How do you stay motivated to go to the gym?

[XOMichelle]

the feeling that I get after I've been to the gym keeps me going back. It's addicting!!!

[valkyrie]

I've been working out for so long it's not even an issue of motivation for me any more -- I just do it, and don't even really think about it -- it's become a given that I'll work out five or six days a week.

That's not to say that I don't get into a rut once in a while where I don't feel like going. Usually I get over that because I realize that if I skip days, I don't feel as good. If I don't lift weights twice a week, instead of getting easier each time, it gets harder again. If I skip cardio workouts, after a few days my knee starts to bother me when I start again -- it's almost good having a jacked knee, because it's fine if I work out all the time, but if I don't it sure complains about it.

Right now I'm getting back into running -- and I think running is great at keeping you motivated, because the more you do it, the easier it is. I love that.

[cuaphi]

The key for me was just finding things I enjoy doing. I can't do the same things over and over again and I never last very long when I try to start jogging. I love yoga because every class is different and challenging and I can really see my body getting stronger and more flexible. It's also really calming and has been great for me mentally. Other than that I go play with my dog or go hiking or tread water or do laps at my neighborhood pool or wander around for half an hour at lunch. If I just do enough different things and stay active I can stay at the size I want to be at.

[swissmiss04]

I used to be a rabid exerciser, then I backed off. I got back into the habit after Christmas and haven't broken it yet. I think 6 months is the longest I've ever kept up a consistent workout program. I hate to admit this, but to keep myself motivated I seek out flaws in my body and mentally challenge myself to get rid of them by a certain date. I also think about how great I feel after an intense 20 minute session on the elliptical machine.

[DolphinChicaDDD]

I stayed motivated by hanging my bathing suit in a visable place. Like on the back of my door. I used to have it duck taped to my fridge, but my mom didn't appreciate it.

[tnxbutterfly]

What she said. Except I workout to programs on FitTv. There is a track across the street from my apartment that I go to sometimes. And lately, when I'm in a crunch, I throw on a cd and dance around the apartment. I just put on a non studio Dave Matthews cd and dance away. (any extended version of Two Step is great)

What keeps me motaivated is Weight Watchers actually. I'm going in my forth week and I have already lost 3 pounds. That's enoght motivation for me

Originally posted by ThetaPrincess24
I dont go to a gym. I work out in the comfort and privacy of my home with Tae-Bo, The Firm, and Yoga videos/dvd's. I hope to add that belly dancing tape to the mix soon too.

Workout out at home is cheaper and more convient. If it's raining or snowing or cold or whatever then I'm less likely to be motivated to get out, whereas if everything I need is at home to get a workout, I dont have the "well i dont think i want to get out in this bad weather" excuse.

I also like to walk/run sometimes in the arboretum here. It's a 2 mile track/trail so 3 laps as I did today is 6 miles. I like to listen to the headphones, take the dog for a walk, and enjoy the outdoors and nature's beauty while I'm there. So i enjoy it. I only go on nice days though, not when the weather is bad.