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 ) 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.