun.

Really, you need to find a way to make something at the gym fun...even being on a machine behind a guy with a nice backside. I listen to music I don't normally get to hear very often via pandora on my phone. I've listened to (homework) books on Librivox. Even when I listen to music, I watch the captions on the TVs. Watching TV alone didn't work for me no matter how much I like the show, but it might work for you.

I forgot to mention that it helps me to remember that I can do anything for 1 minute more when I get bored and tempted to stop. Also, watching my calories burned and distance traveled helps motivate me and push me to work harder. I set goals for how many calories I want to burn, based on what I've burned before.

When I first joined the Gym, I just went to the weights and aerobic stations.....but with time I started joining the Group Fitness....it is so much better, because I know I am friends with everyone there, you feel guilty when you don't show up, the music is great, the dance moves, or strenuous weight lifting is more than I could ever inspire myself. I try to hit 2 areobic and 2 bodypump classes a week. If not, I step outside my door and walk for 2 hours.

I have always used my iPod at the gym, on the cardio stations I put on some music that is fast enough to make me work harder... knowing I have to work through "x" amount of music helps get through the cardio at the start and end of my gym session. When I am on the resistance machines, thats more leisurely, so I just have any music playing.
My turning point came when I started an aqua aerobics class. Suddenly there were people in the same situation as me, (overweight, and looking to lose) friendly people who laughed and giggled through the class because they couldnt keep in time with the instructor. Even when I am not in that class, I still see the people around the gym, and its a friendlier place to be.
My latest venture is small-group training sessions 5 of us to one personal trainer, 2x a week. Now that also helps as we are getting to know all the personal trainers there, each time we go, we have a different set of exercises to do, and we are again getting to know other people.... and push/encourage each other to work hard.
Since starting at this gym last year, my motivation went right up, mainly because of the classes/group training.

I agree with the others in that it gives me more calories to eat because I love food

One thing I've started since new year is that I've done like on Seinfield and make a big red cross on every day I exercise on my calendar so I can say "Well, this month I've worked out 15 out of 20 days so far". I love putting the red cross there!

I also find exercises I enjoy and challenges that keep me motivated. I love getting up early in the morning to take the dog for a long walk - Not too strenuous and really relaxing. On the other hand I like to try and do a Jillian Michaels workout every other day.

Good luck

I plan my days meals the night before, so sometimes my motivation is as simple as - If I skip the gym today I'll have to change my daily plan from 2300 to 1800.....that usually gets me up and moving around.

I keep motivated by trying on clothes that I like but they no longer fit !!!!!

Basil

1. Find something you like that you are not bored doing.
2. Make yourself do it at least 3 times a week.

After awhile, you will begin to want to do it, and you won't feel right if you start skipping too many days, you will feel the difference in your body and energy and mood.

I know you have gotten all kinds of suggestions but I would tell you that you have to find something that is so much fun that you don't realize you're working out. The other part of it is a mindset. I like to call it 'Beast mode'. When you are in beast mode, nothing will come between you and your workout, especially when you start to see the results of your workouts. (i.e. clothing fitting differently, a compliment from someone, or just doing a normal activity and seeing muscle in places you've never seen before.)

Just food for thought.

For me it is something I've done it for so long that I feel "bad" when I don't do it. Once you feel the change, you like it. However, I agree it isn't the most exciting thing to do. You might need to partner up with someone whom can keep you going, and to have fun with at gym.Maybe someone you like to talk to whom you don't get to see often enough. Personally, I see the gym as a place to go to not only work out, but to be around a variety of people...prefer the female types. I don't spend an inordinate amount of time talking, but like to say hi, and have a few chats with people, whom otherwise I wouldn't know (just moved into area). Another suggestion might be to check into classes...yoga, zumba, etc. that are also great for you, and might help offset some of the more boring routines.

Bottom line, it is good for you, and you'll be glad you did it in years to come !