FabSwingers.com forum: The gym and motivation

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I've noticed over the last few years of working from home my physical fitness has taken a massive drop.

To fix that I signed up to the gym and seeing a PT which I'm enjoying but outside the 1-2-1 sessions I'm struggling to motivate myself to keep going. My mind comes up with all sorts of excuses not to bother today.

Does anyone else get this? and does anyone have any tips to break that negative mentality as I do enjoy it when I'm there but getting out of the front door feels like a battle in itself.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Put alarms on your phone saying no excused get your arse to the gym now

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Find an exercise you actually enjoy. That’s a big stumbling block to sticking with it.

Find a time to train that feels less of a chore to you.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I set myself targets to keep me motivated.

If I want to lose weight I’ll stick a spreadsheet on the fridge with my target weight Vs my actual weight and that works for me.

If I want to make gains I’ll set an amount I want to lift by a certain date and work towards that.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I set myself targets to keep me motivated.

If I want to lose weight I’ll stick a spreadsheet on the fridge with my target weight Vs my actual weight and that works for me.

If I want to make gains I’ll set an amount I want to lift by a certain date and work towards that."

You do the same as me.

I have my targets and current status written in sharpie on the fridge. No escaping them.

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By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman
over a year ago

evesham

My weak point isn't going to the gym. I love my coach and groups. I have dropped some sessions purely due to distance as she moved recently but am planning to put them back in.

My problem is will power with eating! I'm pissing myself about it now and that's making me eat more shit!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I set myself targets to keep me motivated.

If I want to lose weight I’ll stick a spreadsheet on the fridge with my target weight Vs my actual weight and that works for me.

If I want to make gains I’ll set an amount I want to lift by a certain date and work towards that.

You do the same as me.

I have my targets and current status written in sharpie on the fridge. No escaping them.

Plus when the kids nice foods are on the other side of that fridge door it works as a deterrent.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

1) look at pictures of gym fit men to inspire

2) think of the times you got rejected

3) have a strong coffee and force yourself out the door. Don’t think about each gruelling exercise that will come next, just focus on each step

I love the gym but thanks to family issues, moving home and injuries been taken out for a long time. I miss it if I have no choice

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I set myself targets to keep me motivated.

If I want to lose weight I’ll stick a spreadsheet on the fridge with my target weight Vs my actual weight and that works for me.

If I want to make gains I’ll set an amount I want to lift by a certain date and work towards that.

You do the same as me.

I have my targets and current status written in sharpie on the fridge. No escaping them.

Plus when the kids nice foods are on the other side of that fridge door it works as a deterrent."

Yes!

I have an ultimate goal scribbled in big fuckoff sized letters. That stops me when I wanna open the door and dive into the fun stuff.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Find an exercise you actually enjoy. That’s a big stumbling block to sticking with it.

Find a time to train that feels less of a chore to you.

I've enjoyed most of the things the PT has had me doing. Timing is very much an issue I think I need to work on that and maybe starting a good routine rather than ad-hoc visits.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Find an exercise you actually enjoy. That’s a big stumbling block to sticking with it.

Find a time to train that feels less of a chore to you.

I've enjoyed most of the things the PT has had me doing. Timing is very much an issue I think I need to work on that and maybe starting a good routine rather than ad-hoc visits."

If you enjoy PT sessions maybe finding a gym buddy to train with and keep you on track light help.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I set myself targets to keep me motivated.

If I want to lose weight I’ll stick a spreadsheet on the fridge with my target weight Vs my actual weight and that works for me.

If I want to make gains I’ll set an amount I want to lift by a certain date and work towards that.

You do the same as me.

I have my targets and current status written in sharpie on the fridge. No escaping them.

Plus when the kids nice foods are on the other side of that fridge door it works as a deterrent.

Yes!

I have an ultimate goal scribbled in big fuckoff sized letters. That stops me when I wanna open the door and dive into the fun stuff."

I should have done that again the last few months but I’ve just been enjoying not being in lockdown a bit too much.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I've mentioned on another thread that I've recently started fasting.

I've found since doing it, my mind is much clearer and I'm feeling motivated. The hard part is finding the right time to go to the gym.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Find an exercise you actually enjoy. That’s a big stumbling block to sticking with it.

Find a time to train that feels less of a chore to you.

I've enjoyed most of the things the PT has had me doing. Timing is very much an issue I think I need to work on that and maybe starting a good routine rather than ad-hoc visits."

For an age, I was training late at night, after doing the home life stuff. Found myself saying “can’t be arsed tonight, I’ll go in the morning”. And then find myself not going in the morning.

I have since switched to going very early doors. Before anyone at home is awake, before I need to do anything else. My attendance is now bang on point, every other day without fail.

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By *itygamesMan
over a year ago

The gym does nothing for you except cost you money and allow you to share other peoples sweat and smells

Its a proven fact walking is the best form of excercise and its free and less likely to damage you in anyway

You have to walk fast though

Whilst the mornings are light you can walk in the mornings . Start with 15 minutes away from the house and 15 baxj

You need to walk fast fast though otherwise your wasting your time

As 15 minutes becomes to easy up the anti to 20 minutes out and 20 minutes back

After 6 weeks the weight will fall of you ,lungs working good and you'll feel great

The gym just builds muscle pushes against the fat making you.look fatter

You wont keep the gym up all your life but walking you can/will

Its a no brainer.

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By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman
over a year ago

evesham

The gym just builds muscle pushes against the fat making you.look fatter

Funniest thing I've read on here in a long time

Any form of exercise is good for you and weight loss is not always the end goal.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

The gym just builds muscle pushes against the fat making you.look fatter

Funniest thing I've read on here in a long time

Any form of exercise is good for you and weight loss is not always the end goal. "

Indeed, the goal is to get fitter and if I lose weight in the process which I inevitably will then great but it's not the soul purpose.

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By *lderflower_AppleWoman
over a year ago

Basingstoke

"Find an exercise you actually enjoy. That’s a big stumbling block to sticking with it.

Find a time to train that feels less of a chore to you.

This!!!

I tend to get up and do my workouts first thing in the morning as it's out of the way and I can't find excuses not to go throughout the day.

Also... can you find a workout buddy? A bit of perceived accountability can help with keeping the motivation buoyed.

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By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman
over a year ago

evesham

"Find an exercise you actually enjoy. That’s a big stumbling block to sticking with it.

Find a time to train that feels less of a chore to you.

I've enjoyed most of the things the PT has had me doing. Timing is very much an issue I think I need to work on that and maybe starting a good routine rather than ad-hoc visits.

For an age, I was training late at night, after doing the home life stuff. Found myself saying “can’t be arsed tonight, I’ll go in the morning”. And then find myself not going in the morning.

I have since switched to going very early doors. Before anyone at home is awake, before I need to do anything else. My attendance is now bang on point, every other day without fail."

I've recently switched to mornings and it's a game changer. Although I never really missed evening sessions unless I had plans, mornings are just so much better. Out at 5:30, session done and back for 7:30. Time for breakfast, cold shower, coffee, get ready for work with a spring in my step!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"The gym does nothing for you except cost you money and allow you to share other peoples sweat and smells

Its a proven fact walking is the best form of excercise and its free and less likely to damage you in anyway

You have to walk fast though

Whilst the mornings are light you can walk in the mornings . Start with 15 minutes away from the house and 15 baxj

You need to walk fast fast though otherwise your wasting your time

As 15 minutes becomes to easy up the anti to 20 minutes out and 20 minutes back

After 6 weeks the weight will fall of you ,lungs working good and you'll feel great

The gym just builds muscle pushes against the fat making you.look fatter

You wont keep the gym up all your life but walking you can/will

Its a no brainer."

None of this is true.

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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago

yumsville

My 'routine' was to have my gym bag packed and leave it in the middle of the hall or hung on a newel post so each time I'd walk past it, it'd be sat there. Eventually it'd get picked up and I'd be out the door.

In all honesty I've not been to the gym for years and when I went it was because there was nothing else on at the time, but having a packed bag saved on nights when you easily could have skipped.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Find an exercise you actually enjoy. That’s a big stumbling block to sticking with it.

Find a time to train that feels less of a chore to you.

I've enjoyed most of the things the PT has had me doing. Timing is very much an issue I think I need to work on that and maybe starting a good routine rather than ad-hoc visits.

For an age, I was training late at night, after doing the home life stuff. Found myself saying “can’t be arsed tonight, I’ll go in the morning”. And then find myself not going in the morning.

I have since switched to going very early doors. Before anyone at home is awake, before I need to do anything else. My attendance is now bang on point, every other day without fail.

Almost a carbon copy of my own mornings. I’ve found I work better in a morning too. Better quality of exercise done. In the evenings I sometimes felt like I was just going through the motions.

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By *ongueandgroove555Couple
over a year ago

Waterford

When I started no matter what the goal even setting the alarm, making myself get out of the bed literally took so much will power. The snooze button was my best friend. Unfortunately there's no magic fix you just have to make yourself get up and go. It's not easy, it's actually really hard but when you do you'll feel amazing.

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By *unfriendly 123Man
over a year ago

boston

I have my own equipment in my shed saves the drive to the gym

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I’m waiting for the pandemic gym builders to start flogging off their kit at a knock down price, so I can build my own.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I work right next door to my gym, the guilt at not going in when I drive past would be too much

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I’m waiting for the pandemic gym builders to start flogging off their kit at a knock down price, so I can build my own.

I’ve got a multi gym and treadmill if you want it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"The gym does nothing for you except cost you money and allow you to share other peoples sweat and smells

Its a proven fact walking is the best form of excercise and its free and less likely to damage you in anyway

You have to walk fast though

Whilst the mornings are light you can walk in the mornings . Start with 15 minutes away from the house and 15 baxj

You need to walk fast fast though otherwise your wasting your time

As 15 minutes becomes to easy up the anti to 20 minutes out and 20 minutes back

After 6 weeks the weight will fall of you ,lungs working good and you'll feel great

The gym just builds muscle pushes against the fat making you.look fatter

You wont keep the gym up all your life but walking you can/will

Its a no brainer."

Your post is full of mis information.

For the OP the hardest part of the going to the gym is actually getting up and going, once there it's fine.

Find exercise you enjoy and you're more likely to stick at it, set mini goals along the way.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I’m waiting for the pandemic gym builders to start flogging off their kit at a knock down price, so I can build my own.

I’ve got a multi gym and treadmill if you want it

Now if you’d said ski erg or bike erg, definitely.

Me and treadmills will never happen. I only run when it’s a Greggs Sale.

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By *ellhungvweMan
over a year ago

Cheltenham

You need to turn it into a habit rather than something you “have” to do. It sounds like it is currently a chore.

I work from home and have just got into the habit of going to gym just before lunch. Recurring block in my diary to stop people putting stuff into there, gym clothes on in the morning when I get up and then I am ready to get out. It’s now a habit

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I’m waiting for the pandemic gym builders to start flogging off their kit at a knock down price, so I can build my own.

I’ve got a multi gym and treadmill if you want it

Now if you’d said ski erg or bike erg, definitely.

Me and treadmills will never happen. I only run when it’s a Greggs Sale."

Greggs have sales? And you’re just telling me this now? I thought we were friends

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I either go to the gym first thing when I wale up, or on the way home from work (i get you work from home). Unless I’ve booked a PT session, if I don’t go at those times I will just find excuses not to go.

I’ve also found making myself say ‘I want to go’ instead of ‘I need to go’ made a massive difference in my desire to get there

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By *rufflesCouple
over a year ago

manchester

"I've noticed over the last few years of working from home my physical fitness has taken a massive drop.

Does anyone else get this? and does anyone have any tips to break that negative mentality as I do enjoy it when I'm there but getting out of the front door feels like a battle in itself."

I can relate to your feelings very often! During my ex forces days, our PEI (Dr. Death!!!!!) used to have a favourite saying "the hardest part of training is getting changed" To this day I use that saying as my motivation...works every time

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I’m waiting for the pandemic gym builders to start flogging off their kit at a knock down price, so I can build my own.

I’ve got a multi gym and treadmill if you want it

Now if you’d said ski erg or bike erg, definitely.

Me and treadmills will never happen. I only run when it’s a Greggs Sale.

Greggs have sales? And you’re just telling me this now? I thought we were friends

Please forgive me. I’ll buy the steak bakes when we get together?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You could also try booking classes. If you’ve got a class booked you’re less likely to skip it.

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By *eliusMan
over a year ago

Henlow

Alternatively do your workouts from home. Body weight HiiT sessions are easy to do at home. Put your favourite music on or the TV and just go for it. I got the habit during lockdown. So if you can’t muster the enthusiasm to get out the door problem solved!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I’m waiting for the pandemic gym builders to start flogging off their kit at a knock down price, so I can build my own.

I’ve got a multi gym and treadmill if you want it

Now if you’d said ski erg or bike erg, definitely.

Me and treadmills will never happen. I only run when it’s a Greggs Sale.

Greggs have sales? And you’re just telling me this now? I thought we were friends

Please forgive me. I’ll buy the steak bakes when we get together? "

If you think you can get away with this with a couple of steak bakes then you’re absolutely right

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"When I started no matter what the goal even setting the alarm, making myself get out of the bed literally took so much will power. The snooze button was my best friend. Unfortunately there's no magic fix you just have to make yourself get up and go. It's not easy, it's actually really hard but when you do you'll feel amazing. "

I'm glad I'm not alone in that feeling. Hopefully it'll pass and a bit of willpower will see me through

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By *nergeticlemurMan
over a year ago

wiltshire

I don't go to the gym but I do a lot of running and cycling

If you're a bit of a numbers guy like me I'd record your efforts, reps and weights you're lifting.

Seeing my numbers improve keeps me motivated and wanting to push myself

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By *heGateKeeperMan
over a year ago

Stratford

Figure out your ‘why’ and work backwards

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By *acey_RedWoman
over a year ago

Liverpool

I always plan to go when I'm out doing something else anyway. So after dropping my partner at work, before going the supermarket, on the way home from work, etc.

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By *ou only live onceMan
over a year ago

London

"I've noticed over the last few years of working from home my physical fitness has taken a massive drop.

Does anyone else get this? and does anyone have any tips to break that negative mentality as I do enjoy it when I'm there but getting out of the front door feels like a battle in itself."

Hey OP, has your PT given you a programme to follow in between your sessions? If not, ask him/her to do that. It will help you structure your sessions in-between your 1:1s.

For me, I like a plan. I know I need to a certain amount a week and that keeps me honest, mainly. Good luck!

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By *ang bang bangity bangCouple
over a year ago

Sunderland

So as a lot of people first off find something you like to do.

Then most importantly stop looking for motivation. Too many people seem to be on a constant search for motivation and use it as an excuse to not do things. No one is motivated all the time. Discipline is what gets you through. Things that are easy to achieve are rarely worth bothering with

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You wont keep the gym up all your life but walking you can/will

As someone who's been in a gym for nearly 40 years I respectfully disagree.... and I'll doubt I'll stop.

Pretty much everything youve stated is factually incorrect but good luck with your regime.

Personally what drives me is the benefits it has given me over the years and how that going to impact in later years

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I've noticed over the last few years of working from home my physical fitness has taken a massive drop.

Does anyone else get this? and does anyone have any tips to break that negative mentality as I do enjoy it when I'm there but getting out of the front door feels like a battle in itself.

Hey OP, has your PT given you a programme to follow in between your sessions? If not, ask him/her to do that. It will help you structure your sessions in-between your 1:1s.

For me, I like a plan. I know I need to a certain amount a week and that keeps me honest, mainly. Good luck! "

She has yes, she's started me off with absolute basics which given my situation is right for me and I'm trying to follow it, some days I do fine and others I seem to really let myself down.

I have noticed my worst days tend to correlate with when stress has been really high at work. My brain tends to fall into a bad habit of comfort food and CBA.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I wanted to point out that although I haven't been able to reply to everyone, I really appreciate all the advice and support. I wasn't entirely sure what sort of reaction this post would get but everyone has been really supportive and it's helping

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