How do all of you stay motivated or get motivated to work-out?

[superinlove1]

Just wondering how other people get motivated to work-out or how you stay motivated.

Updates

+1 y

thank you everyone for the input, its been great reading it all.I was once really into working out. I loved how it made me feel and I enjoyed. But when I moved last March I lost all my motivation and I ended up taking the whole year off from work out. Now everything seems to be falling apart on me. From how I feel physically to emotionally. Even lost my drive to do anything at all. I'm a single mom and work full time and go to school part time so by the end of the day and week I'm burnt out.

[Ingrid422]

At first, when I started working out, I motivated myself by the thought of improving my image and losing some weight. I never had much weight to lose, maybe 15 pounds TOPS (the heaviest I've ever been was 140ish pounds at 5"7'). Swimming is my sport and it has always been. It bugged me a lot to know that I wasn't as good as swimming as I've been before. I used to be really fit because of swimming so it pissed me off at first, when I started swimming again and I realized that I had gotten bad at it. It was to be expected of course but obviously I wasn't pleased by that. I made sure to start off slow and not overworkout so not to get too discouraged or sore too quickly. At first, I swam twice a week. Then it became three times, then four times, five times and now six times a week. It's now been about 3 months since I've started working out seriously and I don't think I'll go back any time soon. I've progressed SO MUCH that it stresses me out badly to imagine myself losing all the progress I've made and all the strength I've gained. I've become VERY strong, endurant and toned so it would rip my heart open to lose it all after working so hard on it - swimming six times a week for 30-60 minutes, month after month. I now weight about 130 pounds, which is very close to the lightest I could be. My body isn't changing much anymore, I'm basically maintaining my shape and health on a regular basis. As long as I stay fit like I am now, I don't feel the need to criticize my body anymore. After all, who the hell would dare judge the way I look when I'm very fit and training everyday. NOBODY. Once I stop doing that, then I'll start to feel pressured again to have the best figure as possible. That's a very discomforting feeling to me so I'm making sure to maintain my routine very stricly. Besides, it helps with my stress tremendously. If I didn't workout everyday, I'd let the stress get the best of me and it would ruin my moral at school. That's another very important aspect of it all.

[rachel05]

hmm I think of that bikini.. the future guy.. stuff like that.

[Anonymous]

As others mention, you have to have an underlying goal to motivate you to get off your ass literally and sweat a little. Even simple goals like loosing 15 lbs or putting on a little bit of muscle to look more attractive, just to get out into a different environment and meet new people in the gym, or something along those lines.

For me I've been training myself to run a pretty challenging speed and distance, as well as do a whole bunch of push-ups, sit-ups and other exercises. Although I sometimes dread doing the exercises, I always feel better about myself afterward. Especially as I get better at running, I have less trouble reaching my exercise goals, and kinda challenge myself to outpace/outlast others on the treadmill next to me..It's these kind of mental games that help keep pushing myself.and wanting to do it again. Having someone you like as a gym partner to help motivate you is also a big help!

[islands7]

The easiest way is to place yourself in a position of disappointing a partner, co-workouter

You must love (eventually) what you are doing OR what it is doing FOR you.

The 1st 2 weeks are the hardest, tempting quitting

After 6 weeks, you are over the hump, time to decide this is great or switch to something else

When thinking of skipping a session, first lie down/nap for 30-45 minutes, get up, dressed and go out door. 90% of the time, you'll have a great time and not turn back.

[islands7]

single mom and work full time and go to school part time = almost impossible time frame ... ideas with that theme: always walk when feasible, snack instead of dine ... when kids workout, you watch them + walk/stand/etc. (not sit & watch), use the stairs, lift, carry. Tired? TV/sofa temptations? Stand, move while watching or reading.

[superinlove1]

Yes time is a big problem with working out. I have started to get my son to work out to with just simple things jumping jacks sit up running in place things with out weights. I have a full work out set up at home so I can do my stuff at home but I can tell its not the same as going to the gym but I can't afford or have time for a gym. Now that I start my new semester at school I can go the gym there to make it my work outs more usefull. I also have ADHD and have a problem with over thinking it.

[islands7]

My sis thinks she has ADHD but she really gets no sleep ... interesting article in AARP was all you need is walking; 60 minutes visited a 100+ year old guy who never sits down, always walks, takes phone calls on treadmill, etc. perfect health, no real diet. Talk about calories out! Extreme

[Catie101]

the first couple of weeks are the hardest. eventually it becomes fun and routine but starting the workout is the most difficult. first you have to decide that you are going to for sure. you can't allow yourself to have wiggle room in your mind... for example I told myself : I am going to workout for at least 25 minutes a day 6 days a week, if I go over that fine, but I will not allow myself to do less. this makes me feel more strongly about it than telling myself; I can workout 7 days a week for an hour each day and if I miss my workout oh well...(also set realistic goals for how often and how long you are going to workout- you will be let down if you tell yourself you're going to do an intense two hour workout daily, it just won't happen!)

next you need to decide what you want to work on and set mini goals (every one or two weeks) and big goals (every month, few months, or after a year). set out rewards for when you reach those goals e.g. allowing yourself to buy a pair of cute shoes you saw or going to see a movie. thing is you can't let yourself be rewarded if you have not reached your goal.

and then you just need to force yourself to do it. once you get past the few minute slump of getting up, getting your workout clothes on and getting your butt moving it really becomes fun and much easier than you expect.

measure your bust, waist and hips, weigh yourself and take a picture of yourself each week so you can look back and see your progress. write down how long you worked out each day and each week so you know you are keeping on schedule. and last but not least blast your fun upbeat music that makes the time just fly by. working out is so much easier than people make it out to be.

[stubbsy]

Self motivation is easily accomplished if you have set yourself a goal and you have told yourself, under no circumstances are you not going to achieve this goal, and if you tell yourself this every day, going to the gym becomes an essential part of your day, and when you don't go, you feel guilty of not going, and all this can happen within a week as long as you tell yourself this daily, before you know it, your known as a regular at the gym, and people start talking to you, especially the personal trainers, male female alike, good luck, quitting is for wimps.x

[tohrment]

I avoid thinking about it too much. If I think, "ahh, I don't wanna go" I just get dressed and put my sneakers on - and I immediately feel better about working out. Once I'm in the gym it's even better, and I concentrate on how good it feels when I've finished. Getting gym membership helps a lot. The mentality is that you're paying for the facilities, so you better use it. And with continuous exercise it makes you want to eat better. And after a few weeks, it becomes your lifestyle and not so much of a chore. Honestly, the first few weeks are absolute hell - but after that it gets GOOD. Just keep it up, focus on your goal, and don't give yourself the opportunity to cop out.

[Prof_Don]

Once you develop the habit...you'll enjoy working out.

DEVELOPING the habit is the hardest part.

For me, the #1 thing was to eliminate excuses. I got a locker and stored all of my stuff in there, so the excuse of not having my stuff was a non-issue.

Also...make sure that whatever goals you have is attainable. Also, make sure you get extra rest, cauz you'll need if if you're starting to work out.

The #1 because of people being inconsistent with the gym is burnout, usually caused by:

doing an exercise load beyond your fitness level

not getting enough sleep

not eating nutritiously

not getting enough protein in your diet post-workout to aid recovery

[htarmort]

I agreed. Consistent and building up tolerating. Don't burn yourself on the first exercise. Make it enjoyable and continue to challenge yourself. After a while, you will start to notice changes/improvement and you will be more motivate to do more.

[stubbsy]

Diet is paramount, try eating a bowl of pasta that weighs about 75g and add some pasta sauce, because pasta is a carbonhydrate which is converted to body fuel, so whithin an hour of eating, you should start feeling re-energised somewhat, but don't eat more than 75grams worth or your convert a lot of that energy to fat, as the body won't need any more than this until your workouts get more extreme, good luck.

[sketchy]

I don't - I play sports instead. Motivation is never an issue because it's actually fun, and I'm always going to push myself because I want to win.

If your goal is just to lose some weight and/or improve overall fitness, I personally think it's much better than the tedium of a gym.

[biscuits]

Make a list of goals, stuff as simple as 'lifting the 20 pound dumbbell' or 'jogging for 5 minutes' and after you've achieved it, check it off. After x amount of goals achieved, give yourself a reward, like a spa day or a new shirt. These little positive encouragements can help a lot!

Another thing involved with working out is that 'post workout buzz' you get that (usually) makes your day and mood better. This thought of 'ill feel better if I go for a jog!' works for me :) good luck!

[iPood]

they say it takes 3 weeks to form a habit, and I've found that to be true. I've been working out more for a couple months now, and extra since the new year. I run almost everyday and it's not hard to be motivated anymore- It has just become part of my daily routine, like getting dressed, brushing my teeth etc. I feel weird if I miss a day

[WeaponZero]

Once you get set in the routine, motivation ceases to be an issue. Give yourself a strict schedule to follow for like a month and then it'll become a routine that you follow mindlessly. Motivation won't be an issue anymore then. =)

For that first month though, the only thing you can do is constantly remind yourself WHY you're doing this in the first place.

[WeaponZero]

In my backpack I always have on me the following things:

Resistance band

Jump rope

4 lb medicine ball

Shaker cup with separate storage compartments filled with one serving of pre-workout and one serving of post-workout protein shake mix.

Water bottle

I always wear my trainers everywhere.

No motivation needed. When ever I find 20-30 minutes, regardless of where I am, I take my pre-workout, and start working out right then and there. Get in a total body workout at a moment's notice.

[beastman88]

whenever I feel like I have excess energy that needs to come out somehow, I lift weights. I love the feeling afterward. my muscles feel tight and like there going to pop out of my skin, arny said it the best its all about the "pump". the fact that I know iam getting stronger when I work out. definitely won't have any negative effects. unless you work out too much, there is such a thing.

[vocalheiress]

music

the fact that summer is coming

or sign up for some kind of marathon that will require you to train. I just signed up for the Warrior Dash, so it's one more thing that motivates me to work out =)

[pwenguin18]

Been working out for over a year now, when I first started it felt like a lot of effort and I felt like stopping at times, but I kept going at it, now its a just another part of my life like eating and sleeping, I workout 3 times a week and feel terrible if I miss a session, just stick at it and it will soon become a part of your life, they say it takes 21 days for something to become a habit!

[Mortalgod21hfzelvqr]

Well, that's pretty simple.

If you start thinking negatively about it then it won't work.

But if you don't think at all and just do it, now that works.

[redmenace]

I watch this:

https://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=lPDKMmmIuqY&feature=related

BEST MOTIVATOR EVER.

[angel_face1988]

You have to have the right music and attitude when you go to the gym. The music I orefer is latin and some club music because they have the beat to keep you moving

[chocktachick]

https://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=Z0yc1T11caE

[blueeyed]

I look at pictures of Victorias secret models...works every time.

[Rashad]

Working out relaxes me, especially after a long day. I feel relieved. And when I'm having a bad day the urge to go to the gym raises.

[karenirving307]

haha! my dad he makes me and my sister work out everyday at goodlife lol

[arashmenalagha]

just think Oh I wanna get strong and healthy and you'll have more energy in strength in no time.

[PoeticNinja]

I put a picture of my fat self on the fridge.. Works every time.

[martyfellow]

I just think about the sexy personal trainer wandering around the gym, and I want to impress her!

[jimmy217]

i just really enjoy the feeling...i don't think oh damn I gotta work out. I just want to.

[Xx_DRE_xX]

Honestly, sometimes I look myself in mirror and say that I don't want to look this guy anymore. But it's definitely easier if you have a gym buddy.

[Anonymous]

I watch bodyrocktv on YouTube to get simple workout tips that I can do at home. that chick is unbelievable.

[Catie101]

she is :P I watch her workouts too!

[PAKMANN29]

I think mine is more of a routine and habit anymore.

[heyyy]

I look in the mirror.

[Anonymous]

I totally enjoy working out, so I don't really need motivation. But Music is very important when working out for me.(:

[bigbang654]

Hunger

[Anonymous]

MUSIC