A lot of times I wonder about what separates those who keep going to the gym from those that drop out. I don’t think its entirely about who’s weak/lazy/etc and who’s not. I think a lot of the beginners could probably be labeled (or label themselves) with such terms at the daunting task of self-improvement. I think the big issue is continued motivation.
So, I’m just wondering what a few of the more experienced folks do to keep themselves motivated- and more importantly -what keeps you going back to the gym.
Just to let you know, here are a few tips I’ve already heard:
*Have a Lifting Partner - If you’re a little sick/tired Monday morning and you really don’t want to go into the gym, you’ll probably make an extra effort if you know you’re meeting your friend there.
*Bring an I-pod or MP3 Player - Believe it or not, yesterday my gym was playing Ricky Martin and some of those new Gwen Stefani songs where she raps. Nuff said…
*Positive Reinforcement/Rewards - Something maybe as simple as scarfing down a huge chocolate whey-milkshake right after working out.
Just talking about it, and keeping it in your life. This site has helped me stay motivated tremendously.
If I don’t talk to people about it, or read up about it, I lose motivation. Unfortunatley, this type of lifestyle isn’t the most popular.
I think feeling like you’re part of something that other, like-minded people are doing, helps keep you doing this thing we do.
Not to mention all the great, different templates that are available to try and comment about on this site.
Changing things up and trying new things also helps a lot. Along with the results that one sees after staying consistant with training.
Also, the type of gym you go to can help. Seeing many people in my gym who are doing compound movements, are in better shape, and who are bigger than me helps. For others, being in a fitness center type of atmosphere can be what keeps them going back (not to mention seeing all the hot chicks with make-up and tight clothing). What’s motivational for one, may be unmotivational for others.
I personally go to both types of gyms. The fitness type I only pay $15/month and have unlimited tanning, so I do cardio and tanning there (though, not much lately). I get to see hot, made-up chicks in tight clothing, and huge muscular guys moving a lot of weight (motivating in different ways).
Yeah, hanging out on forums with other serious people helps keep your head in the game.
Willpower is a big part of it too, along with programming your brain to cherish your workouts, rather than dread them.
Doing that is the hard part though, and everyone is different.
I just keep telling myself that food is nothing more than fuel. That helps with craving junk food…the bane of my existence.
This might be a nice topic for a Prime Time Coaches Roundtable Tonight? anyone interested?
[quote]DiogenestheCynic wrote:
A lot of times I wonder about what separates those who keep going to the gym from those that drop out. I don’t think its entirely about who’s weak/lazy/etc and who’s not. I think a lot of the beginners could probably be labeled (or label themselves) with such terms at the daunting task of self-improvement. I think the big issue is continued motivation.
So, I’m just wondering what a few of the more experienced folks do to keep themselves motivated- and more importantly -what keeps you going back to the gym.
Just to let you know, here are a few tips I’ve already heard:
*Have a Lifting Partner - If you’re a little sick/tired Monday morning and you really don’t want to go into the gym, you’ll probably make an extra effort if you know you’re meeting your friend there.
*Bring an I-pod or MP3 Player - Believe it or not, yesterday my gym was playing Ricky Martin and some of those new Gwen Stefani songs where she raps. Nuff said…
*Positive Reinforcement/Rewards - Something maybe as simple as scarfing down a huge chocolate whey-milkshake right after working out.[/quote]