How do I find the time and motivation to make myself to exercise?

Question

I'm not overweight but I'm not in good shape either. I work full-time during the day and attend classes three nights during the week. Weekends are spent catching up on chores and doing homework. I had a gym membership for a while but rarely used it and it was $60 a month even with my company contributing a portion so I cancelled it. I have some equipment at home but I dust it more than I use it and I don't have anyone to exercise with minus my dogs when I walk them. Any suggestions on how I can get my lazy butt into gear?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Exercise doesn't have to be done in the gym....you can do sit-ups and push-ups, squats and lunges while watching TV instead of just sitting on the couch. Find an activity you like...depending on where you live maybe take your dogs for a hike instead of just a walk around the neighborhood. If you like playing sports try joining a community recreational team. If you do want to go to the gym and get a resistance training program together, you can join some of the classes after work on the days you don't go to school. Most gyms offer aerobic classes for free. If you have the extra money I would definitely recommend a trainer. It does cost some money, but it is definitely motivating. You have someone with you cheering you on, making sure you are doing exercises correctly, and holding you accountable to make it into the gym. Or you can go onto sites like craigslist.com and put an ad for a workout partner in your area. As for motivation...if you find something you enjoy doing you will be far more motivated in exercising than if you are forcing yourself to do something just because it is exercise.

Answer 2

When I realized that I could probably stand to lose a few pounds, I started thinking of people who I could even go for a walk with. Turned out all of my friends were already occupied. So, I decided to take my puppies for a walk. Same route, every night. I have a busy schedule as well. With work for 10 hours/day an hour commute to work (and back).. I only have 12 hours left. 1 for homework and dinner. I spend 15 minutes around a few blocks with each puppy. Sometimes, my eight year old son goes with me. I feel much better, watch what I eat, and sleep better. Remember, it doesn't have to be a huge leap into a full out exercise-a-thon, just start small. You'll feel great! Good luck!

Answer 3

Well, the best motivation is for you to exercise with a friend, but if you dont have a friend you could set a target for yourself, for instance, suppose you plan to hook up with some guy and you could buy yourself a hot outfit to impress him, then you'd have o exercise to look hot in that outfit. Then again, discipline plays an important role here. Maybe you could set a specific time everyday to exercise (say before shower every morning 15-20mins) and stick to exercise routines that you like or different routines so you wouldnt be bored.

Answer 4

Hey... I know what it means not to have time.. I also work and study, and I get home at 10. It is horrible to wake up every day and want to do some excercise but not actually do it.

What worked for me, was waking up 45 min earlier every day, went for a run, I know it`s not a complete workout, but in about 5 days you really feel much better, with a lot of energy and this way I survived even better all the day (in work and at my classes).