Ugh, how do I get motivated to go to the gym?

[Anonymous]

I find classes help. Having an appointment, people I see regularly. It's just a good motivator for me.

[Anonymous]

I hate working out at home. We don't have a dedicated gym space, and home is my place to relax.

I go at least three days a week M-F, right after work. The gym is blocks from work. I cannot motivate myself to wake up early. During nice weather I go once on the weekend, with the other day for yard work or a 3 mile job. During nasty weather I go both Sat-Sun. It's my me time. No household chores, work, spouse or teens.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hate working out at home. We don't have a dedicated gym space, and home is my place to relax.

I go at least three days a week M-F, right after work. The gym is blocks from work. I cannot motivate myself to wake up early. During nice weather I go once on the weekend, with the other day for yard work or a 3 mile job. During nasty weather I go both Sat-Sun. It's my me time. No household chores, work, spouse or teens.

And I have to go to a class. Going to the gym and trying to decide what to do, how long, adjusting the equipment, seat, pedals, etc is too much. I just want to walk into a room and be told what to do for an hour. Then turn around and walk out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get the gym in your house. Not having to leave the house to work out makes all the difference.

In my case I have a squat rack, barbell and bench in the basement. I can spend an hour down there or I can jump down between calls and do a set of 10 and that's it for the day. It is WAY easier to get streaks going this way.

I have all of these things because my husband is basically Thor. And I still can't motivate. (Not OP.) It's an issue.

Does it help if you think of it as something you are doing for yourself, for your mental and physical well being? That your health depends on it? It's not a punishment or a negative part of the day; it's a positive privilege to be healthy and physically able to exercise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I always feel good after using the treadmill or the elliptical for 30+ minutes.
But getting out of the house to the gym is a chore.
I would much rather play a sport with other people, but exercise in the winter means going to the gym.

What works for you?

I hate going to the gym so I bought dumbbells and workout at home using free YouTube. Try switching to strength training or hit. Better bang for you buck over treadmill & elliptical. Check out Caroline Girvan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This was my main problem-I couldn't find the motivation to actually go to the gym or to OTF until the pandemic hit and I got my Peloton. It became my sanctuary within my own home and there are no excuses for not working out when it's right there. We now have weights, a treadmill, bench and basically everything I need that I used at the gym right here. I can also run outside-true, but I know I won't do that in the dead of winter, so the treadmill helps keep the momentum going. I also don't feel the need to work out with others--I have a virtual community and my workout commitment has inspired me to run and participate in races for the in-person community. If you aren't motivated by actually going to the gym, consider bringing the gym to you.

Sadly I'll need to work longer hours at a second job, to afford the house with enough space to "bring the gym to " me!

Are you in the exurbs? Or just mad $$$?

You don’t need all that equipment to work out at home. I have a very small apt. If you have space to roll out yoga mat, you have space to do most fitness routines. Start w/body weight strength or HITT and see if it works for you.

[Anonymous]

I stopped working out for about a year when Covid hit and saw what that did to my body. That motivates me to go to the gym to do something. I am older (50’s) and don’t try to push myself the way I did when I was younger. I do tell myself that doing something/ anything even for 15 minutes puts me way ahead of doing nothing. It probably helps that pre Covid I had always exercised.

[Anonymous]

Once I got to the gym, I couldnt wait to finish my sets and leave. The gym was nice/clean but clientele were all retirees.

That gym closed due to covid/lack of older members so I decided to try a new gym slightly further away.

This gym is filled with fit and lively people. No problem going 6 days a week.

Maybe a change in scenario can help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thinking about the steam room afterwards

This gets me going every time. That and my gym has great showers.

I agree with PPs - you won’t always be motivated, so you have to be disciplined. Think of exercise as essential as brushing your teeth.

[Anonymous]

Love looking at myself naked afterwards . That’s the motivation

[Anonymous]

I don’t feel motivated, I just set my alarm, wake up and grab my bag, and head out the door. I don’t feel motivated to go to work many days either but I still go. Just have to force yourself to do it enough times while not motivated and then it becomes a routine.

[Anonymous]

I signed up for 5:30 crossfit with a friend. She'd be PISSED if I just didn't show, so I have to get out the door to meet her before I've even woken up yet.

Sounds crazy, but it's the only thing that works for me these days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Love looking at myself naked afterwards . That’s the motivation

This only works once you look good naked, though. If you are a work in progress (like me)....not so much.