Motivating Yourself To Work Out?

coco_lola

Ladies..how do you motivate yourselves to work out, moreso at the gym? I have paid 4 months membership that I haven't used so far, and when I get in a routine I know I would get used to it, it's just a matter of forcing myself to do it! I would much rather spend my time with friends, or reading etc., than haul my butt to the gym!

Anyone have any input as to how you do it?

Mods, please don't move to Health and Fitness, I just want tLL input

Bubs99

To be honest, I think gym membership is a waste and can be boring.
I did do it for 3 months a few years ago and did well for over a month but soon it faded off.

Now, I believe that its much better going walking with your friends or swimming in the local pool together or doing dance or pilates or kick boxing etc. together. You get a variety of physical benefits from each, its much cheaper than gym membership and much more fun.

Currently, I go to the local pool with my friend once or twice a week, we do thai boxing once a week and we go for regular walks together also (great now that the good weather is approaching). Our bodies have changed alot, we've both toned well and we feel much better.

It'll be well worth it.
If you do stick with the gym, just set a day, pack your gear and have good beat music on your ipod or mp3 player and just go for it. It will be intense the first while but soon you'll get in to it and you'll feel great.

Good luck.

Bubblefett

When I worked in a gym I used to suggest to people that they join up with a friend- that way you can meet up there and catch up when you're working out. And with two of you you can keep pushing eachother to attend.
Or else maybe sign up for a class? It'll get you up there at least once a week and often people find it easier to work out under direction/in a group.

When I was doing the C25K I used to buy myself a treat each time I finished a week- something small like renting a film or something but I'd set milestones where I'd allow myself to buy the shoes I'd been eyeing etc.

coco_lola

Thanks for the responses so far everyone - I should mention that my gym offers a multitude of free classes, like Spin, Boxercise, Bootcamp classes, Kettlebell, and more. It has a pool too. The gym itself is great, and I have friends who go to the classes, I think it's more the whole "I don't know what I'm doing and I'm a mess, everyone is looking at me" mindset that I have!

CaliforniaDream

I've decided to run a marathon this year.
I've given myself a full year to train for it. I could honestly only run 2-3mins before I had to stop so thinking about a marathon right now is killing me.

But my motivation is setting smaller goals - 1mile, 2miles, 5k, 10k etc - and working towards them.
My main motivation came from telling my family about the marathon. My brother said he'd run with me if I wanted. My sister and her husband have also come on board now. So I can't back out. And running a marathon isn't something I can blag so I have to put in the hours.

Becoming healthy should always be someone's concern too.

dearg lady

I would highly recommend trying out cycling. I started cycling to work because it wasn't on a bus route, but now I've discovered how convenient it is. Nearly all my journeys are done by bike now, I'm much fitter, and I'm saving a fortune on bus fares.

zzxx

If you're worried about not knowing what you're doing, then you should book in for a fitness assessment in the gym. Most gyms offer them free to members. They'll show you around, how to use the machines, tell you about classes and do up a program for you. Then when you feel more comfortable there and you have a plan, you might be more inclined to go.

Just go there once and it won't be so hard next time. Good luck!

Michellenman

coco_lola wrote: »

Thanks for the responses so far everyone - I should mention that my gym offers a multitude of free classes, like Spin, Boxercise, Bootcamp classes, Kettlebell, and more. It has a pool too. The gym itself is great, and I have friends who go to the classes, I think it's more the whole "I don't know what I'm doing and I'm a mess, everyone is looking at me" mindset that I have!

If this is the main problem then your best bet is to just suck it up for one class, it will only take that one time for you to realise that no one will be looking at you.

For me, my motivation was that I'd put a lot of effort in losing weight by diet alone which I did by just not buying the bad food. When I had to move back in with my parents all the food was there to tempt me again. I make myself exercise at least 45 minutes a day and then I can have a little of the good food. Once I started to lose the weight I realised that being 'chubby' didn't suit me at all. I know it seems redundant to say, but me slimmer looks much better on me.

sandra_b

The key is to find type of exercise you like.

I have joined a gym a month ago. I hate machines (I don’t even know how to use them), but I find Zumba and Pilates classes great.
I also think that group spirit in the classes gives me motivation.

Some people like swimming (I don’t), just try different things and you’ll find something.

Some days it is difficult to “go” to the gym, but once you put your gear on you are fine. After the class you are happy you managed to attend it.

coco_lola

Thanks everyone.. Cycling isn't an option at the moment, as where I work is over an hour and a half's drive from where I live, so cycling there would take me quite a while I'm going to go on Tuesday to a Spin class (kinda like cycling!) and try out some Body Pump classes this week.. I'll let you guys know how I get on I pay the membership, and the gym is really good, so I should just use it! Hopefully with the weather getting better I'll be able to run outside too!

Gauge

Good luck with the classes!

I found what really helped me with the gym was forking out for a personal trainer session just to get me started. He came up with a program and took me through everything and showed me proper form and all that, and it involves exercises and machines I find (relatively!) fun to do/use, which is motivating in itself. Up until that point I was plodding along doing long stints on the crosstrainer feeling like I was getting nowhere. I was a total newbie to the whole gym thing and to be honest, I needed that level of help to get me up and running. Even if you don't want to pay a personal trainer, depending on the gym one of the instructors might be able to help you out for free.

I also tried going at various times during the day before I found a time I liked best, which turned out to be first thing in the morning. Odd because I'm not a morning person, but I like getting the workout done early, being wide awake by the time I get to work, and the gym is fairly quiet at that hour, no fighting other people for equipment! Like you said, once you have a routine down it becomes like a habit. Good luck!

coco_lola

Gauge wrote: »

Good luck with the classes!
I found what really helped me with the gym was forking out for a personal trainer session just to get me started. He came up with a program and took me through everything and showed me proper form and all that, and it involves exercises and machines I find (relatively!) fun to do/use, which is motivating in itself.

My gym actually offers free personal training programs, I went to one at the start and the program he did up was really hard! I think with regard to the programs, my goal was to tone up, not lose weight, and so he had me doing a lot of resistance training, which meant that I was in the weights room with men a lot, and I felt very self-conscious!

Up until that point I was plodding along doing long stints on the crosstrainer feeling like I was getting nowhere. I was a total newbie to the whole gym thing and to be honest, I needed that level of help to get me up and running. Even if you don't want to pay a personal trainer, depending on the gym one of the instructors might be able to help you out for free.

I never used the program so I'm considering starting with the classes, and then once I get into the routine and actually enjoy working out (because I know I will if I can just do it!), then I can consider going back to the personal training service, as they do personalised programs, and check-ins every ten visits.

I also tried going at various times during the day before I found a time I liked best, which turned out to be first thing in the morning. Odd because I'm not a morning person, but I like getting the workout done early, being wide awake by the time I get to work, and the gym is fairly quiet at that hour, no fighting other people for equipment! Like you said, once you have a routine down it becomes like a habit. Good luck!

I would love to be able to go in the morning, it would be nice to have it out of the way before I go to work! I'm not a morning person at all! I will try it though and see how I get on in the evenings, and maybe I'll like it so much I'll want to go in the morning!

Thanks a million

Princess Peach

I find the gym itself quite boring and too easy for me to get lazy and quit halfway through a work out.

Classes are much better I find. They keep you more interested cause you do different things all week, and also you won't quit after half an hour.

Boxercise and pilates were my favourite in my old gym. Once you find a class you really like you will want to go every week to keep up with it if, if you get me.

Running outside is so much more interesting than a treadmill too.

Lia_lia

+1 on the going with a friend thing. Also makes me work out better, especially if the friend is a lot more together than me! And don't worry about looking silly at classes, no one takes any notice!

I am awful for going to the gym at the moment, mainly because I just don't have the time. Must organise my time better.

Also, when at the gym try and find a machine that suits you (for cardio anyway) and stick to it. I much prefer running. Could run at a fast enough pace for about 45mins...the bike kills me though!

coco_lola

Thanks everyone for the helpful replies... I'm going to try the classes, just blast in and see how I go!

I used to do horse riding, and when I was exercising regularly, I would run for a good hour, either outside or on the treadmill. That was about 3 months ago, but I was walking to work every day, 30 minutes at a good fast pace!

Has anyone done spinning? I'm going to jump into a 40minute class, would this be too much for my first time, from anyone else's experience?

Mods if it is ok, I may report back intermittently on this thread... Might help me if the Ladies of tLL can encourage me on, and having it written down really helps too.. As I mentioned, once I'm in that routine, I'll certainly stick to it!

rain on

Exercise just for the sake of exercise gets boring very quickly for me. I started training MMA at the start of the year though, and it wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea but it's an amazing workout and good craic as well. I go to classes at my MMA gym during the week and then on the weekend I go to the regular gym to work on improving my strength and conditioning and cardio. It's much easier to motivate myself to work out when I know it's going to help me fight better. I'm the only girl at the MMA gym at the moment but the guys there are super friendly and welcoming and it's not at all the testosterone bath you might expect from venturing into the weights area at a regular gym. I never had the slightest interest in sports in my life but the first time you successfully wrestle a big fella to the ground, take his back and choke him out, you get hooked

Meauldsegosha

I do spin classes, 2/3 a week. I won't lie I found them tough at the start, could barely move the morning after my first one. I started with a low level of fitness but I love them now.

As others have said if you have a friend to go with it makes all the difference. I go with a friend and we push each, on days when I don't want to go she pushes and vice versa. I think the classes are great, its 40 mins of fairly intense exercise and most people have 40 mins to spare. We have now started doing zumba once a week as well. They are such a laugh but my god do you sweat. I've also realised I can move my arms and legs at the same time.

leahyl

Hi OP, spinning classes are GREAT for weight loss and toning. I've been doing them since January (once a week at first but now doing it twice!) and I've noticed a huge difference! I'm not gonna lie, they are tough at the beginning but you soon get into it - just don't try to do too much at once if you do decide to give it a go.

I've noticed a big difference in my overall shape - I think you burn on average around 300 calories in your 40/45 min spin class? (not exactly sure but it's a good amount anyway!)

I'm also joined the gym where I do the spinning and I must admit it's harder to keep up the gym. I go to the spinning because you have to book and pay for it beforehand and it motivates you more when there a group of people doing the same thing as well. I try to do the gym twice a week and spinning twice a week (not on the same day obv!)

Also I just recently bought a few fitness dvd's from amazon. I haven't tried them all yet but just tried one of the Davina McCaul ones yesterday and I am SORE today!! It was really good - she uses weights and does squats - works on the lower body and upper body and abs - so that's a good workout for the days when you can't face the gym, do it in the comfort of your own living room

Walking is also great when the weather is good (like this week), even when it's not good (but I'm one to talk about the walking, sure if the weather is bad I'm like "it's raining, oh sure I won't bother going out":rolleyes::P

Hope this helps OP:)

saa

I focus on how I feel not how I look and block out anyone else.
I focus on my level of fitness rather than a number on a scale as when I loose I slack because I think I'm doing so well and when I don't I slack because I'm demotivated.

I enjoy the gym because I don't have time to stress there, I'm out of the house and I like the endorphin rush if you're dragging yourself there I would not get another membership if you still don't like it, I'm not sure how much you're paying but maybe it wouldn't cost more to go to 2-3 classes a week and mix in a few at home/street exercises.

My best advice is to build up slowly what you like doing at a level you're comfortable with, even if it takes you six months to build up to what you're doing now it gives you a goal and its better than going at it 110% for a few weeks and then burning out or loosing interest.

hdowney

i joined a gym half hour away from my house, rather than the one down the road, cos it was far superior (the one down the road only has two of everything for example). it is a fab gym, has a fab trainer system etc. i was really enjoying myself, making an effort. then my mother broke her arm, so i was kept at home doing everything for her, and missed some gym sessions, then there was something else and something else...... it has really tailed off. i am paying for something i am not using and now with car issues i will hardly be able to get there. so my options are cancel that membership and have none, or start one in the not as good, but close enough to walk to gym

beks101

I think if you're a newbie gym-goer, you just have to suck it up and push through the overwhelming urge to sit on the sofa and veg out or sleep it out when you've planned a work-out.

But once the habit is formed, IME anyway it becomes routine just like brushing your teeth and the absolute dread that you once felt gradually peters off.

I don't follow any plan, I'm a bit spontaneous when I'm working out because it suits me to do what I feel like doing at the particular moment, but I'm a bit of an adrenalin junkie and don't ever let myself leave the gym until I've sweated something stupid and pushed myself beyond my last session. I think the addiction to those endorphins and that energy boost kicks in pretty quickly if you're in a weekly routine, so push through a few weeks of 'I'D-RATHER-BE-DOING-ANYTHING-BUT-THIS' sessions and it'll become more rewarding than painful.

Also, goes without saying, but a full, decent night's sleep makes all the difference in the world when it comes to mustering up the motivation, whether you work out by day or by night. It's so much easier to sucker out of it if you're battling sleep-deprivation and lethargy as well as general lack of inspiration.

hdowney

beks101 wrote: »

I think if you're a newbie gym-goer, you just have to suck it up and push through the overwhelming urge to sit on the sofa and veg out or sleep it out when you've planned a work-out.

But once the habit is formed, IME anyway it becomes routine just like brushing your teeth and the absolute dread that you once felt gradually peters off.

I don't follow any plan, I'm a bit spontaneous when I'm working out because it suits me to do what I feel like doing at the particular moment, but I'm a bit of an adrenalin junkie and don't ever let myself leave the gym until I've sweated something stupid and pushed myself beyond my last session. I think the addiction to those endorphins and that energy boost kicks in pretty quickly if you're in a weekly routine, so push through a few weeks of 'I'D-RATHER-BE-DOING-ANYTHING-BUT-THIS' sessions and it'll become more rewarding than painful.

Also, goes without saying, but a full, decent night's sleep makes all the difference in the world when it comes to mustering up the motivation, whether you work out by day or by night. It's so much easier to sucker out of it if you're battling sleep-deprivation and lethargy as well as general lack of inspiration.

the boldened bits i completely agree with. and i suffer terribly with lack of sleep. i don't know why, i just don't sleep very much, no matter what i try

Classes are certainly the way to go imo.

I absolutely do not have the discipline to put the full effort in in the gym without encouragement/motivation.

Any class I've ever been to, they ask if there are any beginners, you say yes (and you're unlikely to be the only one) and they give you a quick run through of the class and that's it. You'll wonder why you were worried!

panda100

Good advice on here!Well done ladies!

I think its good to have something to aim towards. I have a similar aim to a previous poster that I want to do a marathon at some stage in the next year or two. I have been training since January, and signed up for the Ballybunion 10km and great Limerick run 10km, both coming up in the next few weeks. This has really given me the motivation not only to train, but to eat well and look after my body more.

I joined Westwood in Clontarf in November, and it is freakin expensive.I think the expense makes me use it more, as it would be such a waste of money for me not to use my gym membership The classes are amazing.
I am a huge fan of spinning.I like the fact that you can push yourself as hard as you want by upping the gears. Its really a great way to get fit.

tatumkelly

For new members to the gym, classes are excellent motivation if you can't force yourself to do a proper workout.

I joined a gym with the intention to lose weight. 116lbs later, I love going to classes and working out on the gym floor. I will say that when I initially joined, I was so self conscious and worried everyone was looking at me. They weren't. Everyone is there for the same reason in the end, and people will have nothing but helpful comments if you get chatting to them.

I was on the rower yesterday, a woman I had never spoken to before comes over and told me I look amazing. Made my week!

Point is, new members... just keep at it, you'll feel incredible as a result of your improved physical and mental health.

coco_lola

panda100 wrote: »

I joined Westwood in Clontarf in November, and it is freakin expensive.I think the expense makes me use it more, as it would be such a waste of money for me not to use my gym membership The classes are amazing.
I am a huge fan of spinning.I like the fact that you can push yourself as hard as you want by upping the gears. Its really a great way to get fit.

Panda, I'm a member of Westwood too! This is why I feel I need to make an effort to do something. I actually signed up for a PT session with a female (as the last time I had a man and I felt self conscious, I don't know why, but I did!). I'm really interested in trying the spinning. I did Tag Rugby with some friends on Tuesday, my first workout in a while, and I really felt it today! I have to say, I really enjoyed it though!

Fiona

The only exercise I do is walking, and at that it needs to be 'functional' walking in that it needs to be getting me somewhere for a reason and not just for the fun of it otherwise I won't do it.

I get off my bus in the morning and walk from Phibsboro to St Stephens Green to my job and then reverse again in the evenings, weather permitting

metaoblivia

When I had a gym membership, I just made it a habit. The gym was right next to my place of work, on the way home. I had my gym bag in my car and stopped for an hour at the gym most days after work. It became a habit. I would try different things - walking, weights, swimming. The gym also had a steam room and jacuzzi, so the thought of soaking in a jacuzzi after a workout was good motivation too!

Now, when I'm at home watching tv in the evenings, I say to myself, "You should get up and move! Do some conditioning exercises, dance to music!" and I do. I find that moving makes me feel better than just lying around.

Bambii_

If you're gym is like mine then it offers some classes, sign up to a few! They can be fun, you get to meet new people and have great benefits. When I first joined the gym (Liffey Valley Fitness) I went at least 3 times a week. I loved it. But the novelty of being in the gym started to grow old and I stopped going as frequently after about 2 months. I still went, but maybe only 4 or 5 times a month. I got talking to my friend and she wanted to join, so we started going together. Having a friend with you is great motivation for me. We're both competitive and love seeing who can run longest on the threadmill or do the most push ups etc. We have a laugh there so its not so much of a chore. Also, going to new classes is alot less daunting when you're not on your own.

So my advice is make friends at your gym and go with them, or get a friend to join with you (: When there's someone else with you getting fit can be fun.