How do you get motivated to work out?

How do you get motivated to exercise? And what do you suggest a beginner who hates exercising and is really out of shape should start with?

I started with exercise DVDs at home first and just going for walks anything helps just keep moving!!! also Jillian Michaels makes u move!!!

Look at people who do, trust me, you'll be motivated! Also, plan what you need to do to make that happen (not just what the workout will be, but where, when, what you'll wear, do you have to take things to work? do you have to get up early? Also, do something you like.

Noxipro and jack3d...

I agree with ctpeace, look at family/friends/gym mates and see how good they look. It really does motivate you. I also recommend that you load up some fast music to a device, make yourself a 30-45 minute playlist of your favorite crank up the radio songs, that way once you are there you are not bored or distracted looking at time...etc..

I personally do the gym nearly everyday, that IS NOT for everyone, and I am by no means thin. I started at nearly 250 pounds and am down to 208..I simply go and work hard for 30 minutes..more if I can.

Do what feels good, but don't over do it in the first weeks, if you get sore muscles your more likely to take a day here and there off and pretty soon you will just stop going. Not talking in general but from personal experience.

Remember every little bit helps. Start a little at a time. Plan it and then don't think about it just do it. I don't really think about exercise anymore I just get dressed and go because it is what I do on that day at that time. it is Just like I would do for anything else important in my life. The more I think the more excuses I can come up with. Then I have found classes to be fun.

Having a program or a plan with a deadline, and before you even begin: committing to complete it ON schedule. I did this with 30 Day Shred and then the habit was formed. Just like having coffee in the morning, brushing your teeth, or clicking your seatbelt, once the habit is formed, something will "feel off" if you don't do it. Also, I'm in an accountability group that helps TONS!

FUN, VARIETY, plain old TRICKERY!

When I first started exercising, I only did what was fun. That worked really well, too. I took up horseback riding, and would go swimming in this nice lake near by. In the winter there was ice skating and a bit of skiing. I didn't like to get all sweaty- so swimming was my favorite thing to do.

Then variety was the key. I tried lots and lots of things (ballet dvds, kettlebells, swimming, yoga) anything that involved moving that looked like it something I could get into.

Now I'm a bit fitter and realize that I need to be doing about 45 mins of cardio per session (which is a long time when you really want to be doing something else) so I trick myself!

My best trick is to watch a suspenseful tv show episode while I'm on the elliptical. I don't let myself watch any episodes while not exercising, so it motivates me to go do it (so I can watch the next one) and makes spending time at the gym go by much faster.

Good luck!

Helps that it always puts me in a good mood after and sometimes during. I enjoy the extra energy too. If I end the workout feeling absolutely wiped out I dial it back some the next time. I want to feel good when I finish, not exhausted.

You really should find a team sport or something you enjoy to make it easier. If it is always a chore, you wont enjoy yourself and motivation will be difficult. Why not supplement regular gym workouts with a volleyball or kickball league?

I was not motivated until I found something I actually liked. I hate running. I will always hate running. I did C25K and lost the progress almost immediately after. And I hated having to restart.

But now that I've found kickboxing, I actually love working out because I legitimately DO have fun now!

For me I think about beating the boys... It's such an adrenaline rush when they look at you like you're competition. Then you beat them! I also had to find something I really liked. For me it was Turbo Fire and the HIITs. They are amazing! I find myself singing the songs and mentally doing the moves throughout the day. Super Fun!

Music is a good start, can you get a walking buddy or gym buddy? Doing exercise with another person is always motivating and keeps you accountable.

I have a personal trainer so even when I don't want to I do because I've made the commitment to do it so I gotta do it, I don't usually want them to think I'm a piker. So like this morning, I was having the BEST sleep I've had all week but I still got up at 5:30 & went.

My motivation is that I need the exercise as well as the good food to get to my goals, for me just eating ok doesn't help me.

Baby steps, once you really get into it you may find that you really enjoy it!

When I first started, I would work out using the Wii Fit Plus program. It was fun, and I did it for a while. However, I didn't stick with it everyday. Only on the days that I "felt like it". It helped. Since I did lose weight regardless of working out or not. However, I wanted to tone as well as lose weight. I heard about the 30 day shred, and I even liked the results that people were getting. I found the video on youtube (which helped me start it). Before I started, I found a calendar that would help me keep track of what day I was on in completing 30 day shred. I told my husband to keep me accountable (but of course, he wasn't that big of help). The biggest motivator is that I started a private facebook page, and added some other friends that I knew was trying to lose weight as well. I told them that I was going to log every day when I completed my 30 day shred for the day. I have been doing that for 15 days now. It has worked extremely well. Even on the day I was sick, when I hit a moment when I felt a little better during the day, I did the majority of the workout. I counted that as a day (I didn't finish the 3rd circuit- I got to drained and sick by that point). Then this past weekend, I was completely not motivated. If it wasn't for that page and letting everyone know what I was going to do, I would've never did the 30 day shred. Try different things, but I find it easier if you have people that you know personally to help keep you accountable...

How do you get motivated to exercise? And what do you suggest a beginner who hates exercising and is really out of shape should start with?

I'm going to tell you the same thing I tell everyone else. I don't get motivated to exercise. I set my alarm clock, get up, and go. Motivation never enters the equation. Just get up and go.

When I started last year I was on the fast track to being 300 pounds. I started lifting and walking and added more intense exercise when I was ready. There's hundreds of things an out of shape person can do to get in shape. Pick what appeals to you.

Good luck

I am motivated to work out because I enjoy the process. I look forward to the gym. I hate rest days.


I would suggest setting multiple metrics for both fitness and body composition. Progress can be motivating and the more means you have to show progress the better, IMO.

this.

I struggle with back issues, and I have gotten to the point where I am sad if i CANNOT work out.