How Do you keep motivated?

Options
kirstengeffen
kirstengeffen Posts: 103 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Lately I've found myself to be lacking drive and motivation.
I used to be so good... up early, excited to hit the day head on, I looked forward to my time running and gyming, it wasn't a question of whether I wanted to go or not... It was just part of my routine!!

I need to get that spark back!

How do you guys keep yourselves motivated?

Replies

  • 19Remco80
    19Remco80 Posts: 51 Member
    Options
    I always get a good feeling when I work out. Also the awareness of a better foodschedule works for me. The ultimate reward is the result on your scale ;-). What about you?
  • zira91
    zira91 Posts: 670 Member
    Options
    My photo from when i just started my journey to losing weight and the photo after ive lost 35lbs with 24 lbs to go.. it makes me feel motivated because its already this far, i dont want to have to start all over again..

    and doing exercise that i really enjoy. It makes me look forward to every session.

    Rather than overthinking, just go out and head for my session and just do it. Focus more on how great you feel after every workout (everyone is a warrior after a great workout! all the sweats and red face..lol.)

  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,179 Member
    Options
    Maybe it is time to find a new routine? Try something different? A class at the gym, a new sport, join a pool, learn to dance, try yoga?
  • DeadsAndDoritos
    DeadsAndDoritos Posts: 267 Member
    Options
    I changed my focus with exercise. I don't exercise specifically for weight loss or aesthetics. I have exercise goals, like being able to do X amount of push ups or deadlift Xkg. I set goals that are challenging for me and I get a sense of achievement as I get closer to them. I stay away from mirrors in the gym for the most part and try not to concern myself with what other people are doing. I log my workouts in a journal so I can compare and see that I am improving.

    I used to go to the gym and focus on my reflection and how much I hated it and wanted it to change while doing exercise I didn't enjoy. That approach didn't work so well for me.
  • heyyorkah
    heyyorkah Posts: 2 Member
    Options
    Modify your goals into a quantitative approach, and try apply this in everything in life as well. Track numbers and set numbers to get next week. Improve little each week.
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,811 Member
    Options
    Short and long term goals. Love a challenge and am self-competitive.
    Enjoying my training/exercise.
    Feeling of wellbeing from being fit, strong & healthy.
    Setting an example to my children.

    Plus I make it a habit and a priority.

    Fear of an unhealthy and restricted old age (like my parents).
  • ctg492
    ctg492 Posts: 7 Member
    Options
    Knowing I can and should. Does it always work, nope I fell from the health wagon last week, hopped back on this week.
  • Willbenchforcupcakes
    Willbenchforcupcakes Posts: 4,955 Member
    Options
    I just do it. It's a not a question of wanting to go or not, it's part of who I am and just gets done. Because I have big tangible goals that can only get hit if I get in the gym and get the work done.

    Plus, even without the big tangible goals, having a long term chronic injury that only feels good with constant movement helps. I took a week off between Christmas and New Years and it took three weeks back for the affected area to feel normal again.
  • sgthaggard
    sgthaggard Posts: 581 Member
    Options
    I don't. If I relied on motivation, I would never work out. Instead, I've created a habit and I get to the gym whether I'm motivated to do so or not. No options given.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,249 Member
    Options
    It's simply a matter of knowing why you're doing it and deciding how important that reaching your goals is to you.

    Something else that helped me enormously was changing how I viewed exercise. We refer to it as working out (I suspect that stems from the concept of replacing manual labour with pretend work in a gym) I consider it a grown up form of play time, it's not a chore it's a little slice of me time.
  • michellesz
    michellesz Posts: 428 Member
    Options
    Look at my unhealthy fat picture and know that I am not going down that road. Need to be an example for my daughter in living a healthy lifestyle.
  • jessef593
    jessef593 Posts: 2,272 Member
    Options
    Progress picks, weight recordings, weight/rep/set log books, and as bad as it sounds. Seeing how far you've come compared to others who haven't decided to make a change for the better. Not shaming, just reminding yourself why you're doing it.
  • awnurmarc
    awnurmarc Posts: 125 Member
    Options
    I vote habit. You need motivation for three months. After that missing the gym becomes a painful experience.
  • AllanMisner
    AllanMisner Posts: 4,140 Member
    Options
    Motivation is a mind thing and something that will usually fail you. Think, commitment. Like the emotional commitment you have with a spouse. Are you committed to better health and fitness? Then you show up. Since this is such a critical part of getting health and fit, I did a full podcast on it at http://traffic.libsyn.com/40plusfitness/EP01_40PFP.mp3. I hope this helps.

    Allan Misner
    NASM Certified Personal Trainer (Corrective Exercise Specialist, Fitness Nutrition Specialist)
    Host of the 40+ Fitness Podcast
  • luv2bowl6
    luv2bowl6 Posts: 62 Member
    Options
    Keep telling myself the reason why I am doing this. I have to lose 50-60 lbs and I am 32. First thing for my health and second I am in a wedding in august on the beach so that is enough motivation. But there are mornings I don't want to and force myself but afterwards I am glad that I did it.
  • krislshoe
    krislshoe Posts: 459 Member
    Options
    How about a workout buddy. Someone to keep you accountable! Also change that workout up frequently. I go to a different group fitness class every day... I love the variety plus you are not always working the same muscles!
  • akern1987
    akern1987 Posts: 288 Member
    Options
    I find competition really helpful in terms of motivation. Even if it's just with yourself, set a challenge for 30 days and do all you can to stay on track...keep a journal about it, write a blog or get some friends involved, it'll be a good boost!

Categories