The topic of motivation has been on my mind lately; specifically, the motivation to exercise. Clearly, the punk has no problem motivating himself to work out. Just put these bears in front of him and he's ready for a boxing match! However, I am not so easily persuaded.
In the 6 weeks following the punk's arrival, I lost about half the weight I put on during my pregnancy. But much to my chagrin, I lost only 2 lbs. during the next 6 weeks. When I discovered this, I roared my terrible roar and gnashed my terrible teeth and rolled my terrible eyes and showed my terrible claws. And then I put together a plan. You see, I've determined that the best way for me to motivate myself to work out is to create a chart. If there's a chart, there's accountability. This worked splendidly for me when I trained for my half marathon two years ago. Every day, I knew exactly how long I was supposed to run, and every day, I was able to check off my workout and see my progress. So. I put together a 12-week program. The first week I lost more weight than the previous 6 weeks combined! Then the second week, I got sloppy. I figured I was doing so well that it would be okay if I missed a workout or two and ate a few of my man's pizza rolls. Well, that bit of genius cost me half a pound that week.
Why? Why? Why? If I know my good behavior worked beautifully the first week, why did I decide to butcher the plan the next week?
How do you motivate yourself to exercise? Are you a long-term, big picture kind of person? Does the visualization of your future toned, fat-free body carry you through months of exercise? Or do you live day by day and hour by hour, constantly reminding yourself to "be good?"
6 comments:
I'm a minute by minute kind of gal. However, mom and dad just signed us up for a gym membership at Jordan Fitness (I have the card on my key chain now, shining beautifully for all the world to see). Maybe that will help...
Possibly this disdain for workout and love for sugary, fatty, snacks runs in the Johnson family?
I am motivated only in times when it seems like a good idea to work out like right now I am totally motivated to start working out in 3 months when my baby is here and I get the ok from the doctor....ask me in 3 months if I am still motivated..lol
There is a really awesome class at the aquatic center in the mornings that Sarah and I used to go to..it was really hard, but I felt like I got a great work out in! But seriously you look great!
minute by minute for sure. some nights I get dressed in gym clothes, and then sit in front of the tv. But, I do have a chart in my room where I keep track of my workouts, and the fact that we have a gym membership that is paid with automatic debit makes me use it--I'm totally motivated by money and if I'm paying for it, darn it, I'm going to use it.
I made a new years resolution this year that is working very well for me. I owe myself 20 minutes every day for the entire year. Of course I've missed days but I have to make them up. But I hate "exercise debt" so I save up instead and I'm accountable for 20 minutes every single day. Right now I am 4 days ahead and very proud that 3 months into the year I'm still on track with my workout goal. Eating...well, that's a whole other challenge. This week I've been measuring my water intake and trying to get 3 quarts a day and that is significantly decreasing my calorie intake automatically. I get full on a lot less. Writing things down makes a huge difference and I find that a weekly pocket calendar (you can get them from the dollar store) is a great way to track health goals. I'm sorry to hear the pounds have been difficult because I've been in the same boat. I'm still fighting my last few pounds - they are the toughest!!!
Hahaha... gotta love Where the Wild Things Are... I always knew there was a reason we are friends...we both belong with the wild things.... my stomache does at lease... I live my diet/work out regime one bon bon at a time...
ALTHOUGH... I have found that a beach bound vacation on the horizon is a GREAT motivator.. pitch it to Tim...
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