Where do you get your motivation?

I need to drop at least 5, ideally 10, lbs and I just can't get my butt in gear. I know I'm not eating right and I have only been to the gym twice since baby #2 was born over a year ago. I'm not really overweight but I'm not where I want to be.

Dieting and exercise just does not come naturally to me. I enjoy the gym but only as I'm leaving to head home, thinking to myself "Wow, that was a great work-out, I feel so healthy". It's also really hard to find time with two kids, as I'm sure many of you are well aware. The only time I can figure is in the evening, which would mean less time to spend with DH. I guess you have to sacrifice something?

Where do you get your kick in the pants to start eating right and working out?

Message edited 5/29/2014 3:26:02 PM.

Re: Where do you get your motivation?

I have been working with a trainer which really helps because I'm scheduled so I can't just not go. I also follow lots of motivational pages on instagram, lol

Re: Where do you get your motivation?

I kick myself in the ass when my clothes get tight!! Seriously that's what has motivated me this year - I have expensive suits and no way I am letting them go to waste!

Many years ago my motivator was that my cholesterol was high and in my early 30s that was unacceptable to me.

Recently, I have been doing 30 min workouts at 5:30 am. It was hard at 1st but now I feel good getting it over with.

I have found that I either have the "no excuses/just do it" mentality or I don't. Having it really helps!

Re: Where do you get your motivation?

Making a commitment to exercise and there are a few ways to do it.

Are you usually someone that keeps plans with friends? Exercising with a friend and setting a "date" workout will ensure that you go. I didn't want to swim yesterday morning but I had planned to meet a friend at the pool at 6am so I felt compelled to go. I was tired but so happy I went and know it wouldn't have happened if I planned to swim without her.

I don't belong to a gym but I do classes at various studios that cost a lot -- I would feel guilty spending so much money if I skipped. I go to barre classes, pilates, spinning, etc. No matter what, I figure out a way to make the classes I schedule (and go even when I don't want to go) because they are pricey and I don't want to waste the money I paid.

If these two options are not right for you, schedule nights at the gym and nights you have with DH. Don't make it optional day-by-day because you may always pick going home and spending the night with DH. You need commitment to stay motivated.

I ALWAYS have trouble getting back into a workout routine after taking some time off. Once I'm back in the routine though, its hard to ruin it and I have more motivation to go.

Good luck!

Re: Where do you get your motivation?

It also helps to find something that you really enjoy.

I recently decided to put my gym membership on hold because I was paying for it but not going. I do attend a class that I really enjoy, at least 3-4x a week.

It's A LOT of money so like PP said, if I do not go, I feel even more guilty.

It's slow going, but I have noticed a lot of positive changes in my body since I started back up in April.

I also think the food thing plays a huge part in weight loss.

I try to become more conscious of what goes into my mouth each day and notice differences there too.

Just simple things like not eating the cookies in the staff kitchen makes a noticeable difference for me.

Unfortunately the partner thing has never worked for me.

I could never find anyone interested in the classes I enjoy long-term, or the time I did go to the gym (5am).

And honestly, I like to go and be by myself in my own head during that time, get in and get out and not necessarily make it a social event if that makes sense.

I'm planning to start a challenge in June to go to more classes. The studio sponsors this and it's very motivating.

Re: Where do you get your motivation?

Where do you get your motivation?

Go on an evening walk w/DH and the kids. I usually go w/DS in the mornings, then we go on a full family walk before or after dinner.

I am doing dietbet and using myiftnesspal... with 1 to 2 walks a day (most days) its working. I HATE exercising, HATE sweating and walks are sooo boring (better w/DH), but my fat pants got tight, so I joined deitbet w/a few online friends for motivation.

I also have chocolate every day (and even have starbucks most days) so I don't feel like i ma on diet - I just only have one piece of chocolate and a less calorie centric drink at SBux.

It is incredibly hard, but it seems like this time is sticking more than before. Good luck to you!!

Message edited 5/31/2014 10:16:58 PM.

Re: Where do you get your motivation?

Re: Where do you get your motivation?

I know it's hard but for me, once I get into a 2 or 3 day pattern it just becomes second nature to me. DH is pretty much on board in terms of meals and is open to anything if I want to cook healthy. Sometimes I'll make an added side for him but it's tough because if I make him fries, I obviously want them too!

At night, we take walks around town so if I don't get to run that day I at least have some form of cardio. I try to find a TV on Netflix that has a few seasons (right now I'm re-watching Gossip Girl ) But during an hour episode, I do weights, leg lifts and sit-ups usually in sets of 20.

I know it's hard to initially get started but it really gets easier once you're in a routine. I highly suggest planning out your meals. When you go food shopping, make sure you're only going off a list. If you're rushing to make anything, you're more likely to choose something unhealthy.

When you step on the scale and see that the lbs. are dropping you start to feel great and you don't want to lose that feeling. Good luck!!

Re: Where do you get your motivation?

Thanks everyone. I started back to the gym and it's going well so far. I really need to plan out my meals, I think that is key. It's easy to cheat and make bad choices if you're searching the fridge for food!

I love the idea of a work-out buddy but it's never paned out for me in the past.