We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Do you have a reward system?

Coliepie717
Coliepie717 Posts: 21
edited December 2024 in Motivation and Support
So after losing 17 pounds (and now putting 7 back on), I really need to find my motivation again. I keep coming up with a plan to get started again and then I fail. I want to come up with some sort of a reward system.....I thought of putting money in a jar for every workout,(which will be used later for a new outfit or something) but then what do I do if I dont workout? Obviously there will be no money put in the jar, but I dont feel like that is enough of a punishment for not doing it. I have also seen the marbles in a jar to see how much you have lost and what you still have to go and while I like that idea, I feel like I need a little more. Just curious if you guys have any ideas.....Thanks!!
«1

Replies

  • vicky1804
    vicky1804 Posts: 320 Member
    I treat myself to something for every 7 lbs I lose.
    Last week I got a new lippy and mascara. My next 7lbs I have my eye on a pair of coloured skinny jeans. Id also love a bamboo steamer and new wok for my chinese cooking I enjoy
    Iv previously treated myself to a facial.

    Do you have any hobbies or interests at all?
  • stfuriada
    stfuriada Posts: 445 Member
    I don't have a reward system, I have a punishment one.

    Every 100 calories a day I go over my limit, I add 5-10 mins of cardio (which I ABSOLUTELY HATE), or 2 extra weight lifting exercises (which I don't really mind).
  • betancourta229
    betancourta229 Posts: 171 Member
    I do the same thing with a jar. I have set days that I go workout. I have two rest days. If I work out I put a dollar in. If I decide it isn't a rest day but I don't want to work out I have to take a dollar out of the jar. So far I havent missed a day! I made mini goals for myself and will use the money to get a facial,new outfit or mani/pedi.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    When I was losing I had a strict rule: No exercise, no wine with dinner. That worked like a charm for me.

    The reward for losing weight/inches was new clothes. The reward for maintaining the loss is still being able to wear the new clothes.
  • AggieCass09
    AggieCass09 Posts: 1,867 Member
    I do rewards as well as punishment, depending on if i meet a goal or not....here is my plan and my goals. Note, I have already purchased most of my rewards and seeing them in my closet in their shipping boxes UNOPENED is a great motivator:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/AggieCass09/view/the-sneaky-and-steadfast-seven-290121
  • HeatherDee92
    HeatherDee92 Posts: 218 Member
    I have had alot of reward systems in the past, but this reminded me I need to set up a new one! :)
  • last18
    last18 Posts: 1
    Here you go.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Cy60odOnUc

    Stay motivated
  • kiminikimkim
    kiminikimkim Posts: 746 Member
    When I reached my goal:
    I had a Photo-facial (groupon deal)
    +
    Zoot compression pants for jogging


    Next rewards: (for maintaining weight)

    1)Spa treatment

    2)Type of gear for a triathlon (swimsuit or shoes)
  • CaliDreams27
    CaliDreams27 Posts: 34 Member
    My reward system is more of a continual one. Giving myself "prizes" for losing a certain amount of weight never worked for me because if I want it bad enough, I get it anyway lol During the week, I eat really well and try to stay to a minimum amount of carbs (and a calorie limit). If I succeed all 5 days, on saturday and sunday I get to eat whatever I want within my calorie limit. It may not seem like a big enough incentive to most people because I'm not going crazy, but to a sugar addict who can't have any sugar all week, I look forward to the weekends and its my motivation to sticking to my plan monday through friday. I couldn't do "cheat days" because they always turned into binges and free-for-alls so this works way better for me:) I can still lose weight AND have my sugar:) Every weekend is something exciting to look forward to!
  • LizJ08
    LizJ08 Posts: 127
    I've finally reached maintenance so I'm not losing anymore, but the thing that really worked for me while I was losing was to allow myself 100 extra calories on days I exercised. I never missed exercise after I decided that because I was thinking of all the things I could have for that extra 100 calories! Even though I'm no longer still trying to lose, I have my calorie goal set at maintenance and I know that I can eat back any or all of my exercise calories, so that has continued to motivate me. I'm motivated by food, LOL.
  • dida0721
    dida0721 Posts: 107 Member
    Something I might try that I just heard about is the website stickk.com. You commit to achieving a goal and put money on the line if you don't. If you don't complete your goal the money goes to a charity or person you disignate.
  • sleonardbranson
    sleonardbranson Posts: 161
    I go out to dinner once a week and have a something chocolate....It makes me feel like I'm working towards something!
  • recoiljpr
    recoiljpr Posts: 292
    I don't really have a reward system per se. For me, the reward is beating my previous best time at a run, or being able to increase my reps or weights or being able to go to a pool or waterpark without my shirt on. That is what motivates me.

    That being said, there is nothing wrong with rewarding yourself with a prize if that's how you roll. To each their own!!!
  • Discoveri
    Discoveri Posts: 435 Member
    I reward myself when I hit certain weight loss goals ( Ex: a nice mani/pedi for 20 pounds lost). To make sure I stay motivated, I use this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/615020-how-i-motivate-myself-don-t-break-the-chain

    I have the calendar in a public spot so people know when I mess up. It has really helped me to form a habit of logging my food and going to the gym.
  • Coliepie717
    Coliepie717 Posts: 21
    Oh, thats good! Taking money out of the jar....I like that! Thanks :-)
  • 916lude
    916lude Posts: 305
    I don't have a reward system, I have a punishment one.

    Every 100 calories a day I go over my limit, I add 5-10 mins of cardio (which I ABSOLUTELY HATE), or 2 extra weight lifting exercises (which I don't really mind).

    I like this!
  • dpwellman
    dpwellman Posts: 3,271 Member
    Kindness is its own reward
  • chellie47
    chellie47 Posts: 97 Member
    I rewarded my self with a new work out DVD and a new scale...not sure that's much of a reward but its want I wanted~ :)))
  • scarnall2
    scarnall2 Posts: 18
    For every 5 lbs I lose, I treat myself to a new pair of shoes. Some people treat themselves to a nice meal, but that could be defeating the purpose if you end up following off the wagon. Pick something you really like, like shoes, jewelry, tools, vacation, a new Ipod?
  • SmallMimi
    SmallMimi Posts: 541 Member
    First reward- Went on Zipline Tour with Family @ 60 pounds lost (Couldn't do this at my highest weight due to limitations)
    Second Reward - Going to visit my grandkids in North Carolina when I could fit in a size 10.
    Don't know what I'll do for making my goal of 140 pounds. Better start thinking that is only 22 pounds away
  • missquela
    missquela Posts: 60 Member
    bump! These are great ideas! I just bought a new pair of heels to celebrate my first 20, but I'm looking for a more Pavlovian system to stay consistent...
  • jdploki70
    jdploki70 Posts: 343
    Every time I exercise really hard and go way under on my calories I make up for it with alcohol...

    Not sure if it's the healthiest method, but after a while who cares?

    When I finally hit my goal, I will be purchasing Diablo 3, if I have any money left over with all the clothes I have to buy...
  • rmartin72
    rmartin72 Posts: 1,085 Member
    Never thought of a reward system, I want to change my life style and keep it going in the right way. I do not do Diets.
  • KaidaKantri
    KaidaKantri Posts: 401
    I don't have a reward system, I have a punishment one.

    Every 100 calories a day I go over my limit, I add 5-10 mins of cardio (which I ABSOLUTELY HATE), or 2 extra weight lifting exercises (which I don't really mind).

    If your going to do the punishment one, then I would think doing what you hate would work better than the one you don't mind. Maybe incorporate rewards for every week you don't go over?
  • Raw07
    Raw07 Posts: 206
    awesome ideas!
  • Brenny_73
    Brenny_73 Posts: 5
    :smile: Mine is simple. Because most of the time, I'm watching what I eat, so of course restricting myself on some of my favorite treats. I have a once a month break your diet weekend. :devil: That way, I don't over do it with my food cravings. I find that it helps me staying on track, because I know at the end of the month, I'll be making my menue for the weekend. Not going overboard on filling up with chocolate cake and milk shakes and such. I simply decide a couple of weeks in advance, what I'll be having for breakfast, lunch, supper and even for snaks all in a balanced portion. That way I have a taste of what I've been missing. This so far, has helped me go from 268lbs to 217lbs. :wink:
  • jerbear1962
    jerbear1962 Posts: 1,157 Member
    After each 5 pounds I have to put 5 bucks in a jar...after every inch off my waist I add another 1.00 per pound. I plan on using this money to buy clothes as I lose...I will wear baggy clothes around the house but I want at least a pair of jeans and shirt to go out in. If I miss a workout I have to pay 2 bucks. I have goals set as well... for each goal I plan on paying another 5 bucks.
  • dvisser1
    dvisser1 Posts: 788 Member
    I don't use a reward system, more a goal oriented achievement person. My reward is being healthy, fit and kicking *kitten* again.

    at first I set a goal to survive a hard 30 minutes on the elliptical, and I worked up to that. Then started adding more exercises into my gym workout. After a couple months I discovered i could run again without my bad knee exploding. That was 3 months ago and I set a goal to run a 5k race in July. Signed up for the race when it was all I could do to slowly jog 1/4 mile non-stop. Signed up and paid my registration for the race, committing myself and driving my efforts. I got to the 5k mark in my training much faster than expected, so I ran one in late June and the original one in July this past Saturday. 26:11 for Saturday's 5k time. Now I'm looking for 10k runs to do and waiting impatiently for an Xterra 10k trail run registration to open (the race is in October).

    I like pushing myself, not as a form of punishment but as a way to achieve tomorrow what feels near impossible today.
  • jiggalude
    jiggalude Posts: 53
    I set weight goals for myself. I said I'd buy a new pair of Nikes (I'd had my eye on a pair for a while) when the scale started with a 1 again. It does! And I love my new shoes! I plan on getting another pair when I hit 160. I also tell everyone and anyone about it, so I feel like I work harder to get there!
  • Muscles_Curves
    Muscles_Curves Posts: 385 Member
    I have monthly weight and workout rewards. My July workout reward for burning a certain amount of calories is an iShuffle....which I need desperately and my weight loss reward is a new dress.

    I try to choose rewards that will keep me encouraged.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories