Motivation

Does anyone have any tips on getting motivated to exercise and continue doing so?

I have gripped the concept of food choices, but now i trying to overcome the comfort of no exercise. The days i do it, i feel great. On the contrary, i won't do it again for like another monthish.

I am up for all suggestions, experiences, WHATEVER(lol)

Pictures can be a great motivator. Went on vacation and saw a pic of me that a friend took and was mortified. Where those really my cottage cheese thighs? Do they really look like that from that angle? Ugh!

Granted, that hasn't got me to any marathons or even close to the gym, but I've managed to put in 10 minutes on home elliptical machine most mornings and a brisk walk on my morning break at work (again, most mornings). Although haven't seen a lot of difference on the scale (going with the long-time favorite theory of 'muscles weighs more than fat), I can really tell a difference in my thighs. Firmer, less 'jiggly,' and less cottage cheese effect. Others might not so much, but I sure can.

So ultimately, I guess the pics get you started (even baby steps) and noticing a little bit of progress - on scale of firming up of stuff - can help keep you going.

Hang tough and try just baby steps to get you going. Honestly, I started on my morning elliptical routine making myself stick it out through 2 songs. Now I time it for 10 minutes, which is typically all I can afford in my current morning routine. At work I have a pop-up reminder on my computer to take my break and walk.

Do something, no matter how small and try to stick with it. You can do it!

It took me a long time to get into exercise. Since I have lost a few pounds and can see my body change, it has become much easier.
I don't like the gym so I exercise at home on my Wii. My favourite program is like a personal trainer. Exercises include cardio (running, kick ups, knee ups, cardio boxing) and strength exercises like lunges, squats, biceps curls, rows etc and plyometrics. As I often work late, it is important that I can exercise without the hassle of going to the gym.
If you haven't done any exercise for years, it might be best to gradually incorporate more activities like walking, always taking the stairs etc.
As you get fitter, you will want to push your body harder. Good luck and don't give up

you need to find exercise you like. You have to make that commitment to yourself saying you will do and because of this determination you will be healthier. Think about the future. Think about how much better you will feel with those few pounds off of you.

If going on the treadmill doesn't cut it for you. Try using a trainer to at least jump start you. They can really motivating and will create a program just for you! Maybe try some classes? Get a friend to go to the gym with you. You'll push each other and that you both can talk about how you feel, how awesome it was, and how awesome you're going to feel.

GOOD LUCK!!!

I started walking with a friend and that helped a lot, if I don't have her I make sure to have great music. Sometimes I just force myself to go do it. I know it's what I need and I will feel tons better when I am done. Just do it!!!!!

I have to keep a ton of variety in my workout program, which also keeps it flexible. I'll take kickboxing and strength classes at the gym a couple of times a week, use the elliptical and treadmills on other days, and use workout videos at home when I'm in a time crunch, (I have several Jillian Michael's videos and also like to use Dance off the Inches workouts that I stream from Netflix). Occasionally I'll take a long bike ride or a long walk- generally a weekend thing. I also do some shorter workouts on the Wii (cardio boxing and a few different dance ones) when I'm looking to burn a few calories but not necessarily put in a serious workout. I try to do something 6 days a week- when there's a gym class I like, I'll plan on that, but if I'm busy after work, I'll get up early and do a 30-day shred. By mixing it up, I adapt my workout to whatever time I have, keep it fresh and keep my body from getting too used to any one thing.

I've been doing the same thing. I use a diet pill to help me with my energy levels, but now I walk morning and afternoon while at work, as well as, a walk around the park at home.

When school is on, I meet my neighbors on the corner and go for a walk once our kids are on the bus. However, it's harder in the summer. We have a pool and that helps and some hikes with the family or canoeing. Also, my cable company has free exercise programs on demand. My biggest issue is that I work out of my home and make too many excuses (too busy with work) to exercise.

I think the find something fun to do advice is very good. The other is set small goals. It can be really mild, but if you commit to doing it regularly for a month it will get easier to stick with. Maybe like a chart where you record what you walked or something?

Begin where you are! If you think that a walk around the block sounds like a good idea, then do that. (a simple 10-20 minute walk) If you want to go on a favorite hiking trail, do that. Or mountain biking - or whatever! Start small and increase a bit each week.

Commit to a minimum! I used to tell myself I would exercise at least ten minutes a day,(six days a week) even if I was sick or dying! lol It worked!!! I knew I only had to do ten minutes of whatever exercise, but usually after ten minutes I was happy to keep going. [If not, I knew I could stop, I'd done what I'd committed to!] [I also made midnight my cut off time - it had to be done by then!]


Everyone's advice is spot on - pick something that kind of excites you!!!-- And that you know you can do!!! Something you can totally see yourself doing! If you like to dance, go to the latest dance classes at the gym, or try the eliptical machine (always a favorite).

Once you find what you like to do, (a litle routine) and then branch out. Try to experiment with something new (interspursed with your usual). I wouldn't start with weight training, but later, it's a must-do. You'll know when you're ready. You'll start thinking about it, and then get the bug to try it. Get help. Study the proper form and start with light weights! I echo that VARIETY is key!

TO REVIEW:

1) Begin where you are. (Start small, then increase a bit.)
2) Commit to a minimum.
3) Choose an activity you like and do that!
4) Add variety to your workouts, experiment and find new things you like. Enjoy it! Plan each week's workouts (according to your current fitness level) and look forward to this week's plan!

A great motivator can be starting an actual program. For some people, it takes hiring a personal trainer. For others, you may be able to use a home workout program. Either way, try to find others who have used something that worked for them. Ideally, find something that has a structured schedule, something literally with a calendar that tells you what DVD to do on what days. Keep talking to people who use the same program. That can help w/ accountability and motivation. Record your workouts somewhere. After doing something for a few weeks, before you know it, it'll be a habit...and you'll loooove how great you feel that you'll want to continue.
I'm pretty good at being a fitness consultant, so please, if you want some help, accountability, suggestions, etc, PM me and we can chat

You'll need to start out small and slow. If you add 2-3 15 minute workouts into your week, you'll notice a difference and eventually look forward to your exercise. The main thing is that you need to hold yourself accountable to this goal.

One thing that I do to keep myself motivated to healthy living in general is to create a wishlist of clothing that I want to wear once I lose weight. Choose from things that you wouldn't feel comfortable in now, and use that as your goal.

Also consider trying to enlist the help of a friend who is either already athletic or who is trying to get into shape. Having someone work out with you makes it a lot more fun, and also gives you motivation to get out and do it. My boyfriend is super fit, and he'll encourage me to go on walks with him or to play his Wii fit (also a great option if you have the money for it!)

Good luck!