Motivation

Tabbie11 · August 2012

Hey Ladies,

How did you stay motivated?
Last year I lost 15 lbs an between then an now I've fluctuated an put a couple more on for a total loss of 11lb... which I've maintained. I did really well, going to the gym minimum of 5 mornings a week, eating well etc. Well since then I fell off the wagon.

We've been making healthy choices, more veg, cutting sugar, dramatically reducing sweets, junk food and even booze! But despite the ticking clock, I am having a really really hard time getting into the gym. It's been sporadic, but I hate going after work, just no desire after a 9+ work day an I've had a lot going on. So I was aiming to be at the gym for 5AM in order to go before work, but a 4:30 alarm is just sooo early. Since its been hard getting to the gym, FI an I have been trying to be fairly active, I dug out the soft ball gloves an got a frisbee, been doing laps in the pool instead of just floating and we just staretd dance lessons. An I go for walks on my lunch breaks instead of sitting in the cafe.
But I am afraid its not enough and my first dress fitting is in 2 weeks! So I am freaking a bit... I have always struggled with my body image an my weight an I know the number is meaningless if you feel good, but I am size four and still not happy. I have this image of my HS skinny days an maybe its no realistic but I want to be that size again. Everyone tells me I'll be fine an I'm OK, but I dont want OK, I want fabulous.

maribeth721 · August 2012

I am a morning work out person. I never used to be. My suggestion, don't do it all at once. Pick one day a week that you are going to get up and go to the gym, and leave your other days as afternoon work outs. This way you only have to get up once and you have one more afternoon free. If you like morning work outs, and I think you will, starting increasing the number of times you work out in the morning. I was always skipping work outs to hang out with friends or errands I needed to run, etc. I just didn't have the time in the afternoon so I made the commitment to do it once day a week to free up an afternoon and now I exclusively work out in the morning. Another suggestion is to get your work out clothes ready the night before and keep the right by your bed. As SOON as that alarm goes off put your clothes on, or at least part of them. Getting up is half the battle, if you're dressed to work out you might as well go. Good luck!

Schweiz027 · August 2012

I've definitely struggled with this same issue! I'm still far from perfect but here are a couple of things that have worked for me:
- Home workout: There are lots of exercises that you can do in the morning from home. You no longer have to pack your stuff, drive to the gym, get ready in a busy locker room and rush to work. If you wake up 45 minutes before your normal time, you can still fit in a rigorous 30 minute workout before work. My favorite (but seriously difficult) workout is the Nike Training Club app for iPhone or iPad. It's tough but makes your 30 minutes worth while.
- Take a class with a friend (or go for a walk, bike ride, etc): Rather than going to hapy hour, a good friend and I have been going to Zumba at LA Fitness once a week. We still get to see eachother and do something fun, we're just also being active and don't have to regret those extra calories.
- Even if you only have 15 minutes to spare, use it on something active: I oftentimes find myself with 15 or 30 minutes to spare between activities and making the excuse that I can't workout because then i'll have to shower and get ready all over again. So although it's not rigorous, I've been trying to use these little amounts of time to go for a walk or even just do some crunches in my living room. I'm hoping that these little amounts of time will help add up to something bigger.

Finally, I keep referring back to this knot post. It really has given me some motivation to keep moving: http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-beauty-tips/wedding-workout-exercise/articles/9-motivating-wedding-workout-mantras.aspx

Hope this helps and good luck!

Tabbie11 · August 2012

Thanks ladies! I like the idea of being able to get a good work out in the AM at home!

jennipea382 · August 2012

I get up at 4:30am for work so there's no way I'd get up EVEN earlier for a workout, haha. I give anyone a lot of credit for doing that though! Anyways, I know you said you've been eating better, but have you been tracking your food? I didn't think my eating habits were that bad until I started using MFP and really seeing everything. You have to be GOOD at tracking - correct measurements, counting everything (sauces, seasonings, etc), stuff like that. If you haven't already I'd put in a typical day for you and just see where you're at. Maybe you're not even eating enough!

Motivation

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