Motivation?

[debkrebbie]

OK, I need a little motivation to get back into my workouts. I was on vacation for a week (although I did get 2 workouts in) then I came back home and was sick for a week, then Easter and my father-in-law in the hospital. I am so NOT looking forward to working out I just feel like going home after work and laying on the couch! Help!
Debbie

 

[Aquajock]

Pick your absolute favorite workout, whatever that might be and whatever mode that might be, go home and DO IT. The action will create the motivation. You'll feel double good afterward: because of the workout AND the smugness of working out when you don't feel like it. Never underestimate the spiritual value of feeling smug.

A-Jock

 

[dlp252]

Great advice! Wish I'd thought of it! But, it is true, when I don't feel like working out I'll reach for that favorite workout!

 

[clareMc]

OK Debbie, I'm your coach for the day.....listen, I hear you because I have just been through an 8 month long hiatus, and even after I was well enough to get back to my workouts, I still dithered for a few more weeks because I knew it would be painful once I started back.....and really, it wasn't.

So, what you need is a new attitude: don't think of it like "oh god, when I get home I have to work out....s**t!". Try this: think "I get to have some fun and listen to some great music, so which shall I do?" Don't force yourself to do any workout that normally requires that you psyche yourself up for it, i.e., for me this would mean, avoid IMAX, avoid Bootcamp, etc, etc. Instead, select 3 or 4 workouts that you love, that you know like the back of your hand, that you don't even have to think about, and spoil yourself with the delight of only having to choose which one of the fun ones to do! For me this would be, "hmmmm, Rythmic Step, Step Blast or Powermax?!?!?!?!"

Focus on fun, focus on the music coursing through your body. I swear by the time you are three beats into the music, you will be smiling and hooked.

Alternatively: what also works for me is the spark of the new. I was feeling blah last Friday and just wanted to watch a movie and eat chocolate since my period had just started and I was covered in spots like some greasy teenager! So, I thought, "time for something new" and put in Step Blast because I had never done it. It went great, and invigorated me. Then.......I watched my movie and ate chocolate!!!! And enjoyed it all the more: look Ma! No guilt!!!!

The other thing that never fails to inspire me is: I get home, take stock of my surroundings, make a great cup of tea and start watching a fun Cathe workout, and I find myself drinking fast, toes tapping with the music, my body swaying in my chair as it knows the moves and intinctively joins in. About 15 mins later, I am rushing into my sneakers and ready for action. Never fails.

Try some of these strategies tonight: let me know how they work for you!

Clare

 

[40something]

I'd like to suggest just heading outdoors and taking an invigorating walk and when you get home, do some yoga. Just getting moving again will lift your spirits and make you feel better about yourself instead of veggin on the sofa and then feeling guilty for not working out.

And then promise yourself that the next day you will start back into your exercise routine...and stick to it. You've heard this before...you need to do something 14 times before it becomes a habit so the sooner you get back in the game, the sooner exercising will be a habit for you again.

We all get side-tracked once in awhile and life gets too complicated and we're too stressed to stick to a exercise regime. At those times is when I try to at least take a 2-4 mile walk if I'm not in the mood to do a full-blown cardio session or the thought of weight training is too dismal as well. Don't think you HAVE to do high intensity workouts every time. This too just puts more pressure on you and that's when you start to hate exercising because it's not helping you to unwind...it's adding more to the burden. Getting out in the fresh air always makes me feel 150% better and no video can do that for you...only mother nature can.

 

[Jcrew3082]

Will you be my coach too Clare lol? I've been struggling with motivation lately- I'm bookmarking this page! Thanks!

Gina

 

[debkrebbie]

Thank you everyone for your great ideas - I went home, changed my clothes and did cardio & weights because its one of my favs! I did struggle a little at the end, but I pushed myself and made it through. I'm glad I did but I can feel the DOMS creeping in. I didn't know about the 14 times before it becomes a habit, that was really interesting and something to keep in mind. Thanks again!!

 

[Jcrew3082]

Good job Debbie!

 

[DebbieH]

Yeah Deb! Good for you! Keep at it. Take it from me, I'd give anything to be injury-free right now and to be able to choose a FUN Cathe workout to do. I don't mean to imply you have no reason to feel the way you do. Sounds like you have had a lot to deal with lately. Just do 15 minutes and if you feel like stopping, do so. Just an idea. GOOD LUCK!

Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif[/img] If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!

 

[lorapresley]

I so agree with Clare!!
This morning I was heading out the door to go to work and of course Cathe is on Fit TV at 8:00 a.m. and Imax 2 was on, the music just begs you to workout. Its so much fun. The mix of Cathe's personality, the music, the workout itself, along with the choreography makes her workouts the best!