How do you motivate yourself?

frazzel

Hi im just wondering what motivation techniques do people use to make themselves get out to the gym on the days you really dont feel like going?

I know some people say just go and do it but sometimes you need a bit more than that. Ive been very good lately so want to have some tips for the days that aren't so good!!!!

Oryx

I usually do one of these:

Lie to myself that Im only going to do ten minutes. Once youve done ten minutes, youll be on form to keep going.

Play foo fighters, stereophonics or any other music that gets me in the mood.

Have an event coming up that I want to do well in.

Phone a mate who trains and see how much work theyve been doing. It makes me competitive.

Gillo

Get in the routine of going, so it's pretty much habit as opposed to decision.

I used to work out the price; I pay 64 a month so if I go once it costs me 64 a visit, if I go twice it costs me 32 and so on.

Music plays a big part for me, but thats more when I am there, I usually change my playlist every few weeks and can't wait to get to the gym to try it (that said I love my music).

aye

make a bet with a friend thats you'll lose x percent of bodyfat, or lift x weight by a certain date.

set yourself a reward system, if there is something you want, dont let yourself do/get it until you've been to the gym x times that week/month etc.

wasabi

Make it a habit, then you don't need motivation, you will simply find yourself at the gym with your training gear already on.

ADO

i just watch this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTczMKtmvdQ

i think its just mostly the words that he says like

"in my mind im number one"

but i think the ending is the best where he says " every rep is for my opponent, get one more just for him, if i gotta train like a mad man all year long it makes me that much better, out do my opponent...ALWAYS"

i find that very very motivating!

ADO

Brian?

wasabi wrote: »

Make it a habit, then you don't need motivation, you will simply find yourself at the gym with your training gear already on.

+1. Every Saturday I decide based on my work and other commitments what days I am going to be in the gym that week. Then I just go. Its easy this way to think of it as just something you do rather than something you need to motivate yourself to do.

As for running outside though, jaysus. I need to make a date with someone to run with them, otherwise I won't do it. No amount of music can make it interesting.

yop

Just remind yourself that if (or since you are in my case ) a fat bas*trd that your life will probably be a lot shorter than most people around you.

Also that it costs a lot less to feed a thin person that a fat one, especially in this recession

frazzel

wasabi wrote: »

Make it a habit, then you don't need motivation, you will simply find yourself at the gym with your training gear already on.

The problem i usually find i run into is that i work shifts so go between nights and days and different days of the week so i dont have a routine and end up getting out of the habit very easily.

Im doing the buddy thing at the mo so thats working very well so far.

Brian?

frazzel wrote: »

The problem i usually find i run into is that i work shifts so go between nights and days and different days of the week so i dont have a routine and end up getting out of the habit very easily.

Im doing the buddy thing at the mo so thats working very well so far.

I work a similar shift, just pick the days a week ahead. It works.

Sangre

yop wrote: »

Just remind yourself that if (or since you are in my case ) a fat bas*trd that your life will probably be a lot shorter than most people around you.

Also that it costs a lot less to feed a thin person that a fat one, especially in this recession

My gym training certainly does not reduce my food bill.

BobbyOLeary

I found that keeping a workout log online FuncKey was the best motivation I needed. I set out my year's goals and how I was going to achieve them. I feel bad not posting up seeing as I said I would. Sounds stupid but it works for me!