How do you get yourself going?

Maybe you just haven't found THE exercise that gets you excited? Zumba is what does it for me, but maybe for you it's hiking, biking, DVD's, kickboxing, or other group classes? I can honestly say I look forward to my Zumba class each week.

My other trick on days I'm not feeling it is to change into my workout gear as soon as I walk in the door after work - before I sit down or anything. If I'm already dressed it's not so tough to get out to the gym. This obviously only works if you are an evening exerciser but you get the idea. At that point I can say 'well I'm already dressed...might as well go'

Definitely find something that you like. I did try Zumba & felt like I had 4 left feet. Now I switch between walking, going to the gym for the cardio machines and I have tried several of the free classes offered there as well. I found that I really enjoyed Body Pump, a weight lifting class, but did not enjoy their aerobics class. I think I feel too self conscious when doing anything close to dancing so I just tangle up my brain and feet!

Also, get a buddy. I had a workout buddy and then she moved away. We held each other accountable. Now it's just me telling me to move it.

I get days I find it gruelling to get going on exercise, but then I do tend to do it everyday and push myself rather hard.
I basically get up, have an hour for my coffee and whatever I choose to eat, then set off on my bike.
I would agree you have to find something you will enjoy so it won't be so difficult to get going, whether that be walking, jogging, swimming, skating, cycling, treadmill, dance, tennis, etc. There are so many choices out there. I tend to stick to cycling because it has a good burn or I'd be doing something else instead somedays I think.

I also find it hard to get motivated but i find that if i sign up and pay for exercise classes the fact that i have handed over cash motivates me to get going and not miss classes, i also do much better if i do it really early in the morning because as the day goes on the motivation goes away. I have just recently started crossfit which is super hard but i love the challenge that i am faced with at each class. Good luck with your journey, it is bloody hard work but so worth it. Sally.

Build a routine and stick to it.

I loved reading this entire thread as I top can relate to lost motivation. You seriously have to tell that little voice in your head to SHUT UP and get moving. Something that helps me is having nice work out clothes. If I love my work out clothes, I love wearing them. And there purpose is to work out so I do.

One MFP said that if you work out or don't work out, think where you would be in 1 year. I"m 208lbs so in one year if I don't work out, I'd probably be 240. Oh boo! But if I do, hopefully 160. My goal. And the later is much more attractive, literally.

You definately have to find something you love. I don't like having a work out buddy but I find running on a treadmill beside other running strangers or group fitness classes motivating because I want to work as hard as the people around me, who really are all working for the same goal. Fitness friends never shut up, atleast mine don't and I only have an hour so I want to work hard during that hour.

Two of the previous posters really sold me on morning workouts and really thinking of trying this tomorrow. I mean I probaby would feel great. The only thing is putting in my contacts at 5am before a wake up shower but I guess I can splash water in my face.

I'd love more MFP Pals. So feel free to add me & good luck!

When I first started working out and eating healthy whenever I would have a negative thought or try to talk myself out of going to the gym, I would think about how i wanted my body to look, how I wanted my clothes to fit, how I wanted to reach certain goals, and I got my motivation back. After doing that for a couple of weeks going to the gym and eating right became autopilot for me. I don't think about it as much. I still don't feel like going sometimes, but I just think about those cute outfits I'm going to buy and I'm good to go. lol

I put a unflattering pic of me as my profile then every time I log into MFP (which is about 30 times a day lol) it kicks me into gear to work out. I'm just sorry everyone else has to see it 2 lol

I created a workout diary ahead of time. I write out about a month in advance of what I expect myself to do . . . . . in detail. Include exact exercises for strength training with how many sets you want to do and set a goal for reps. Also what kind of cardio to do and for how long. I've also found that keeping things varied helps me stay interested and motivated. A workout buddy is a big help for me too. My husband and I strength train together and if one of us is feeling lazy, the other can give the much needed kick in the rear. Oh, and (this is the last one, I swear) anything you can do from home is great. It takes many excuses away since you don't have to GO to the gym. We use a band system and dumbbells which are REALLY cheap on amazon.com.

When I first started it was just pure bloody-mindedness. I made up my mind and I did it - even though I didn't like it! (and I was so out of shape it was really hard!) BUT something happened... Something wonderful (and I mean that word - something that leaves me full of wonder). My ability changed. It got easier. My body felt different. More able. More free. Faster, Stronger. Lighter... and I REALLY like feeling that way. So now, I am motivated because I don't EVER want to feel like the fat, ugly, out of shape cow used to feel like. I love how i am able to run up the stairs at my gym. It makes me smile - EVERY TIME! I love how I can race around the track in half the time I used to. I love that I can think about things while I sweat away on the elliptical because I am not counting down the minutes till it's over. I love that I am so much smaller than when I started. But I am not there yet. I have a long way to go. And I want to get there. So, i exercise and I look ahead. I'm almost half-way there. It amazes me - and I like it!