Please tell me how you get yourself to the Gym!!!

[Bring it on]

Hi, I am pretty new to this board. My wife and I joined a Gym two months ago. I paid 18 months up front thinking that would motivate me but think again it didn't.

Please tell me your motivation or how you get yourself out to the gym.

I recently read that Faith Hill doesn't leave her bedroom in the morning without her Gym clothes on.

Stuff like that. Hopefully something someone says will get me going.

Any little tricks or motivation.

Please help!

[Denise85]

I have a set schedule of when I work out posted. Dh and I both see it, and know the times. It holds me accountable. On the days I don't feel like working out I force myself to put my workout clothes on, and look at the schedule. That usually does the trick.

Having a set schedule if possible is one of the best tips I've been given. It's easy to say you'll work out sometime today, but having it written down makes it harder to say no to (IMO). It doesn't have to be the same time every day either.

Most days I love working out now. I've been regularly working out for almost 12 year now. I definately have my moments when I don't feel like going, but looking at old pics of me reminds me of how hard I've worked, and how I don't want to look/feel how I did over 100 pounds a go.

[Sybilizedliving]

Sunday nights I typically review my schedule and make appointments with myself. For example this week, I've planned to go to the 8am Tues/Thur/Sat Aqua Aerobic classes so I schedule them in. I'll also do strength training on Wed/Sat so I schedule that in. Once I have it in my book, it's an appointment with someone 'important' (and it IS!) and I rarely blow it off.

The other key that I've found (and keep in mind that I've never been an regular 'exerciser' until the last 18 months or so) is that if I'm doing something that I enjoy, it makes it easier. When I started exercising, it was with aqua classes (the easy ones) - then I progressed to swimming lessons - THEN I worked up the courage to go to the gym side and ride the bike. It's only been in the last 12-18 months that I had the 'click' and crossed over to (mostly) actually enjoying physical activity and missing it when I don't do it. Go figure.

The other thing I've done when I am really resistant is to put my clothes on and just go to the gym. Once I'm there, if I really really don't want to work out - I give myself permission not to. However, only once have I gotten there and after about 15 minutes left. It seems like once I get there and get started, I can convince myself to stay. Sometimes I have to tell myself that I can do ANYTHING for 30 minutes!

[Jean@125]

I am not a good example when it comes to eating but with exercise I usually stay the course. What works for me when I really don't want to do it is to think about the feeling that I have after I have done the workout and showered. Now if I could only get that same mindset with food. Also I think it becomes habit.

[LoraJR72]

If you enjoy going to the gym first thing in the morning, go to bed with your gym clothes on. I usually go to the gym after work. My bag is always with me.

Plan the workout beforehand instead of winging it. Cardio is good but weight-training is best! Unsure of how to lift? ExRx . net helps me out when I am unsure of a movement or want to try something different to my routine.

[JuliaL]

I don't want to over-simplify it, but there really is no trick. You just do it. You make a plan, and make it a non-negotiable part of your day, like taking a shower or brushing your teeth. Not something you would consider enjoyable, but necessary none the less.

Often people look for motivation to exercise, but the truth is action produces motivation. Make yourself go regularly - do whatever you have to do to get yourself there, and before long you'll find yourself actually looking forward to working out (well, if not looking forward to the actual workout, then definitely looking forward to the great feeling you get when you're done).

Hang in there - like the Nike commercial says "Just do it."

[Kensbev]

Get a group together on this board or another forum, so you've got accountability. I joined the Callanetics thread, because I knew that if I started doing it and I had to answer to others, I'd be more likely to push myself to do it when I had planned. You also get great tips from others to make your workouts more effective, which might motivate you to stick with it.

There are all kinds of challenges on this board. If you're going to a gym and want to run and do weights, there's a weightlifting board here at LCF. Or, on the exercise board, there are Wii fit threads, T-tap threads, push-up challenges, etc. Or if you don't see anything you like, figure out something you do like, and maybe start your own? Someone on LCF might like your idea or else do exactly what you do. For example, I don't see any racquetball, swimming, or tennis threads, but they're very popular, so someone here is bound to want to talk about one of them.

[Mindy]

For me, I found that going to a gym just wasn't for me... I was always so self-conscious about working out in front of other people - it was a constant battle... I wanted to win it, because the gym was really really nice, but I finally to a point after a couple of years that I realized that I didn't work out half the time - I would talk myself out of going for various reasons - including just not wanting to be around other people... I cancelled my membership, got my dvd's back out and have worked out more in the last few months than I have most of the last two years... I sometimes even work out twice/day at home... but most importantly, I'm back to being consistent again and I can sooo tell the difference...

So... I took a different approach...

[Bring it on]

A lifting thread you say? That's a great idea. I am an ex lifter. I use to actually compete when I was a teen. When I was a teen I was just naturally at competition weight. Body fat was 8%. Wow how weight and metabolism change when you hit 40 even 30s. When I was a teen all I had to do was work out go to school, do homework. College comes, job comes, family comes and less time. I guess that is a total excuse. In my heart I know that I have to make the time for myself.

[Bring it on]

Originally Posted by LoraJR72

If you enjoy going to the gym first thing in the morning, go to bed with your gym clothes on. I usually go to the gym after work. My bag is always with me.

Plan the workout beforehand instead of winging it. Cardio is good but weight-training is best! Unsure of how to lift? ExRx . net helps me out when I am unsure of a movement or want to try something different to my routine.

This is great, I really think I am going to try this. Sleeping in my gym clothes.
It sounds funny but if it works thats great.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Ricardo,

Accountability is a great motivator. There are lifting challenges on the Muscle Matters board. Give it a peek.

Our fitness has to be a priority, especially as we grow older. I decided in my mid forties that I needed to make some changes. I'm in better shape now at 48 than I've ever been in my life.

How important is it to you to get fit? That's where the truth stares you in the face. You have to wake up one day and say: Today is the day. It's up to me, no one else. I get it done because I choose to and because I'm worth it. Nothing worth having is free or easy. Hard work and determination is where it's at.

The rewards that come as a result are the icing on the cake.

Better energy, fat loss, increased lean muscle mass, better flexibililty, more self-confidence, better rest, better sex (), and the best addiction (working out) that you'll ever hope to have.

Like Julia said. Just do it.

[BrianSCohen]

Originally Posted by Ricardolowcarbo

Hi, I am pretty new to this board. My wife and I joined a Gym two months ago. I paid 18 months up front thinking that would motivate me but think again it didn't.

Please tell me your motivation or how you get yourself out to the gym.

I recently read that Faith Hill doesn't leave her bedroom in the morning without her Gym clothes on.

Stuff like that. Hopefully something someone says will get me going.

Any little tricks or motivation.

Please help!

You paid 18 months up front. Do you think you are not motivated? Or is it that you have difficulty making near term decisions reflecting that motivation.

Let me ask you. If you rewarded yourself for going to the gym would that help you be more diligent? Let's say you buy yourself a big screen tv if you go three times a week for a quarter. Does that help? You probably already paid that much.

Here is another question. Is your wife depending upon you for this? If you skip the gym, will she skip as well? If you don't self support each other in this, she is not a good workout partner.

Here is what I do.

Set goals for your workouts. Every workout should have some preplanned goal. A personal record (PR), more reps, more time. Something.

Always be ready. Gym bag, always packed. I can leave the house in a minute to the gym. I travel with my stuff. I know where the gym is in the cities I visit.

Get a workout partner. Someone you will feel obligated to. Someone who will rag on you. A spouse or GF is not necessarily the best workout partner.

As a final suggestion remember these lines "I am stupid." Every time I feel tired or lazy or just don't want to work out, I will tell myself that I can just go and all I have to do is 15 minutes on the elliptical. Nothing else. Every time I drag my lazy (*&& down to the gym and do my 15 minutes, I find that I always am able to do a full workout once I am in the gym and started. I am so stupid, I can even fool myself.

[Bring it on]

I used to lift when I was a teen and in my twenties. I actually use to compete as a teen. when I was a teen, I never thought of weight loss not even in my twenties. I was luckily always at competition weight. I was aprox 8% body fat as a teen and 15 in my twenties and now who knows.
What happened? To see your post inspired me. I use to be afraid to go to the gym and lift and be one of those guys that looks like there's muscle under there but boy did he let himself go.

I guess it is being self conscious but I know what you mean about that feeling. For me it was a feeling of control over my body and confidence also that feeling after a workout was just great.

I have to break through that self consciousness and as you say, Just do it.

Thanks

[Tiffany2288]

I bring my wrokout gear and gym bag with me to work. Sure I could get a locker and leave clothes there but forcing me to lug it to work (along with my bfast) makes me go bec I don't want to carry it to and from work for nothing LOL!

I go straight from work and that works for me. Working out first thing in the morning is great too but my schedule doesn't allow it. Figure out a time that works best for you and write out a plan and cross days off on a chart. It will help hold you accountable and you'll love crossin days/goals off.

You can start a journal here on the board too or join the exercise challenges too.

[Tiffany2288]

PS--when I am doing cardio I try to get a machine behind a girl with a great body.....watching peole who are in shape keeps my butt on the treadmill longer and motivaes me.

[Bring it on]

Originally Posted by BrianSCohen

You paid 18 months up front. Do you think you are not motivated? Or is it that you have difficulty making near term decisions reflecting that motivation.

Let me ask you. If you rewarded yourself for going to the gym would that help you be more diligent? Let's say you buy yourself a big screen tv if you go three times a week for a quarter. Does that help? You probably already paid that much.

Here is another question. Is your wife depending upon you for this? If you skip the gym, will she skip as well? If you don't self support each other in this, she is not a good workout partner.

Here is what I do.

Set goals for your workouts. Every workout should have some preplanned goal. A personal record (PR), more reps, more time. Something.

Always be ready. Gym bag, always packed. I can leave the house in a minute to the gym. I travel with my stuff. I know where the gym is in the cities I visit.

Get a workout partner. Someone you will feel obligated to. Someone who will rag on you. A spouse or GF is not necessarily the best workout partner.

As a final suggestion remember these lines "I am stupid." Every time I feel tired or lazy or just don't want to work out, I will tell myself that I can just go and all I have to do is 15 minutes on the elliptical. Nothing else. Every time I drag my lazy (*&& down to the gym and do my 15 minutes, I find that I always am able to do a full workout once I am in the gym and started. I am so stupid, I can even fool myself.

You are correct. My wife has not been going and I have been not going. I am going to try to find a workout partner. I will pack my bag tonight and leave it at my bedroom door for tomorrow.

Thanks

[Kensbev]

Get a workout partner. Someone you will feel obligated to. Someone who will rag on you. A spouse or GF is not necessarily the best workout partner.

YES! I'd say that you definitely need someone to motivate you. If you don't know anyone, maybe you can hook up with someone at the gym to work out with? I haven't belonged to a gym since the '90s, but mine had a corkboard people would use to post messages for workout partners, selling equipment, etc. Maybe yours does, too?

When I was in my early 20's, a couple of friends and I worked out together. Jackie was a part-time trainer, so she helped a BUNCH. Michelle was more like me, physically, so we had a bit of friendly competition going on. And I wanted to beat her, lol!

Another reason why your wife might not be the best workout partner for you is that men and women are different, physically. We're usually going for different results. Most women don't want to be as ripped as most men do. However, some women like that uber-muscular look for themselves, so if your wife is aiming for that, I'll just shut my mouth.

Does your gym have a trainer? Even if you know what you're doing, it might be a good idea to make an appointment with the trainer a few times when you first start out. That way, you'll have to work out, because someone is waiting for you to show up. Then, you could schedule appointments intermittently through the year for follow-up. And you'll want to be doing better each time you meet, so that might be impetus to work out during the in-between times.

[McBoo]

I have a picture of myself at my fatest that I look at every day to remind me that if I don't go to the gym at least 4-5 times a week what the consequences will be and it isn't pretty.

[Bring it on]

[QUOTE=Kensbev;11206174]
However, some women like that uber-muscular look for themselves, so if your wife is aiming for that, I'll just shut my mouth.




No, she is just looking for the toned look. The problem with my wife as a workout partner is the fact that we would have to get a baby sitter. So we have to switch off. Yes, some Woman can get very muscular.

[BrianSCohen]

Originally Posted by Kensbev

Another reason why your wife might not be the best workout partner for you is that men and women are different, physically. We're usually going for different results. Most women don't want to be as ripped as most men do. However, some women like that uber-muscular look for themselves, so if your wife is aiming for that, I'll just shut my mouth.

In my wife's case, although she has off and on tried to come to the gym with me, she has different goals and tolerances. When she has gone with me, she will exercise for 30-45 minutes and is basically bored by the whole thing. She is not interested and won't do the workout I perform. The thing that really blows the idea of my wife as a workout partner is she won't watch me lift and refuses to spot me on things like the bench. I think she believes I am going to kill myself and that she won't be able to actually lift the bar off me.

[Tiffany2288]

Originally Posted by BrianSCohen

In my wife's case, although she has off and on tried to come to the gym with me, she has different goals and tolerances. When she has gone with me, she will exercise for 30-45 minutes and is basically bored by the whole thing. She is not interested and won't do the workout I perform. The thing that really blows the idea of my wife as a workout partner is she won't watch me lift and refuses to spot me on things like the bench. I think she believes I am going to kill myself and that she won't be able to actually lift the bar off me.

Did you explain to her that spotting is only helping out a little bit? I've weight trained with my dad (for over 10 yrs) who is 5'10 220lbs and benches 300+lbs and I weight train with DH who is 170lbs and benches 275lbs. I spot them both no problem.

Ironically DH complains that men at the gym don't know how to spot like I do LOL. Dad and a friend who got me into a gym both competed and taught me the proper way to spot, so I know what I am doing. LOL.

[LadyBeloved]

Originally Posted by Ricardolowcarbo

Hi, I am pretty new to this board. My wife and I joined a Gym two months ago. I paid 18 months up front thinking that would motivate me but think again it didn't.

Please tell me your motivation or how you get yourself out to the gym.

I recently read that Faith Hill doesn't leave her bedroom in the morning without her Gym clothes on.

Stuff like that. Hopefully something someone says will get me going.

Any little tricks or motivation.

Please help!

On my designated gym days, I do not go home first. I try to do it at lunch but if I'm going at night, do not even go home. Nothing good will come of going home first.

And divide the money you paid into monthly "fees" to yourself. Each month you complete, either buy yourself something with that month's "fee" (like SMALLER clothing) or sock it into a vacation fund ... whatever you want to use the money for. You're paying yourself to go to the gym. Just don't think about it too hard or you'll see the holes in that argument. Just go with it.

[Bring it on]

I went to the Gym tonight! I went after work. It felt so good to work out and then hit the shower. Walking out showered and changed into my jeans felt great. Thanks for everyone's support.

[Kensbev]

[Bring it on]

Originally Posted by Tiffany2288

Did you explain to her that spotting is only helping out a little bit? I've weight trained with my dad (for over 10 yrs) who is 5'10 220lbs and benches 300+lbs and I weight train with DH who is 170lbs and benches 275lbs. I spot them both no problem.

Ironically DH complains that men at the gym don't know how to spot like I do LOL. Dad and a friend who got me into a gym both competed and taught me the proper way to spot, so I know what I am doing. LOL.

Tiffany,

I am 40 and I am from the tri state area. I use to compete at bench press.
My first competition. Atlantic coast was in New Jersey. It was run by Mike Katz. Did your husband ever meet mike Katz? He must of if he competed in this area.

Laughs , I remember my first competition out of the gate. you know how you have to bring the bar to you chest and wait for the clap. well on my first lift I was so keyed up that I just did a rep with no regard for a pause or waiting for a clap and blew my first lift. I look back and laugh. At the time I beat myself up for it. Ask your husband if he met Mike Katz. Great guy!

I use to be in great shape. I was very thin to compete. With college, work, family, I let myself go. I am trying to get back. Not necessarily to competition levels but just being nice and tight.

I am starting to ramble again.

Best,

[Tiffany2288]

Originally Posted by Ricardolowcarbo

Tiffany,

I am 40 and I am from the tri state area. I use to compete at bench press.
My first competition. Atlantic coast was in New Jersey. It was run by Mike Katz. Did your husband ever meet mike Katz? He must of if he competed in this area.

Laughs , I remember my first competition out of the gate. you know how you have to bring the bar to you chest and wait for the clap. well on my first lift I was so keyed up that I just did a rep with no regard for a pause or waiting for a clap and blew my first lift. I look back and laugh. At the time I beat myself up for it. Ask your husband if he met Mike Katz. Great guy!

I use to be in great shape. I was very thin to compete. With college, work, family, I let myself go. I am trying to get back. Not necessarily to competition levels but just being nice and tight.

I am starting to ramble again.

Best,

DH didn't compete, a friend of mine did. Actually its an ex-bf who used to compete that got me into working out 10+ years ago but my dad was/is a huge Arnold and Katz fan.

My ex-bf competed in the NPC Mid Atlantic competition and won it quite few years ago. I also have a girlfriend that competed in the Bev Francis Atlantic States (in nyc) and has since earned her pro card. (She was a trainer at my gym) I took my dad to one of her shows a couple of years ago and the guest posers were Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler.....my dad and I had a GREAT time meeting and chatting with them.....Jay is a freaking midget! LOL

Doesn't Mike Katz own and run a gym in CT and train bodybuilders?

[Tiffany2288]

Oh and my dad, (grandpa too) and friend did bodybuilding competitions not bench press competitions, sorry for the confusion.

[Tiffany2288]

This is my friend Allison's site.

:::Living Dream Fitness, Home of Allison Jones-Williams:::

[Bring it on]

Yes, Mike owns a few Gyms in CT.

How I met Mike:

I was a Skinny little teenager who was strong. My friend's mom owned a gym in town and she needed a few lifters for her team in the lower weight classes. I never intended to do it. I lifted for them for a couple of years. I was the smallest guy on the team. I lifted probably from 15 to eighteen years old. on and off after that. I never really built myself. I just tried to stay in shape. As college came, job came, marriage came I worked out less and less. That's just an excuse though. Now having a five year old, I want to take care of myself. Also watching my father deteriorate is tough.

It was a great experience though. I digress. I met mike Katz at several competitions. He was a very nice approachable guy. He had several meets at his Gym in Hamden, CT and the bigger one's at Hamden High School.

I don't know who the lifters and bodybuilders are today. I was into that Twenty five years ago. The names were all different.

It would be great to get back in really good shape again. As I recall, there is no feeling like it.

[Cassaroll]

Wow, there's a lot of great recommendations here! For me personally, I try to think of how great I will feel for the rest of the day after I exercise. Trust me, once you start exercising regularly, you will feel a noticable difference in your mood and energy. If that doesn't motivate me, I have a few things I do to get my butt going:

1. Read exercise and nutrition threads. Reading about the benefits of exercise or inpsirational stories really helps sometimes!
2. Download new music to my ipod for running.
3. Start listening to music NOW. Get yourself pumped up to work out.

Make sure that when you exercise, you focus on feeling powerful and healthy. Think of exercising as a higher form of existence when all of your senses are heightened.


Hope this helps
-Cass