Hey y'all,

I'm a returning member to 3FC -- I was pretty active a couple years ago, then I just...stopped. Unable to remember my email address or login from back then, I'm finally back.

Now that THAT'S out of the way...I need help.

I believe that I have the food portion of my life under control for the most part, but I'm having a huge problem with exercise.

I'd previously been working out on the average of 3-4 times a week at the gym until I fell off the wagon. And for the life of me I don't remember how I got the motivation to do it.

I know that exercising is the key for me right now and I really, really want to but I can't seem to get it together.

It looks like a bunch of you have been successful on the workout front. Any tips, words of wisdom, or motivation to help get me up off my sizeable butt?

Welcome back! The wisdom is not mine - I've read it from many wonderful people - but it stuck with me. It's not motivation you need - it's commitment. I am really lucky in that I love the exercise part, but I really struggled this weekend with not wanting to do anything. When that happens, it's really about taking the first step and moving on from there. I exercise every day or I don't go to bed. Some of my work-outs were pathetic, but I maintained the habit at least.

So, commit to doing something a minimum number of times per week, even if it's just walking twenty minutes three times a week. For example, commit to making Monday your first day. Then on Monday, keep it in your mind all day long until it's done. Maybe you'll want to do it first thing in the morning so you can get it finished. If you miss that, though, maybe you try for a mid-morning break to at least get a few minutes in. Maybe lunch? Afternoon? Evening? Just as long as you don't allow yourself to go to bed until you've done something, you'll get the exercise finished.

You know you can do it. You've done it before. If possible, find a way to enjoy it. I love swimming, really enjoy walking, and am learning to love running. In fact, I generally use exercise as my reward for working on a project that I am not enjoying or finishing the dishes or something else unpalatable. Maybe you can flip it around and find something enjoyable as a reward for exercising that day.

Welcome back! I was never able to stick to a exercise for very long...I'd get all gung-ho about it, do really well, and then stop after a whopping 2 days. And then it would take about 3 months for the cycle to repeat. But now, I have been going strong for 2 weeks. Doesn't sound like a lot, but it's a ton to me! The way I did it: made myself. I literally had to make myself get off my butt and walk. It rough that first week, but I find it getting a little easier every day now.

Thanks for the tips. I made a date for tomorrow night with one of my friends to go the gym. She's been slacking also, so we're going to try to keep each other on track.

Plus, I think I'll be more inclined if I know someone's waiting for me. Guilt is a powerful motivator!

I am glad you found someone to go with you. It is a big motivator having someone else count on you! Also I agree with the whole take the first step. When I don't really want to work out, I bascially just force myself to start. And usually by the end of the workout, I am glad I did it. Good Luck!

I agree with LaurieDawn. I have to commit to exercise. If I waited to WANT to go, I'd never get off the couch.

I usually like it once I'm there, but for some reason, that isn't enough.

For me, setting monthly goals really helps. Some days... some weeks are better than others. But I take my monthly goal pretty seriously (minutes/month). I have only missed it 2ce in a year and a half, but I almost never go far over it. I try to keep it at a level that's challenging, but do-able given my schedule. It's basically a way for me to make that COMMITMENT.

Gotta agree about commitment. Today I was tired when the alarm rang, and I didn't want to go to the gym, but not going is no longer an option for me. Sometimes if you just make yourself go through the motions, by the time you get to the gym or wherever, you'll be okay. Think of it as your job. You wouldn't just skip your job because you didn't feel like going, right?

One thing that helps me is to have my gym bag packed the night before and ready and waiting in the morning. Also, I really like keeping a record of my activity using fitday.com and also the president's fitness challenge website.

You might try posting your exercise on the weekly exercise thread.

ok so how do you get motivated to commit to something? No really, not being a snot, commiting is what you do once you are motivated. Those of us with motivation issues are still a step behind.

Im a returning member too. Ive been here a couple times over the years. I worked in the yard yesterday and sweated like a horse. Not your typical exercise but hey better than sitting on my butt. Then today I done the exercise bike for 3 miles. I can do it. U can to.

Hoji, that's a valid question. It all depends on how much you want to lose weight. If you don't have a reason for losing weight, then you won't, and if you're not committed to the process of losing weight, you won't. As I mentioned, look upon this as a job. You get a job because you need to or really want to, and then you commit to that job. You don't wake up a week after getting the job, and say, gee, I'm just not motivated to go to work today so I'll stay in bed. You get up and go to that job because you've made a commitment to be there every day. Maybe you don't even like the job, but you keep on going to work everyday. Look at weight loss and all the things that go into losing weight as your new job.

Great question- I'm not good at the exercise thing either. I think just making myself is about all I do. Reminding myself that, last night, I didn't want to go swimming. But I did it anyways. And I felt so much better afterwards. Remembering how it felt after I worked out seems to help me.

OT- Love love love your signature quote. One of my favorite songs!

For temporary motivation, nothing works better than a (minor) bribe. For example, there are certain "guilty pleasure" tv shows I only permit myself to watch while I'm doing strength training in my living room. If I want to watch, I have to get off my butt. I also only read magazines on cardio machines at the gym. If I want to read the mag, I've got to get on the elliptical!

Now exercise is something I do automatically. But these helped me get motivated to start.

You guys rule. Thanks again for all the great advice.

I'm proud to say I just got home from the gym awhile ago. One full hour in the pool, baby. Go me!

I'm extra impressed with myself because after the 3000 degree days here, it finally cooled off tonight to the point where it was downright chilly to get in that water. I was freezing, and I still sucked it up.

One day down, 120301438 more to go.

I got a new bike last night. Wanted one when I started this, but decided to make it a reward. 50 pounds, new bike. It is the coolest thing you have ever seen! Did five miles this morning. Spent too much money on it, so I'm committed to riding it so it's worth every penny.