How the heck do you stay motivated working out/jogging/etc?

[aras]

I do it for a few days then stop. The longest I've done it was 4 years ago when I consistently jogged and worked out for nearly 4 months. I used to jog outside and came winter time and snow and it ended right there. I was in fantastic shape, even went for some kickass hiking. Now I'm essentially obese and try to get a bit of walking added everyday and can't get motivated and once I do, can't keep it going. The only way I can force myself to walk long distance is to hit the fast food restaurants and that's no good. :( Once you're not even close to your ideal shape it's a pain in the ass.

For you guys who have been keeping fit and exercising regularly, what's your secret? Do you hit the gym? You workout at home? Do you go with a friend? Do you watch a lot of sports to get motivated? Etc.

[Alvito]

first, let me say i was suppose to go to the gym yesterday, I said i would go today, and its 6:20pm and i havent gone yet.


after reading this. I have to say it reminded me of what got me going. everyone has a goal they want to reach, add muscle, or lose fat. Just remind yourself of your goal, and that if u dont go ur making it harder for yourself to reach it.

[thesober]

Make goals for yourself, don't just workout and exercise, train!

[MtX]

I do it for a few days then stop. The longest I've done it was 4 years ago when I consistently jogged and worked out for nearly 4 months. I used to jog outside and came winter time and snow and it ended right there. I was in fantastic shape, even went for some kickass hiking. Now I'm essentially obese and try to get a bit of walking added everyday and can't get motivated and once I do, can't keep it going. The only way I can force myself to walk long distance is to hit the fast food restaurants and that's no good. :( Once you're not even close to your ideal shape it's a pain in the ass.

For you guys who have been keeping fit and exercising regularly, what's your secret? Do you hit the gym? You workout at home? Do you go with a friend? Do you watch a lot of sports to get motivated? Etc.

Rocky

[sleepyguy]

Well I'm about to head out in an hr or so. These are just my reasons so here they go; no particular order of importance.

1. I live a fit lifestyle, always have and always will be.
2. I absolutely love sports. Specifically vball, bball and tennis. Going to the gym or just working out anywhere allows me to play sports longer, stronger and more competitive. Which I enjoy.
3. I see it as an investment in probably the one of the most important thing in my life, my health.

Honestly, I see some people spend so much time taking care of their pets/lawns/house or whatever and don't give a rat's @ss about there health which is by FAR much more important. Quote taken by a video I saw on youtube the other day, "Healthy is Wealthy". Take care -sg

[7Stryder7]

Well I'm about to head out in an hr or so. These are just my reasons so here they go; no particular order of importance.

1. I live a fit lifestyle, always have and always will be.
2. I absolutely love sports. Specifically vball, bball and tennis. Going to the gym or just working out anywhere allows me to play sports longer, stronger and more competitive. Which I enjoy.
3. I see it as an investment in probably the one of the most important thing in my life, my health.

Honestly, I see some people spend so much time taking care of their pets/lawns/house or whatever and don't give a rat's @ss about there health which is by FAR much more important. Quote taken by a video I saw on youtube the other day, "Healthy is Wealthy". Take care -sg


+1
I also agree with the idea that you will be motivated to work out if you're competitive (tennis is a big plus :D) and it makes things a lot more interesting and fun.

[van]

I do it for a few days then stop. The longest I've done it was 4 years ago when I consistently jogged and worked out for nearly 4 months.

You have to find an activity that you enjoy. If you get bored, switch to something else. I got into weight lifting many years ago out of bordom, and I'm still at it, even more-so now. Not sure what it is, but I actually look forward to going to the gym, and I get pissed off if I miss a workout. Might have something to do with the euphoric rush you get after an intense workout which can be quite addictive.

[naxos98]

You have to find an activity that you enjoy. If you get bored, switch to something else. I got into weight lifting many years ago out of bordom, and I'm still at it, even more-so now. Not sure what it is, but I actually look forward to going to the gym, and I get pissed off if I miss a workout. Might have something to do with the euphoric rush you get after an intense workout which can be quite addictive.

I agree, finding something you enjoy is key (for me its doing stuff outside, I really don't like the gym). If you enjoy it, it won't be as hard to get yourself motivated. On days you are less motivated, try to force yourself to go. After you finish working out, you will be glad you got out and did something. Be flexible too, sometimes you just want to relax, so go ahead and take it. Just make sure everyday doesn't become a relax day. Find a friend to do things with you. You motivate each other, and it usually makes time seem to go by faster.

[ji2o0k]

You have to find an activity that you enjoy.
I agree, finding something you enjoy is key (for me its doing stuff outside, I really don't like the gym). If you enjoy it, it won't be as hard to get yourself motivated.
+3 - you really do have to find an activity you enjoy.

I enjoy playing bball and tennis. Though I should work-out at the gym and do cardio as I am not in the best shape I could be but I do play bball regularly and thoroughly enjoy it.

If you have fun, you won't even think you are doing exercise.

Hopefully I will hit the gym soon and get some cardio in though, I need it for the sports.

[granite_grrl]

And to repeat: find an activity that you enjoy. Even better: find an activity that you're pasionate about.

I enjoy: biking, yoga and pilates, but they all take a back seat to...

rock and ice climbing, which is my passion.

I'm not in as good of shape as I'd like to be, but I'm better than most people out there!

[sleepyguy]

True dat, hit the gym you lazy bum ;) -sg

+3 - you really do have to find an activity you enjoy.

I enjoy playing bball and tennis. Though I should work-out at the gym and do cardio as I am not in the best shape I could be but I do play bball regularly and thoroughly enjoy it.

If you have fun, you won't even think you are doing exercise.

Hopefully I will hit the gym soon and get some cardio in though, I need it for the sports.

[Birdman]

Make it a habit.

I hit the gym 3 times a week right after work. Took about a month for it to get to the point where I don't even think about it any more, I just go.

For me I have to go right after work. If I go home first I know I'll get tied up with the wife and kids and yardwork and not get back out.

[UrbanPoet]

start slow... you dont have to go all out hard core when your first starting out. 1/2 hr a day will do. Maybe even lower intensity. After a while it becomes a habbit and i train harder.

Another thing that motivates me is tracking my progress in the mirror and through pictures. It is very rewarding.

Compliments from others also motivate me to train & eat harder.

[Red_Army]

Rocky

+1

i also watch the news and see all the overweight americans, and that alone is motivation enough for me

[UrbanPoet]

+1

i also watch the news and see all the overweight americans, and that alone is motivation enough for me


Motivational videos and movies.
My favourite is Ronnie Colemans video. ALso the scene in Spiderman 1 when he wakes up with a chizeled body. Thats impressive... b/c tobey mguire was always a skinny lil actor.

[Red_Army]

Motivational videos and movies.
My favourite is Ronnie Colemans video. ALso the scene in Spiderman 1 when he wakes up with a chizeled body. Thats impressive... b/c tobey mguire was always a skinny lil actor.

well when you get paid to train 6 hours a day for 6 days a week we would all look like that

[nfnx]

oh man sports illustrated keeps me motivated cause the girls are hoottt

[sleepyguy]

"LIGHT WEIGHT!"

Haha, Coleman is awesome :)

well when you get paid to train 6 hours a day for 6 days a week we would all look like that

[AirBosh]

Look at the friends around you who are getting fat with the double chin and beer belly. If you friends aren't fat yet go on facebook and look for people from your high school who are fat or getting there. That will motivate you.

[uvadtmfub]

I'm hoping WiiFit will solve this problem for me. :D

[UrbanPoet]

well when you get paid to train 6 hours a day for 6 days a week we would all look like that

yeah thats true. Tons of motivation when you got a leading role for a block buster film.
But it was still a fast turn around. I read articles on what he did and yeah... He spent 3 months training like crazy w/ a pretty stiff supplement & diet regimen

[aras]

There are some pretty good advices in here. Thanks a lot guys. I do like to play table tennis and floor hockey and basketball too sometimes. I guess the key is to enjoy what you do and it doesn't feel like exercise...it feels like playing and who can say no to that :) :cheesygri

[sfu_lifer]

It's not easy but you should set goals.
Mine this year was a marathon so I basically gave myself a lot of grief when I miss a planned workout.
Train for something specific as opposed to just doing it to keep healthy.

[jopojo]

Well I'm about to head out in an hr or so. These are just my reasons so here they go; no particular order of importance.

1. I live a fit lifestyle, always have and always will be.
2. I absolutely love sports. Specifically vball, bball and tennis. Going to the gym or just working out anywhere allows me to play sports longer, stronger and more competitive. Which I enjoy.
3. I see it as an investment in probably the one of the most important thing in my life, my health.

Honestly, I see some people spend so much time taking care of their pets/lawns/house or whatever and don't give a rat's @ss about there health which is by FAR much more important. Quote taken by a video I saw on youtube the other day, "Healthy is Wealthy". Take care -sg

Wow! I went to one of my father's psychiatrist appointments, and she told me the exact same thing due to the heavy workout regimen and diet plan that my dad follows. Time to get my butt off the computer chair and start getting at it too!

[tkddad]

I do it for a few days then stop. The longest I've done it was 4 years ago when I consistently jogged and worked out for nearly 4 months. I used to jog outside and came winter time and snow and it ended right there. I was in fantastic shape, even went for some kickass hiking. Now I'm essentially obese and try to get a bit of walking added everyday and can't get motivated and once I do, can't keep it going. The only way I can force myself to walk long distance is to hit the fast food restaurants and that's no good. :( Once you're not even close to your ideal shape it's a pain in the ass.

For you guys who have been keeping fit and exercising regularly, what's your secret? Do you hit the gym? You workout at home? Do you go with a friend? Do you watch a lot of sports to get motivated? Etc.

Set a goal and find a hobby that you can do regularly.

Example could be :

1) Run the 5k or 10k in the local marathon weekend.

There are lots of training plan/books out there. The one I
am reading now, "Marathoning for Mortels" by John Bingham
is very good. You can borrow it from your local library.

2) Once you have done your 5k, then move on to 10k for
the next year, 1/2 Marathon, Marathon and so on......

3) Join a martial art class and get a black belt in 5 years.

Training for a long distance run (1/2 or full marathon) is
especially good for motivation. Most training plans call
for cross-training such as biking, swimming for the
non-running days.

The concept behind losing weight is very simple.
When the calories output is greater than your calories input,
you lose weight.

However to put it into perspective, the calorie count for
a big mac is 540.

Running 30 minutes at 10 minutes mile pace burns 360 calories.

To lose 1 pound, you have to burn 3500 calories more than
your intake. So watch what you eat.

Keep a journal. I have journals that detail what I eat and
what exercise I did dating back to 2000 when I weighed
210. I started running and taekwondo in 2001 and weighed
160 since then. Never gain back 1 pound.

[civ@uw]

I agree that being goal oriented is very important. You always want to have a clear vision of what it is you want to work towards. Start with a longer term goal, and then break that down into shorter term goals. That way you should be going into each workout with the mindset you are going to accomplish something whether you want to run an extra mile on the treadmill or do a few extra reps on the bench press.

[Nikita]

Maybe I'm the odd one out, or just pure dumb luck, but I actually enjoy working out. It's just like other activities I enjoy such as rollerblading, cylcing, swimming. So I don't really need motivation but I think people too often see the word 'exercise' and immediately think of it as a chore. Just find an activity (or 2, or 3) that you enjoy and do that. Long as your body is moving you're getting exercise. It doesn't have to be in a gym, or with weights, or jogging, or anything you don't enjoy. There must be something physical you enjoy doing. If not, try out a few activities or sports, when you find one you like you'll find it's not a chore for which you need motivation, but something you look forward to.

[Kohanz]

1) Results - I used to be fat, now I'm fit. I know what it's like to be out of shape and I don't want to be back there ever again :cheesygri

2) Running is addictive - I used to hate running, I had to push myself just for the goal of losing weight to get on a treadmill. It was a chore. I now run outdoors for pleasure and don't even really think about the fitness consequences. I believe running is actually chemically addictive (certain chemicals are released). It's just such a great, low-stress, get-away-from-everything and have-time-to-yourself way to relax after a tough day at work, etc.

3) For the gym, it's always good to have goals. For myself, I play a lot of sports, so I set goals in those and I know I can help achieve them by becoming stronger, quicker, fitter, etc.. For example, I'm an avid squash player. My weakness used to be stamina, I had great shot-making ability but wouldn't last in a long match. Guys who were fitter, but less-adept shot-makers would beat me and it would frustrate the heck out of me. Through running, my biggest weakness (stamina, drop in performance as the match went on) became my biggest strength. Nowadays, I routinely tire my opponents out, even when I'm not hitting the ball exactly the way I want. It's a great feeling and a great motivator.

[kaycee8877]

1)
2) Running is addictive - I used to hate running, I had to push myself just for the goal of losing weight to get on a treadmill. It was a chore. I now run outdoors for pleasure and don't even really think about the fitness consequences. I believe running is actually chemically addictive (certain chemicals are released). It's just such a great, low-stress, get-away-from-everything and have-time-to-yourself way to relax after a tough day at work, etc.


running may not be your pleasure but find something that is (like Nikita said). I started running to get over a 6 month 'flu' and ended up enjoying it. I dont take it seriously (fair weather runner) but when i do get out i love it.

One big thing with my running is i have some great spots around water, through parks, on boardwalks etc. that im sure help the enjoyment alot. for me its alot better than track or street running.

Same with healthy eating, i actually dislike most fast food/junk food now, not that i'm a die hard about it, i'd jsut rather have something healthy and lighter over something that just drains me.

If your able to alter your outlook, see the bigger picture, it makes all that good stuff that may have once been a chore, a whole lot easier.


one thing to note is that I don't have weight issues or anything, i do it strictly because i enjoy it. A healthy lifestyle just seems to give me more energy and make my everyday life much more enjoyable overall. Thats motivation enough

[audit13]

A big motivator for me was the fact that my clothes no longer fit me and I felt physically tired all the time. Dropping 25 pounds and being able to comfortably fit my clothes was a huge plus. I didn't have to buy new clothes and I'm thinner than most of the people I know :cheesygri

[7Stryder7]

I'm hoping WiiFit will solve this problem for me. :D

ditto,
but I'm not going to solely rely on this;
need to balance it out with actual weights

[undfnd]

1) Results - I used to be fat, now I'm fit. I know what it's like to be out of shape and I don't want to be back there ever again :cheesygri

2) Running is addictive - I used to hate running, I had to push myself just for the goal of losing weight to get on a treadmill. It was a chore. I now run outdoors for pleasure and don't even really think about the fitness consequences. I believe running is actually chemically addictive (certain chemicals are released). It's just such a great, low-stress, get-away-from-everything and have-time-to-yourself way to relax after a tough day at work, etc.

3) For the gym, it's always good to have goals. For myself, I play a lot of sports, so I set goals in those and I know I can help achieve them by becoming stronger, quicker, fitter, etc.. For example, I'm an avid squash player. My weakness used to be stamina, I had great shot-making ability but wouldn't last in a long match. Guys who were fitter, but less-adept shot-makers would beat me and it would frustrate the heck out of me. Through running, my biggest weakness (stamina, drop in performance as the match went on) became my biggest strength. Nowadays, I routinely tire my opponents out, even when I'm not hitting the ball exactly the way I want. It's a great feeling and a great motivator.

The Runners High!

But yea... definitely set a goal. Don't just work out for the sake of working out. Work towards a certain goal, and once you achieve that certain goal then make another one!

[7Stryder7]

Also, I should mention that exercising helps improve mood and makes you sleep better.
THATin itself is a great way to stay motivated IMO.

[sfu_lifer]

Also, I should mention that exercising helps improve mood and makes you sleep better.
THATin itself is a great way to stay motivated IMO.

Not sure about that sleep part. My sleep has been as borked as ever despite working out. I sleep even worse when I'm physically exhausted.

[VIKKO]

i try not to think about it - fatigue, quitting, etc
i think about steve nash answering a question about fatigue
he said theres no such thing as being tired, its all mental.


then i think about the joobies i get to touch when im in shape!

[beerbaron105]

pumping iron is an addiction



jogging....not so much, lol

[sleepyguy]

Hehe, same here. I get so bored if I do more than 15mins if steady rate cardio. Using intervals and switching machines often helps keep my workouts fresh and upbeat.

I'm really surprised user here has trouble sleeping after a good workout. I can usually sleep in 20mins if i didn't exercise for the day but after a hard workout i can be out in literally 5mins if hitting the bed -sg

pumping iron is an addiction



jogging....not so much, lol

[7Stryder7]

Not sure about that sleep part. My sleep has been as borked as ever despite working out. I sleep even worse when I'm physically exhausted.

well, it depends what time of day you exercise. I found out that exercising late at night makes it harder for me to sleep. That's why I've started working out in the morning/afternoon - i've been able to sleep better.

[UrbanPoet]

I find it relaxing now... i have a 4 day routine. I find that even on my off days i still work out... But i just do it for fun. I just get in a few sets and take my time between rest.
It beats the hell out of TV and internet... Im getting bored of those.

Not sure about that sleep part. My sleep has been as borked as ever despite working out. I sleep even worse when I'm physically exhausted.

could be stress or diet, and other factors.

[sfu_lifer]

well, it depends what time of day you exercise. I found out that exercising late at night makes it harder for me to sleep. That's why I've started working out in the morning/afternoon - i've been able to sleep better.
I actually work out after work so just before dinner. I actually switched jobs to something far far less stressful :D
I used to work odd hours. Ever since then, sleep has been an issue and no exercise has fixed this for me. OH well, at least being in relatively decent shape thanks to diet and exercise, at least I feel a lot better.

[izzyzz]

I've been doing martial arts for about 12 years now, also do weights at the gym, run, stretch. I did have periods when I'd get bored, but the key was always to diversify your routine and rotate exercises so you're not always doing the same thing. Try to think of your exercise as a routine -- like brushing teeth, experiment with your diet, set goals, make it interesting... :)

[sfu_lifer]

If I could stay motivated for anything, I'd probably be at Harvard, have a super-model girlfriend, 6-pack, beautiful smile, etc.

I've seen people listen to music :confused:
For joggers out there, I suggest NOT listening to music. It can be very dangerous unless you're on a trail (and even then watch out for bikes).

[memnock]

To the OP...I was where you were 2 and a half years ago...my motivation was my daughter. I found after about 6 months I started getting addicted to it.

I also found tracking my weight with excel and having it graph out where I was and where I wanted to be and where I would be in the next couple months was really helpful.

Workout buddies also help alot. I can't tell you how many times I didn't feel like going out, but went because my workout buddies goaded me into it, and also how many times I goaded them into it!

Good luck...I wish you the best!

[Qu4rk]

For me.. it was my girl friend saying to me:
"you are not as attractive as when i first met you...."
ouch... kick in the balls.... time to work out again...

But despite of that, i enjoy the challenge of lifting first 15, then a few weeks later, that impossible 20... and so on and so on. it also helps that i can sorta see the difference after a while. i am not great at sports, (thank you non sporty high school friends) so gym is the only thing i have left to redeem myself physically... lol

the gym is actually a surprisingly friendly place! People are always willing to spot and give advice. It also helps that my gym has a few hot female trainers~~ :razz:

[7Stryder7]

get p90x

[FerrisB]

I'm convinced this is a universal truth to sticking with exercise.

You HAVE to enjoy what you're doing on some level.

There is no way you can last more than 3-4 months on will power alone.

You have to make it part of your lifestyle, not something that you do in spring because you want to look good on the beach.

Join a team, start hiking / mountain biking etc. Get a gym buddy that you enjoy spending time with. Anything that will add some level of enjoyment to what you're doing.



*edit* just read the other posts, so ditto for me on enjoying what you do :)

[willpoon]

You'd be surprised at how a little music will help you with your running. I've had times where I just ran without knowing how long its been. If you have the right tunes in your ears, time flies.

Think about it, listening to 15 songs is equivalent to running for an hour.

Also, listen to music you like in the gym while your pumping iron too. You could also sign up for classes to mix it up a bit. Yoga is really great for your body and it'll help you stretch and tone those muscles that you never thought you had.

If a class isn't for you, you could borrow a dvd from the library: ie. pilates, yoga, cardio boxing, whatever.

Also, if you know how to swim, then go for some lane swimming sometimes. I used to go a lot but haven't had time in my schedule for a while because lane swims are only at certain times.
After an hour of lane swimming, you feel so much better because you've basically stretched your entire body while working it out. Try to swim front crawl for the whole duration. Butterfly is a great workout ya but you can only do that for so long.

Hope this helps.