When you don't feel like working out, tell yourself that you will just do it for 10 mins. After 10 mins, give yourself permission to stop if you really, really still want to stop.
You will rarely stop after 10 mins because it's that first effort of getting started that is the hurdle (usually).
Also, find something that really motivates you. I actually just had this conversation with a coworker - some people can work out in their basements just fine, others (like me) need someone telling them to do lunges NOW.
A big motivator for me - as a regular class attendee - is when I skip, the next class I get called out (in a nice, friendly way, but still motivating!)

When you've finished your workout, think of how you feel then as before you started.

Ask yourself how many times you've said, "I really wish I hadn't worked out today."

Anonymous wrote:You just have to decided that this is something you want to do and honor that commitment. It's really as simple as that.

+1

You have to treat exercise as a part of your day no different from sleeping and eating. It's easier to do that if you have an exercise you love (mine's running, though I've focused on other sports over the years) and also something indoors for days when it's not safe to go out (too dark/hot/icy). Also easier to maintain if you enjoy something relatively low-maintenance.

Once you do it often enough it becomes so habitual you don't question it. I've been working out six days/week for 22 years. It's just something I do now, though I still love it, too.

I once read on a message board that someone uses dvr to record their favorite show, and then will ONLY watch it while they are on their treadmill/elliptical/bike.

You just have to decided that this is something you want to do and honor that commitment. It's really as simple as that.

Try to remember how you felt before you got on the bike, vs. after you got off. I work out daily (literally missed 7 days this year) and the thing that keeps me going on low-motivation days is that I almost never feel *worse* after a workout. Sometimes I feel better (Higher energy, better mood) and sometimes I just feel the same but only 1 workout of 100, or less, I feel worse. Those are pretty good odds.

And yes, vary your workouts. Plan to bike every other day and do something else on off days.

Keep it varied. Don't rely on the bike for all your exercise - twice a week on the bike, twice a week weights, once a week something else - hiking, zumba, whatever. Keep your routine fresh and you will stay into it.

As PP said, schedule the time and make sure you DO it. DO NOT let yourself put it off. If you put off the Monday "appointment" saying you'll "do it Tuesday", it's so much easier to then put off Tuesday to Wednesday and then never get to it.

After you do your workout, you'll feel so much better both physically and also emotionally (saying "Yay! I did it!")

After a couple of months, you'll probably be able to skip a day but then start back again. The important thing is to be really dedicated for the first several weeks.

Schedule in time for the bike 3-5 times every week as you would any appointment. Show up and do not skip as you would with any important appointment. Remember that it is important for your health. GL.

I just want to say - my husband purchased a Livestrong exercise bike for me as a christmas gift and I LOVE it! Anyway, I do not want it to become a coat hanger, does anyone have any advise on how to keep up an exercise routine?