How do you get motivated?

I almost never can do a workout after work. it just doesn't work for me unless I have a really fun class or great friend waiting for me. For now I get myself up early to the gym before work because if I wait I know I will get too tired or things are more likely to come up. I have been able to keep that schedule for months now.

I find it too hard to go after work (I'm tired, I have plans, the gym is full, I'm hungry) so I make myself go in the morning. I don't go every day (I do rehab) but try to go 3-4 times per week, 3 of which are before work. It does mean having to get up at 5.15 and be out the door in time for 5.30 at the gym, so that I have time to do my whole plan before I need to return home, but on the days that I plan on working out, I just get up and do it.

It's incredibly difficult some days, and often I want to just go back to sleep. But I always tell myself that it'd just be one more hour of sleep - I can get that any time, and it's ok to be tired (everyone at my job is anyway!) but if I don't do my rehab now, then I won't do it at all today and that's not an option.

It does help that I feel a lot better now, and that I know the rehab works in strengthening my back and shoulders = no pain. I know also that if I stop (for too long) that pain will return, and it will be horrible. That if anything keeps me motivated.

But, I would suggest, if you are able to (opening hours etc), go in the morning. Even if you only get half of your planed for exercise done, it's better than nothing. And, there are plenty of mornings when I go "ok, I'll just do one set of each exercise" and then, before I know it, I'm on the third and last set and feeling fantastic.

Also keeping some kind of diary or using your calendar (physical one, not on your phone unless that would work for you) with visible markers when you've done an exercise can be motivating. I use a regular calendar, and use blue coloured dots on the days that I do my rehab -- it's quite motivating, as I want to fill it with the blue dots. And I hate seeing a week with only one or two of them in. If you don't have a calendar, you could just use a piece of paper and do a quick "month" on it, and put stickers (like stars, which I use in my exercise journal) on the days you've gone to the gym. (And have a goal of how many times you're going to go per month!)

Best of luck!

My motivation fluctuates, but when I was doing GREAT, I had a goal and a deadline I was working for. My motivation flopped once I got to my goal. My family and I planned a trip to Branson, MO and my goal was to be able to ride a roller coaster again (as I've been too embarrassed ever since I got kicked off of the Screaming Eagle years ago at Six Flags St. Louis for not fitting!) I wanted to go to Silver Dollar City and I lost 65 lbs from Feb 2, 2015 to Jun 20, 2015 (roughly 4 months). I wanted to have a good time and be able to join my family. We are planning a trip to Disney World in 2017, but because my trip is so far off, I've lost some motivation....I guess I work better under pressure. I was seeing my doctor once a month as well so I was being held accountable. My advice is to set an attainable goal reward for yourself and a deadline. Hope this helps!

You have to want it bad enough. For me, I had to stop making excuses for myself and had to stop lying to myself that I looked "fine" or "good enough". I didn't want fine or good enough. I wanted (and still want) to feel the best I can in my own skin. It's a work in progress for me always! But getting into the habit is the best thing. Even if you don't want to workout, do it anyway. Eventually it will become as natural as taking a shower; you have to do it! Anyone feel free to add me. I'm very active here on MFP since 2009.

Habit, and also finding a way to enjoy it. Try various equipment, classes etc, until you find something you enjoy, or at least don't mind. Maybe Zumba where you can build friendships in the class, maybe an outdoor running group....

Do you actually enjoy the gym if you go - if not, try and find some exercise that you do enjoy and will be more likely to do, eg a dance class. My gym does several classes and when I've struggled with motivation to go I've gone to classes as it makes me get to the gym for a certain time, and I have to keep working for the length of the class.

I see two separate but unison things. Losing the weight and getting fit. Losing weight doesn't mean I have to exercise (just consume less calories) Getting fit doesn't mean I have to eat less (just do strength & cardio training) However, I'm sure for a happier body I should do a bit of both. I'm not looking to be a super model, nor a biathlon contestant. I'm seeking "wellness" that wellness has different meanings and goals for each of us. At age 54+ I'm pretty happy with myself. I don't mind "squishy parts" I just want to look smooth in my clothes, err (new clothes size)
That to me keeps me motivated....pretty simple, yet so am I.

I just think about what I could look like, NO! What I will look like!