i need help!

after almost 2 years of diligently going to the gym, i find myself feeling de-motivated. i had jaw surgery and wasn't aloud to go for 2 weeks. after that i went a few times, and then got sick and haven't been in a week and now i just feel very "bleh" about the gym.

i weigh 135-ish lbs, and would really like to get down to 115-120.

can anybody help me get motivated again? any tips? anything?

Maybe it's a good time to update you gym routine. What had you been doing?

30 minutes on the elliptical, and then 15-30 minutes of weight-lifting.

What's your weight lifting routine? There are lots - different exercises, different rep schemes, different splits.

For instance, if you've been doing the same 4 exercises, 3x12, for a long time, try some new variations, and try 5x5.  Instead of bench press, do pushups. Instead of lat pulldowns, do pullups. Etc.

You could also try doing lifting MWF and cardio on your non-lifting days (TThSa), with one day off.

As for your cardio, have you tried HIIT? If your gym has classes, you could try spinning is a good way to break up the monotony.

Apparently, today was my 6-year anniversary of being a member of my gym (as I was informed by the nice girl at the front desk when I checked in bright and early this morning...).  I only mention that because I know EXACTLY what you mean.  It's easy to lose motivation, particularly after taking some time off.  Frankly, 30 minutes on the ellipitcal every time I walked in there would make me want to shoot myself.

Try mixing things up.  Take a class.  Use the stationary bike.  Do HIIT on the treadmill.  Spinning is awesome (I'm an instructor, so I'm always pushing people to try it).  Make it FUN again.

Sometimes people don't realize the full effects of surgery on the body.  Often you need more recovery time than you think.  Go easy on yourself for now.  I know that is hard to do.  I am having motivation problems myself right now and am anxious to get to the point where I can work hard again.  But sometimes you really need to listen to your body.  The best thing you can do after surgery is rest and treat yourself to excellent nutrition.  Good luck.

Since you are trying to recover from an eating disorder, maybe this is a good thing. How about finding ways to stay active and healthy that don't put so much focus on your body the way gym workouts tend to? You could sign up for some walk-a-thons, for example, or volunteer to work with children with special needs--taking them bowling or playing wheelchair basketball, or supporting a child on horseback if there is a therapeutic equestrian center near by. Maybe just decide to take up hiking or even strolling in the park, depending on what your options are.

At your age, you should have access to team sports, too, and that is such a good way to get "outside yourself." I wouldn't recommend cross country (too many others with eating disorders, and besides, it is not really a team sport in the same way basketball or soccer are). There are so many ways to be active and stay fit; don't feel you have to be a gym rat!

Good luck!

I don't know the extent of your jaw surgery but if you are able to kick it in gear check out www.crossfit.com.  I have found that one of their work outs will kick your butt!  I would agree with the other posts about mixing up your workout.  Crossfit is rooted in military special ops fitness training and is an excellent way to build endurance as well as strength.

Another way to get motivated is to set some goals for yourself.  You can set nutritional goals and fitness goals.  This may give you the needed kick you are looking for.

Best wishes!