Every once in a while (a lot) I have a hard time motivating myself to get out and exercise. The funny thing is, it’s during those days that I get the best workouts! Why is that?
During my i-just-don’t-feel-like-it days, I often ask myself what my motivation to exercise is. Here are the things that have been motivating me:
1. Time for me. I have to make “me” time a priority, otherwise I end up taking care of everybody and everything - kids, husband, house, callings, kids’ recreational activities, work and so on – and then there is no time to take care of myself. Selfish? Maybe. But I have a hard time being a good and happy mommy and wife when I don’t feel good about myself. And exercise makes me feel good and happy, which bring us to…
2. The way I feel after a workout. I love the endorphin release and the adrenaline rush. It makes me feel happy, relaxed, calm, and less irritable. I was thinking about this just yesterday. I had a really rough day c/o my kiddos. By the end of the day I was pretty grumpy and on the verge of tears. When Scott got home, he packed the kids in the car and we headed to the pool. He watched the kids and let me swim laps and get all my frustration out. When I was done, I was a new person. We were a happy family again. I love him for that, by the way. He knows exactly what I need.
3. It’s fun. I will only do it if it’s fun. I like running, I’ve been really enjoying swimming and biking lately. I like kickboxing. I do a Zumba class every once in a while. I do it because it’s fun and I enjoy it. Exercise should be fun! If you’re not enjoying it, try a different activity.
4. How I’m going to look. Yes, I’m shallow like that. I picture a slimmer, fitter, sexier me and let that visual drive me.
5. Workout buddy. Best motivator ever! I know I’m going to get out of bed bright and early when I know someone is waiting for me. I had a workout buddy in Vegas when I was training for my first half marathon. I loved doing it with a friend. It made it so much more fun and we motivated each other. Mandy, are you reading this? I miss you!
6. Fitness magazines/books. This is kind of a random one. Every once in a while I get a free subscription to a fitness magazine (would never pay money for it) or check out some fitness books from the library. I like reading through them. It makes me want to get out and a break a sweat or try a new workout.
7. A race. I like signing up for races - 5K, 10K, half marathon, triathlon, whatever. Once I’m signed up, there is no backing out of it. It’s a great motivation to train. Then when you are done, that sense of accomplishment will be an even greater motivator. Each accomplishment is followed by greater ability, greater resolve, and greater motivation.
8. Being held accountable. Post it on your blog, tell your family or friends. I don’t know about you, but if people know that I’m doing a race or set a goal for losing weight, I’m pretty determined to see it through. If you have somebody to report to, you’ll make it happen.
What are your motivations?
Go break a sweat now!
During my i-just-don’t-feel-like-it days, I often ask myself what my motivation to exercise is. Here are the things that have been motivating me:
1. Time for me. I have to make “me” time a priority, otherwise I end up taking care of everybody and everything - kids, husband, house, callings, kids’ recreational activities, work and so on – and then there is no time to take care of myself. Selfish? Maybe. But I have a hard time being a good and happy mommy and wife when I don’t feel good about myself. And exercise makes me feel good and happy, which bring us to…
2. The way I feel after a workout. I love the endorphin release and the adrenaline rush. It makes me feel happy, relaxed, calm, and less irritable. I was thinking about this just yesterday. I had a really rough day c/o my kiddos. By the end of the day I was pretty grumpy and on the verge of tears. When Scott got home, he packed the kids in the car and we headed to the pool. He watched the kids and let me swim laps and get all my frustration out. When I was done, I was a new person. We were a happy family again. I love him for that, by the way. He knows exactly what I need.
3. It’s fun. I will only do it if it’s fun. I like running, I’ve been really enjoying swimming and biking lately. I like kickboxing. I do a Zumba class every once in a while. I do it because it’s fun and I enjoy it. Exercise should be fun! If you’re not enjoying it, try a different activity.
4. How I’m going to look. Yes, I’m shallow like that. I picture a slimmer, fitter, sexier me and let that visual drive me.
5. Workout buddy. Best motivator ever! I know I’m going to get out of bed bright and early when I know someone is waiting for me. I had a workout buddy in Vegas when I was training for my first half marathon. I loved doing it with a friend. It made it so much more fun and we motivated each other. Mandy, are you reading this? I miss you!
6. Fitness magazines/books. This is kind of a random one. Every once in a while I get a free subscription to a fitness magazine (would never pay money for it) or check out some fitness books from the library. I like reading through them. It makes me want to get out and a break a sweat or try a new workout.
7. A race. I like signing up for races - 5K, 10K, half marathon, triathlon, whatever. Once I’m signed up, there is no backing out of it. It’s a great motivation to train. Then when you are done, that sense of accomplishment will be an even greater motivator. Each accomplishment is followed by greater ability, greater resolve, and greater motivation.
8. Being held accountable. Post it on your blog, tell your family or friends. I don’t know about you, but if people know that I’m doing a race or set a goal for losing weight, I’m pretty determined to see it through. If you have somebody to report to, you’ll make it happen.
What are your motivations?
Go break a sweat now!
Love, D.
3 comments:
The only times I exercise regularly is when I'm training for my annual family triathlon. It's fun, it's different, and there are prizes at the end. That's my best motivator. Races.
I like to picture a thinner me too but it doesn't work as a motivator to exercise. I always always gain weight when I start exercising.
I love the picture. Haha!
I'm motivated by all the things you listed. I signed up for a half marathon but sometimes when I think about it, I get really overwhelmed. I just have to take it a week at a time and think that if I keep with my training schedule, I'll be fine. right?
Also, there is a pair of sunglasses on your front porch. They were on my back seat after you guys got out on Saturday. I don't know if they are yours or not but we were driving up to Layton to buy a 3-wheeler so we stopped by to return them just in case they're yours. So that's the story of how the sunglasses got to your front porch. :)
You're awesome. Have fun working out!
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