Getting motivated to exercise

[Joanne]

I've gained about 15 pounds in the last year. While that might not seem like a lot, I'm only 4'11" so 15 pounds on me is a lot. I'm almost embarrased to admit that I'm an fitness trainer, dance teacher and gym owner, although I closed up shop when we adopted our children.

I've never had a problem with being motivated to exercise because it was my job but now...well, it's a whole different story. lol

What motivates you to exercise?

[VaranusK]

routine. If I can keep exercising twice a week, it will last forever. Now, everytime I stop, it takes a lot of effort to start again...

[Julie Rains]

A race or a big event motivates me, and there are tons available. Active.com lists many if anyone is interested. I exercised and competed a lot as a kid and teenager: AAU swimming, summer league swimming, high school track, 10ks, rode my bike to school (the only person of 1800 students). One of the most fun events I did as a teenager was a 2-week bike trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway; the kids who participated trained together in the months before we went. So I got the idea that you can train for a fun event as well as competitive ones.

Fast forward to adulthood and parenthood and most of that I had let go for many years. I am small also so just a few pounds (or more) looks like and feels like more. Getting older made me realize that I needed to exercise to stay healthy but the races and events gave me a deadline and a way to measure progress.

But anyway, I started back with a 5K a few years ago; since then I've done bike charity rides from 25 miles to 225 miles. I prefer cycling to running, and I think it favors the 5' crowd in some ways. I still don't consider myself in outstanding shape and am not particularly fast but compared to my sedentary friends, I'm a hero and great athlete (ha!). Knowing there's an event keeps me motivated, even if I don't get a chance to exercise every single day.

[purplefdu]

My dog. If I don't walk the puppy or at least play fetch a couple times a day for a couple hours he will drive me nuts before long. Therefore some type of exercise is a must even if the road is a mud pit or ice sheet. Even then I'm ashamed to admit every other day is sometimes the most I can handle.

[Megan]

I'm with Julie - a race motivates me. Especially once I've paid that entry fee. I'm going to run it, no matter how well trained I am, because I paid for it. And I don't want to embarass myself. Even if I'm last, I want to cross the finish line on my own two feet.

Another thing that motivates me is how I feel about myself after I workout. There is a sense of accomplishment after finishing a long run. The endorphins are great. And I feel like I've done something great for my body. Even if the pounds aren't melting off, I feel stronger after I've done a workout, be it running, lifting weights, or other cardio. I've done something good for me. And that makes it worth it.

But not wanting to be last in a race makes it worth it too.

[Gootsy]

Originally Posted by Megan

Another thing that motivates me is how I feel about myself after I workout.

Ditto. The charge/energy after a good workout is pretty awesome. Also knowing that you're living a healthier lifestyle, is big motivation for me.

For me, the hardest part about getting motivated to exercise, is definitely going the first time. Once that's over and done with, the rest takes care of itself pretty much.

[Michelle Dawn]

I started this little reward system for myself. If I do my yoga practice everyday Monday-Friday I let myself have some junkfood on the weekends. I'm pregnant and I have a big sweet tooth so I'm trying not to gain a lot of weight. By only allowing myself to have my chocolate and ice-cream if I have been active during the week I am VERY motivated to do my practice

[Annie]

Not getting mugged.

Heh, I'm actually only half-joking. There's an area surrounding my school campus that isn't that safe at night. Sometimes if I can't go home until it's super-late and I'm not carrying a lot of stuff, I run back to my apartment instead of strolling. The area isn't so bad that I have to run, but I kind of use it as an excuse to get some exercise. Plus, it makes me feel a little bit better about eating the ice cream I immediately grab upon arriving home.

[candymandy180]

I only let myself watch a tv show if I am on the elliptical. Trying on clothes at the store also keeps me motivated both ways- if the pants are big, I am doing good, and if they are little, I need to work harder.

[boba1212]

Originally Posted by Joanne

I've gained about 15 pounds in the last year. While that might not seem like a lot, I'm only 4'11" so 15 pounds on me is a lot. I'm almost embarrased to admit that I'm an fitness trainer, dance teacher and gym owner, although I closed up shop when we adopted our children.

I've never had a problem with being motivated to exercise because it was my job but now...well, it's a whole different story. lol

What motivates you to exercise?

Congratulations on your decision! I think one way to stay motivated to exercise is to find a sport that you really love doing. For me, that would be running. Next, keep a journal or some record (could be as simple as marking on your calendar the days you perform that exercise). It might help to see your progress. Lastly, if possible, try to find other people who share your interest. You might find an exercise buddy or be motivated by talking with or reading other peoples' experiences. Good luck!