How do you get the motivation to work out?

Posts: 37
5/8/13 8:17 A

I know how good it makes me feel after i've worked hard and it helps keep the calories in check. No good overeating if you really enjoy and want to do the exercise. I love it!

current weight: 260.0

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5/7/13 1:57 P

An honest look in the mirror!! Works everytime!!

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5/7/13 12:59 P

right here..

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3/1/13 8:34 A

I look in the mirror.:)

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3/1/13 8:24 A

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3/1/13 8:01 A

I use all of the posts mentioned ............... Gotta do it!

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3/1/13 6:49 A

I think about how great I'll feel after i've worked out

Posts: 570
2/28/13 10:00 A

I have to or I have more pain and get too stressed. And it feels good afterwards. I make it more fun on my stationary bike by watching a good show on Netflix. =)

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2/28/13 9:45 A

Sheer willpower. Sometimes the mind has to force us to do what the body doesn't want to do. I have to tell myself, "No excuses. Just do it. Don't feel like it? Too bad. DO IT."

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2/28/13 9:18 A

Asking the good Lord above to give me strength!

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2/7/13 8:21 A

Better health is the overall outcome.

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2/7/13 7:32 A

remember my goals, how far i have come and still need to go. and i look at myself naked in the mirror

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2/6/13 9:10 P

I remember how much better I feel when I work out compared to when I don't. My sparkstreaks also keep me motivated to keep going!

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2/6/13 8:52 P

i keep in mind my goal and the positive effects of working out.

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2/6/13 12:07 P

I want to look good for my husband. That's what makes me feel good. I like the results I see in myself, but to be found sexy and attractive by the man I love, it just amplifies the jubilee. I know it might sound morbid, but when I feel myself slipping, I ask him if he thinks I'm getting skinnier/healthier. He'll say yes. I'll then ask if he's more attractive to the skinnier me than the "fat" me, and he'll say yes again. (before anyone get's upset at him, I asked him to say this. Sometimes, you just need to hear the truth.) This conversation gets me amped up and ready to go again! I choose to eat healthy and not "cheat" (ie pills and etc) because I don't like doing things the "easy way". it's much more rewarding if I know I worked for it.

current weight: 163.0

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2/6/13 11:42 A

I am on instagram and there are a ton of motivational fitness/ workout people on there. I do look at those during the day for fun. And that is really motivating!

So the biggest thing is dragging myself out of the house. I genuinely remind myself how great it is to have clothes that fit so much better and how good I feel about myself and how breaking a sweat will make a difference today. :) That works!

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2/6/13 11:35 A

I must say that I really truly enjoy working out. I have been called a " Gym Rat" because of the amount of exercise that I do. It's only a few times where I didn't feel like it, however I will put some music on to get me going when I feel like that, or it depends on what is going on in my life if I take a step back from it that day. I keep my workout bag packed and ready at all times in my car.

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2/6/13 11:15 A

I stayed on track for long enough for it to become a habit. If I skip a day, I feel anxious and I can't wait to go work out again.

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2/6/13 9:59 A

I think about what I've gained so far. I also think about a few "splurge foods" that I allow myself if I stay consistent with my routine. I may not work out at the same time each day and that's ok. What's important is that I work out and get it in, whenever it can fit into my day.

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2/6/13 9:58 A

I want to continue to stay healthy so I just do it. If you don't use it you'll lose it.

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2/6/13 9:08 A

I work out first thing in the morning. I am too sleepy to know better.

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Posts: 606
2/6/13 8:32 A

Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
One of many favorite quotes I love and works everytime!Just by taking that first step I accomplish alot more and surprise myself!

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2/5/13 2:25 P

im having a hard time getting motivated. i dont have enough energy and i feel like it is a waste of time. i need to lose weight 375 and im 6'4", my goal is to get to 200.

Posts: 92
9/30/12 8:11 A

I weigh myself. I know you're not supposed to, but it inspires me! When I get on the scale and it says 146 instead of the 176 it used to say I am reminded that exercise has gotten me this far and if I keep doing it I'll make it to my goal weight in no time!

current weight: 152.4

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9/29/12 1:49 P

LOVE this response! I've got to remember this the next time I don't feel like working out!

Posts: 346
9/29/12 1:31 P

I don't want to stop my exercise streak since July 4. I just do it. Knowing that it is better than not doing it.

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9/28/12 11:43 A

The help from Sparkies! The posts on here are so motivating, inspiration, and heart touching. I know I can do this!

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Posts: 5
9/28/12 11:20 A

I pat myself on the back when I exercise without having to be motivated. I throw myself a PARTY (mentally) when I don't feel like exercising but do it anyway. Imagine a ticker tape parade with you as the guest of honor. I do this even if I only workout for 5 or 10 minutes. And if I just can't motivate myself I always come up with a plausible explanation. i.e. My body knows what is best and it must need a rest today. That way I never let a missed workout discourage me from trying again.

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9/28/12 9:13 A

I recently discovered how much exercise improves my mood. So when I feel grumpy I look forward to the boost from exercising!

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9/28/12 9:10 A

never want to weight 250 again

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9/28/12 9:09 A

Twelve minutes. I get dressed, get my water, and tell myself I'll do twelve minutes. If I still don't feel like working out after I've been at it for 12 minutes, I get to stop. That's only happened a couple of times in the past five years.

If working out hasn't been a regular part of routine, to the point where you feel cranky when you miss a scheduled workout, you're forming a new habit. All the things you can do to get your mind in the right place help (like most of the suggestions made by other "sparkies").

Putting on workout clothes is the first step. Having your water ready is another because it's reminding yourself that you take this seriously - enough so that you are prepping just like a professional athlete would. Sometimes the hardest step is just starting; once you've gotten the workout going, often you'll have gotten past the hardest part (Starting!).

Twelve minutes is enough to get a little bit of the endorphins going and to figure out if you're just overcoming an motivational or emotional "I don't wanna" moment or if maybe there really is something physical going on where maybe you should cut back today for just this one workout (maybe you're coming down with a cold or are really short on sleep and need some rest).

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9/28/12 7:31 A

It never fails, even when I'm dead tired, not in the mood to exercise, the first step is the hardest. After that, it's a lot easier. And I'll reason with myself (lol), "Hey, if you hurry up, this will be over sooner!" - helps me to remember that a slower jog just means MORE time.

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9/28/12 6:28 A

I do it even if I do not feel like it. I also have an elliptical trek I almost have to trip over to go to our bathroom. Sometimes I call it my no excuses machine (-: if I do nothing else, 20 minutes on that gets me going.

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9/27/12 9:21 P

Mostly because I enjoy working out, it's nice to move and feel my heart and muscles working. It's also kind of meditative, when I exercise, I think of nothing else, and that is rare!

Find the kind of workout that you enjoy, and just get started. Sometimes the best motivation is just getting started and giving yourself permission to stop in 10 mins. I usually keep on going long past that,

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9/27/12 8:50 P

I have a friend walk me me Tues and Thurs. And I joined the Y.M.C.A and I do the spin class on Mon. , Weds & Friday. My Husband is taking the spin class so he keeps me motivated.
And I hope to start doing a strength building class next week and also want to add Pilates and Yoga for toning~ Which my friend wants to do with me~ So she will hold me to it!

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9/27/12 6:47 P

GRIZ1GIRL:

I love your thinking on this topic. I'm going to borrow this if you don't mind. :)

Edited by: YOHALL3 at: 9/27/2012 (18:50)

Posts: 17
9/27/12 6:20 P

I turn on music. Something that makes me want to move, something upbeat.

current weight: 197.0

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9/27/12 4:08 P

I make it an unbreakable rule that I have to workout at least 4 times per week. When I'm wanting to skip a night, I think "Is it really worth using one of my nights off tonight?" Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't. Either way, I'm getting it done but without feeling like I can't give myself a break sometimes. I find that doing it this way, I like to get my workouts done early in the week so I don't have to worry about missing fun social stuff on the weekend because of gym time. And I haven't had a single week where I didn't get in at least the 4 workouts. If I'm feeling super motivated, I'll throw in one or two more.

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9/27/12 4:05 P

I really don't work-out.
But cardio video 40-45 mins 5 sets 2 reps.
Walking is 30 minutes 3x per day. ( long block) or 10 minutes 3-4 times per day.

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9/27/12 2:11 P

I make sure I always have a set of workout clothes in my trunk...that alone is motivation for me sometimes. That way I feel that even on days when I'm not specifically planning to workout (where I specifically pack a bag), it's always an option and I take pleasure in using my "trunk" clothes.

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9/27/12 1:56 P

I look at as a I Have to do it thing. Just like I have to clean the house, feed the pets and get my husband ready for work -- I have to have my workout !

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9/27/12 12:58 P

I get up at 4:30 too.......

That way the workout is done without time stress and I am ready for my day.

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9/27/12 12:48 P

I get up at 4:30 in the morning and just go. That's the only time I have available and it gives me tons of energy to get through my day. I have everything ready...my clothes, my music, and of course my coffee :) Just do it automatically without thinking about it. People say I'm crazy to go that early, but honestly I have more energy on the days I get up at 4:30 than the days I get up at 6:00.

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9/27/12 9:26 A

Whenever I hear on the news about how many Americans are becoming overweight it gives me motivation to not be another statistic of obesity!

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Posts: 50
9/27/12 8:25 A

It's my "me" time. I roll out of bed and head to the gym. If I don't go in the mornings I feel off the whole rest of the day. It also helps that I see the same few people in the morning that will hold me accountable if I start skipping.

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9/27/12 1:17 A

Planning is the first step. It helps me avoid not having time to work-out if I schedule it into my day and arrange whatever I need to arrange, such as taking my clothes to work, leaving dinner for my son, getting him a ride anywhere he needs to go that night. I try not to schedule any evening activities on my workout days.

When I'm not feeling it, I remember how miserable I was at my starting weight and how great I feel now. I also visualize how I want to look. My progress is a natural motivator. I love seeing the scale go down and the inches melt away. And at the end of the day, I actually like working out. It's like the time of day that's just about me. I'm not meeting anybody else's needs, there is no demand for my time or attention and I get to zone out and daydream. Afterwards I always feel so great too.

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9/27/12 12:40 A

Exercise motivates me to exercise. I like how it makes me feel.

The mirror motivates me.

Accountability friends motivate me, as do classes.

current weight: 112.4

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9/27/12 12:23 A

I just do it. Partly I guess you could say my motivation is seeing if I can do more than last time. Other times I don't feel like exercising but I still do it. I always feel better knowing I did it.

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9/26/12 5:19 P

How do I get motivated? Read a thread like this! WOW! Congrats to all the successes on here! Great tips! I'd write more, but I'm gonna go get my fitness minutes in.

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Posts: 346
9/26/12 3:32 P

I used to not be motivated but after reading "The Spark" the biggest thing that I got out of it was exercising everyday even if it is only 10 minutes. I started on my treadmill at home on July 4 - watching tv shows I had DVRd for the first time 20 minutes, increased it to 30 minutes twice a day after a few weeks and on Sept 1 increased it to 45 minutes twice a day. The morning before work is easier then the evening walk. Anyway knowing that I have had a streak like Sparkguy has inspired me to continue until I can't. Today is 82 days straight and don't want to break it. Also during this time my oldest son is finishing up the Appalachain Trail that he started on April 1. He has hiked over 2000 miles, gone thru 13 states and finishing his 14 in Maine, hopefully soon.

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9/26/12 2:35 P

I have to make sure I pack my workout bag the night before and put it with my purse. That way I can go straight to the gym or Zumba class right after work and not have any excuses. It really does help keep me on track. I also don't want to go backward after working so hard to get the weight off so that also keeps me motivated. Also having my clothes get too big. That's an awesome feeling and let's you know you are heading in the right direction!

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9/26/12 12:41 P

I get motivated by reading on Sparks what others are doing. I pick-up a lot of good usable ideas from this Forum on Fitness & Exercise. Also by reading articles. So much good stuff here to reap from.

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9/26/12 10:02 A

I have to schedule a workout into my day. Once I get there and get going, I love it. However, I can come up with a thousand reasons not to do it if I don't add it to my calendar. I also enter my exercise minutes on SparkPeople each morning . . . before I workout. I usually go to the gym after work so entering my minutes in the morning seems to be a commitment to fullfill the obligation before I go home.

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9/25/12 7:18 P

I have just come to really enjoy it. It is the one part of the healthy lifestyle SP journey that I find easy to keep up with.

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9/25/12 7:07 A

I think about all the progress I have made so far and how I don't want it to be for nothing.

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9/24/12 8:10 P

These are all great motivators. I started sporatically. Then I joined a gym that gave me 2 weeks of free classes. I decided to try the Pilates and Strength Training Classes. Within 2 weeks I was hooked on Pilates. I always went to the scheduled classes since I had to pay for them. Now it's a habit. Also, it's better to get cardio in before Pilates, so I try to do 30 minutes of cardio before class.

Last month I challenged myself to work out 2000 minutes and made it. This month I challenged myself to 2500 minutes. We'll see how I do.

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9/24/12 4:00 P

I take a lot from Spark Guy's story about committing to 10 minutes a day. Sometimes I am in no mood for the gym and I can only talk myself into 15 minutes of cardio. Most of the time I wind up staying longer :-) Getting there is the key for me. When I first started I was at a gym with a hot tub and steam room, and sometimes I would just convince myself to go for that and maybe laps in the pool-- even then I usually wound up 20-30 minutes of decent exercise :-)

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9/24/12 1:41 P

This is immensely silly, but works for me as a huge geek. I love certain TV shows like Sherlock and Doctor Who, where it seems like they are ALWAYS running. So I have cheesy mental motivators related to that, basically like "You never know when you're going to need to chase down a cab driven by a serial killer, or outrun the zombie apocalypse."

Similarly, I saw one of those someecards a few months ago that said, "I work out because I know I would've been the first to die in the Hunger Games." LOL!

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9/24/12 5:02 A

Do it regularly for long enough and it becomes routine. No need to motivate yourself any more.

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9/23/12 7:08 P

At this point it is a habit.....been doing it for years!

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9/23/12 3:13 P

When I don't feel up to working out or I'm trying my best to make any excuse doable for skipping a day, I think about how many lbs I lost and how easy I can begin to gain them back again. I think of how my health is on the line and how much better I feel after I get done working out each day. I think about all the reasons I SHOULD workout and that always overcomes the reasons for me NOT to work out, because all of those reasons are petty excuses...every single time!

current weight: 197.0

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9/23/12 2:37 P

When I don't feel like working out I think of how uncomfortable I've felt in the past. My clothes wouldn't fit or I had achy joints. I also look at before and after pics of people who have lost more weight and reached their goals. If they can do it so can I. I also go to the gym no matter what. If I'm not feeling it that day I still go. I will do the treadmill at a walking pace but at a high incline so I'm burning something. By the time an hour has gone by I've done almost 500 calories and I'm drenched in sweat. By the time I'm done with that I either start some weights or really get into some cardio. Either way at least I went and got something done.

Posts: 2,101
9/23/12 12:24 P

Do you brush your teeth everyday?
Do you shower everyday?
Do you do other things as DAILY HABITS to stay healthy?

So then WHY do you need "motivation" to workout?!? Just make it a part of your normal, healthy, daily routine....and boom--there you have it. I exercise first thing every morning. Period. No questions asked...no motivation needed.

Change your MINDSET--and it'll change your life!

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9/23/12 12:17 P

I find a friend, and do something new! What makes me lose motivation to work out is doing the same thing over and over and I get bored, so I call someone. Everyone is looking to get healthier, so anyone I call whether its a good friend, a relative or a co-worker, is up to do something if they're free (And you pester them enough). I promise, they usually appreciate it afterwards, and even want to do it again! Yesterday, I jogged on the boadwalk with my cousin. The day before, I crashed my friend's Yoga class, and before that signed up for a kettlebell class with another friend! My co-workers and I even started "Dance Party Sunday" where in the middle of the day we break out into random dance for about 25 minutes... things like this always keep me moving and motivated, and I get to motivate others as well!

Edited by: BORG_CUPCAKE at: 9/23/2012 (12:18)

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9/23/12 12:10 A

I visualize myself slimmer and stronger, and remind myself that I'll never get to be that person unless I do my workouts! And when that's not enough to get me out the door, I visualize a reward...like a glass of wine, and tell myself I can have it if I burn enough calories.

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9/22/12 9:00 P

Music is a huge motivator for me. I crank up some upbeat tunes and try to just get lost in them. I reward myself with new songs often just to keep things fresh.

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9/22/12 7:07 P

One of my walking routes has me walking past a burger joint - I watch people driving out with their HUGE sodas and feel very self righteous - they are about to ingest 1000 calories - I am busy burning about 600 calories...good feeling.

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9/22/12 5:00 A

Watching all the big people going and comming out of fast food joints....raises the question to me do I want to look like that? Plus my motivation is two bladed, one was giving up smoking and losing weight, started walking / running and never looked back since.....

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9/22/12 3:40 A

When I don't feel like working out, I like to watch on youtube before and after photos of weight loss. After that I really feel motivated to work out. Then I always have in mind if they did it, I can also do it. It's all about willpower and morivation. Another thing I like to do is listen to music while I workout and it helps me a lot.

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9/21/12 11:44 P

Right now my work outs are physical therapy after back surgery, so I have no problem with motivation knowing that everything I do is going to make me stronger and less likely to reinjure myself.

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9/21/12 10:10 P

It makes me feel very good and also I look in the mirror and know it is necessary. I am 67 and I really have to work at this to stay healthy and strong!

current weight: 145.4

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9/21/12 10:06 P

I keep hoping one day that I will be excited to work out, but that hasn't happened. I do know that I feel great afterwards, especially if I really work hard, and usually it just takes me to start. Before I know it I am pushing myself through it. I work out every day, because I am afraid if I don't, I will do it less and less...

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Posts: 164
9/21/12 9:46 P

PurplePinkPants fines me one dollar if I don't. I haven't paid her a penny since I agreed to do it! And, I do not plan on paying her, ever. I think I am finally, miraculously, addicted to exercise? It feels so good! Can't believe I am saying that. Shhhh....don't tell PurplePinkPants. She'll switch to a new area I am struggling in. Accountability partners are great!

Pounds lost: 20.0

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SparkPoints: (1,151)
Fitness Minutes: (110)
Posts: 38
9/21/12 6:59 P

I think about the way I feel after I work out. it just makes me want to keep going.

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Posts: 4,865
9/21/12 5:35 P

I tell myself that you will be free and clear to do what ever you want to do after you excrise. Then i don't feel bad when i watch tv or play a video game because my workout is already down.

current weight: 141.0

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Posts: 1,078
9/21/12 3:46 P

I keep a pair of the old size 20 shorts hanging in my closet next to my workout clothes - that is a huge (literally) reminder of where I used to be and where I am now (having lost 70 lbs and having my size 14's fit loosely.) I also get up every day and immediately dress in my workout clothes, down to my shoes - and I have a standing appointment to walk 5 days a week with a friend.

current weight: 160.0

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9/21/12 2:32 P

I think we make time in our lives for the things we WANT to do. It seems like we can always find time to eat or to watch our favorite TV shows every night. So I think the key is to reframe "exercising" or "working out" into something else - like movement. What are some ways you can move that you enjoy? Walking around the block a few times with friends? Dancing, yoga, tennis, gardening? Maybe you really dig cleaning house. Turn the music up loud and go to town. Making sure we move every day is actually a profound act of self-care. If you love yourself and your body, you will be more likely to take care of it. I found that my daily walk is a great chance to have some "me" time. It's also when I do my best creative thinking! Just my two cents : D

SparkPoints: (3,355)
Fitness Minutes: (4,495)
Posts: 50
9/21/12 1:10 P

I know this is the ultimate cliche, but the answer is "just do it!" Seriously, don't think about it, don't question yourself and wait for the motivation to kick in because it might never happen. Just find something to do, and go do it! Make it a routine, the first couple of weeks are the hardest but after that it becomes second nature.

current weight: 147.0

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Posts: 561
9/21/12 11:39 A

I get motivation by not having a strict exercise regime and allow myself to do my activity of choice that fits my mood for the day. With the pressure off it seems to get me moving without having the dreaded thoughts like "Oh boy...I HAVE to kickbox or jumprope when I'd rather just walk"

SparkPoints: (22,955)
Fitness Minutes: (17,292)
Posts: 669
9/21/12 10:53 A

I think about the condition of my health 4 months ago. 288 lbs, out of control high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and severe aortic regurgitation. Now I'm 50 lbs lighter, blood pressure under control, CHF gone, and mechanical aortic valve after surgery 8 weeks ago. knowing where I was then gives me the motivation to keep exercising to keep my heart and the rest of me healthy.

current weight: 227.0

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Posts: 3,241
9/21/12 10:10 A

don't want to weigh 250 again!

current weight: 121.0

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SparkPoints: (27,729)
Fitness Minutes: (28,991)
Posts: 1,161
9/21/12 10:00 A

For me, the hardest step is the first step onto my machines to exercise. After that, I'm good!

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9/20/12 11:34 P

I started an exercise streak - maintaining the streak has kept me going even on those days I really want to be lazy.

current weight: 149.2

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Posts: 38
9/20/12 6:37 P

I get up and put on some upbeat music (currently first song on my playlist is "Harder Better Faster Stronger" by Daft Punk) and get dressed to work out. Shoes, socks, iPod, sunglasses. If it's a bad day I might only make it to the end of the driveway, on a good day I'll walk a full mile. (end of the driveway is .1 mile). If it's raining I do the same thing, but with an exercise bike. I'll go around .1 mile, if I'm still feeling ok, I'll go for a whole mile.

Have you thought about getting your kids involved in it? Depending on how old they are, they could be valuable motivators for you, reminding you to get moving, or getting you to play with them or take them to a local park.

Pounds lost: 30.0

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SparkPoints: (1,205)
Fitness Minutes: (1,765)
Posts: 3
9/20/12 4:45 P

Have only been doing this for a few weeks. I'm a big believer that it takes several weeks (6, 12, depends on who you talk to) for habits to form. For me, right now in the beginning of this, daily, consistent practice is necessary for me to "set" these habits.

Consistency is difficult for me, especially on days like today where I don't feel my best. I'm not so much tempted by poor food choices as I am by my chronic fatigue; which makes me want to just crawl in bed and sleep. Today I was completely tempted to not fulfill my daily exercise goals. The old cruddy thinking started to take over...rationalizing. "It's ok not to do exercise, I worked so hard yesterday." Or, "A single day off won't hurt anything. I deserve a break." Or, "My energy level is really poor today. Not exercising and taking a break will make me feel better."

My small victory for today? I went and did it anyway. I'm not sure what has changed within me, or what was going through my mind when I ignored all of my rationalizations and got on that bike. What I do know? My energy level is better. My mental outlook is better. And I'm incredibly proud of myself for not giving in. I know that consistency is my problem, and setting these "habits" is going to be my biggest hurdle. Today I worked towards my goals, despite my negative thinking that sabotages my efforts. That is my small victory. I figure these little victories will help me build confidence ("train my brain") and give me motivation for my long-term effort.

current weight: 271.2

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Posts: 63
9/20/12 4:12 P

I am using a notebook with regular paper in it and making myself calenders each month on 1 sheet of paper. I make the boxes big enought to where I can write in them what I need to do each day exercise-wise. I then scribble thru the day that I have finished. It makes me feel great to know that I have a whole months worth of scribbles and I am benefitting from it :)

Pounds lost: 24.0

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SparkPoints: (1,554)
Fitness Minutes: (249)
Posts: 33
9/20/12 12:55 P

I don't look at it as having too much to do with "Motivation", because you can easily bypass exercise simply by saying, "I don't feel like it" or "I'm just not motivated". To me (a beginner exerciser) it's like keeping an appointment with yourself. I keep the appointment out in the backyard (where the neighbors aren't staring) when my kids can safely play, while I do some ball exercises. This is a beautiful time to do it when it's getting cool.

I imagine that as you get fitter, and exercise for greater lengths, you will WANT to push yourself and look forward tot he next day when you can see if you can push a little harder. The reward is feeling that way, and seeing the numbers on the scale drop, and an increase in how you feel. :)

current weight: 259.8

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SparkPoints: (46,967)
Fitness Minutes: (64,409)
Posts: 1,249
9/20/12 12:43 P

Don't worry about "motivation"! Do you ask yourself every day if you're motivated to brush your teeth, go to work, or take a shower? Of course not; you just do it. Excercise can become exactly the same...something you just do, without a lot of analyzing about whether you "feel like it" or not.

And, unlike brushing your teeth, exercise makes you feel great! It relieves stress, promotes better sleep, releases feel-good endorphins, and gives you some needed alone time or the opportunity to socialize, whichever you prefer. All that, besides the tremendous health benefits!

Find sports or activities you enjoy doing, make them them part of your daily routine, and quit worrying about motivation. Fitness will become a habit!

current weight: 8.0  over

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SparkPoints: (20,703)
Fitness Minutes: (14,268)
Posts: 19
9/20/12 12:32 P

I used to describe myself as "the world's most sedentary person." I hated exercise and sports of any kind. In 2011 I saw a picture of myself at the splash park with my grandkids; I did not recognize that woman. Also I was told by my endocrinologist that I would start medication if I did not lose some weight and get my blood sugar back under control. So first I worked with a dietician to get my diet back in line with my goals as a diabetic. But this alone did not work on the weight. I changed health plans to one that offered free fitness services; after my eval and being released to exercise by all my docs, I started Curves. It has made a huge difference in my blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol and even my last bone scan was the best I've ever had! It has also given me energy to keep up with my grandkids, and improved my reaction to stress. Now I am starting to use SP videos at home on the days I do not go to Curves. My mood is so much better. I am now a devoted fan of exercise and do not want to miss it.

SparkPoints: (36,018)
Fitness Minutes: (9,815)
Posts: 542
9/20/12 6:49 A

I hit rock bottom (i.e., highest wt ever) in March of this year. A co-worker of mine was using a Personal Trainer at the community center I also belong to and he advised me how to get started. I took a deep breath, made the call, rearranged my scheule so I could fit 2 30min sessions per week and jumped right in.

Fast forward -- PT Nicole has pushed me over the last 6 months to do things I never thought I could do. It is very empowering. I can lift 15 lb dumbells in each hand. I can do crunches and push-ups -- it is very hard work and I struggle but I can do them. I am starting a 5k training program. I don't run fast, I trot, but I am doing it on my terms. The best part is I can walk/run/do crunches/do push ups/etc anywhere. I travel sometimes, but I can still get the workouts in.

For the first time, I am viewing exercise planning just as I would view food planning. It's all part of the "planning" done each day (well, most days - nobody's perfect). It feels really good to be taking control again of my health. I feel better, I am happier, my flabby gut is getting less flabby, my facial spread is slowing, my double chin seems to be tightening up.

I am motivated every day due to progress. The hardest part is getting started, especially after a long period of time where nothing was done.

Good luck to all and keep sparkin'!!!!!

current weight: 218.8

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Posts: 506
9/20/12 12:30 A

My motivation is simple: if I don't do these exercises, I won't be able to walk, go up and down the stairs to my basement, or drive my car. I need to be able to do rhese things, so I have to do my exercises and get strong again, while i don't gain by overeating and sitting still all day.

SparkPoints: (20,523)
Fitness Minutes: (12,019)
Posts: 585
9/19/12 6:43 P

I have an accountability Spark Buddy!

current weight: 136.0

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Posts: 321
9/19/12 6:38 P

youtube!!

current weight: 157.0

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SparkPoints: (10,105)
Fitness Minutes: (11,271)
Posts: 403
9/19/12 4:49 P

I just started working out again a few weeks ago. I started with 10 min strength training videos everyday & walking the dogs. I just do it the second I get home before I have a chance to really think about it, and I cant talk myself out of a ten min video! I mean it is ten minutes!! some days I try and then I have to get tough with myself and say suck it up. I would recommend starting small and finding stuff you like to do and just do it, dont think about it.

Pounds lost: 15.0

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SparkPoints: (24,236)
Fitness Minutes: (12,119)
Posts: 447
9/19/12 4:09 P

Sometimes I have to trick myself. I'll find an easy task like walk around house, a couple sit-ups, take garbage out. Once activity has started, it seems to be self perpetuating.
Second idea. Make a workout date with a friend, and hubby watch the kids. Make the day for you, don't give family a choice. Once you start feeling and looking better, then the family will want you to go.

Edited by: KONRAD695 at: 9/19/2012 (16:10)

current weight: 179.0

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SparkPoints: (10,148)
Fitness Minutes: (2,865)
Posts: 541
9/19/12 3:49 P

Those are great ideas. Good job!

Pounds lost: 30.0

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