How can I stay motivated when doing pilates?

Question

I do pilates for like a week and then i just stop. it works really really REALLY good, and i like doing it, but how can i stick to it without getting bored? i want to do it everyday because it works that great.

Answer 1

Here are some suggestions that have worked for me:

*Schedule your workouts, then log those you actually complete. Mark off the days you want to do Pilates on a calendar, and then mark off when you complete your Pilates routines. Put this calendar somewhere visible so that you're often reminded about it. If you like, promise yourself a small but nice little reward for meeting reasonable goals. For example, "If I go a whole month without missing a scheduled Pilates workout, I'm going to indulge myself with a manicure and a pedicure / buy an item of clothing / buy a new CD." You could also save up for a purchase or trip by promising to drop a specified amount of money (e.g. $1 or $5) into a jar with every Pilates workout you do. Keep your tally somewhere you can see it.

*Join a message board with check-ins. Holding yourself accountable to others for your workouts can help you stay on track. SparkPeople.com, VideoFitness.com, and other sites devoted to health and fitness often have a community forum with these types of threads.

*Avoid burn out by making the saying "Variety is the spice of life" your way of approaching Pilates. You mentioned that you'd love to do Pilates daily, but after a week you've run out of motivation. It sounds like you could stand to mix things up. I do Pilates anywhere from 2-5x/week, depending upon my fitness program and current goals, but I never ever do the same Pilates routine twice in a row. I rotate through several different videos, and when one becomes too easy I rotate it out and substitute in a more challenging one. That helps me stay focused on progress. Or I might use a video like the 10 Minute Solution Pilates DVDs, which have five different 10-minute segments, using a different one each day. This not only keeps away boredom, but it also makes sure that I work different muscles in different ways. That in turn helps keep me getting results and avoiding plateaus. I also have a variety of Pilates routines on hand, from short to long ones. It's nearly impossible to use the "I don't have the time" excuse when there are 10-12 minute routines that you can easily squeeze in. I have a number of longer ones for days when I have more time, too, to keep things interesting.

*Establish a routine, specifically one in which you do Pilates at the same time as part of your overall daily or weekly routine. When I switched to doing Pilates first thing in the morning, in between brushing my teeth and showering, I found it remarkably easy to keep with the program. It will take you a while (perhaps a few weeks) to establish your routine. Make sure you have your space and props (mat or machine, video / book / notes, workout clothes) set up to make it harder for you to avoid talking yourself out of doing your Pilates.

Answer 2

My advice is to sign up for a pilates class at the nearest community college. You'll be able to learn new moves and improve your form. You'll also meet great ppl to keep you motivated. Also, go out and buy some pilates videos. I know Ross sells A BUNCH in the front of thier stores for like 5 bucks. Oh and you can also buy some new equipment like a pilates ring or machine (if you wanna splurge).

I hope you keep it up the rewards are amazing. Good luck n stay strong!

Answer 3

You need more than pilates to lose weight! You should be hitting the gym or going for a run or something every day for at least 40 minutes of aerobic exercise to lose weight! Once you get in the habit of working out and eating healthy, getting off track just feels "off," so that's motivation in itself. But in the meantime, here's a few ideas... Think of how much better you'll feel/look If you don't feel like exercising, make yourself go for at least 15. You'll probably end up doing the whole time. If you want to treat yourself to junk, just tell yourself that the junk food will still be there in a few weeks when you reach your goal! Good luck!

Answer 4

We can just think about how HAWT your body will be in a few months, or treat yourself to something small at the end of each week that you've done pilates all seven days,,you could even ask a friend to join u on some days

Answer 5

try a daily routine, go to bed the same time every night, wake up same time every day, eat meals at same times everyday, once you establish a routine, just work it in...same time for whatever days you work out. this is why if you have a alternating schedule at work, excercise will always give way to stress, overeating or undereating, and less sleep. hope you have a set schedule at work! makes life a whole lot easier on all levels.

Answer 6

Try bringing some of your favorite music to keep you motivated and in the mood. Plus, just imagine how great you will feel when you are done!

Answer 7

everytime you go just think you are taking years off as in you will look in great shape and younger when you are older it will pay off! pilates amazing

Answer 8

listen to some great music like music from young love