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What motivates you to work out, when you'd rather not?

babesintow
babesintow Posts: 59
edited December 2024 in Motivation and Support
Today is one of those days where I am dragging my feet. It is hot out and I am really sore from my work out yesterday... but today is just going to turn in to a day where my heart isn't in it until I am done. I know I will get there and that is what counts...but I would love to hear what motivates you on days like this???
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Replies

  • kranetakesflight
    kranetakesflight Posts: 2
    Knowing that taking the day off usually turns into another day off, and before I know it I've been absent from the gym for months.
  • katejkelley
    katejkelley Posts: 839 Member
    I aways feel better and have more energy after I work out. I remind myself of that. Also, my "personal trainer", my springer Abby, does not let my being tired be an excuse for not walking after work. Once I walk, I usually feel more like doing pilates or some other workout.
  • larkiedeek
    larkiedeek Posts: 203 Member
    I'm training for an event in 2 months. I don't want to fail.

    I think I will book another event when this is done to keep me going.
  • patchesgizmo
    patchesgizmo Posts: 244 Member
    how sore is too sore to exercise? if you are super sore, do something light like walking in a pool, you really do burn calories there. If you are only moderately sore, do aerobics, etc base it like that. I find pool time I am losing weight hand over fist and I don't feel like I am exercising. so do some fun exercise instead of chore exercise.
  • sho3girl
    sho3girl Posts: 10,799 Member
    the mirror :smile:

    knowing that the sooner i start the sooner i can finish... choose a short program so I've at least doen *some* exercise and it gets to a place (now) where i think I'll do a little more
  • kmurphy0506
    kmurphy0506 Posts: 11 Member
    I had this kind of day yesterday. Work was crazy and all I wanted to do was go home and lay on the couch. But I never regret being active. So I hit the gym and felt like a million bucks afterward. It doesn't matter how fast or slow you go. You're still lapping everyone sitting on the couch. Good luck with your work out today! :-)
  • montana_girl
    montana_girl Posts: 1,403 Member
    I always have a race planned sometime in the future, so knowing I have to stay in shape and train keeps me motivated.

    On the days I just don't feel like working out, I tell myself to do it for 10 minutes and if I'm still not in the mood or I'm just too tired/achy/whiney then I give myself permission to stop. But everytime I've done this, I've gotten 10 minutes into whatever I'm doing and I end up finishing. I figure I'm dressed for it, I'm already sweaty, might as well "get 'er done!" :laugh:
  • blonde71
    blonde71 Posts: 955 Member
    Knowing how much lousier I'd feel if I skipped the workout.
  • MalissaDC
    MalissaDC Posts: 123
    For me it's my progress and wanting more progress.

    Tomorrow is 10 weeks of exercising 5-6 times a week which is a first for me. It's in the 90's or 100 here all this week and we have no air.

    3 of the days I exercised this week, I totally wanted to veg on the couch in front of a fan, but I realized if I let myself quit I'll slide ride back where I was--out of this habit I've worked hard on.

    I did cut back--for example today I was going to walk 3 miles with Leslie Sansone but by the end of mile 2 I felt sick so I quit. But at least I did it:)!
  • supplemama
    supplemama Posts: 1,956 Member
    What motivates me? Getting all this fat off me ASAP. It's time for this extra weight to hit the road. Also, though I may sometimes regret starting a workout, I NEVER regret finishing one! I always feel so good when I am done.
  • 1holegrouper
    1holegrouper Posts: 323 Member
    The fact that my personal trainer expects daily logs and will kick my a$% if I don't do it.
  • galaxiegal
    galaxiegal Posts: 90
    the mirror :smile:

    this^

    whenever I feel like skipping a workout I go sit in front of the mirror and look at my biggest problem areas until I feel motivated. Just remember even a 10 minute workout is better than no workout, plus once you start you will probably want to continue!
  • MogwaisGrandma
    MogwaisGrandma Posts: 195 Member
    I look great compared to what I did a few months ago and love all the comments I get. If I stop so will the compliments.

    I am proud of my training regime. I now do a minimum of 4 days a week in the gym and I no longer want to disappoint myself of my training buddy/PT.
  • Dave198lbs
    Dave198lbs Posts: 8,810 Member
    Knowing how much lousier I'd feel if I skipped the workout.

    this.

    also, when I start talking myself out of going for a work out, I tell myself ok,,,just go and do ONE measly exercise like a set of miliary presses or one set of squats and then quit if I still want to, Everytime I end up staying and getting ina good workout,
  • _AllieCat_
    _AllieCat_ Posts: 515 Member
    The regret of not going motivates me to go. Plus, I can eat more if I workout. ;)
  • susiebear29
    susiebear29 Posts: 266
    I am training to be a nurse and have spent years looking after elderley and sick patients, I do not want to end up with diabetes, heart problems, poor mobility etc....this always motivates me I want to be strong and healthy for as long as I can!! Am also hoping to do my first half marathon in March to raise money for a cancer charity, when Im struggling on a run I just remind myself of that goal!!! :smile:
  • kierstin1976
    kierstin1976 Posts: 123 Member
    I feel guilty when I don't workout. I know that about 10 minutes into it, I'm going to pumped up and ready to go.
  • FuneralDiner
    FuneralDiner Posts: 438 Member
    When I need motivation, I come on here and look through the success stories forum. :)
  • mommasox
    mommasox Posts: 97 Member
    Knowing how good I will feel after my workout is my biggest motivator. Another is.... I know if I work really hard I can eat more!

    Also... even though I know its impossible, I feel like I look better after a workout.
  • Patg2728
    Patg2728 Posts: 9 Member
    look deep in yourself and think about when you don't workout . how you feel? then think about how you feel when you do . its all baby steps . but everyday is a new goal . try to beat out the day before with longer walk or add a swim . also you know shopping or anything you like is a workout . pick something you like doing and push yourself at it . it will not feel like work
  • ReinventingLisa
    ReinventingLisa Posts: 104 Member
    For me, I know that the scale will be lower every day that I go to the gym. Also, I know I will feel great after I work out. Even if I only end up doing 15 minutes, there are days that I feel like doing an hour once I force myself to get at the gym.
  • Cmandy67
    Cmandy67 Posts: 108 Member
    What motivates me is the fact that i've paid for the gym membership and spent time making a plan for myself and not following thru makes me feel guilty. I don't like to waste time or money ... that makes me go and I try to remember how good it feels after. I feel great after exercise always!!
  • cmeade20
    cmeade20 Posts: 1,238 Member
    Three things motivate me

    A. Getting to eat my exercise calories
    B. The fact that my appetite is easier to control when I do exercise (bit ironic aint it?)
    C. If A and B dont get me off my butt a peek at the little bit of flab left on my tummy usually does.
  • devil_in_a_blue_dress
    devil_in_a_blue_dress Posts: 5,214 Member
    This was me yesterday! I choose to do programs that have determined length (Ripped in 30, 30 Day Shred) because I like accomplishing tasks. That's what keeps me going when I want to quit the most.
  • Gilbrod
    Gilbrod Posts: 1,216 Member
    My hot and sexy wife, my kids and my photos of me a year and a half ago.
  • jolarocknrolla
    jolarocknrolla Posts: 236 Member
    I tell myself "if i wait for a day when i feel good enough to work out i'll only work out once a month!" I tell myself to toughen up and gut it out. My pride will usually not let me give in.

    I cut myself a break if i'm hurting badly or if i've worked hard for a LONG time and i really and honestly need a rest ... but i'm afraid of that slippery slope where one missed day turns into 2 or 3 etc.
  • AliciaStinger
    AliciaStinger Posts: 402 Member
    One thing that motivates me is looking at people who have the same body that I could have if I stick to my diet and stay active. I found a bunch of pictures on Google (sounds kind of creepy, I know) who have about the same body as I do, but with a lot less fat/flab. I think about how much better I'll feel about myself when I can look in the mirror and not only say I reached my goal, but that the person in the mirror matches the person I keep picturing in my mind.

    Edit: Changing the exercise helps, too...if walking looks like a chore, I find some kind of exercise that looks more fun, or someone to go with. Also, my town has an indoor track that's free to the public. If I can't stomach the heat (live near Chicago, 90's and 100's most/all of the week), I can go there. There's also a gym near me (a Lifetime Fitness) that will charges like $15 if you just want to get in for the day. Any chance you have an indoor track near you or a gym that'll allow you to "visit"?
  • linda1243
    linda1243 Posts: 166
    I don't think I ever manage to motivate myself. I just force myself into the car and force myself into the gym and force myself onto the treadmill. The entire hour I am running, everything in me is screaming at me that it doesn't want to do this today and can't we just do it tomorrow. I guess for me sometimes it's not about motivation, some times its just about discipline. There are days I don't want to go into work and I would never allow myself to just not go so I try to treat exercise with the same kind of discipline.

    However, if I am really sore and it is just one of those days where I am totally run down, I will let myself have a night off and just have a light dinner but I absolutely will not allow this two days in a row.
  • fitpilatesqueen
    fitpilatesqueen Posts: 337
    If your muscles are sore then go walk instead of do exercise. It helps my when I feel sore.
    The motivating thing for me is to exercise so I can eat more than 1580 cals per day
  • bsinno
    bsinno Posts: 344 Member
    i just KNOW that TOMORROW i will have wished id done it.....

    can't get to the "after" without putting in the work :)
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