How do you get motivation to go back to the gym?

Question

I have no problem working out alot, sometimes twice a day or more at the gym when I'm in the habit or the routine. But, whenever I get injured or hurt or something else keeps me away from a week or more, I find it hard to go back the first few times.

What do you do to get you going after a rut?

Answer 1

Look at pictures on the internet of really healthy and fit people. Or taking naked pictures of yourself...seriously! It helps.

Answer 2

I know that rut all too well, and I just got out of one recently. My remedy for the mental block with exercise is to simply have no expectations. Most times, when you want to get back into the swing of things, you remember how much you did exercise when you were at your peak- in this case two times a day or more. That can overwhelm you when you think of it in those terms, you need to let go of those expectations and make the easiest promise that you can, such as making it a goal to use the treadmill for a single minute, or lifting a set of 3 repetitions. It sounds stupid, but it really does work, and I find that most times you end up far exceeding your expectations this way and working out then becomes something you don't feel overwhelmed at getting involved with again. You can then build from that, because motivation builds from progress.

Answer 3

I make a new playlist for my iPod and then psych myself up to hear it while I'm running on the treadmill. I use reverse psychology in just about every aspect of my diet and exercise plan. Plus I know I always feel better afterward.

Answer 4

NOTE: I realise this article may offend some people, but I believe that you want to hear the truth about weight loss rather than some watered down
"feel-good" version of the truth!

I receive hundreds (yes, hundreds) of questions every month with this general theme... "HEEEELP... I'm doing all the right things but I'm still not losing weight." After talking to hundreds of these people over the years, I've come to a few general conclusions. Keep in mind that these are generalizations, but they would apply to over 97% of people in this situation.

1. The vast majority of these people (I call them "non-losers") are not exercising anywhere near enough (if at all)! You can only decrease your caloric intake so much. Your other alternative is to increase your caloric expenditure. You can write this in stone - ** VERY FEW people are successful at losing weight *AND* keeping it off without exercising almost everyday!!

If you're having trouble losing weight, 20 minutes of exercise three times a week isn't going to cut it! Most people who tell me they are *really serious* about losing weight are not willing to do what it takes to get where they want to be. If you're not willing to make exercise a *serious* priority in your life, your chances of succeeding at losing weight and keeping it off are VERY small!

If you're having difficulty losing weight, I would recommend that you average at least 30 minutes *everyday*, ideally an hour.

2. Most "non-losers" that are exercising are not weight training. Weight training is *critical* to maintaining your muscle mass and tone. If you're not weight training while trying to lose weight, you will lose muscle mass and tone and your basal metabolic rate will decrease causing you to burn fewer calories 24 hour-a-day!

3. "Non-losers" are actually consuming about 600 calories more per day than they think they are. Recent research with a large group of "non-losers" determined that they were significantly under- estimating the number of calories they were consuming on a daily basis. If you're not sure, write down everything you eat for a few weeks.

4. "Non-losers" want *instant* results. When it doesn't happen they either give up or go on some crazy diet. You HAVE to be resolved to the fact that it WILL take time!

5. "Non-losers" are actually consuming more fat than they think they are. Limiting fat intake to 25 to 35 grams per day is critical for "non-losers".

6. "Non-losers" are notorious for skipping meals! This is really bad news because it slows your metabolism causing you to burn fewer calories 24 hours-a-day.

7. "Non-losers" consume far too much sugar or refined carbohydrates such as white rice, white (non whole wheat) flour products, white (non whole wheat) pastas, colas / soft drinks, sweetened drinks, and the hundreds of products that contain added sugar.

8. Some "non-losers" don't want to give up their alcohol. Alcohol is a triple whammy - it stimulates your appetite, slows your metabolism, and it's loaded with calories! Enough said.

9. Many "non-losers" consume far too few fruits and vegetables.

10. Many "non-losers" always eat until they're full. Practice stopping before you're "full" and see how you feel 30 minutes later. You will probably feel satisfied by then.

11. Many "non-losers" are not willing to simply put out some effort and be self-disciplined. They expect weight loss to just happen - it won't.

Weight loss is VERY difficult! Simply put, If you don't want it bad enough to do what it takes, it's NOT going to happen. If you really want to lose weight, quit playing around with it. Get serious about it and make it an absolute, non-negotiable priority in your life - and it will happen! Still can't get motivated call us and we will design a program that will help you achieve your goals. So stop being a "non-loser" and become a successful weight loser.

Answer 5

Well, its a lifestyle. Professional athletes sometimes take months off, so youre in good company. So hop to it and get your hiney out the door and get it into the gym. Have a nice one!

Answer 6

Maybe find a picture of someone you would like to look like and maybe that will help motivate you. For me I have to just get there and once I am there I am glad I came.

Answer 7

Make a virtual model of yourself at your highest weight and another at your goal weight at www.mvm.com
You could even do them in 5kg intervals... Stick them to your fridge =D

Answer 8

i promise myself a reward. currently, i have decided if i make it to the gym every day for a week, i will buy myself a CD i have wanted for ages.... 4 days to go!