How do you stay motivated?

I like the way you think, Julie. The one thing I wouldnt' do personally, though, is consider missing a day a "big step backwards." Maybe a little step backwards if I miss a day, especially if I had the energy to workout, but wasn't in the mood. And remember, any physical activity is better than nothing-so even if you're too exhausted for an involved workout, even getting up and cleaning the house or working a little outside on a yard or garden gets you moving and helps you burn extra calories that day.

Just reminding myself about my goals is enough to motivate me. If I miss a day, I feel like I took a big step backwards. Although sometimes a break is necessary (that physical exhaustion) as I'm not putting enough effort into my workout. I find myself with a lot more power when I return.

I think for me it is more in how I feel when I don't work out. I always get a littl blah and blue if I skip a workout. But that wasnt' always the case, so I think it was something I realized over time. Before then I would try to motivate myself through what I might lose weight wise, or how far I wanted to run. I try to sign up for various races to push myself and keep myself on track. I actually wrote an article on prevention.com about this, if you want to see some of my tips about motivation!

I keep changing the way I excerise by combining different excersises so that I do not get bored and I look forward to it.

Yes, take a break. There is nothing wrong with a short break.

This is going to sound silly, but...I don't really have a TV where I live, because I don't much like TV, but I find that when I want to work, I crave TV. And my gym HAS TVs. So...when I don't want to workout, I go because my favorite shows are on!

I like the way you think Kenneth. Lately that's how I've dealt with the "i-don't-want-to-hit-the-gym blues." Walk the track instead, jump on the WiiFit, etc. And I still feel accomplished.

Just do it! Inertia breeds inertia, and the opposite is true. We can all find excuses for not working out, but when excusitis initiates, keep in mind that it can be turned into a positive action. If I don't feel like walking, I put on my running shoes and grab my dog's leash, by then we’re on our way way. If I don't feel like swimming, I get ready and head that direction, perhaps swimming half the laps, but still making the effort. The same is true for gym exercise...sometimes I substitute one for the other, rather than doing nothing at all.We can always find excuses, but knowing that if one goes through the motions to initiate action you will find the will to overcome defeatist thoughts. I try not to dwell on what has not been completed, but on the goals ahead, while reviewing the accomplishments of the past.We all have made a choice for good health and a strong body; otherwise we wouldn't be communicating on this site. The rewards will be much greater in the long run, if we choose to stay the positive course of getting our daily exercise than enjoying the junk food in front of the TV. It's the moment to moment choices we make each day that guide us to the positive or negative results we experience.

I know from experience you can have gym/workout burn out. If you are feeling physically exhausted you need a break. Your workouts are not as effective. It is ok to take time off. A good rule of thumb, which I have never been good at, is when you are taking your break make sure to watch your calories. Pounds seem to sneak on me fast when I take a week break. And that is the lenght of a break I am talking about---a week. Towards the end of your break you will find that you are starting to think about what you are going to do the next time you go to the gym. More than a week break is too much and you will find it easier to come up with reasons why you can't make it to the gym.

What motivates me to get by behind to the gym - - - - -mainly pure vanity! I like to be able to put on any kind of clothes and look good in them. I like to know that if someone who is talking to me, puts their arm around my waist they don't feel a roll, they feel firm, tight abs. Plus, starting my day with exercise makes the entire day go so much better!

the way i stay motivate is by hearing music while i work out . if i dont work out one day i dont feel to good about myself . riding my bike and jogging is what i like to do . and i tell myself i can do it !!!

The warmer weather motivates me to get outside and even the smallest of results keeps me going. In 4 months of lots of walking, Pilates classes and interval walking/jogging, I have lost a pant and shirt size. Plus, all of this activity has helped me control my glucose levels. My Dr was set to put me on insulin and I've averted that step...hopefully long term.

Here's some tips on how to adjust your workout to your mood and health when you need to. Pretty helpful.

http://fitlist.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/04/08/870221.aspx

The best trick is visualization. Think about how you "feel" when you've finished your exercise routine. It's typically the after that makes the whole effort worthwhile, right? So if you can "feel" what it feels like to complete your session, it will motivate you to get up and get going!

On the other side, yes, there are definitely some days when clearly your body is saying, "No, not today." And yes, you need to listen. Life isn't a sprint or a marathon, it should be a scenic walk to enjoy and embrace.

What motivates me is to feel good. I know that if I don't get any exercise in a day, I feel awful. I can't stand to not get fresh air everyday and not feel worked out at least three times a week.

Having a dog is also very motivating...especially if they are a dog that needs a lot of exercise and you don't have a big garden. I definitely have to take her out everyday...and I love it!

I am on a bad roll right as of late, however, I have just bought a small tv and DVD player for my office so that I can get in a workout in the morning before school. I find that if I go to the gym in the morning- I an extra 30-45 minutes just for the drive, changing, etc. I have already got in a few of those morning workouts that I probably would have missed. Motivation is a changing and sometimes fleeting thing. You need to take the time to center and figure out what will do it for you. This works best for me to do at night. Then I wake up ready to tackle another healthy day!

I love the gym, but on the days I don't feel like going, I put my gym clothes on at home, including my running shoes, and that usually gives me the boost I need. If physically exhausted, I give myself a day or two off.

I have always had problems motivating to workout, until I discovered Ashtanga yoga. It is the first time in my life that I have jumped out of bed at 6:30 3-4 times per week. Perhaps if you aren't ever motivated to go, it is because you haven't found the sort of exercise that really moves you.

I think having a set class and a community is the best way to stay motivated.

Hi Kristen,

First let me begin by responding to your final thought... If physical exhaustion is what you're feeling, then a 'formal gym' workout might not be the solution. In lieu of the gym thing, try getting outdoors for an easy, fresh-air, walk. Low level physical activity will increase the body's oxygenation as well as release 'feel good' endorphins that may in actuality help the 'exhaustion feeling'. As far as getting motivated to get to the gym, here's some ideas:

* Find a workout buddy who'll give you a call and meet you for a workout

* Make a contract with yourself and include some fun rewards (i.e. manicure/new shirt, etc) if you achieve your goal

* Maybe instead of going to the gym, crank up the music at home and pick up some portable workout equipment and workout right where you are.

Hope those ideas help.

Debi P

Girl, I completely feel you! I think there are some times when your body does need to recuperate and it's okay to skip the gym. But overall, I don't really see why going to the gym should be the ONLY way one has to exercise. I skipped out on the gym a while ago when it felt like it was becoming a chore to go. Now I focus on getting exercise in ways that are actually fun and enjoyable to me--like yoga, indoor rock climbing, and Afro-Haitian dance...not to mention my daily brisk walks. I think that when exercise starts to get redundant, you need to figure out ways to spruce it up so that it doesn't feel like you're forcing yourself to exercise.

Pretty Stickers. I have a sticker system. Each day I work out, I get a sticker on my calender. Goal is 5 happy faces and 1 fish per week. I'm obsessed with pretty things and to some extent organization, so I often workout when I really don't want to just to make sure I meet my sticker quota. Some days I really really don't want to exercise though, so my workout isn't as a strong. I make sure the sticker mirrors this so I don't think I had 5 days of super sweat when really it was 4 days of short light job and 1 light yoga. How this works: 1 full happy face sticker = at least 30 min cardio and my 30 min floor routine of crunches, butt thrusts, etc. 1/2 happy face = at least 30 min of cardio. 1 heart = at least 20 min cardio. 1/2 heart = 10 min cardio (kind of pointless, but at least a get a sticker that day!). 1 small star = yoga. 1/2 star = my 30 min floor routine. 1 or 1/2 heart + 1/2 star = 20 or 10 min cardio and floor routine. 1 big fish = GREAT yoga (you can tell if it's great).