Staying motivated to exercise?

[TigerBear]

I want to lose 10 pounds (which is my goal weight) by May 14th. 10 pounds in 11 weeks seems completely reasonable, but I know it will not happen unless I exercise regularly. It seems like whatever I do (gym or tapes), I never stick with it very long. Last night I bought a red dress that I want to wear on May 14th (which is a special day in my life). I am hoping that will serve as a significant motivator.

For those of you who are sticking with exercise programs, what is making the difference? Maybe I need take my day planner and actually schedule in time to exercise?

 

[ZerasPride]

There are several things that work for me.

First, I have a lot of weight to lose so I keep that in mind. I won't take off this weight nearly as fast as I will with exercise;

Second, I joined a couple internet challenge threads. Both are related to the FIRM. One on this board and one on the lowcarbfriends board. It really helps to motivate me when I know I'm accountable to people.

Third, I do an exercise program that I love! The FIRM videos are awesome and I absolutely love the way I feel hours and hours after a work out. I guess it's the exercise "high" people talk about. Believe it or not, I HATE to take a rest day because that means I won't have that wonderful feeling for that day.

These are motivators for me. I hope they help you. I'm sure you'll reach your goal weight soon!

 

[tlgoblue]

First thing's first. I love your doggies!

Now, you are right to schedule time for this. Time for you! How about that beautiful baby in your arms? (I'm assuming that is you?) I'll just bet that doggie loves to walk. It is getting nicer out. Go for a walk with your baby. You will be surprised how much you will lose in 2 and a half months just taking a brisk 20 min walk.

Another thing you can do is get a trial membership at a gym. Yes, schedule the time slot that will work for you and make yourself go. Once you get there, you will actually enjoy yourself. (try to find one with a sauna/steam/spa. After you have worked out, reward yourself with 15 mins relaxing. Then you always have something to look forward to. You can reward yourself this way at home too, by taking a nice hot bath/shower, reading a few chapters in a book, or practice meditation. (How beautiful you will look in that new red dress! )

Some other things to consider are watching your carbs, and if you drink alcohol regularly, cut back a bit. Very easy ways to lose those last 10 pounds!

Good luck!
Tracy

 

[sueg]

The strongest motivator for exercise is that you may not have to lose 10 lbs. to look REALLY good in your dress. A good exercise program firms & tones, so you look (& feel) better. Like ZerasPride, I am a FIRM believer. I know it sounds like an informational, but when the FIRM guarantee visible results in 10 work outs, they mean it!

 

[luvmydogs]

Hi Deborah (and Harley!)

I've been exercising consistently since May to get to my goal weight. When I hit goal in December, I started really increasing my intensity, hoping not only to maintain my loss, but to add muscle. At times I found it hard to stay motivated, and literally had to FORCE myself to work out (you know the Nike slogan--I just did it!). As I saw results and my fitness level improved (and I had A LOT of improving to do!), exercising became more of a joy--I could move with an intensity that I never had! My "lightbulb moment" about exercise and weight loss/maintenance came when I joined the WISH Chatters committment thread (you don't have to be a chatter to join us!). We all discuss exercise and healthy eating as a lifetime change of habit--something we had to incorporate into our lives in order to reach and maintain our goals forever. I get so much encouragement and motivation from the wonderful people on that thread--I know I wouldn't be doing this well without them! I also post on the FIRM thread, because that's the exercise I enjoy most and have seen the best results from. Again--a great group of motivators on there! I think it's important you find a type of exercise that you really enjoy doing. Who wants to do something if it's boring to you?! I could never be a walker, but for some people, that's their ticket! And lastly Deborah, I never want to physically feel the way I did when I weighed 110 pounds more. I was exhausted--mentally as well as physically. Now I can run up the stairs two steps at a time when I could barely make it one step at a time before. Exercise is now just part of my day like brushing my teeth is. Encouragement and common sense advice from the WISH threads help keep me motivated--and my ripped biceps are a wonderful side effect! Please feel free to join us on those threads if you think it's something tht may help you! We'd love to see you there and hear all about your progress! Hugs Deborah!

 

[gshoemate]

I joined the Y specifically because I didn't have to sign a contract....I could cancel anytime because I have a habit of getting bored easily. Well I have found that I have turned into an exercise junky. They have so many classes available that I have found a few that I really enjoy, that helps to keep me motivated to go. They also have so much equipment. I tried most of it out and found what I enjoyed doing the most. I walk the treadmill3-4 days a week, 3-4 miles per time. My DH gave me an MP3 player for Christmas and it was the best present I got! I set my own workout music up and I usually do one slower song, then one faster song, alternating back and forth so I can keep my heart rate going (i'm a walker, not a runner so I do alot of speeding up and slowing down). When I started noticing the results, it motivated me even more to go, now I can't get enough. It's nice to because I go to the Y so much, the people working there know me by name so thats a plus. In fact, last night I was shaving my legs and could not believe the calf muscle that was poking out! It made me work extra hard on the treadmill today! My Y is also hooked up to a system called Fitlinx, it's a system that keeps track of all your workouts and your weight lifting. Then I can come home and log into from my home computer and I get to compete against everyone in my gym. That competition element always helps.

 

[TigerBear]

Thank you all for your words of encouragement and support. I know that my percent body fat is way too high - a part of me feels like a fat person in a little body. Can anyone relate to that? I wear a 4/6, but am so incredibly soft. Firming is definitely what I need.

I actually went to the gym last night - first time in weeks. I did 12 minutes on the stairmaster (this is the hardest machine!), ran a mile on the treadmill, and did weights. It felt really good!! I'll have to check out The Firm. I know I won't go to the gym more than 2 or 3 times a week because of the drive. I also am definitely planning to get my dogs out more. One day this week I tried biking with them - one at a time. It will definitely take some practice but I think it is a possibility.

Thanks again everyone!!!! Red dress here I come!

 

[nativetxn]

If you learn the secret to motivation when it comes to exercise, please share it with me.

I'm so bad. I'll exercise for a few days and then find an excuse not to exercise and will go for weeks. I <i>know</i> I need to work out.

Help, I'm just terrible about this.

Forced myself to do WATP today, even though I have a fever. Do I get brownie points for that?

 

[Blueeyes101817]

i know what you guys mean...i am going to florida may 13 and want to lose about 15 lbs...i bought the firm and did it for about a week,,then i got sick and couldnt do it for a week..now i just cant seem to get back into it...i dont know why....

 

[joats]

I'm so envious of people who love to exercise. I dont' love it, never will love it and literally force myself to do it.

I am very lucky, I started a new job a month or so ago and it has a gym on site. I eat lunch at my desk and then go to the gym at 2:30 for an hour, every work day. I have no excuse not to, it's right down the stairs from my desk, and it doesn't inconvenience me before or after work. Believe me, I've tried to find an excuse not to, but I can't.

I do have a great cd that I play during my workout that keeps me motivated and pushes me to work harder. I also have a few gym buddies for support.

Keep thinking of that red dress and how fabulous you will look in it!!

 

[TigerBear]

Originally posted by nativetxn
Forced myself to do WATP today, even though I have a fever. Do I get brownie points for that? [/B]

Yep, definite brownie points!!! Good for you!!

Joats, that is quite a nice situation to be in. I definitely could still find excuses not to exercise though, so I admire your persistance.

I'm off to do a search on The FIRM!

 

[luvmydogs]

Oooooo Tiger Bear, that song "Devil In A Blue Dress" just keeps running through my mind! Well, we're changing it to "Devil In A Red Dress" just for you! YOWZA YOWZA YOWZA!

 

[DoomBuggieDriver]

Hi TigerBear!
This is a great thread-I was looking for suggestions too, as I have to force myself to exercise and don't usually enjoy it.
The best motivation for me is two-fold;
first I love coming here every night and being able to add my name to the "Who exercised today thread..." I also love making big blue circles on my calendar for days I exercise then stepping back and admiring my commitment;
the second thing is how I feel after I am done- wow, I did it for another day! Sometimes in the middle of a workout I'll think "just get at least 30 minutes done so it will not be a waste of time," and when the 30 minutes is up I'll tell myself "just a couple more laps now" and before I know it I've gone 45 or 50 minutes.

Of course the best motivation is when people start to notice you look healthier. It just started happening to me after a month of hard work through exercise and better food choice (watching portions and estimating calories) and it's nice to know it's starting to pay off.

Kathy

 

[TigerBear]

LOL luvmydogs!! Maybe that should be my theme song!

I just bought the original Firm Body Sculpting System today and just did Cardio Sculpt. I definitely am going to give this program an honest try. Now I'm off to post on the Firm thread. Thanks again everyone!!