Any cool ways to motivate yourself...

I am in my late 30's, and have zero motivation to work out. I know I should, as I am gaining weight, blood pressure is going up, etc. But I have always looked at working out as a complete chore...

Going to the gym is out - with three kids, I have zero time. Hate to say it, but work, business,and family come first...

I have access to a threadmill, elliptical, and some free weights...

Nearest good gym is 30 minutes away. The smaller local gyms just don't work. Everytime I try to go, my patients swarm me asking for free medical advice... Its not very productive. I also feel silly if I forget their names, and they expect me to have their entire medical history engrained in my brain...

So, how do I motivate myself???

I want to lose about 30 lbs, and get some cardio in. But 15 minutes on the threadmill and I am bored silly...

 

Run outside way more fun than a treadmill.

I dunno if you've done any races (5k, 10k?) but I find that if I sign up for a race it's good motivation to get out there and exercise. Don't want to sign up and then have to be a lazy a$$ out on the course. Other than that it's just the usual mantra...it's good for your health, you'll feel better, less weight to carry around, gives you more energy...blah blah blah which I'm assuming you've already heard before.

If all else fails just tell yourself tough luck and get on the treadmill every morning. One of the fitness sites I'm on has a nice little slogan HTFU which translates to Harden The F Up and just do it.

 

You have to force yourself to get started. You want to reach a goal, so your determination is there. Creating a routine and staying with it is the hard part. Once you've done it for a couple weeks it becomes second nature. Get up earlier and run for 30 minutes, or leave for work earlier and go to the gym before work. Unless you help get the kids ready for school, then that's a no go.

I use to go to the gym 3 days a week, now I go at least 4, but prefer 5. Now that I've added another day I find I'm enjoying my trips to the gym much more than my 3 day routine.

 

Got a bike? Sign up for a ride.
No bike? Sign up for a 5K.

Either way, you'll be pressed to get out there. You need to tell your wife that you are doing it, and a few good friends. They'll hold you accountable. After a few 5K's or rides, you'll be motivated to keep it up.

 

Look at your gut. Loath it.

I don't go to the gym. I have a couple free-wights; but only do curls, and work my triceps. The rest is pushups, situps, and mild to medium cardio during the workout; and once or twice per week run. I also am eating better.

Down 27 lbs since I started in late January or early February. ... of course, I have a lot to lose.

Good luck, and "just do it" seems really the only pertinent thing to say

 

When I was out of shape I got on a bicycle. I picked a route that took 30 mins to ride and every day I went out I tried to beat my last time. That was my motivation. Soon the 30 min ride was to easy so it became an hour and 20 miles. This led to weight training so I could be stronger and ride faster. Two hour 40 mile rides on the weekend then became routine. I would never advise anyone who was out of shape to take up running. Its to hard and will end anyones enthusiasm to get in shape. I always laugh when I see an overweight person out there running, ya that will last a couple weeks. I know there is the run walk scenario but who has the patience for that? Once you have attained a decent level of cardio fitness then by all means start running.

 

Can watch TV (sports!) or movie's while on the treadmill? That can help. I've got all the Miami Vice seasons to step through, along with the Hawaii Five-O, but that's my weakness (can't believe I said that out loud!). I used to read some of the biz press when I first started - but tougher to do as the intensity climbs.

Recording results really helped for me, I hated to see blank spots and did help to see the gradual progression - because it is gradual. I used the Polar Heart Rate Monitor software on a PC. A goal with possible rewards helps - lose 30 lbs go to Mexico to a 5-star resort, or whatever. After two years, my goals have shifted to make the kids in the races HURT and LOOSE! Kids are anyone < 30yo.

 

Reminds me of this: http://lifehacker.com/software/motivation/jerry-seinfelds-productivity-secret-281626.php

It is all about not breaking the chain on your calendar.

 

Imagine not being able to go out and throw a ball with them in 10-15 years cause you're too out of shape or worse......

 

Just read this: http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sex_news_sports_funny_grok/guest_atomic_dog

 

Send me a picture of yourself, I'll photoshop you to look like the Michelin man. That should motivate you some

 

Start out by doing something just for fun. Go on a bike ride with the kids. Rent a paddle boat (those things will have you panting like a dog in 100 degree heat in 10 minutes). Dance with your wife. You just need to remind your body what it feels like to break a sweat, and release some endorphins. Just a boost to get you over the initial hump.

 

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu worked for me. I hate working out but love training BJJ. I have lost 40lbs since I started it 5 years ago. It is competitive and is really hard work.

 

Read Fchat!!!

I went for an intense bike ride after reading this thread!

On another note, I puked in the shower after the ride, what does that mean? Too much too quickly? I'm totally out of shape? I had a glass of water when I came home, maybe I drank it too fast? Anyone have any ideas?

 

I use a small 'Workout Anytime' gym which is open 24 hours a day. I go at 6am to around 7:15 am three times a week. There are very few people there that early.

 

I'll be 60 this yr, 20-30 lbs above where I'd like to be, decent total cholesterol & blood pressure, good PSA's, quit smoking & drinking a long time ago.

Motivation to work out: nonexistent. I'm happy just to look passably OK in my clothes.

 

Just head to the gym and watch the 500lb guy struggling on the treadmill at a slow speed. Then tell yourself, I refuse to be him.

 

walking in nice areas,admiring gardens.

 

its a little extreme but having a baby will motivate you immensley

I know in a few months I'll be running after him for years so its time for me to get lean and boost my endurance to the max

I ride my bike on the beach 1 hour a day 5 days a week and lift 3 days a week

May take up boxing soon

 

if you are more into lifting weights, watch ronnie coleman (8 time Mr.Olympia) videos of him lifting on youtube, kind of gross but insane too and gets u pumped!

 

I have a certain number of sets I do. On days I feel like I can't complete the sets I tell myself just do a quarter of the number. After I do that I tell myself that I can keep going to half. Then when I reach half I say you are halfway done you can finish. Then I just count down the last half, and the shrinking number keeps me motivated to go to zero.

 

when I train for ski season I use Warren Miller ski films and bounce on my 3 foot trampoline

5 minutes of bouncing is a good start and I havent found anything that simulates skiing as well as hopping on my trampoline

 

Thanks for the link. I'm not much of a weight lifter but the same could be applied towards running which I do a lot. I printed the article off and put it on my bedroom door so when I dont feel like going for a run at 6 in the morning I'll see that and go.