Motivation

[tiredmom123]

I need suggestions. I start to try and get fit then get overworked or depressed or just plain busy (which I guess is just overworked renamed). How do you get motivated and STAY motivated. I am about to get Saxenda or something just because I can't make myself move!!

[t.parker]

Since I work from home due to pandemic I find it quite hard to find a will to do anything. What helps me (probably only me 😀) :

- get ready. For example, before I drive my wife to work I change my clothes for my run and on the way back I stop at the riverside carpark and start my run.

- I prioritize activities with less preparation. I love to cycle but sometimes it is easier to go for a run.

- I watch fitness related videos (like Simon Miller's and Greg Doucette's YT channels). Sometimes it just triggers something in my head and I just get up and go doing my workout.

- I plan. I know I will do the workout. I plan running or cycling route, prepare gear etc. When everything is ready and waiting, it is easier to get out and move.

- this one is a bit silly - I buy fitness gadgets. Yeah, I know it isn't standard but for example, getting Stryd dramatically increased the volume of my running. I realize it is rather short term motivation but I like data so new toy sometimes refreshes my workout routine 🙂

I am a rather active person but during lockdown (now in the UK) but even I have problems with keeping myself active.

[tiredmom123]

THANK YOU!

[Serenity714]

I lost a little over 46 lbs., I'll be honest with you losing the 1st pound was the hardest, because I never imagined that I'd be where I am today. What helped was I found activities that I enjoyed, I loved walking (now jogging) I incorporated a better meal plan that helped me adjust to eating responsibly and I incorporate strength training, I'm into Beachbody and I started with the 21 day fix and now Barre Blend. Most importantly, I made accountability partners on fitbit and started doing challenges and such - super fun. Feel free to add me as a friend.

[Gladyce]

Thanks for the information, keep sharing this type of info.

[WavyDavey]

Try experimenting with the frequency and length of your exercise. Since you mention overwork, maybe try one less workout per week, or the same number but a shorter amount of time. It may help with burnout.

[DavideFitbit]

Hi, welcome to the Community forums @tiredmom123!  

Sometimes it's hard to incorporate workouts to our daily routines, which is precisely why the Fitbit devices are extra helpful, so we're aware of the steps we take and calories we burn with everyday activities. 

At lest at the very beginning, I think it's more a thing of creating habits. You can start by implementing small changes to the activities you already do everyday, like walking while you listen to music, using a bike or just walking instead of driving if you have to go somewhere nearby. In regards to diet, not adding sugar to our coffee and adding as many vegetables as possible for example. 

As soon as I started to get some results, I definitely felt more motivated to continue and I was able to loose 30 pounds a few years ago. I have maintained my weight ever since. 

[Glenda]

@tiredmom123 @Serenity714   Tiredmom, your situation is a bit unique in that you have continuous essential activities you have to do.  Not so easy to take any suggestion that applies to most other people.   But Serenity hit the nail on the head saying she found activities she enjoyed.  Exercise is critical for good health but to do it every day for decades, it does need to be something you can enjoy in some way, be easy to accomplish, not too  time consuming, something you can work into a routine and become a habit, not to require impossible equipment..(.like a swimming pool) .  Driving 20 minutes  to a gym in expensive cute clothes, with a pretty hairstyle and great makeup is a waste of too much time of course.  

          I don't like anything about exercise but I have been  getting my coffee, newspaper, & book and getting on my treadmill every morning first thing for decades.  I like to read.  I read on a stationary bike too.   I would feel guilty wasting all that time  reading on the couch.  I am perfectly healthy and slim at age 78 too.

           It is definitely ok for isolated people to go to gyms to enjoy being with other people.  That is a different goal.

[emili]

@tiredmom123 you nailed it in your post! You mention consistent motivation which changes with your mood, emotion, etc. That is because motivation in itself is an emotion. it is governed by how you are feeling- pumped and ready to go, exhausted and blah.. you get the gist. Motivation is the reason for doing something. Commitment is carrying it out. As you can see by the posts here- there are commitments to certain things to ensure it gets done. with time, commitment turns to habit and that is the sweet spot. Getting on the treadmill every day for decades, creating stress free activities- if its too hard, find something else to do- all of these things are commitments and habits. start with a commitment to yourself to do one thing just for you everyday. do it until you feel it is a habit. move on to a second thing and so on. you will build a new lifestyle that won't change with your mood... good luck and keep in touch through the community!!