Motivation

[jimmyolsenblues]

I believe the biggest thing that will help me is exercise...but I am not consistent. I am lazy and don't stick with it..

What are tips you can give me that will keep on the straight and narrow.

[JulieB]

Re: Motivation

I am the same - lazy and don't really LIKE to exercise (no matter how good I feel afterwards!). I joined the 6WEC challenge, I find that if I have to come on this board every day and report what I have (or haven't!) done that I feel more accountable. It is also harder for me to say to myself "I'll do something tomorrow".

I think finding something you enjoy helps - I love to kayak - it is fun and doesn't really feel like exercise, I really dislike the gym, so I try to find things to do elsewhere. I also got a big energetic puppy who needs to be walked alot or he destroys the house...that's good motivation too (not that I recommend getting a puppy for that reason!!!)

[arcticsp2003]

Re: Motivation

-do things you like to do or find a way to make it fun.

-PLAN IT!! if you plan ahead you are more likely to do it

-Exercise challenges here on ADBB it makes you more accountable

[Whatsername]

Re: Motivation

Along with what the others said..for me personally, the earlier I do my exercise, the better. If I do it early on and "get it over with" (so to speak), I am much more successful. As the day goes on, I am less likely to do it because I get busy, tired, unmotivated.

Also, just focusing on the end feeling. Instead of "I don't feel like doing this", I try to think of how I will feel after I do it. And last but not least, I think of the book and that line..exercise is not an option (not sure if that is the exact wording but you get the idea).

It is a struggle most days for me and the exercise challenge helps me a lot.

[barrnone]

Re: Motivation

the challenges on this forum do it for me. I just can't skip a day because I want to come out here and update my signature and the challenge threads. I've been doing them for almost 2 months now and I've missed very few days. I am now doing squats, situps and pushups - and will be starting a Wii challenge in November.

Start small, don't feel like you have to 'do what everyone else' does. I started very small - pushups, for example, I started with 5 per day. For November, I'm pushing myself to 10. Make it 'doable' for YOU.

I agree with whatshername - I need to do them in the morning. I've become very scheduled and I do them after 'bathroom', before I get dressed...that way, when I get to work, I can update all my 'stats' - makes me happy

Good luck.

[chinadoll]

Re: Motivation

The challenges keep me into it. Hosting a challenge ups the accountability. And I also do it early because if I don't, I often let it slide.

MY BEST TIP IS TO DRESS FOR A WORKOUT AND MAKE YOURSELF WALK INTO THE GYM, OUT ON THE STREET OR WHEREVER YOU PLANNED TO WORK OUT AND PUT IN 5 MINUTES. JUST 5 MINS!!! ONCE YOU START YOU WILL USUALLY KEEP GOING. GETTING STARTED IS THE KEY.

The biggest thing for me was getting a trainer for awhile. Paying for it made me feel like I had to so it so I wasn't throwing money away and even the weeks my own workouts were weak, she gave 2 strong ones. I worked out because I was afraid that if I stopped for a day it would turn into a week, a month, etc.

Six months later, I realized that exercise is part of my life and even if I do take a break due to circumstances, I know I WILL get back to it. That mindset shift is HUGE!

[sham]

Re: Motivation

Join the challenges even one that will help.

[kjel]

Re: Motivation

As China Doll says, just do whatever exercise for 5min than you won't want to stop. The hardest and laziest part for me is to get dressed and take myself to the gym or wherever, but once I'm there I commit to doing the workout.
Finding things you love to do helps too. Get to know someone at the gym, when there is comraderie you will want to go back to see your new friends.