Need motivation to lose weight

[Ruth]

I really have trouble staying motivated. I seem to get started on something and a week later I am dead sick of it and I go back to my old ways. I have tried diets in the past but nothing seems to be able to stick to me. I am really trying hard to stick to something because I need to lose weight and get healthier before I get really obese and out of control.

Can anyone help to set me straight? How do you manage to stick to healthy eating and exercising...??

[slysara]

You need a buddy to workout with. These internet groups help a lot with motivation, but you need someone to keep you in check at the gym, with what you're eating, etc.

Do you have anybody that could go to the gym with you?

[pascalevdb]

It's essential to choose forms of exercise that you already enjoy and do more of them, especially when starting out. If you like walking, do more of it. If you like biking, do it more. Also, vary the routine and have several options--because you may like walking, but if you don't feel like walking, but swimming sounds good, you have an option.

Also, let yourself up to win! Set realistic goals. If you haven't been exercising for awhile, make a goal of 2 times a week for 2 weeks. There is nothing more motivating than achieving a goal--and by setting the bar to win, you will create the momentum you need to get started---and keep going. Good Luck.

Pascale
Workouts On Demand: free exercise videos & workouts, online at home.

[Stephanie]

what i like to do when im feeling sluggish at the gym is pick someone there, and try to out beat them. So if were running on the tradmill, i try to run faster and longer. I make it a secret race

[joviemar]

Check this out : Exercise For Woman. Get into the 'weigh loss plans' section. It might helps you. And keep coming to this forum, it helps me to keep my motivation !

[phillyskyline]

Hi Ruth, I'm in the same boat. I actually enjoy working out and used to be quite fit, but over the years I've lost motivation. I have started several fitness programs, but all it takes is a few days of being lazy ("I'll work out tomorrow") and pretty soon I'm right back where I started.

My motivation: I looked back at the last 7 years of my life and thought about how sluggish I've felt, how many times I've felt self-concious about my body, and how many times that has prevented me from doing something. Every time I feel myself slipping back into old habits, I remind myself that once I get on the treadmill or get through my first set of weights I WILL feel better, and I will thank myself later.

There is nothing worse than sitting in front of the TV with a bag of your favorite snacks, thinking about how you SHOULD be exercising instead. It's depressing and self-defeating because you know you could be doing better. It's a lot more satisfying to sit my butt on the couch and watch some TV after I've had a tough workout--then it's guilt-free

I hope you are doing well and getting closer to your fitness goals!

[charlotte]

You just need to get up and do it. Don't say you're too busy, don't say you're sick, don't say you're tired. Get up right now and just DO SOMETHING!

Jog in place, walk down the road, run down the road, get on a bike.

Drink water. Eat less junk. Just get started!

[slysara]

That's the worst thing for me -- I contemplate. I think about getting up, but then my lazy body tells me not to... that the couch is better.

JUST GET UP!

[jennyjen]

Try listening to your music. It keeps me concentrated and motivated, especially if its songs I enjoy.

[MissFit]

I too find motivation to exercise difficult. Even worse for food. My brain is wired to eat chocolate. No reasoning will deny the craving.