How do you stay motivated to workout?

[Di_ya2009]

Hi all,

 

I have times when I workout and I am on a roll and then I stop one day or twice and I find is difficult to get back into the routine. So how do you keep yourselves motivated?

 

I realize I want to start eating breakfast, eat more fruits have less junk food etc. Become a healthier me. I am 5'6 female and weigh 130...this is the most I weighed and I don't like it.

 

I try to read up on fitness information and keep mysefl motivated but everytime I stop, I come up with excuses. I get frsutrated and start feeling bad whenever I don't workout or am not active as I have always been active.

 

Thank You!

 

Also, do you think it's worth it to get a personal trainer? They are so expensive, at least until I get to my desired weight, and get my body toned?

 

Thank you!

[woodc5]

It seems like you've got your own personal reasons to work out, so just do it! Personally, I hate working out/running, or whatever it may be. It's hard to get motivated, so I just do it.

 

As for the trainer.. Why not get a local gym membership? Most gyms have a variety of classes you can take that will help you reach your desired goal. It will save you a load of money and can help you tone up. Maybe having a membership will motivate you.

[ToF]

I'd just like to chime in that 5'6" and 130 lbs is very healthy...

 

I don't know what your body image is like, but I think your focus should be on maintaining a healthy weight/shape, rather than trying to lose much weight at all. If you lose too much, you'll be technically underweight, I believe.

 

Of course, I think it's awesome that you're trying to stay fit But remember that you're already at a very healthy and normal weight, so don't get too focused on losing. And remember that you'll gain pounds once you start building muscle, so the weight will fluctuate anyway.

 

That didn't help with your problem too much, but I just wanted to add my two cents. Hope it helped in some way!

 

-Twist

[H20]

Truthfully I think trainers are a waste of money..and once you're done using them you STILL have to rely on yourself to stay motivated.

 

One thing that motivates me is that I LOVE clothes..and I hate having clothes I can NO LONGER fit into.There is no excuse for it, other than I am being lazy. So it's up to ME to be accountable.

 

It's hard to GET motivated, but once you start it's easy to keep going.You basically just have to get yourself on a program and follow through with it. Start with a 30 day program...and go from there. Exercise is addictive once you start..and are seeing results.

[Shallow]

It's difficult if you just keep looking at the scale, so that's one thing you should not do.

 

I slack for a couple of days here and there, but then I look in the mirror.

 

I just try to improve my workouts by raising the bar a little each time. If you do aerobics, try to do them a little longer than before. If you walk/run/swim/cycle, go a little farther. If you lift weights, do a few more reps or a little more weight.

 

Those kind of things you can typically improve on easily, and seeing the progress will motivate you to push a little farther next time. Weight/body change is much slower, so it's easy to be discouraged when you don't see those kind of changes straight away by looking in the mirror or on the scale.

[guynextdoor]

I've been working out for 15yrs and believe me motivation comes and goes. What works for me is just putting the effort into getting to the gym. Once I'm there I get this surge of energy. Maybe its because the sexy ladies in their yoga pants.

[shuttlefish]

having a fitness 'buddy' helps. Or going to classes/group exercise. I have a chart, with goals and rewards etc and I just get just plain old stubborn about going.

[Sonicxman]

One of the best ways is get someone to do it with you. someone motivated about working out or losing weight, have them push you and do the same for that other person. Also, take a before and after photo. Post the photo where you will see it everyday and then in a months time take another photo. It helps when you can see the results.

[Mauxly]

First, to answer your question - You stay motivated to work out by doing what you like to do. I've joined and quit a million or so gyms before I realized that I'd simply rather have my fingernails pulled out than work out in one of those places.

 

Now I ski, kayak, hike, take tribal dance, backpack. I don't work out every day, but I do get serious exercise at least twice a week and thoroughly enjoy it.

 

However, you feel out of shape at 5.6 and 130??? I'm 5.7 and 135 and I'd worry if I lost any weight. Are you sure that you are perceiving your body in the proper way?

[Batya33]

Here is what keeps me motivated (I've been working out consistently - whether brisk walking, cycling, or years ago doing classes/work out tapes for 28 years -- I took almost a year off when I was pregnant/post-partum).

 

I feel so great mentally and physically after my power walk and it's gotten to the point that if I don't work out I feel sluggish even if I am reasonably active that day.

I like the way my body looks - no it's not perfect, but I am slim and definitely do not look 43.

One of my friends in particular motivated me to get back into working out after having a baby. I wasn't getting much sleep, wasn't feeling great either and she told me that she swims almost every day even when she gets no sleep - she said she just drags herself to the pool on those harder days and when she gets there she is like a robot/machine - she just gets it done. It reminded me that that is how I am too - if I can just get myself to the park or to the gym, once I am there there is no stopping me.

 

I like that it gives me freedom to eat more and not worry as much about eating some junk (I don't eat large quantities of anything - so that's not what I'm referring to).

 

After I gave birth I had a scary, life threatening, medical situation - it was not because of my lifestyle, my health was fine - it was one of those freak things, could have been fatal, I was so very lucky. I know that exercise might help prevent a recurrence so that is in my mind too.

 

I like that my husband sees how healthy I look and act, and how positive and good I feel after my power walk.

 

And, I think because it has been part of my life and lifestyle for so many years it's like brushing my teeth. That's why I'm a big fan of finding an exercise routine you can stick to because the longevity of it helps so much in the motivation.

 

Good luck!

[hexaemeron]

I remember that in my entirely too busy, demanding, loud, stressy day, a lot of my energy is depleted. Everyone basically takes a piece of me. Working out is the one time of day I can really put my headphones on, and is about me investing in myself. Calmness, quiet. Just me, my music and getting healthier, happier and more fit with every step I run on the treadmill and every weight I lift.

 

When I think about it like that, I never have a problem finding my motivation. Hope this helps.

[Di_ya2009]

woodc5 I have a membership, at a gym by my workplace. The class times don’t work too conveniently for me but the gym definitely does. That’s the sad part, it’s so convenient, and it’s just my laziness which I am going to CHANGE!

 

TwistOfate08 Thank You! I also read about that today about maintaining a healthy weight and not loosing weight to look skinny. I believe 120-130 or 140 is the ideal weight for my height, I’d at least like to be on the lower end which is 120. When I joined the gym I was 117 and within a month or so I am 130 yikes.

 

H20

 

“One thing that motivates me is that I LOVE clothes..and I hate having clothes I can NO LONGER fit into.There is no excuse for it, other than I am being lazy. So it's up to ME to be accountable.

 

It's hard to GET motivated, but once you start it's easy to keep going.You basically just have to get yourself on a program and follow through with it. Start with a 30 day program...and go from there. Exercise is addictive once you start..and are seeing results.”

This works for me too, once I start seeing results I continue…until I have a day or two off and then it becomes a week then two weeks.

 

But I still have my old clothes because I believe I can get back in shape and fit in nicely again. Ahh Clothes

 

 

ShallowI do have to stop looking at the scale, I am actually starting to do that which is not good. But, I am hoping to go back on a regular basis and once I see results I know I will continue just as you had mentioned.

[savignon]

My friend keeps signing up for community classes which are only about $100-$125 for 10 classes. She's done tennis, zumba, yoga, a running class...she totally switches things up and since she's actually enrolled in the class she feels more obliged to go than she would to a gym. Right now she's my role model b/c I'm having the same problem finding the motivation.

Just another idea to consider!

Best wishes

[Di_ya2009]

guynextdoo I think I’ll have to keep reminding myself how energized I feel once I am at the gym as well. Maybe I shall check out the guys there j/k. My bf has a great body and I feel motivated to get toned and fit just looking at him hehe.

shuttlefish

“having a fitness 'buddy' helps. Or going to classes/group exercise. I have a chart, with goals and rewards etc and I just get just plain old stubborn about going. ‘

 

I am stubborn I wish I can be stubborn about working out. I used to go with buddies, but I don’t want to rely on a buddy to get me there, I want to rely on myself.

Sonicxman The buddy system works in a way for me and not so much in ways. I think the before/after photo is great and would do that.

 

Mauxly

“However, you feel out of shape at 5.6 and 130??? I'm 5.7 and 135 and I'd worry if I lost any weight. Are you sure that you are perceiving your body in the proper way? “

 

Maybe I am a tad bit focused on staying thin as I have always been thin, I feel that my weight is healthy but would prefer being a 120 and no stomach fat. I think for me the biggest issue is the belly area.

 

Batya33 Hi Batya33, similar to you I also feel sluggish when I stop being as active. That is why I want to get back at it. I know I feel great when I go to the gym and I enjoy it, I don’t see it as a chore yet I am finding it difficult to get there. Perhaps my energy level is low.

 

I used to do workout videos at home and it worked out fine and I was starting to see change and then I joined the gym and stopped that which I would never do again. I learned that when something works, I shouldn’t switch it up or change it.

 

hexaemeron This does help hexaemeron, it reminds me of how good I feel when I am at the gym and why I should head there tonight.

 

It’s usually a time for contemplation and I feel great once I enter the gym and afterwards.

 

It’s a great reminder.

[oldenoughtoknow]

I think you just have to try different things on and see what works for you. I've tried most of the above, and none of them ended up working out for me. I'm really busy, with a 60 hr/wk job and a single father, and a house with acreage, a small vineyard and a wine making hobby and a swimming pool for the kids and blah, blah, blah. It seems we're all really busy, nowadays.

 

Over the years, I've paid tons of money to various gym memberships (that I never went to) until I would finally get a clue and quit. I just couldn't consistently carve an hour out of my day. I tried buddies and sports teams...they rarely matched my schedule as well.

 

What I've found that works for me is about 15 years ago, I bought a good treadmill. I have it in my garage, in between where I park my car and the backdoor to the house. I practically have to trip over it every day when I get home. So I go in, change my clothes, jog 2 miles in 16 minutes, and do 40 sit-ups and 25 push-ups. Everyday. Rain or shine. When I'm feeling great, I don't do any more than that, and when I'm feeling poorly, I push myself so I always maintain the same level. I don't have to drive anywhere. I'm not out in public, so I can wear grungy clothes (but always the requisite high quality running shoes). I don't have to match with anyone else's schedule. It's short. It's sustainable. It eliminates all of my excuses. 20 minutes and I'm done.

 

That's what works for me. I think with some time, and trying on different ideas, you'll find something that sustainably fits you and your lifestyle.

[Di_ya2009]

My friend keeps signing up for community classes which are only about $100-$125 for 10 classes. She's done tennis, zumba, yoga, a running class...she totally switches things up and since she's actually enrolled in the class she feels more obliged to go than she would to a gym. Right now she's my role model b/c I'm having the same problem finding the motivation.

Just another idea to consider!

Best wishes

 

I been thinking about Yoga, my gym membership is finishing in August. I think i am goign to make the most of it, and then workout from home and maybe finda class.

[Di_ya2009]

 

Over the years, I've paid tons of money to various gym memberships (that I never went to) until I would finally get a clue and quit. I just couldn't consistently carve an hour out of my day. I tried buddies and sports teams...they rarely matched my schedule as well.

 

QUOTE]

 

I think working out at home has worked out the best, I wish I had just stuck to it when it was goign well instead of joining the gym. I am goign to make it work again! For me workout videos help.

[Di_ya2009]

This is great, thank you everyone. I feel like the posts are helping me realize what works for me and what doesn't and why I should get back and be active =) This in itself is a motivator!

[Di_ya2009]

I should add that I am almost always sitting at my job which makes me feel yucky. I feel even more bad when I am sitting and munching on things...oh gosh... even more reason to hit the gym!

[Daligal83]

What helped me start going to the gym regularly is packing a gym bag at night and taking it with me to work in the morning. It's in my car, so no excuses. I don't even go home. I go straight to the gym. It got to the point that one day I got there and the guy at the desk was like, um Dali..it's gorgeous out. Why are you here? I didn't even think about going home and walking instead. It was just so automatic for me to go to the gym. I then of course promptly walked out and went for a walk outside. Luckily I'm at the point where I know I'll exercise, so when it's nice I can go home first and walk to the gym. That's also a motivator because it gives me an excuse to get outside.

 

You have to find a way to workout that motivates you. Like you've said, the at-home workouts tends to work better for you, so stick with those. Maybe sign up for a few personal training sessions so you can learn things you can do at home. I have a trainer, but it's not for motivation. I just really enjoy it. And I push myself harder with him.

 

Also about the scale thing, ditch it. Go by body fat percentage. Have them use the calipers on you at the gym. It's a much more accurate measure of your health. The calipers themselves aren't that precise but it gives you a better gauge than just your weight.

[CaptainNapalm]

In my honest opinion personal trainers are a waste of money unless you're the type of person who thinks a leg extension machine is for training abs, in which case a session or two with a trainer may be in order. Long term though, all they are really good for is motivating those who are mentally weak and can't execute workouts without that extra "push". Instead of spending your hard earned cash on a personal trainer make your workouts fun and vary them from time to time. This is the key to stay motivated, at least for me it is. And remember, often the best workouts are those outside of the gym so instead of driving to the store to buy potato chips next time, hop on a bike. Rollerblade, swim, rock climb, walk, do some sit-ups / leg raises infront of the TV.

[Daligal83]

I completely disagree that a trainer is a waste of money. I workout on my own, I motivate myself and I definitely am not stupid enough to think a leg extension machine is for abs. But my trainer is knowledgeable and creative and has me do exercises that I would never be able to come up with on my own. He's constantly changing it up, which is nice because I'm a creature of habit. He has taught me so much about how the body and muscles work and the right way to work out. It may not be right for everyone, but I don't think it's a waste of money. And this is coming from someone who doesn't make a lot and considers it worth it to invest my money there.

[CaptainNapalm]

I completely disagree that a trainer is a waste of money. I workout on my own, I motivate myself and I definitely am not stupid enough to think a leg extension machine is for abs. But my trainer is knowledgeable and creative and has me do exercises that I would never be able to come up with on my own. He's constantly changing it up, which is nice because I'm a creature of habit. He has taught me so much about how the body and muscles work and the right way to work out. It may not be right for everyone, but I don't think it's a waste of money. And this is coming from someone who doesn't make a lot and considers it worth it to invest my money there.

 

Yes it's called periodization (changing up your workouts) and it's key to continuous progress. I'm an engineer by profession and didn't do a single course in fitness or working out but with today's resources once can find a wealth of information on their own such as I did, you just have to look. Trainers don't come up with secret formulas, they simply take information that has already been out there and works and brush it on someone who is willing to pay them for it rather than looking for this information themselves.

 

A guy at my work decided he wants to get into shape. Two weeks ago he hired a personal trainer who has him doing things that I could have showed him or things that he could have found himself with a little help of the internet and wiseful resourcing. Is he getting a good workout? Sure! But to date, it has cost him $350 out of his own pocket. I haven't spent a penny and I can assure you my workouts will always be more effective than his. I have personally observed many trainers that are very ineffective, anyone will tell you this, so it's also very tricky knowing you're getting what you're paying for. My opinion still stands, waste of money. lol

[veneratio]

Pretty much agree with Captain. Everything a personal trainer tells you, you can find online. And although they're able to come up with a workout routine for you, it doesn't mean that your body is going to respond well to it. What works for others may not work for you. That's just how I feel about it though.

 

My motivation is mostly the fact that I need to be in shape for what I want to do. But the mirror helps. Also reminding myself of how great I feel once my session is completed.

[Daligal83]

Maybe I just lucked out with a really good trainer. He definitely adapts his workouts to my body and my abilities. He uses some on me that he knows I can do better because of my body and doesn't do others because of whatever limitations. And when I've had injuries (due to my own stupidity), he still finds a way to give me great sessions.

 

There's also a therapeutic element for me. I have a stressful career and those sessions help more than anything. Having a personal trainer is cheaper than seeing a therapist. But that's a whole other topic haha.

 

It's great that you don't need a trainer to achieve your fitness level. That doesn't mean that others don't get value out of it.