How did you motivate yourself to start training?

[Phitknis]

I haven't told my fiance yet that I actually hope not to just exercise, but to start working out until I am able to either compete or model (I've done print modeling, but never fitness or physique). I've been wanting to just work hard and then once I get closer to that point, I'd tell him my plans, because if I tell him right now he would honestly probably think I was all talk and no walk haha.

My problem right now is that I don't feel as motivated as I want to be. It's hard for me to get to the gym. My son is 9 months old, so I have to pack him up and walk 10 minutes to the bus stop. Then ride the bus to the Arboretum (across from the gym). Walk another 5 minutes to the gym (mostly uphill). On the plus side, there is my cardio! Then workout, then do the whole bus routine, but in reverse to get home (5 minutes shorter when going home because I don't have to walk all the way to a cross walk). So doing that every day I work out, all while pushing a 19 pound child in a stroller that only goes up to my thighs (so I have to be bent over) is a daunting task.

But I do it - every weekday. I have the determination and drive to do all of that to get to the gym on most days, but some days I sit on the couch and just can't get myself motivated. I try to think of how much better I'll feel and how great I'm going to look, but then that pessimist in me says it won't happen. And I especially have yet to really convince myself that I could ever get to the level I want to be at.

Now that I've bored you (haha) with all of that nonsense, did any one else here get in those kind of ruts, especially when they first started training? How did you motivate yourself??

[roxy42277]

when i sit around and dont feel like going i always somehow get my butt out the door. I tell my self what are your goals? then im like ahh sh*t get dressed and walk out that door im not gunna meet them if i dont compleat them.

good luck to you!!!

[Melody]

Lack of motivation sucks - the good thing about consistent exercise is after a while, lack of motivation becomes less of an issue (for me at least, although personally I think it's that way for most people b/c it becomes a habit). When I was going through periods of not wanting to do my workouts, the only thing that helped was registering for a half marathon and giving myself a time goal. I found that I just can't run for the sake of it, even though I genuinely enjoy it.

Sorry I don't have better advice - the only thing I can say is continue to make yourself go to the gym. It becomes less of a chore after awhile, especially after you begin seeing definite changes in your body. If you are competitive, set a realistic goal for yourself - maybe you just need something to work towards, other than just getting in shape. Good for you for deciding to take control of your health and your body!

[misstransformer]

Originally Posted by Phitknis

I haven't told my fiance yet that I actually hope not to just exercise, but to start working out until I am able to either compete or model (I've done print modeling, but never fitness or physique). I've been wanting to just work hard and then once I get closer to that point, I'd tell him my plans, because if I tell him right now he would honestly probably think I was all talk and no walk haha.

My problem right now is that I don't feel as motivated as I want to be. It's hard for me to get to the gym. My son is 9 months old, so I have to pack him up and walk 10 minutes to the bus stop. Then ride the bus to the Arboretum (across from the gym). Walk another 5 minutes to the gym (mostly uphill). On the plus side, there is my cardio! Then workout, then do the whole bus routine, but in reverse to get home (5 minutes shorter when going home because I don't have to walk all the way to a cross walk). So doing that every day I work out, all while pushing a 19 pound child in a stroller that only goes up to my thighs (so I have to be bent over) is a daunting task.

But I do it - every weekday. I have the determination and drive to do all of that to get to the gym on most days, but some days I sit on the couch and just can't get myself motivated. I try to think of how much better I'll feel and how great I'm going to look, but then that pessimist in me says it won't happen. And I especially have yet to really convince myself that I could ever get to the level I want to be at.

Now that I've bored you (haha) with all of that nonsense, did any one else here get in those kind of ruts, especially when they first started training? How did you motivate yourself??

Hi Phitknis, a similar question was posted a few days ago. Check it out when you have time, it might help to recharge those motivation batteries.

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=3795811

[Phitknis]

Originally Posted by misstransformer

Hi Phitknis, a similar question was posted a few days ago. Check it out when you have time, it might help to recharge those motivation batteries.

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=3795811

Thanks so much for the link!