The other day I was running at the gym and the only reason I was there was the toddler; he had a "play date" with some of his friends at the gym's childcare. I REALLY didn't feel like working out that day, but since I was already at the gym and I couldn't leave, I thought I might as well work out, right? So I decided to run for 20 minutes. After I was done with my 20 minute run, I actually felt like doing more and ended up running for another 25 minutes. And I felt absolutely great when I was done! My point is I guess that just going to the gym and doing a little exercise can be very motivating. Here are other ways I have motivated myself to workout lately:
- visits to the Farmers' Market AFTER the gym - nothing motivates me more than the thought of fresh, organic veggies & freshly baked bread! :o)
- a massage AFTER a workout - I got a gift card with three massages for Mother's Day :o)
- using the steam room AFTER a workout
- going shopping, even if it's just window shopping, AFTER a workout
- a small cup of frozen yogurt with fresh berries - there is a Pinkberry just steps from my gym... :o)
- remembering how amazing I feel (and how I need the energy to run after the toddler) AFTER a workout
Questions: What motivates you to exercise? What little "tricks" do you use to motivate yourself when you don't feel like exercising? Be well,
Andrea
I only allow myself to read my magazines while at the gym working out.
ReplyDeleteI'm always motivated to work out but making time is hard. I haven't always felt that way and I think it was mostly to do with me having all my workouts planned out before. Now I just do what I want to. If I want to swim, I swim. When I want run and then lift weights, I do that. It's fun. Also, good music always helps.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your long run!
Your motivations are just like mine... I LOVE LOVE LOVE frozen yogurt! At least you have your kids as accountability. Just schedule their play dates every day at the gym :)
ReplyDeletei have a playlist on my ipod called "exercise." my go-to songs that are ONLY used for emergencies!
ReplyDeletethose are great motivations for working out! I will have to try those out when I am dragging :)
ReplyDeleteI know that feeling, when I get to the gym and am not in the mood to workout, but once I get going I just don't want to stop!
ReplyDeleteI have found through the years that I have to workout in the morning or early afternoon or else I won't workout at all. I have very little motivation at night. Working out in the morning, before I shower, and after a nice breakfast, always keeps me on track!
Oh, I love being active...it keeps my moods and spirits high, and I love the rush of endorphins and the fresh air...
ReplyDeleteI don't really need to motivate myself particularly to exercise...I don't really THINK about it...it's already ingrained in me as a daily habit, so I actually feel weird if I DON'T exercise...I guess that's my "trick"?
I totally agree that I'm totally pumped to buy all sort of good veggies and foods after I've worked out!
ReplyDeleteA morning work out always puts such a good spin on my day, I get my butt out there knowing I'll be wishing I did later if I don't!
Heart disease runs in my family. This is a HUGE exercise motivation. I love walking too. It's my "me time" and I find it to be relaxing so it makes it stress reducing and gives me energy!!
ReplyDelete