Gym Dropout

I can't seem to drag myself into the gym anymore. It's been nearly 3 weeks since I've been. I don't have the motivation and I'm so tired by the time I get home from work, that the thought of going makes me even more tired. I have been dragging myself outside to run or I'll do a workout video at least 3 to 4 days a week. I don't know how to get myself back into my routine. I need to go, and I want to go but my motivation seems to be lost right now.

bump.

I'm Jaclyn, and I havent been to the gym in over a month

group replies "Hi Jaclyn"

Hi Jaclyn,

Do you plan on going back to the gym? I do, but I can't scrap myself off the bed to go.

The hardest part is getting yourself there. So when you're trying to get there, just think about how good you felt afterward. Energized, light. That's how I feel after I leave the gym at least.

Focus on something good about going to the gym, an image of how you'll look, how you'll feel, etc, etc and get yourself there.

keyermann- I do plan to go  back.  My whole problem is this (here come the excuses)

2 months ago, I bought a new house and was packing, and moving, and promised myself that once we were settled in, I'd hit the gym again.. well, then I got a 2nd job,   I work there 2-3 nights per week, so the other 4 I like to spend with my family.  This makes it hard...  plus, I feel lazy now... and its affecting my eating habits.. I try to eat right, especially since I'm not going to the gym... UGH its just frustrating

Here's a suggestion, try going to the gym before you go home, that way you can workout, and when you're done it's time for dinner, and you can have your meal to refuel your body. Make a date with yourself, or get a gym buddy who will be waiting for you at a certain time.

I cant remember who gave me this tip, but it has really worked for me.

When Im super tired or unmotivated about going to the gym, I tell myself that I ONLY have to do 10 min. If after 10 mins I cant do anymore, fine. But, out of the hundreds of times Ive told myself that....I think only twice have I only done 10 mins :)

After I am there, I always manage to at least get 30 mins in!

Try bringing your gym bag to work and going right after, so you arent all comfy on the counch and stuff too, hehe. You could go before work too if thats possible.

yeah i guess I need to start there.  i DO bring my gym bag to work, because the gym is 1 mile from work.. I know that if I go home first, I wont work out!    So, I try.. but I'd rather spend time with my 18 month old daughter than hit the gym.   If I go to the gym, I dont get home until around 6:00, and she goes to bed around 8:00.   I just dont think its enough time... Maybe I can get her to stay up a little later...  hmmmm

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I have also tried the, go 10 minutes and if your not into it then leave. And I've only left once. I do feel better after I leave the gym. Much better than when I first get there. I will try that. I'm aiming for making it there at least 3 times the rest of week. For me, if I just dive back into it and go my usual 7 days a week, I'll get burned out.

Thanks again.

Keyermann, I know your question was answered, but I just have a little eensy-weensy bit of advice to tack on - change into your gym clothes at work.  I do this and I feel silly if I then drive home without first working out.  :)

purespark,

That is a really good idea. I'm going to actually try that one tomorrow.

purespark - good idea!!!!

aweseome idea purespark :D

I work in my home doing child daycare -- I sooo hear ya re just not having the energy to make it to the gym!

what worked for me was to check the local online want ads for exercise equipment.  in 2 mos, I got:

* gazelle (ya the tony little thing) for $40

* exercise bike for free

* healthrider (like a bike, but you actually lift your body weight - $40

for 6 mos, I saved up my pennies LOL and then bought an elliptical trainer for $149 (50% at Cdn Tire). 

now I have my own little gym section right in my living room.  no excuses now.  my equipment is always accessible, I can listen to my 80s cds or watch tv, I can look like crap and not care -- only my family's around to see LOL.

hope this helps

That's really cool tamji!  I check the ads for free stuff like that too, but right now we don't have room in our house for fitness equipment...

Also, this is a little off-topic, but if you ever wanted to do any videos/DVDs, check out your local library.  They usually have some.

I didnt go to the gym for a month.  I needed a break.  but i kept working out, i just did it outside.  Now im back to 2 days a week in the gym and 3 outside.  sometimes you just need to change it up.

Music is always the key for me. Before I go, I put on music that energizes me or gets me wanting to move, and make sure to drink at least half a bottle of water so I dont risk dehydration, and it makes me feel a bit better. Thats just me though, maybe an exciting part of a movie that you love or a story that always gets your mind flowing and wanting to be fidgety works.

I wont do the gym anymore........I workout at home. The only gym close by is completely surrounded by windows that can see right onto the main hw in front of it. I dont feel comfortable working out and having ppl gock at the 'fat' girl in the gym.............I have heard ppl talk about this to others how they feel so awkward with the ppl staring at them and its not only the heavy ones it bothers its everyone. Im not sure why its all windows and no privacy but for me 40 bucks a month and feeling like a stooge was enough. I bought some workout tapes figured up some plans of my own and its working great. I would love to get back into a gym its something that keeps you motivated cause your paying for it and you get a lot of help from others.

Look at your finance and see if you can drop the second job. See howmuch you are REALLY making - subtract gas, equipment, day care, eating out. Is it really worth it?   Look and see how you can tighten your budget around the house.   Maybe you should even drop the gym membership and develop workout habits around the home.

The big thing is not  "going to the gym" but exercising.

well I just got the 2nd job to pay for my divorce.. now that that's almost paid for... I have to keep working there for awhile, to pay for the upcoming wedding (May 2009) HOWEVER, if I dont get my ass in gear and lose some weight, there wont be a wedding!!  LOL

I only work 2 days a week at the 2nd job.. so the other 5, I'm just going to have to make the time...   I guess thats the key. MAKING the time to doit!

I think some of my issues about going back to the gym has to do with the weather. I mean, yes it's hotter than hell out, but I would rather be outside running verse inside on a treadmill. What scares me is I will end up like I was before, heavy. I completely still watch what I eat and do the calorie thing, and that helps, but I feel like I've cheated myself on days when I don't work out.

Echstee...haha that is exactly what I tell myself EVERYDAY to get myself there...and EVERYDAY I finish my workouts>:)