Motivation

[janeybz]

I can't believe I'm asking this, but does anyone ever lose thier motivation. I am finding it harder to get up to do my workouts! DH used to laugh at me because when I went to bed at night, I'd be all happy because I "get to do Boot Camp tomorrow" (insert just about any Cathe workout) . But lately I've been just blah!! It's such an effort. I get up at 4:00 to workout and then shower before my kiddos get up at about 6:00. I've been doing this for about a year and half with only a day or two off each week. Do you think I should take a break of more than two days? I'm afraid that if I stop working out for more than two days, I'll get too comfortable and it will be harder to get back into it. I've been working out pretty much like this for about ten years - only slowing down for about six months each time I had a child (I have three little boys -- ages 7,5 and 22 months) Am I paranoid about getting too comfortable? It bums me out, because I'm just not having as much fun any more. What can I try to get my motivation and joy in exercise back?

Thanks,
Jane

 

[Mckmain]

Jane I think we all have lost our motivation from time to time. Different things work for different people. Sometimes a couple of rest days are good for you and you will have no problem getting back into it. You are no doubt very busy with 3 little boys! Have you ever tried doing any of Cathe's rotations? I will say for me just getting a new DVD of workouts helps........I am sure you will get more tips.......Carole

 

[icklemoley]

Getting up at 4am to do my workouts would make me lose motivation! I can't believe you get up that early. What time do you go to bed?

We all lose motivation at times. If there is a way for you to do your workouts later on in the day i would try that.

Wayne.

 

[hippahips]

Jane, kudos to you for waking up so early in the a.m. for A YEAR AND A HALF to work out. This is something I've been wanting to do for a long time, but my body clock just won't have it. I'm too much of a night owl.

I do lose my motivation every now and then. Taking a few days to a couple weeks off helps. So does changing the time of day in which I work out. Also changing instructors helps -- I do know this is hard if you're a Cathe disciple but sometimes switching to somebody else's routines and workout styles can give you a boost. I also helps me to check into this forum often just to see what everyone else is doing, compare notes/results with Catheites, and learn about alternatives/modifications to some of my not-so-favorite moves and exercises. When I read about everyone else's progress, it makes me want to do something positive for myself as well. Hope this helps.

Pinky

 

[Stacy-MN]

Jane:

Good for you for working out like that for so long. Maybe try to switch up what you are doing, work out at night for a week or two.

I've also had a hard time being consitant with my workouts and I feel horrible, so I'm hoping to gain motivation through this board to start up again the mornings.

Good luck!
Stacy

 

[maxwells]

Jane --

As everyone else here has already said: great job on working out so consistently! Also, from my own experience and the experience of others in this forum -- it seems to be pretty common to occasionally lose your motivation. Here are some things that I do when I feel myself getting into a rut and not wanting to get up in the AM to workout:

1. Just do it anyway! That's what discipline is all about, right? Isn't it about doing something regardless of whether you feel "motivated" or not?! Here is where rotations help (at least for me). I put a copy of the rotation on my workout room door and mark off each workout as I go. If I miss a morning, then there is a glaring blank space next to that workout. I simply can't have that

2. Take a day (or 2, or 3) off. Sometimes giving yourself a break (physically and mentally) can make a big difference. You come back refreshed and ready to go! This one works for me sometimes, but not always. If you are afraid it will turn into weeks, then maybe try another approach.

3. Do a different activity. Instead of Cathe workouts -- do one from another instructor (gasp!). It will make you want to come back to Cathe! If you always do videos -- go outside and walk or bike instead. Take a class at a local gym. If you don't have a membership there, just pay for a day pass. If you always do cardio, do a weight training class instead. Maybe try Yoga or Pilates or a martial arts class.

4. Buy new workout clothes and/or shoes! Sometimes this makes me feel better which, in turn, makes me want to workout more.

5. Workout with a friend. If you are a competitive person -- sometimes a little friendly competition can spur a little extra effort. At the very least, you will have someone to talk to!

6. Plan an active trip/vacation. If you know you will have to be in a swim suit by February for that cruise/trip to the bahamas...it is amazing how motivated you can get!

7. Enter a competition. Try a 5K or a triathlon or a run/walk competition. Or one of those Body-For-Life type challenge contests.

8. Ask yourself -- "what is the alternative?" If you don't workout today -- how will you feel about it tonight or tomorrow? If you're okay with the answer, then don't workout. If not, then JUST DO IT

9. Watch FITTV and just try not to workout! I think there was a show called "fitness fantasy" that I watched this weekend about a lady who ended up doing a 4-5 hour boot camp class at the end of 8 weeks of training (or something like that). I was so inspired by her that I didn't have a problem getting up this morning to workout.

10. Think about going to visit Cathe someday and wanting her to see your awesome results!

Jane, we all know you can get motivated again! You've done it this long!

Shonie