How do you stay motivated?

melissaepiphany

Hey ladies,

 I'm about 5'6/5'7 and 135 pounds. I'm ok with my weight, but I really want to tone up. I'm not happy with my stomach, and my back muscles are super weak. I also have mild scoliosis so I've been told to keep my back strength up but I haven't. I absolutely HATE cardio so much, I find it incredibly boring, even if I'm listening to music or watching something while I work out. My husband and I have the bowflex, which he uses all the time, and I like it, but I just get discouraged really fast.

 I want to tone up so badly and have an amazing body, but like I said I find cardio incredibly boring. I like the bowflex, but I get discouraged when I don't see results. (I know it takes several weeks to see results though..)

 Anyways, how do you keep motivated to work out, and not get discouraged or bored with it?  I always get excited to start, and then get bored after a couple weeks. TIA!!!

emilyd516

I'm sure a lot of people will say this, but I try to mix it up a little bit.

I get ridiculously bored with all types of working out, but on any given week I might do Zumba, a spin class, power walk with my dog, a Pilates DVD (not exactly cardio, but I sweat), and/or a Jillian Michaels DVD. I know that if I try to make myself do the same thing two days in a row (or even two times in a week), I just won't workout. 

Good luck!

yeep26

I'm doing a combination of 2 programs which has really made a difference in my boredom levels; maybe something like that might help you? I'm also part of an online fitness Challenge Group that keeps me motivated and accountable. What kind of work outs are you doing right now besides the bowlfex? Is your husband your fitness partner?

melissaepiphany

My husband works out as well and definitely encourages me when I want to start up with working out again. He keeps up with working out pretty well, but I get bored like I said. 

 I never even thought of doing various things throughout the week. Not sure how I didn't think of that myself!! I love that idea. I think it'll keep me entertained. My husband loves rollerblading and tennis in the summer too, so I'm going to keep up with him on that! Thanks ladies

adiaz132003

Go to some of those fun dance workout classes/dvds.  maybeeeee... Zumba, bellydancing, even those sexier Flirty girl dvds. haha

HeadToToeHealth

In addition to mixing up my routine, I have also found "fitspo" or fit inspiration to be really helpful. I follow fitness guru's on pinterest and instagram, and I find that their progress and motivation is very inspirational. It also gives me additional ideas for meal planning and exercise programs.

brightchoice

For me, it appears my motivation changes in nature from time to time. Currently, it seems my vanity is winning. I want my clothes to fit correctly and to look good in them.

stacey1508

For me, the hardest part was making it a habit. It took me about 3 months of doing it diligently (and during that time, I definitely wanted to quit), but now I don't even think about it- it's just part of my routine. The beginning is always the hardest part, so just keep pushing through and then you won't even need to feel "motivated" anymore. I also agree with what everyone says- mix it up. I get bored easily, too, so I do a lot of different things like pilates, yoga, biking, hiking, weight videos, ellipticals, etc. I am thinking of trying some ballet, too. One thing that has really worked for me is signing up for classes that are nonrefundable. I don't want to lose my money, so I have to go! It's made me exercise many times when I wouldn't have otherwise, and I always am glad that I went. Just keep pushing through, find things you actually enjoy, and try to have variety. 

queenofhearts1728

I use Instagram.  I know that seems odd, but there's a HUGE fitness community there and most are so supportive and motivating. You just need to be careful because there's also a LOT of people selling supplements and 'coachings' etc.  I actually started my own fitness account to keep myself accountable. I post motivational pictures and the occasional progress pic so I can compare from prior months, nothing too crazy. I also like that it's separate from my personal account and only a select few good friends know it exists... it makes me feel more comfortable posting pictures and being proud of my progress, instead of focusing on judgement that I might get from real life friends.

brightchoice

Well said statement by someone "Everyday is a new era", start your day with new era with the high thoughts piratically helps  to reach the goals. It also gives you the positive energy to fight with all the obstacles.