what keeps you motivated.

Avatar for mommyof2grlz2boys
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
what keeps you motivated.
7
Tue, 03-21-2006 - 11:21am
I have let myselg g for awhile my weight really fluctuates and well I am lazy. I have bought two work out dvds in the past two months and havent watched them I did join the gym its really affordable only 25 a month but... I maybe go like 3 times or so a month. I would rather stay home. How do you stay motivated to stay fit and overcome obstacles?
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-09-2003
Tue, 03-21-2006 - 12:11pm

First off doing anything is better than doing nothing. You got the DVDs and the gym membership so now just slowly start to require a little more of yourself. I still have to pat myself on the back for getting up and moving even if it's just 10 minutes.


Don't overwhelm yourself you will get burned out quicker. So if once a week to the gym is all you feel you are up to do that for a month. Maybe do one of your DVDs once a week for a month. That gets you 2 work outs a week. As you go along increase the time you spend at the gym and/or the amount of times you go a week.


Start looking into activities you would like to do for fun that will also give you some physical activity.


Good luck, I can totally relate to the struggle of staying motivated.


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-21-2006
Tue, 03-21-2006 - 1:50pm

Hi!

When it comes to exercise, it helps me to get into a routine. I set a very short-term goal, like "I'm going to exercise for 4 days in a row." (Whatever duration you can commit to, but make it a stretch!) Then I WRITE DOWN what I do every day in the back of my "everything" notebook that I carry at all times in my purse.

It really helps me to visualize, too. On Day 1, I think about how I'm going to feel on Day 2 or Day 4 of my goal... how I might not want to work out... then I visualize how proud I'll be as I write it down after I work out anyway! Or I picture how I'll feel when I "casually" mention to my friends how sore I am because I've been working out! :)

The thing to do for me is to set short-term goals to get me into a good groove and then take it one day at a time! I've been writing down my workouts for the last four months, and it especially helps me not get too discouraged when I haven't been motivated. You can do it!!

:)

PS Flipping through workout magazines can sometimes motivate me, too...

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Tue, 03-21-2006 - 2:11pm

Motivation is a big one for a lot of us. I know we had some posts a while back so I'll look for those.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-29-2005
Tue, 03-21-2006 - 2:33pm

For me, it is just getting started : )

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-26-2004
Tue, 03-21-2006 - 3:02pm

My answer to this question is always my family history, basically of poor health. High blood pressure and heart disease are dominant in my family. I have seen what obesity can do to people. It's a vicious cycle of inactivity leading to weight gain and then weight gain leading to inactivity.... My uncle, mom's only brother, was an extreme case, but he died young after having attempted gastric surgery as a last resort. He had already suffered at least two heart attacks (a few years) prior to having the surgery, and his body just couldn't make it. He was too young to have died. He had been active as a younger person, playing football and speed skating.


My desire is to stay active for as long as I can. I'm a tom boy, and I like challenges, like Hap Ki Do and now running and walking in timed events. The hard part for me is the food. I've gotten a lot better, but I do like my burgers. I like good shakes too, with real ice cream. I also like bread. And now I'm about to marry a Sicilian who loves pasta, and can cook! It's a battle, but the results are worth it. I just have to remember that.


On the lighter side, my wedding is motivation enough right now. I want to look good since everyone will be looking at us. Not a month later, I will be the maid of honor, oh wait, matron of honor, in my best friend's wedding so I want to look good for that too.


lorie6-26-09.png Lorie 6-26-09 picture by runningwomen

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Tue, 03-21-2006 - 4:47pm
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-05-2006
Tue, 03-21-2006 - 6:50pm

I used to have to psych myself to get up to workout..now I am so used to working out that I just get up and do it...

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