How do i force myself to go to the gym!?

Question

Heya,
I got a gym membership a few months ago, i started going a few times, after a short injury i have just stopped going. I keep telling myself to go back, but never really get round to it, and say "oh i will go tomorrow" etc etc. I just cant get myself to go! does anyone have any tips or motivational tips to get my *** in gear, so to speak!

I also am not very comfortable in that sort of enviroment, of everyone "looking" at you, seems very competitive, does anyone have any tips to just relax and forget about everyone else there.

Thanks.

Answer 1

I understand where you are coming from in the angle of the injury as well as the "competition."


My advice is to try and make it through the first two weeks going, and by then you should feel comfortable. Just keep in mind, to not stop going to the gym, you need to bend your "out-of-work" activities around the gym not vice-versa.

Secondly, the competition is mostly in your head. Yes people do look at each other while working out, but that's because they have a lack of self-confidence to begin with. Anyone who actually "judges" you in the form of a competition is most likly a meat-head that only lives in the gym anyways. Don't let that bother you because atleast you have a life! >:D

Seriously though, hit the weights and just dont worry about the people think. You are there for you! not them!

Answer 2

Just set yourself a date to go, perhaps a month from now to get your head around it again. I once injured my knee playing football, but before that I used to love going to the gym. But after my injury I couldn't be bothered in the slightest about it. So what I did was, I set a day, as I said a month away, and i followed through on my resolve. the main problem I had with the gym was that all I remembered about it was the hard work, but I forgot how great it makes you feel.

Answer 3

There is no real way to force yourself to go. Either it's in you or it isn't. I can tell you most people at the gym don't care one way or the other what you look like. Anytime I see someone who has an injury or is incredibly out of shape, the only thing I think is, "Good for them for coming!" But you have to ask yourself if you're happy with your body and your health. If you are, stay home. If you want to improve yourself, go to the gym. That's all there is to it.

Answer 4

I know what you mean. Just take a deep breath & go in. I had the same feeling. the everyone looking at you piece. I think everyone has that "fear".

Does this gym show music videos while you work out? Does it have a "dark room?" meaning you can excersize in the dark (you can see what you are doing!! i should know i use to go to one but gave it up as it was too expensive)

Its not competitive because no one is really interested as they are doing there own thing.

Answer 5

you spent money on a gym membership when you are "not very comfortable in that sort of environment...", and now you wonder why you have no motivation to go? Wish I had a nickel for every time I've seen this statement, would be a rich woman. It still amazes me that people are really their own worst enemies. Well, you've spent the money, you can use it, or throw it away, all it takes is discipline....you do know what that is? discipline? aka growing up and being responsible for your own actions and adhereing to your own decisions. Do you still need your mummy to tell you to brush your teeth before bed too?

Answer 6

i can relate. a few tips:

go first thing in the morning - before doing anything else. maybe rent a locker, if possible, so you can get ready fro work at the gym.

find a gym buddy for co-motivation

enroll in fitness programs that the gym may have to keep you on schedule

also, some gyms have isolated areas (e.g. for women only) that are secluded and prevent the gawk factor. but since you've already joined one, that may not apply. otherwise, keep the goal in mind (getting fit) and/or listen to music while working out to "tune out" the rest

Answer 7

I am having the same problem. I find that I literally have to force myself to get off the couch and go. I tell myself that I HAVE TO. After the first week of going, it gets easier because you feel better after you go and that becomes your motivation. They say that it only takes 21 days to make a habit. If you can commit to 3 weeks of going..you'll get into the right mindset. The first few days will be the hardest but tell yourself that you aren't going to let it get the best of you. You are in control of YOU.

And to the responder above me...chill out! Their heart is in the right place...they just need to get their head there too.

Answer 8

How long do you have left on your membership? Are there any other gyms around? Do you know when your gym is the least busy? You need to make yourself go. No excuses.
You just get ready and go. It's like work or school. You just go because you have to.

Answer 9

i been going to the gym for 4 years now and i have seen great results so what i can say is that all you need is motivation and the power of will, i was sick of being a little skinny kid and i was motivated to get biggger and here i am

for me going to the gym is the best feeling in the world
so good luck! and go as soon as possible

Answer 10

You have to make that call! It's up to you to motivate yourself!
If you don't want to go, then just go for walks and eat a healthy diet. Also you can take the staires at work instead of the elevator.