How do you stay motivated?

[Dtergent]

It took me sometime to set up the environment and opportunities for me to be healthy without a lot of hassle.

I can eat lots of pasta and drink myself to death once in awhile, but I really feel much better and am starting to get comparable flavor eating my normal organic fare-- this is the cheapest option for me too, since I grow a lot of my food.

I love plants and gardening, and basically this motivates me to get purposeful physical exercise. I am no one for the gym, for structured exercise, so it is important that I find fun in my activities, and getting fit is sort of a byproduct. Swimming, dancing, martial arts (to some extent).

It is very difficult for me as a person to do things regularly that I don't find pleasurable, so when my environment allows me to enjoy while being healthy, I'm in a good place. It sometimes becomes a problem when I travel to large cities and I don't have options for good food or exercise. I can be quite horrible at that.

 

[double ewe]

Yeah I've been lifting weights on and off again for the better part of 6 years I think. What usually happens is I end up getting sick (I shouldn't be living in a cold climate, I have terrible sinuses) and lose my appetite and can't lift for a week or so and don't eat enough and lose all the gains I made over the last couple months.

i know exactly what you mean (for me it's running injuries, rather than illness). it's really not hard for me to get motivated when i'm healthy and in-shape, because i actually enjoy the act of running. but i have a way harder time motivating to maintain my fitness doing boring things (deep-water running, exercise bikes, etc.), so i usually end up giving up on running for a while and switching over to weights or mountain biking.

 

[belfort]

hmm, the main thign that keeps me motivated is not addes strength/power/muscle but i exercise mostly for the 'natural high' it gives me...it is always there and always very soothing..lofl...seriously, many days i have to drag myself out to workout and although increased strength/muscle is a nice bonus, its no longer the main reason i exercise...it used to be bot not anymore..

 

[Perpetual Indulgence]

It is very difficult for me as a person to do things regularly that I don't find pleasurable

I am usually an instant gratification girl.

I began incorporating exercise into my life in June 2006. Lifting weights with my husband was motivating. He would plan the routine and I would do it. Seeing muscles and feeling strong made me want to continue. If I didn't have him as a partner, I would be less likely to go alone.

Joining a fitness studio where they only have group classes and personal training saved me from the gym rut that I was in.
I prefer to be instructed. It is less work for me when planning a fitness schedule.

When I work-out I am inspired to eat well. I am more apt to treat and view my body fairly.
When I do eat stuff that is purely for pleasure and not for its nutritional value, I don't worry about it.

+/- 5lbs? I don't care about 5 lbs...anymore

Exercise is no longer a chore. It has become what I do. It is what I need to live well. Like sleep.

If I go 3 days without vigorous exercise, I don't feel right. An active lifestyle is essential for my well being. Once I got "there" in my head and seeing my body transform over the past 3 years, staying motivated was no longer an issue.

I save my daily weed time when my responsibilities are done.
However, I do like sativa and a hike in the sunshine.

 

[jam uh weezy]

I decide to do something, and I just do it. Otherwise I feel like a failure.

I dunno, I don't have any tips on keeping motivated. I started 'working out' when i was sixteen, which consisted of me doing 20 or so pushups like once a week. It evolved into doing a series of exercises and lifting weights every other day, I just do it. I may not feel like doing it, but I know once it's done I will feel good. I may even feel like shit, but If I don't do it, I'm not doing my best. And the amount of time I spend dicking around, browsing the net, etc, I could have worked out 5+ times.

Those are just some things I keep in mind. Basically, I try not to make any hasty decisions, at all. I take the time to mentally process what my goals are, and how to attain them. Once I decide how, I commit to it, and just do it, which makes me feel victorious.

 

[FlowMotion]

in all honesty, i get stoned and listen to aggressive rap music. i know i'll never let myself take a day off, but when i'm struggling to get out the door or not looking forward to a workout, that ALWAYS does the trick.

i've been smoking (or rather vaping) and exercising for so long that it's basically a pavlovian response at this point.

I'm with you. I love vaping then going for a run. When ever I am high I can always push my body further and it makes running to me slightly euphoric. Its not hard to stay motivated when what you are doing is fun as hell!


FM

 

[wibble]

I find it pretty hard to stay motivated with this kind of thing, especially when you're efforts aren't really paying off. I've upped my exercising a lot recently and I don't think I'm eating badly before but I weigh exactly the same and haven't noticed any toning on my body, boo.

 

[KStoner6tb]

I find it pretty hard to stay motivated with this kind of thing, especially when you're efforts aren't really paying off. I've upped my exercising a lot recently and I don't think I'm eating badly before but I weigh exactly the same and haven't noticed any toning on my body, boo.

That's the thing man..all these workout programs, machines, and diets all promise all these spectacular results within 30 DAYS!!!! 20 mins a day, 3 days a week and you look like this ..

or

STayin motivated is hard because these images are constantly being shoved in our faces so of course we out and buy a bowflex. Well, a lot of people do. In reality, it probably takes a couple years to look like that, but noone wants to wait a couple years am I right?

Wibble, are you still drinking soft drinks? I hear a lot of people claim "well, I only eat 2 meals a day, that should make me lose weight because I'm eating less right?" With this they have no breakfast, a quick lunch(ie fast food) and gorge out big time in the evening. I'm not tryin to put on my preacher cap here but just like anything else, knowledge is key and will power/dicipline is essential.

You just have to realize that a healthy workout regimen is going to take time, and lots of it. Everybody wants results here and now, but you just have to have patience, and eventually your hardwork will pay off. Just ask PI

 

[double ewe]

I've always been really bad at just forcing myself to do things. Lots of people are strong minded and can do that.. I'm envious! But not me.. So instead I just set myself up in a situation where I can't do anything else that I might want to do more! heh. I'm not sure yet if this plan will be successful. I hope so, though! I know once I get the habit down and see some results, that will be enough to keep me going. It's getting started that's the tough part for me. x.x

that's a really smart way to do things. when i was in college, i had the EXACT same pattern you described (show up for one class, then head home and smoke/lazy in-between). staying on campus was huge for getting work done and making sure i made it to the gym. and i know it doesn't work for everyone, but making exercise my default Stoned Activity in the afternoon also got me to the gym a lot more often.

 

[double ewe]

I find it pretty hard to stay motivated with this kind of thing, especially when you're efforts aren't really paying off. I've upped my exercising a lot recently and I don't think I'm eating badly before but I weigh exactly the same and haven't noticed any toning on my body, boo.

KStoner's advice hits the nail on the head.

also, try to notice the less tangible effects of exercise. is it getting easier to get through workouts? do you have more energy, or better sleep at night? those are the kind of benefits that you'll probably notice before any real physical changes take place.