Gym motivation

[winterknight]

So I'm thinking I really ought to have another attempt at going to the gym. I hate how I look with my shirt off and there's a family history of heart trouble, so...

Trouble is, I really hate exercise. Of any description. So I have a hard time staying motivated to even just walk a bit further than necessary every day; my previous attempts at gymizing both petered out after about six weeks. And I don't have anyone who could go with me to keep me motivated (unless of course I hire a trainer, which would be expensive...)

Any thoughts?

 

[3nipples]

If I remember correctly, part of the problem in your previous attempts were that you didn't have your own transportation and needed to rely on lifts. I also seem to remember that you were thinking of getting a scooter or something similar. Have you?

Some people seem to be able to get equipment and exercise at home, but for me this has never worked; I need to go out to a gym, preferably after work and on the way (and in the direction) of home.

Swimming is a good overall exercise and taking a course to learn or improve your stroke could help provide some structure to help you keep motivated.

Alternately a gym is a good idea. Once you get used to the steppers and cycles you should be able to read while working out (that's where I do almost all of my reading now...).

A personal trainer is too expensive in the long run, but it could be a good way of getting you started in the beginning until you establish a routine. Noone really likes to exercise for the first few months. It just takes a while to build it into a routine. Once you do that and the benefits of exercise kick in, you'll be a happier person for it.

 

[nws2002]

Making an appointment with a personal trainer was a good way to get me to the gym in the beginning, since I made an appt and had to pay for it I felt obligated to show up. Now if I miss a workout day, I really hate it. I'm addicted to exercise, sounds crazy, but eventually you really do enjoy it, took me about 6 months before that happened though.

 

[stupidhead]

Your motivation should be KNOWING that you will see lots of cocks in the showers after.

 

[chance1]

My motivation was the desire to change

I wanted to look better, feel better, be stronger, be a better athlete

All these things have happened

Joined a gym
got 3 free PT sessions with it
gave me some ideas
I ran with it

recently I did some research online - got on a website
muscleandstrength.com

it gives an outline of all exercises, what they work on, how to do them right, etc

I printed it up - made a small booklet - and now I record what i do

i work all the muscle groups - chest, shoulders, bis, tris, legs, back and most importantly core

it has completely changed my life

and i recommend it greatly

if u wanna pm me, would be happy to walk u thru some stuff

 

[winterknight]

If I remember correctly, part of the problem in your previous attempts were that you didn't have your own transportation and needed to rely on lifts. I also seem to remember that you were thinking of getting a scooter or something similar. Have you?

No. Still a pedestrian here.

My motivation was the desire to change

I wanted to look better, feel better, be stronger, be a better athlete

All these things have happened

The trouble is that my desire to change isn't enough on its own to overcome my severe dislike of physical activity.

I know all the theory of how to do stuff - it's just the desire and motivation to actually do it that I'm lacking.

 

[3nipples]

No. Still a pedestrian here.

Then I don't see much chance that you'll succeed in sustaining a fitness program. What held you back from getting the wheels?

 

[PER4MER]

Maybe there's a way to work with a trainer in a small group setting; perhaps that might be more affordable. I didn't start hitting the gym until a couple years ago, at age 44. Having a trainer really helped keep me motivated, but I'm "flying solo" right now...he's taught me enough to keep me going, and I'll just check in with him every few months to chat and do a body fat analysis. But for me, the motivation is not only in how I look, but how I feel. I have more energy at almost 47 than I did at 27.

And there's also a LOT of wisdom in the old "one day at a time" adage. Go to the gym TODAY. Don't worry about tomorrow; it's not here. And don't worry about yesterday; it's gone. Take care of yourself today, and the rest takes care of itself.

Is there any chance of getting some equipment at your residence to help keep you on track when you can't get transportation to the gym? I know...that costs money as well. But perhaps you might find a good deal on some used equipment somewhere.

I know the primary problem is motivation, and I don't really know what else to tell you other than you really have to want it to make it happen. You said you don't like the way you look with a shirt off. Maybe you should post a shirtless pic of yourself on the fridge. Never know; what works for someone might not work for someone else. Just a thought.

Good luck!

 

[rotary]

The trouble is that my desire to change isn't enough on its own to overcome my severe dislike of physical activity.

I know all the theory of how to do stuff - it's just the desire and motivation to actually do it that I'm lacking.

Exercising enough to transform what you look like is hard work. You have to want it, and you have to stick with it, regardless of how you feel when it comes to physical activity. Relying on others to somehow provide inspiration for you because you aren't committed will not get you far. In the end it's all about you, and having the will to work for it.

 

[theblackajah]

I know how you feel. I too hate the look of myself in the mirror, and have tried MANY times to exercise (BUT I HATE EXERCISE SO DAMN MUCH!)

Try a personal trainer. Set aside a few hundred to a thousand dollars, and buy about 15-20 sessions. That's what really worked for me.

I've struggled for years trying to find something that worked. The first few sessions with my trainer was tough- I got dizzy, felt so weak and embarrassed, etc.

Once you get over that hump though, you may find your body actually begins to CRAVE the workouts. You should really try it!

It's my personal success story in the making. It's only been 2 months, and I've begun exercising without my trainer now, and I've never felt healthier in my entire life.

P.S.
The motivation of all those naked men in the showers after the workout also helps me.

 

[pixie77]

Maybe there's a way to work with a trainer And there's also a LOT of wisdom in the old "one day at a time" adage. Go to the gym TODAY. Don't worry about tomorrow; it's not here. And don't worry about yesterday; it's gone. Take care of yourself today, and the rest takes care of itself.

!

Thats so good to hear again

 

[winterknight]

Then I don't see much chance that you'll succeed in sustaining a fitness program. What held you back from getting the wheels?

Lack of confidence. You know, the usual.

 

[3nipples]

Lack of confidence. You know, the usual.

Yeah, well... keep working at it, one step at a time.

 

[jackoroe]

I go the the gym as surely as I eat and shower. It is simply part of my day that I am not willing to forego with any regularity. It has just become something that I do and have done since my college days. It's good for you! Now get your ass out the door and down to the gym!

 

[windgates]

My motivation was the desire to change

I wanted to look better, feel better, be stronger, be a better athlete

All these things have happened

Joined a gym
got 3 free PT sessions with it
gave me some ideas
I ran with it

recently I did some research online - got on a website
muscleandstrength.com

it gives an outline of all exercises, what they work on, how to do them right, etc

I printed it up - made a small booklet - and now I record what i do

i work all the muscle groups - chest, shoulders, bis, tris, legs, back and most importantly core

it has completely changed my life

and i recommend it greatly

if u wanna pm me, would be happy to walk u thru some stuff

I'm not an expert or anything but that website looks really good for advice on what to do. I'm gonna give one of the routines a try.

 

[winterknight]

It seems my last gym currently has a special offer on - if I sign up again before the end of the month, I don't have to pay a joining fee.

I just wish I could believe I would stick to it if I did.

 

[jacksef]

hi,

i know exactly how you feel i have the same problem myself, and when i do motivate myself to go i then feel inferior to the muscle studs that are working out and then slink off to the shower and home.

I just think if i put in the hard work i can be one of those muscle studs and then when i do see someone like myself in there i can come over and motivate them.

Just Jack x

 

[Comrad]

There are plenty of ways to motivate your self. First and fore most you should be in the gym for your own health, obviously. Or you could just look at thing from a vain stand point. You want hot guys duh. You want to be able to walk around with out a shirt on. You want people to want you. Its kind of obvious what you want out of the gym.

Its fine you don't have anyone to go to the gym with, all they would do is slow you down in the long run, that is if your really serious. Just talk to the regular gym go-ers. Where im at where really friendly so 5 min convos can turn into a small friend ship, and you also get some really good advice.
Just so you know, the more you go the stronger you will get, obviously. Tho you may SEEM very tired and exhausted when you first go, the feeling wears off after a week or two. Bring your IPOD with you.
What im trying to say, in a nut shale is. Do what ever it takes, its worth it.

 

[davy]

it's completely shallow, but it has worked for me: my motivation is to see naked guys in the locker room. after the workout, head in the shower and enjoy the show.

whatever works; the important thing is to just go.