Struggling to stay motivated

926 rep

MemberAuburndale, FL

I recently joined the gym and I'm finding that I struggle to stay motivated in coming consistently. I feel very self conscious about my weight for one thing. I have 133 lbs to lose to get to my goal weight. I don't want this to be one more thing I failed at to lose weight. I know my eating is tied to my working out. If I can get one going in a positive, consistent direction, the other falls into place too. PLEASE, does anyone have advice for me to help? I'd be really grateful.

762 rep

MemberOskaloosa, IA

I'm in the same boat. I have about 120 lbs. to get to my goal weight. The biggest thing is I remember that I'm not doing this only for me, I'm doing it for my family too. My husband is my biggest supporter and will get me back on track when I want to slack off. I find that setting a few small goals will help me get on track more than finding a big goal. For instance, I want to get under 280 lbs, I want to get the Zumba Belt for my Wii Zumba around my belly, I want to look great for my girlfriends wedding in May.

My goals aren't timed but are something I want to eventually reach. So what are your little goals rather than being tackled by a big number like 133?

311 rep

MemberRichmond, IN

You should aim for a monthly goal for 10-15 lbs so you have more positive personal feedback I've never been self conscious about my weight so I don't understand that on a personal level but my dads starting weight of October 10 was 430 and he is now 310 and he's one of the most respected guys in the gym because of the improvement when you reach your goal you can be the advisor for others who are looking to turn their lifes around with my dad I never got the impression people were putting him down or looking at him negatively but he did until he started losing weight then his confidence shot up just know that once you reach your goal your life will change good luck

1.2k rep

Benjamin is right bite off smaller goals. If I looked at my whole goal at once I'd be depressed. I actually don't even have a weekly goal for weight I just have the weekly goal to go to the gym 6 times. I also post on facebook every day what I did at the gym and it's fun to get responses (hey it works lol). Find what makes you happy about going to the gym and run with it!

422 rep

MemberRoseville, MN

Join a boot camp class! You meet many great people who are all there for the same reasons and I feel as though I can't miss a class since everyone will know I was gone. It really motivates me to get out of bed and go since pushing snooze is so easy, but I don't want to have to try and come up with same lame excuse for why I missed class. Its a tough workout, but you feel great afterwards! So many more reasons I love it, but that's what has finally motivated me to go to the gym and stick with it!!

671 rep

MemberHastings, MN

Remember that you are not alone. I just started AF Jan.2...I am on workout #9...my little motivation is $20.00 that my insurance takes off my fee if I workout 12 times a month. For starters it is working less money to pay to get my butt to the gym. I have A LOT of weight to lose too. Hang in there "you are not alone."

176 rep

MemberSalem, IN

I totally understand where you are coming from. I too have a hard time going in the gym being a bigger person. I have 120 lbs to lose. There are so many little thin things running around in there and I do sometimes feel like I am being laughed at. But I put on my head phones and listen to the program on the monitor and think about the main reason I am there in the first place. I am there to get healthy and feel better and before you know it I have been on that treadmill for an hour and feeling pretty good about it. Sweat is pouring and my hair is ringing wet, but I feel good that I accomplished it. I have been struggling for about two months now getting in there more than four times a week. My new goal is to make it six times a week and to eat less. I still have a hard time with eating. I also hired the trainer and go to him twice a week. I haven't lost much weight, but I have lost inches and I do feel better. So I am on my way to my goal of being healthy.

4.5k rep

MemberWisconsin Rapids, WI

your doing great. coming here for support is one of the best things you can do. Like most people have said break your goals down in to small parts. reward yourself every time you hit a goal. you WILL get to where you want to be! remember, this is a life style change, and change is never easy. But that which doesn't kill you will only make you stronger!

735 rep

I just finished writing on another thread the same thing I will write here...I was 325 pounds 2 years ago and now I am 160. It is too overwhelming to say, "I have 100+ pounds to lose" so only worry about the next 5 pounds at a time...Tell yourself, "I will lose 5 pounds"...DONT say how long it will take you to do it...just take 5 pounds at a time. You deserve to feel better! You deserve to have good health! Tell yourself that!

5 pounds! Start today, and dont give up! You can lose 5 pounds, right?

811 rep

MemberWebster, MA

Janie, everyone who commented on here is right!!! And we all understand!! I have a hard time finding my motivation also. The other night I was so tired but I just got up off my couch and drove to AF. I ended up doing 45 minutes on the treadmill and felt like I hadn't done enough because I just didn't feel like doing more... then I reminded myself, I did it! I had gotten my butt up and moving!!! One step at a time!!

1.2k rep

AlumniIndio, CA

Smaller goals is a great idea! One thing that keeps me motivated is the reminder that this is not only about the goals I have set, but about a life change. Even when (yes, I said when!) you get the weight off, the routine of exercising and being healthy will stay. Don't think of it as a constant battle, think of working out as being better for you. Be excited that you are doing such a great thing for you!

811 rep

MemberWebster, MA

I tried something new at the gym last night.... I challenged myself! Instead of using the manual button on the treadmill, I tried one of the programs. As much as I wanted to quit at times, I did the whole program. So I challenged myself and won!! Each time you go to workout, try adding a minute to the workout. Think of something that is important to you and why you're doing this, that may help keep you motivated.

297 rep

MemberWaynesville, MO

Even with less weight to lose I still have a very hard time motivating myself! It's normal at any fitness level and any weight to not want to get up and get moving from time to time. Don't let that get you down! Don't let the numbers scare you! Just overcome your being obstacle, your mind, get in the car and to the club. Once you're there, you have to do something, right? Also, you know you always feel better after a little sweat, your endorphins will have you thanking yourself, and just think of how happy you'll be when you can come home and track your progress!