Rewards to Motivate?

Have a cheat day every time you lose 5 lbs.

I usually go get a new workout dvd since I workout at home ........or a manicure/pedi............or a new cookbook

New song for the iPod, especially if you use it for your workouts. New nail polish, massage, new yoga mat/exercise equipment, new book, kitchen gadget are some other ideas.

I don't reward every 5 lbs. But when I reach my goal I'm going to buy a fancy new dressage saddle for my horse and me. At 100 lbs I'm going to buy a new bike.

I like the idea of throwing some money in a jar for every workout. Maybe you could do that for every 2 lbs or something or every 5 lbs depending on your goals.

The only reward that I decided to give myself (so far) is to get a new smoker when I get to 110 lost.

THAT is a great idea! Gonna go dig out my old piggy bank now.....

Get my hair colored, a pedicure or new clothes - since the old ones don't fit anymore... (Ok maybe not every reached -5 pound goal - but every 10 for sure!)

Two things: I use the PACT app to track my workouts and receive monetary rewards each week for working out as I've pledged. I also set specific goals, not all of them weight related, and I give myself rewards for each attained. Some are rewards in and of themselves, like "Goal: I want to fit into the pants that make me feel like a cow. Reward: I look awesome in a pair of pants I couldn't wear!"
Rewards: Spa treatments, mani/pedi, overnight stay somewhere nearby from a groupon deal, new shoes, new workout wear/gear, etc.

I've been feeling as though the weight loss itself is my reward, as I am trying to get in shape for my upcoming wedding and in pursuit of finally having a better handle on my health. My first two weeks of dieting I felt I needed to have a reward, a piece of candy, a cookie, etc, but I soon grew out of that once I lost the mindset and realized I didn't need those rewards to succeed. My "Fat Brain" died away pretty quickly for me. Though much to my fiance chagrin, I replaced it with "Overly Obsessed Skinny Brain."

I can't go one meal without pointing out the calorie crunch.

Also getting a step counter, along with my weight loss, has given me daily rewards to seek. 7500 steps a day, 1 lb lost a week (used to be 2 lb when I had more to lose), and staying below my calorie deficit gives me more than enough reward to keep me motivated.

So I'd suggest in the early goings, give yourself false promises of goodies to come, and after slowly depriving yourself, you'll realize you never needed them after all. You may hate yourself for it now, but the new you will be thankful.

Nope, I didn't have wt related rewards at all, just a desire for a lifelong change which would make me feel better.

The outcome is reward enough for me. I just returned from latest mountain walking hol (hobby of 18yrs) able to ascend to summit faster and descend without knee pain and do that day in day out and do up to 80 miles in a week, THAT means more than any pair of jeans to me but it's horses for courses really..

Throw $1 in a jar every time you work out. Once you get to 100 workouts you have a little stash to go buy new clothes

I really like this idea! Since this is the part I really struggle with, making time for myself to exercise. Could be the swift kick in the *kitten* I need.

Thanks!!!

I really like this idea as well. Once I get a steady income I will put it in as part of my routine. In the meantime, just the endorphins from the workout are my reward. And the change in shape of my body I have some inspirational quotes on pinterest for working out - my favorite is "'I regret that workout'" - said no one, ever" bc it helps me to just start the workout (the hardest part for me).

I like to get a new fitness app (like runtastic apps) or a fitness item like my Aria scale or new running shoes. My most recent addition is a heart rate monitor to help me train better for running. My thinking is that these items also help with future fitness and weight loss.

Good Idea! I have been really wanting a Fitbit!

My Aria scales I can live without but my Fitbit is now a part of my body and vital to the maintenance I've managed for over a year. It's a massive motivator to be more active on a regular basis as opposed to thrashing in the gym 3x wk then sitting down for the rest of it. That's just my take but it works for me.