How do you motivate yourself to exercise?

Posted by Ok-fine-man@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 252 comments

The days are getting so short. Plus, now it's snowing...I just can't find the motivation to exercise. It's been far too long and I am super out of shape. Reddit, give me some tips, please.

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Traditional-Idea-39@reddit

You’ve got to find an exercise that you genuinely enjoy. I absolutely love running so I rarely struggle to get out the door for a run (although we all have days where we can’t be arsed).

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Krizzlin@reddit

Whilst this is obviously good advice, it's not always that easy. I really enjoy cycling. Unless it's howling with high winds and driving rain. Which is most of the time at the moment. Conversely I really don't like the gym, but I can nip down there in minutes, it's warm and dry and once I'm done I feel better for having done it. What's more I book myself into classes which I can be penalised for if I skip three of them without cancelling in advance, so that gives me extra motivation. Plus I use a heart rate monitor which helps gamify the experience. It sets me goals and if I reach those goals I reach higher statuses. Granted those statuses don't mean much but they do act as an indicator that I'm working hard and I'm getting fitter. Being close to a monthly target with just a few days left of the month can be just the motivation to get yourself down to the gym to smash that target. For me working out is the most unpleasant part of the day, so if I get up early and I get that done I know that the day can only get better. Routine is key. Find a time to fit your exercise in and eradicate excuses

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PinkSudoku13@reddit

>For me working out is the most unpleasant part of the day there's something incredibly sad about this mindset. Life shouldn't be about doing things we despite. There are so many exercise options out there. I excercise multiple times a week and always look forward to it. Routine is key but if you enjoy it, it's a hundred times better, it doesn't feel like a chore and there's zero problems sticking to it.

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Krizzlin@reddit

But I don't have a problem sticking to it. I get up, I get it out the way and I feel good that the worst part of the day is ticked off. It's about deciding whether you hate exercise more than you hate being fat and unhealthy. As I mentioned I do like cycling but I just can't do that enjoyably every day because of the weather. And yes I have wet weather gear. It's the winds that make it really unpleasant. Also cycling every day may be good for your general fitness but it won't help you with pecs, shoulders or abs. So a full body workout at the gym is the most effective way to tone up, burn some calories and improve your fitness levels all at the same time. Some people just hate exercise but will put up with it. I've had multiple personal trainers who found this attitude hard to comprehend but I still turned up every week to get put through my paces with them. If you tell people they should love exercise and they just don't, they can easily feel like it's not for them and give up. But lots of people hate it, and it's ok to hate it

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lonehorizons@reddit

For me it’s like brushing my teeth. Boring but I know what could happen if I don’t do it, so I just accept it.

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terralearner@reddit

I gym 3.5 times a week and do streetlifting/ weighted calisthenics. Seeing my body change over the last year is really motivating for me. I'm mostly motivated by strength though and having awesome functional strengthm

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Traditional-Idea-39@reddit

Good stuff, glad to hear it — I personally couldn’t care less about strength and only care about how far and fast I can run 🤣 everybody is different!

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terralearner@reddit

Running is also fun! I used to run a lot more and I do enjoy pushing myself but it's taken a bit of a back seat since I started gyming. I think strength is super important for everyone in the world to train though (if you can, I know for some there may be complications) for mobility and health more than anything.

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Youhadmeatbamboozle@reddit

Any issues to running in the snow and dark? I’m fairly new to running and never ran in the winter before.

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United_Evening_2629@reddit

Long-time runner here. Depends on three things: 1. Gender 2. Kit 3. Fitness/experience You can’t do much about point 1 - It’s shit, but if you’re female then running in the dark is a different ball game. I (39m) will do my routes at any time of day or night. My wife (37f) can’t. You may have to adapt your routes during shorter daylight hours to better lit or busier areas, or find a running buddy. I wish you didn’t have to do this but, sadly, you’re more at risk. Kit will determine how you find running in the snow, as will fitness. Grip (shoes) and gait (specifically foot strike) will determine whether you fall or not - I land more mid-foot on low-traction surfaces and centre my weight over my feet more. Experience will govern how fast you take turns and come to a stop, just like when you drive - You may have some crashes while you figure this out! Finally, fitness will determine how well your body resists injury should you fall or should any adaptation of your usual movement pattern(s) stresses joints etc.

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mattyMbruh@reddit

As someone who’s very clumsy and rolls their ankle a lot just by walking, is there trainers/anything that can help me avoid it? I’ve been wanting to run for ages but I get super paranoid I’m going to do it.

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schaweniiia@reddit

Get stabilising shoes! I am like you and have been running in Hoka for a year. They balance your feet really well and prevent rolling. I've got these: https://www.hoka.com/en/gb/women-road/arahi-6/1123195.html It's also great that they come for wide feet because mine definitely fall into that bracket, but you can also get the regular ones. That link has both models. Good luck with whatever you choose :)

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mattyMbruh@reddit

Ooh thank you, these look perfect. Are these all you wear? Nothing for your ankles?

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UpThem@reddit

Get fitted for shoes in a running shop. I spend next to no money on kit, apart from this, which is well worth it.

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SpudFire@reddit

Second this. I am a more casual runner and originally started doing it more consistently in the winters to add in some cross training to my cycling in the winter. A friend recommended I get a gait analysis at a running shop rather than buy shoes off the internet. It's usually free of charge if you buy a pair of shoes there (or you pay for it and get a voucher to use there on shoes in future so the analysis is still free). It might cost a bit more getting shoes from a shop like that but you only have to buy the wrong pair of shoes off the internet once then buy a replacement pair to be worse off than if you went to a shop in the first place. You can always buy online when it comes to replacing them if you go for the same brand and model.

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Training-Limit533@reddit

I second hokas! Got Cliftons off eBay and best thing ever

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schaweniiia@reddit

Nope, nothing around my ankles!

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SeabirdSarah@reddit

Bring your foot as close to the ground as you can with less padded shoes. Rolling ankles is only really a problem when your foot is raised off the ground on a platform, like you see in modern running shoes. If your foot is already on the ground, there's nothing for it to roll off of. Check out r/barefootrunning

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Sweaty_Sheepherder27@reddit

Snow - changing speed or direction is something you do slowly. Sudden changes mean you'll probably fall over. I generally also tend to wear off rust road shoes when it's snowy, as there's not grip. Nighttime - obviously don't run in areas you don't feel safe. I good head torch does wonders, especially one that has a focus option as you can switch between spot and flood. In the general running / getting motivated to run - try to just not sit down when you get in from work - easier to just go straight back out again if you can. Also, write down everything you are doing on paper - when you look back on it, it makes you feel good.

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RonBonxious@reddit

For running in the dark, I'd recommend wearing bright/hi viz/reflective clothing (or a tabard/vest thing to put over whatever you're wearing) and lights. I wear a chest light with a white light on the front and a red light on the back, and a brighter head torch if I'm running somewhere particularly dark. It's important to be able to see where you're going and be seen, not only by vehicle drivers but by cyclists and other pedestrians too. BTR and Proviz do some good reflective gear, and Decathlon is generally good too. For running or walking in snow, Yaktrax are great.

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BarGuilty3715@reddit

Lots more minor annoyances in winter for tuning in London. The parks are all closed early as so you’re stuck on roads. Cars are more oblivious of you. Wet leaves can be lethal. Leaves can also hide dog shit. It’s just generally harder to motivate yourself out the door when it’s cold and wet and then there’s the extended safety issue for women.

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Zenafa@reddit

I honestly find it hard to believe there is an exercise out there that I would enjoy. Do you have any advice for finding it? I'm pretty socially anxious which rules out most team sports. I currently run, but I don't enjoy it so it's hard to motivate myself.

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Training-Limit533@reddit

Do a bunch of YouTube videos and experiment. I like 90s RnB so sometimes i whack on a easy dance video to get myself moving. I’ve got small weights that I do some standing workouts to. I do some gentle yoga. Tbh my favourite is going for a walk in the woods. I love nature. Maybe you like the city? Go for a walk. 5k is 5k, walking just takes longer than running but it’s still better for you than doing nothing

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I_Love_Lays@reddit

Yes that's right. I genuinely like dancing so I exercise following a Zumba video.

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heretek10010@reddit

I'm at the point where I'm dying everytime I go running it's hard to find motivation for that lol.

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Sweaty_Sheepherder27@reddit

>I'm dying everytime I go running How do you mean, in terms of fitness?

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heretek10010@reddit

Usually because I'm a gym rat I can push my body hard but my heart and lungs aren't up to the task yet so struggling to breathe constantly it's not ideal lol.

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Saule_pine@reddit

You might just be trying to run too fast, too quickly! I used to be like this and couldn’t ever manage to do a 5k but then I slowed down and it became enjoyable. My pace has increased a fair bit since then!

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Ok-Morning-6911@reddit

Ha I'm the opposite! Running is my comfort zone but the weights are set to the lowest setting in the gym!

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heretek10010@reddit

Haha I did used to enjoy running but squatting 3x week kinda put it on hiatus, so I'm back to the noob phase and it just not being fun 😅

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Sweaty_Sheepherder27@reddit

Ah, I understand. So it can take a while for you to build up your lung capacity, so slow down and take it easy. Don't be afraid of slowing to a walk - I still do that, and I've been going out pretty much daily for a few years now. Keep at it long enough and you'll get there. My advice as well would be you try and go somewhere nice when you run, somewhere with a view, or something to see. It makes it more fun, and you are therefore more likely to keep doing it.

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anonbush234@reddit

Same, fuck knows how anyone does it who doesn't enjoy it. I do get joggers high very easily though.

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Cutterbuck@reddit

I bloody hate cardio. half the reason I use a commercial gym, rather than just using my home weights setup is so I have to do the trip, hold myself accountable and do that 20 mins on the treadmill - at least its warm, I am unlikely to run into a tree, tread in dog shit or fall over.

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lonehorizons@reddit

New dad here so I’ve had zero time to exercise for 7 weeks. My plan is to just pack my things and go to the gym. Once I get there if I can face it I’ll do my usual weights routine but if it feels too hard I’ll just walk on the treadmill for 45 minutes and listen to a podcast. At least I’ll have done something.

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Darkened100@reddit

Meh sometimes I have my off weeks, iv got a home gym so I’m like iv paid for this might as well use it, tho it’s cold in there but I do have a small diesel heater to take the chill off a little

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OkMess5802@reddit

for me the feeling of not doing exercise is worse than doing it on a bad day. its not about motivation its about discipline. exercise helps my mental health more than anything. i will beat myself up if i skip a day just because im not feeling it. you do also have to find something that you enjoy. set yourself some goals too, will keep you driven and then also feel good if you can start ticking them off i workout after work and im usually tired so quite often il have a snack and energy drink or preworkout on my way home which helps give me a boost

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my-kal_uk@reddit

It sounds corny but honestly the Apple Watch changed my fitness routine completely. Just the satisfaction to ‘close your rings’ everyday helped massively. Apple Fitness+ was the icing on the cake. The ability to do 10-45m workouts at home, with minimal (and often no equipment) is perfect. If I’m feeling lazy or tired, I’ll do a shorter/easier workout. But generally I try and do a mixture of all the options throughout the week, on top of walking the dog. I’ve never been fitter!

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sputnikconspirator@reddit

One of the rings, the Move one I don't really understand what calories it's counting to close the ring but there's something weirdly satisfying about closing out all 3 rings every day.

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my-kal_uk@reddit

Mate, there’s legit been times I’ve got into bed with 11/12 on my move ring and intentionally stayed awake till the new hour to walk aimlessly around my bedroom. 🫠

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probablynotreallife@reddit

It's absolutely vital to have a schedule and effective routines, then you have half of the motivation done already. To motivate myself to stick to the plans I've made I strip down and look at myself in the mirror, when I'm out of shape I gain determination to change and when I'm in decent shape I gain determination to improve.

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Logical_Cherry_Red@reddit

> I strip down and look at myself in the mirror This is pretty classic eating disorder behaviour bro, are you okay?

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No-Taste-223@reddit

Being motivated to improve your appearance is normal.

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Logical_Cherry_Red@reddit

Studying your body in the mirror repeatedly to motivate behaviour is absolutely not.

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Ok_Cow_3431@reddit

of course it is. If I look in the mirror and notice the gut is returning it means I need to put more miles in, definitely not an eating disorder.

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probablynotreallife@reddit

Not cool! To suggest something like that without knowing anything about my diet is completely out of order!

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Logical_Cherry_Red@reddit

This reaction coupled with the description is all you really needed to say to prove me right honestly.

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probablynotreallife@reddit

Meh

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Weary-Lingonberry-26@reddit

Its hard to get fit, but its hard to live life when youre fat: choose your hard

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Weary-Lingonberry-26@reddit

Its hard to get fit, but its hard to live life when youre fat

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Fenpunx@reddit

Adopt the darkness. No-one can see you struggle so bat on!

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Visible-Traffic-5180@reddit

For me, if I'm totally honest, I only exercise in winter because my dog needs walking. Without that motivation I would really struggle. Quite a drastic commitment though, to get a dog!

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EatingCoooolo@reddit

A beach holiday booked as a good motivator.

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sputnikconspirator@reddit

I feel like I may have some good experience to share with this. I was never into fitness before June of last year, didn't care about it and was in terrible shape. I got to a point where I was concerned I'd legitimately die before I was 40 because of my health (obesity, blood pressure etc etc) so ended up on a free trial with a private gym near me. I'm now at 60kg lost and train 6 days a week and ultimately it comes down to consistency and also discipline, at first I hated the gym, my body was so big, every machine hurt and I was self conscious about everything but I just kept going and going and going. It has now become a habit in my lifestyle, to the point that if I miss a day for some reason, it feels weird and I don't like it. I recently changed my rest day and that has felt weird too. Obviously, you need to find something you enjoy doing too, thankfully I get on with cardio and also strength training and weight training so there wasn't much I genuinely hated doing, except burpees, they can go to hell. Find something you enjoy, make a program around it (even chat GPT can help you make a program if you don't want a coach or are too nervous to ask). Keep adding to the program and try pushing into some areas you didn't like before, you can always adapt exercises to fit your fitness and/or confidence levels. Another tip, one that helps me as I always get the seasonal sads, I take vitamin D supplements to help hopefully keep my mood stable. One other thing, it's mentioned a lot by fitness people, I always dismissed it as bullshit influence nonsense *but* the mental health boost that exercising gives you just can't be discounted, it really needs to be shouted about more.

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smudgerc@reddit

Noone is motivated all the time, that's natural. Being disciplined is more important than motivation. Understanding that not wanting to put the hard work in actually makes that hard work more important. Set yourself a goal. Faster/further runs, lifting a certain weight or even just ticking off 4 sessions a week. Have something to work towards that you can hold yourself accountable to. Build good habbits that support your target.

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RodLUFC@reddit

Just do it. When I CBA I force myself. Once I start that's it, I'm in the zone then.

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Pargula_@reddit

Motivation is fleeting, it's all about discipline. You don't work out because you feel like it, you work out because you have to. Easier said than done, I know. The only advice I have is to make it as easy as possible and remove as many obstacles as you can, for example: join a GYM near your house/work, have your kit ready the night before so you only have to put it on and go in the morning, etc.

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YingTang1@reddit

I'm intrigued at the "it's snowing part". I want snow. But there's no snow in London

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Radiant_Maverick@reddit

I made a motivational/educational video on this exact topic, hope it helps: https://youtu.be/\_DNlF5RrZy8

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deecake@reddit

Spite

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GladAd2948@reddit

I go when I get up but I have the bonus of working for myself. I always find simply driving to my gym when I don’t want to also works, then I have to go in. Motivation is definitely a mental exercise but once you build momentum it’ll be habit. Saying all that taking time off is also okay.

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No_Educator6898@reddit

You don't need motivation. You need discipline

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Appropriate_Emu_6930@reddit

I have a concept 2 rower and it’s the show I watch whilst I’m rowing that keeps me going!

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Piggy_poo@reddit

I have one too. I bought it in lockdown. Good piece of equipment.

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catlady992@reddit

Joining and reading this because I recently changed gyms (not by choice, old one closed suddenly) and struggling with the new one. I HATE the 15 walk to it in the dark and cold, and struggling to go again. Some good tips on here, thank you 😊

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MyraDentalClinic@reddit

Running and cycling are great exercise, but they can be a bit challenging in winter. The indoor gym seems to be the only place that can help us exercise during these winter months.

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Kamikaze_Asparagus@reddit

I borrowed a static bike off someone to do a distance challenge and i just read a book whilst peddling along. I say read, I just sweat onto the pages

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CleanMasterpiece6911@reddit

Use future you, if you stay in bed and don't go out a run, it benefits you now, but I guarantee at 11am you'll regret it, at 6pm you'll regret it and feel bad, your making a decision not just for now, but for the rest of your day too

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Not_Jess369@reddit

If I really really don't feel like it, I tell myself I only have to do 10 mins of yoga. Because really, am I that lazy that I can't exercise for 10 minutes out of an entire day? Then 9/10 times once I've started I just carry on and do a full workout because starting is the hard part.

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NumeroRyan@reddit

Honestly, it’s about discipline rather than motivation. Of course I can stay in bed, in the warm out the rain but fuck it, I’m getting up and I’m exercising. Even on the worst days when I’m exhausted, when I go I never ever sit there and feel worse because of it. If you can get your mind to overrule the thought that *everyone* has, which is ‘it’s easier not to work out’ you form a habit.

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SpudFire@reddit

Exactly this. I swim or gym every morning and while some days it's hard, just getting up and straight into the clothes I laid out the night before really helps. I like the routine I have and actually don't like it when I miss a day because of other plans. Working out before work really wakes you up and gets your day off to a good start too.

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samop002@reddit

Also, a good trick I found is on the days you can't be arsed, saying to yourself "Ok, i'll just go and do the absolute minimum, don't push myself too hard and just turn up." Then after 10 minutes after you've warmed up, you feel great, and you push yourself as normal.

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Tea_plop@reddit

You don't even need to start with 10 minutes. If you are trying to start a routine literally just changing into your gym clothes or standing/sitting on the machine not moving can be enough to anchor the routine for that time/day. Next day do 5 minutes, day after that 10m, then 30m etc. Works for other stuff too.

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Ok-Morning-6911@reddit

But it's also about setting up a routine that works for you. If you know you hate mornings, let yourself sleep in and choose lunch time or after work as your workout time. I used to beat myself up for not being able to get up and work out, but I've since accepted that it's just not for me and that I'm fine and happy working out in the evenings instead.

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theTickledPickIe@reddit

Ah, that makes perfect sense. So I have zero chance. Good to know.

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stuaird1977@reddit

The hardest part is starting , set a time., stick to it and get through a week then it soon becomes routine. I do gym (at work) 6am to 7am every morning before work Mon,Tues ,Thursday . It means getting up 40 mins earlier than I do on a Wednesday and Friday . I do cardio wednesday whilst working from home in my dinner hour and also Saturday which is a bit more flexible but I try to do 8am to 9am ready for my son waking up then I'm done. When I go to the gym I sleep in shorts and t shirt ready for gym and my phone alarm is placed where I have to get up to turn it off

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EnglishNuclear@reddit

Not sure how much any of this applies to you, but you never know. I’m 36 now and spent most of my life boozing too much up until fairly recently, and it was starting to really show in my 30s. So I knocked a lot of the drinking on the head and starting running - all well and good, but the cold weather I inherited when I moved to Norway didn’t lend itself to winter jogging, so I joined a gym here mostly for the treadmills, but am now into lifting weights too. I’ve noticed my desire for a pint or two is much lower when I know I’m training that day or the next, so I use my much clearer head and physical health as a motivator. My daughter is also 5yo now, and I noticed I was struggling to keep up with her running and lifting her up, which broke my heart, so now that’s a massive motivation too. Plus it’s loads easier to carry all of the stuff that comes with taking a 5yo to do anything anywhere!

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No_Aioli1470@reddit

My willy looks bigger when I'm not fat. That's all the motivation I need tbh

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City_Hobgoblin89@reddit

I got an exercise bike and just go on that while watching a movie or show

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PinkSudoku13@reddit

a future clothes hanger you mean?

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Xashar@reddit

I bought a rowing machine during the pandemic. It hasn't become a clothes hanger, just another piece of furniture. It really is hard to build discipline, even in one's own home.

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anxiousalleyway@reddit

What sort of price did you pay for it? I’ve seen some pretty expensive ones but not sure if there is a cheap version, like those simple treadmills that are around £150.

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LordBielsa@reddit

Look on Facebook marketplace, people are giving them away, I have before

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testperson00@reddit

This. I’ve got mine for free from Facebook. Also charity shops sometimes sell them for £20~50.

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Commercial_Slip_3903@reddit

Check gumtree. There are always a bunch being used as clothes drying racks that people want out the house

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anxiousalleyway@reddit

Good shout!

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GlasgowGunner@reddit

The issue is the cheap ones are shit. If you are going cheap prioritise a heavy fly wheel over everything else. You can’t even go cheap and then upgrade if you use it loads, as you won’t use it loads because it’s cheap and nowhere near the bike you might have used in a gym before. I’ve got a Peloton (had it over 3 years) and absolutely love it. The classes are perfect for me and motivate me to use it.

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AlwaysWrongMate@reddit

You can get a basic one from Argos for like £150

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Burning_Ranger@reddit

The same way anyone finds the motivation to do anything not enjoyable: discipline

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jockstaa@reddit

The first 2 months are hard to find motivation. The second you see results its like a fat kid to sugar. You'll be addicted because you'll be chasing that feeling constantly. I was obese for my entire life, i hit the gym and lost it, 6 years later its my favourite part of the day lol

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MIKBOO5@reddit

It sounds bizarre but once I have my gym clothes on, going out of the door and getting on with it is easy. It's just putting the gym clothes on that's hard to find the motivation for!

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Slugdoge@reddit

I've found this to be the case too. Making the commitment to go to the gym when its 4pm and you feel tired is very difficult, but once you get there all you're thinking about is your current set.

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theTickledPickIe@reddit

This is actually really good advice in certain circumstances. I have a home gym and once my workout clothes are on I can't really get distracted and do other shit.

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edible_christ@reddit

My main excersizes are bouldering, muay thai, and running, and there are a few things that helped me keep motivated, or get remotivated. 1) I often have YouTube on the TV when I'm sat having my breakfast, or just because I like to watch it. I've watched enough Muay Thai and Climbing content that the algorithm just suggests content to do with it all the time, particularly instruction and warm up videos. I've made sure I'm following a few relevant channels so my "fun" excersizes are always at the forefront. 2) If im struggling to motivate myself to do a particular excersize, I'll message someone i know that is also interested in that and arrange to do it with them, that way I have a commitment to it so that I don't let that person down. 3) I downloaded an app to track my running so that I could be in competition with myself and give .yself some goals. 4) humans are creatures of habit and things become habitual, the initial struggle is the hard bit and once it becomes part of your routine then you'll be fine.

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drittinnlegg@reddit

I joined a class. I’ve got to go or I will fall behind and I also want to see my new friends. I picked jujutsu because it’s fascinating to learn how to defend myself. I’m not sure I’d have the same motivation for another sport.

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gimmecatspls@reddit

i dont lol

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gogginsbulldog1979@reddit

I know exercising makes me feel better, but I still struggle to go all the time. I pay £125 a month for a David Lloyd membership, which has everything you could want, but I still hate going. Once it's done I'm fine, but finding the motivation can be hard. I've got a decent cycling machine at home, plus a bike to go out on, so that's a reserve if I really can't be arsed.

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BradleyEd03@reddit

Apple Watch or some other fitness tracker. The best way I’ve found myself to exercise or improve my life is to gamify it.

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BeautifulStation4@reddit

I'd say that you get involved in something that you can track your progress in and work towards goals. If its running, maybe your goal is working towards a 5k or marathon and getting your times down (idk I hate running), if its weight lifting its getting your lifts up, if its boxing its improving and being a better boxing. I recently got back into weight lifting and I was finding myself wanting to get to bed early and wake up in the morning because seeing my lifts going up during my morning workout was like me getting my fix for the day.

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dsfwggg@reddit

Knowing i’ll get an instant boost in mood afterwards, knowing that exercise helps keep my body working properly- being ill sucks, something to do if your bored, something to do that gives you hope things can improve.

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DisneyBounder@reddit

I push myself through because I like how it feels AFTER I've exercised (especially in the cold when you can jump into a nice hot shower after) so for me it's worth the 30 minutes of so running. Having a bit of healthy competition with friends/family helps as well. We set ourselves monthly challenges so it's good for encouraging eachother to get some exercise in.

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UpThem@reddit

Start small with something you can realistically do regularly. Sticking to a daily walk will have more benefit long term than intermittently killing yourself with an unsustainable exercise regime you know deep down you won't stick to. Once you're sticking to a daily walk (wrapping up, listening to podcasts, whatever gets you out the door) then gradually introduce a bit more activity. I work from home and do short bursts of steps/dumb bells/bodyweight exercises through the day when I'm feeling motivated, but it started with a daily walk.

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testperson00@reddit

I play Pikmin Bloom(Pikmin version of Pokemon Go), and I need to go outside to complete missions so that’s how I motivate and force myself to jog.

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davedontmind@reddit

I find generic exercise like running/walking/football/gym to be completely un-interesting, but I always enjoy a bit of VR gaming. So, if you enjoy games, get something like a [Quest 3](https://www.google.com/search?q=quest+3&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwinlo7irfWCAxV2RmwGHdSxAqgQ2-cCegQIABAA) - there are some great active games you can play on those things. Half an hour in Beat Saber has me knackered.

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Lloytron@reddit

Find an activity that you like. I hate running as it's own exercise so I found something I enjoyed, or actively hated less. Swimming is great but classes at gym can be a lot of fun. Do it in a group. Other people can motivate you. But most importantly, do it as part of your weekly routine.. Whatever it is, whether it's simoly going for a walk, make it a habit. This is what will help get you out of the house and on the road to getting in shape.

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Strict-Candidate-144@reddit

Don’t rely on motivation, this will always come and go. Rely on discipline: the same thing that makes you brush your teeth twice a day, make your bed in the morning, take a shower. Once you accept exercise as part of your daily routine, as part of your daily “body hygiene” I promise you that there will be positive change in your attitude to working out 😊

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Rtypeo@reddit

Look in the mirror

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Emergency_Cookie_318@reddit

My job is my exercise, so if I don't exercise, I'll die of hunger.

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azkeel-smart@reddit

I do short bursts of exercise many times a day. On an average day, I will do 100+ push-ups, 30+ chin ups, few minutes of the skipping rope, some burpies, some planks, etc. It's easier to motivate yourself to do 15 x 2 min exercises than one 30 min exercise.

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MungoJerrysBeard@reddit

I incorporated into my daily routine. I have to make sure my kid is on the school bus at 0715. After that I’m straight to the gym. And I’ve got into podcasts too, which helps the minutes go by. I also don’t work out, work out - I do light walking and lift weights for 5 minutes each day. So less to dread than when I was running 10km each day. All good

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amarilo567@reddit

Just say to meself loudly, "come on don't be a b*tch"

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Dejay1788@reddit

You have to find something you enjoy and for me, have a goal. I got into cycling 6 years ago and my fitness has come on leaps and bounds. I really enjoy it, I like the freedom and exploring new places I wouldn’t travel to via car. In winter it’s trickier but end up cycling indoors with the apps and indoor trainer. I keep motivated by having a goal, such as cycling up a mountain faster next time I’m abroad or racing next season.

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SCB360@reddit

I'll share a tip from Arnold Schwartzengger that I've shared a few times now and it will always be relevant to me “It’s not about motivation, that is important of course but more important is routine, get into that routine, the goal is just to get into the gym, that’s the win, everything else after that is just a bonus” - Arnold Schwarzenegger

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internet_observer@reddit

Find exercise that is fun, bonus points if it's fun and social. The social aspect especially can be helpful for motivation. Having something that is fun and social makes working out something I look forward to. For me it's circus and dance classes.

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ra246@reddit

I don't know, it just.. has to be done. I want to be here a while so I need to keep active

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TheDarkySupreme@reddit

I was told this once that changed my mentality towards it: Motivation is temporary, discipline is for life Motivation can come and go easily but if you hold yourself to a stander you’ll have a harder time quitting

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downlau@reddit

Walking isn't the most hardcore of exercises, but I use Stepbet to get me out of the house most days because apparently I won't do it unless it will literally cost me money not to. You can of course make it more challenging by running or walking up a massive hill.

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New-Construction-103@reddit

90% of the effort is going there.

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monitorsareprison@reddit

You need to develop discipline; motivation won't always be there.

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DisgruntledSheep@reddit

This

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Godoncanvas@reddit

Get a Dog.

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Killgore_Salmon@reddit

Make it part of my routine. Dress in fitness kit, pushed my work start time back a little bit, and either run or go to gym after dropping the off. Live walking distance to kid drop off, a park, and a gym, so gym kit on before we leave is the key.

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VardaElentari86@reddit

I have a few 'indoor' things for when the weather is rubbish - I do yoga and have a small set of weights. It might not be loads but it does help when I really don't want to go out.

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Neoliberal_Nightmare@reddit

I pay for gym membership and I'm tight as fuck so I want my moneys worth. And the more often I go, the better value the payment becomes.

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ComadoreJackSparrow@reddit

You don't need motivation. You need discipline and resilience. Motivation isn't going to get you out of bed when it's dark, cold, and raining. You build discipline and resilience by having a plan with goals and sticking to said plan so you can achieve your goals.

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Forteanforever@reddit

Have a friend drive you a few miles from home and drop you off without any money or a cell phone.

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anm767@reddit

Stand on scale.

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BuxeyJones@reddit

Tell myself I’m a fucking loser if I do not go

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willtab@reddit

Disipline over motivation. Its the expression of self love

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PotentialBat132@reddit

Because I cant face the fact the next man on the street will be stronger than me if I don't train my hardest everyday.

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Plastic-Suggestion95@reddit

After certain point it's just discipline and not motivation

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rjp4444@reddit

You have to brainwash urself into thinking you NEED to go to the gym/exercise at home. Like you NEED to go to work otherwise you have no income. Can’t get in shape if you don’t work out

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PortsyBoy@reddit

Gym bud?

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Pale_Height_1251@reddit

Make it more about discipline than motivation. You don't have to motivate yourself to get out there, you just have to get out there. And think how good you'll feel when you're done.

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edhitchon1993@reddit

I live 10 miles from the office and don't have a car. But seriously, I don't have a car because I love riding my bike, find something you want to do, build a routine around that. It's okay to give yourself a bit of slack on horrid days, my bike is electric but most days I ride with minimal assistance because I want the exercise, but when the wind's against you and it's slaking it down I turn the power up and get myself home - I've still done some exercise, but not to the extent that I feel miserable about existence.

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Southern-Minimum-499@reddit

Watch Jennifer Lopez music videos

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elmo_touches_me@reddit

I got motivated by finding exercise that I really enjoy doing, in my case it's playing football I play at least twice/week, often 3-4x when my joints and muscles allow for it. I'm not very good, but I play with a few different groups of friends and colleagues, and it's just very fun. I look forward to it, feel down when I can't play, and it's even motivating me to try to improve my cardio fitness so I'll be less bad at it. I hope you can find something similar

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Thatresolves@reddit

First of all you fuck motivation off, and you just believe in discipline. You just go and do it, and you keep going and doing it. Motivation is honestly the worst thing for you, it’s incredibly fleeting like you’ll spam whatever you’re doing for like a week and burn out, just do it, keep doing it, and no matter what, just do it. If you’re heavy or fresh to it, running in the snow is kinda perfect anyway, you won’t feel as hot, your lungs are gunna hurt but a week or two in you’ll get past it Motivation and discipline may be similar things but reframing it to yourself, can make you think about things differently.

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Stuzzixooxoo@reddit

Consider your alternative to be a shorter life with health and mobility problems

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bertiethebastard@reddit

If I can't see my junk without needing a mirror, then I need to exercise

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broke_the_controller@reddit

>...I just can't find the motivation to exercise I'll share what has worked for me in the past because it might help you. I found it useful to reframe what I was trying to do. For example, if I was going to the gym, my goal was to get to the gym, not even train. I could go to the gym, walk in, turn around, walk back out and I would consider it a success. However, what usually happened was that once I was there, I just ended up training. Similarly if I wanted to go for a run or a bike ride. My only goal was to put on all the kit and walk out of my front door and get to the end of the road. Once I got there, I could turn around, go home and consider it a success. However, what usually happened is that once I was at the end of the road, I'd just end up carrying on.

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art3f4ct5@reddit

This is going to be grim but I’m quite severely depressed and exercise is one of the few things that helps me keep it sort of under control, so I motivate myself by, like, not wanting to die lol

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levelhigher@reddit

You may find this post useful : https://levelhigher.club/how-to-find-motivation-to-train-during-winter-a-useful-step-by-step-guide/

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raga220@reddit

I have strong belief that workout can improve my physique. I go to gym, find a program I believe and follow it. Sometimes you just need to show up. Have a personal trainer can help too. Online coaching may more affordable if have a budget concern.

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Milky_Finger@reddit

You have got to be vain. It needs to drive your discipline to stick to a good diet and gym. It's not enough to be healthy, it needs to have proven benefits to others perception of you, so you are validated as a valuable person worthy of being loved.

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BreakfastSquare9703@reddit

Motivation, willpower, anything like that will run out eventually and become exhausting. You need to kind of make it mindless. You find the exercise that works for you and once you've decided to do it, you simply do it. Remove all thought and questioning from the equation. As soon as you do that you're able to argue against it. Keep it very simple. Of course in this weather home exercises are a good idea. Bodyweight exercises in your bedroom (even in bed) are some of the easiest ways to start.

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bananaman-_@reddit

Being fit is so good for so many things in life. Sure it sucks when you are doing it but life will be so much better when you achieve it.

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Sszaj@reddit

Do you have a type of excercise you enjoy?

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Ok-fine-man@reddit (OP)

No. I generally just run or do weights in my home gym.

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InJaaaammmmm@reddit

Do the exercises/stretching to stop tendonitis and play football again. Don't waste your life doing exercise you don't enjoy.

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Sszaj@reddit

Home gym I found was the easiest to skip, no commitment, no sunken cost to worry about, no social aspect to make it better. Do you follow a program or set lifts that you are progressing? I found doing a 3 or 4 day split and tracking my lifts helped keep me interested ie number of reps and weight and look to increase every week or two, or look for a program that aids you in other areas - flexibility, core strength etc. Is there a certain excercise/ calisthenic type movement you want to learn?

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kbm79@reddit

>Home gym I found was the easiest to skip, no commitment, no sunken cost to worry about, no social aspect to make it better. Funny, im the opposite. Home gym is right there, done and dusted in 30mins. No social aspect to make it worse!

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Sszaj@reddit

I know plenty of people who are the same as you with their home gym, but as an ex obese person, having someone to meet at the gym to workout with and spot each other, and knowing it costs me £30 a month so I need to use it, helped me lose a lot of weight

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heretek10010@reddit

Yeah strangely I found the same and I'm a big gym rat, I found I just did bare minimum at home rather than passing a machine or free weight and just shoving an extra exercise because I saw someone do triceps and I've been neglecting them etc.

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That_Organization901@reddit

I joined a rugby team in my late 30’s that was based on values I personally hold such as inclusiveness and kindness. It’s a great motivator to meet up with people who care about you and actually support each other. If you find an exercise you like then just look for people you like that do it and then it becomes less of a chore. I’m never going to be seen in a gym and I can’t pay attention to running but I’ll chase around after a ball all day long.

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whataledge@reddit

I book classes that have a cancellation policy.

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kone29@reddit

I use ClassPass and any cancellation after 12 hours in advance is a charge of around £15 and you lose the credits you bought to pay for the class

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07arigjac@reddit

This is my way

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rocketdog67@reddit

I’ve had this problem for 20 years

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punekar_2018@reddit

New to the UK and I motivate myself because I then can enjoy chocolate, crisps, biscuits, tarts, cakes, and other delicious bakery that is on offer here There hasn’t been a day in the last six months when i have NOT eaten one of the above and I am type II! Gotta run that sugar off.

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Inside-Judgment6233@reddit

Walking/running to music is the one

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mattt5555@reddit

Motivation is a little bit of it, but discipline is what keeps me going.

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SafetyKooky7837@reddit

10k steps a day. Absolute game changer.

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surfxmoto@reddit

You dont motivate yourself. Motivation comes and goes. Create a habit of exercising.

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SlightlyCriminal@reddit

The sooner you realise that the key to staying consistent with exercise is discipline and not motivation the better. If you really want it that bad then stop making excuses and get to work. It doesn’t need to be that difficult of a process. Start off nice and slow, couple times a week on the same days slowly building discipline, routine and build from there.

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thepomdomguy@reddit

You just do it and stop being theoretical. The 5 minutes pondering could have been a decent workout for a beginner.

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trixoftheforest@reddit

For me, I struggle a lot, I think to begin with, forcing yourself just to go for a walk and then gradually upping how much you walk. 30 minutes is a healthy amount of time to try and walk everyday. Can only go up from there.

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Ok_Committee_7967@reddit

This is probably different to what everyone’s saying, but if you really did not want to go and exercise then I wouldn’t force yourself. Yes it’s great to be healthy but sometimes life’s just too short to be causing yourself misery with things you don’t enjoy and have to force yourself to do. I’m going to the gym 3/4 times a week and I hate it, I don’t feel better after, it’s not for me but I also want to muscle up so I have to. Honest, I can’t get my head around people enjoying exercise in any shape or form 😂

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shaneo632@reddit

I just make myself do it while watching a movie or TV show - using my exercise bike or treadmill. It makes the time pass easily.

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Nathlufc@reddit

I go swimming in the evening(8:30-9:30pm), then go in the sauna for 20 mins after it. I enjoy the swim and seeing friends & chatting, it helps on these darks nights.

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Pinkanchorinpoobay@reddit

Motivation comes and goes. When you’re not motivated you have to use discipline.

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creedz286@reddit

honestly you just need to enjoy it. If you don't know what you enjoy, just try different things and stick with it for a good amount of time. If you find you don't enjoy it even after a while, trying something else. I used to hate running but now I love it because I stuck with it became okay at it. I've been lifting weights for almost 8 years and the only reason I've been consistent for so long is because I enjoy it.

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vampyrain@reddit

Any movement counts. Including listening to your favourite albums and ~~performing rituals~~ dancing

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tallcatman@reddit

If I stop now, I'll be like everyone else.

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Verteenoo@reddit

Get yourself some good windbreaker jackets (cycling jackets csn work for running), and a pair of winter/wind-proof tights. It's a world of difference when you have good clothes. Sometimes you just need to go out and exercise. I've thoroughly enjoyed running this winter and it's been minus degrees (c).

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ButWhichPandaAreYou@reddit

Make a nice cup of tea and have a nap

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Wads125@reddit

I go to a gym with sauna/steam rooms. I love ending on them and so it incentivises me

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therapoootic@reddit

I don’t. I absolutely fucking hate gyms and excercising

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HotSpotPleaseItch@reddit

I just keep telling myself that I’ll do it tomorrow. Works every time and I start every morning stating that I will do it tomorrow. I’ve never felt so good.

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PinkSudoku13@reddit

I only do exercise I enjoy so it's really easy to stick to it. I don't like going to the gym so forcing myself would be a huge chore and I'd never stick to it. Instead, I have dance classes that I attend a few times a week and look forward to them and I am excited to go. I go swimming after which I love and am looking forward to. If you enjoy it, it'll be easy to stick to it. If you don't like it, well, you'll hate it. Too many people focus on just the gym when there are so many options out there.

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lyta_hall@reddit

I hired a PT and started a schedule. I keep the schedule, no matter what. If I don’t feel like it it doesn’t matter – it’s gym day. By the time I’m there and I’ve done a couple exercises I’m motivated enough. That’s what’s helped me the most!

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hershko@reddit

If you are like most people, you do not, and will not, enjoy exercise. And that's OK. You don't have to like it, you just need to do it. Meaning - you need to switch your thinking. It's not about motivation. You'll never be motivated to do something that's, at its core, unpleasant. Instead, realize it's about discipline and building a habit. I go to the gym 3 times a week, always on the same days. I do it no matter what. No matter what happens at work, or in my personal life. No matter the weather. And yes, even when I'm on vacation. The gym is nonnegotiable. Force yourself to do this for a while, and the habit will get strong enough to carry you through the snow.

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Ok-Morning-6911@reddit

I book classes. If it's booked and paid for I'm less likely to miss it because of bad weather / laziness etc. Once I'm there at the gym I do the class and then I might as well do a bit more on my own afterwards.

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Cutterbuck@reddit

Really, find what kind of exercise you hate the least and then make it easy to start. I can't emphasise enough how better a gym membership is when you have a 5 minute drive and easy parking. A one and a half hour window of time can give you 20 minutes of solid cardio on a treadmill and a 45 minutes of weights. If you can force yourself to do that three times a week for two months you will see and feel major results and the rest becomes easy, because its become a habit. Milk all those free gym induction sessions as much as you can, do the learn to deadlift, do the learn to squat, do the learn to use the machines, get the "we build you a program" thing, (you can ditch the program, but its basically 30 mins of a person showing you some good things) I just can't emphasise this enough. Find a way to make the process of getting to the exercise easy and the rest is easy. (and dont set stupid unrealistic goals of getting up at 6 am every morning, its not going to happen. hitting the gym on monday night, weds night and saturday morning are doable - what the hell else are you going to do on those days at those times but sit on your arse browsing reddit and eating pringles) Plan meals accordingly. I do a nice filled pasta every monday night after the gym, weds I have a post gym veggie sausage sarnie with lovely friend onions, saturday , i get up around 8:30 have a nice stack of protein pancakes with zero sugar maple syrup, hit the gym and reward myself with a light fried breakfast for a late brunch (2 x veggie sausages, half a tin of baked beans, some fried mushrooms and maybe an egg or two).

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Loose-Highlight2169@reddit

Start. Small.

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Ok-Train5382@reddit

Habit. I drag myself to the gym at least twice a week even when my motivation is low. My gf loves to gym which helps too as she sometimes forces me

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BastardsCryinInnit@reddit

It's not motivation, it's discipline. And I totally get it, it's crap this time of year. I just tell myself to fucking get on with it. I've hated working out the past two weeks especially. I genuinely sit there in the morning and say to myself "just fucking do it, and it'll all be over in 45 minutes you lazy sod".

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Indigo-Waterfall@reddit

I pay for a personal trainer so someone’s expecting me to be somewhere.

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miju-irl@reddit

On the days thar you absolutely do not want to exercise make sure you do. After that every other day is easy

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jazzongaku@reddit

I hate “exercising” in a gym sort of way, then I realised dancing is the best for me to exercise. So I take dance classes and never feel the need to go to back to the gym.

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AntToeKnee91@reddit

It’s about overcoming that initial mental block. It can be so easy to talk yourself out of exercise , especially when you’ve not done exercise in ages, it really can be so hard to form a routine and dive back into it something to lose weight I recommend just starting slow, ease back so it’s not overwhelming as you’ll be more likely to pack it in quickly. If it’s weights, just start with a 10 minute workout few times a week with manageable weights and build from there. If it’s running, just start with round the block and increase the distance gradually. Find something you enjoy or even used to do. For me that’s 5-a-side football and running, it becomes much more enjoyable and feels less of a chore

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Delphinastella37@reddit

If I were you, start ‘small’ by just incorporating walks during the day. Walking doesn’t require you to change into special gear, all you need is a good pair of shoes, something waterproof and a good spirit. If you like any podcast/ radio/ audiobook then it’s a good time to go down your bucket list on those and walk whilst listening to them. If you haven’t been exercising much lately, chances are it will be harder for you to kick start it rather than just simply leave the couch and go out there and walk. Once you get into the routine, walk faster and perhaps incorporate other exercises. There are some where you dont have to leave the house and online like boxing, core exercises, yoga etc so plenty of options. Personally for me the first step is getting into the habit before anything else.

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Scottishacc@reddit

Recently done myself a bad injury (shoulder dislocation) and being someone who's usually exercising most days I had to find a way off getting some in while not being able to do my normal - gym, footy, running which all sadly still hurt ! Got an indoor bike trainer and I'm honestly hooked. Get a good trainer, download zwift and get cycling !

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moffxx@reddit

Honestly, and I know it sucks, get up early. It’s the easiest part of your day to sacrifice, cause what else would you be doing ? If you normally get up at 7, get up at 5, that’s plenty time for travel an hour or 90 min workout and a shower. Then you’re done and dusted before you’ve even started your day

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TeaSlurpingBrit@reddit

Try not to think about it too hard and just get out there.

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No_Layer_4399@reddit

I do 15 mins on the step machine and then put a podcast on and do the rower and the time passes much faster. Also keeping on top of my b12 and vitamin d helps loads. Anyone want to recommend a good podcast? I’m listening to Diary of a CEO atm

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Over_Channel_1167@reddit

Have David goggins blaring in your ear calling your a b*tcg

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BibbleBeans@reddit

I look at how fat and sedentary my sister and mother are and go “ewww no thanks” Walk a lot too.

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badger906@reddit

I love cycling. So I just cycle. Find an exercise you love. It shouldn’t be a chore.

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Over_Channel_1167@reddit

You need a goal

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falcon601@reddit

Spend so much on a gym membership that you simply won’t forgive yourself if you don’t use it. Spend like 500 on new gym stuff etc

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Some-Background6188@reddit

Start small think big. Do some pushups a little lap round the block take it from there.

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Regular_Rutabaga4789@reddit

Look at a picture of an average American, that’ll get you jogging.

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chronically-iconic@reddit

The sheer fear that I will gain weight and lose muscle and therefore people won't take me seriously, no one will want to be around me, and my whole life will implode if im even slightly chubby. But that's just because I have an eating disorder. My motivation is mental illness 🤣

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Padfoots_@reddit

I walk dogs for a living and that's enough motivation for me 😅

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jonathing@reddit

I struggle to make myself exercise but I can make myself train. Whether I'm training for a competition or race, or to loose a kilo or two, whether I'm just training to maintain my fitness. I have to have something that I'm aiming for, an end to justify the effort.

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BackgroundLeading986@reddit

You either like it or not. If you don't like it, don't bother, just stay out of form, sit on a couch watching netflix with doritos and dip sauce. Sounds like a fantastic life. For me the biggest hassle was the fact of wasting time to get to gym. So I have gym in my garage. If you have no space then buy yourself kettlebell and start training with it at home. bear in mind a lot of the exercises are ballistic, so make sure you won't hit anybody with it. Another good exercise, and most natural for people is walking. just walk an hour a day, every day. And diet. Skip sweets, takeaways, packed snacks, pizzas etc, eat 3 meals a day, healthy and rich in proteins. Eat with 8 hours eating window, for example breakfast at 11am, lunch at 3pm, dinner at 7pm.

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Good_Instance_9498@reddit

Don’t want to die of a heart attack or lose my mobility in old age. If I’m feeling lazy I’ll stick on a 20min YouTube dumbbell workout for at home. Something is better than nothing.

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Forever_a_Kumquat@reddit

Stop making excuses and just do it. That's how I motivate myself. Did 2 hours indoor cycling on zwift today even though I didn't want to.

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theTickledPickIe@reddit

Worst advice here. Truest but worst advice for someone trying to form a habit in the first place. It's like telling someone training for a marathon to just run 26 miles. Might be true for 1% of people but for everyone else it's just noise.

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Wrong_Stonk@reddit

I just drag myself over the start line motivation-less

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Henry_Flickmann@reddit

Literally just do some sport Stay active And impress the girl you like

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TravisInLondon@reddit

I don't motivate myself. I make myself do it no matter how much I don't want to.

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yarnyplanter@reddit

Start really small and work your way up. Do 10 minutes of something active, and try to do another 10 the next day. If you get to the end and feel like you could do more, add another 5. You really need to get into a routine to keep it up (because the more you do it the better you'll feel, so the more you'll want to it...and on and on) - but getting into that routine is the hardest part. The small, very achievable goals are what helped me a lot.

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MysteriousTelephone@reddit

Motivation comes and goes, discipline is where it’s at.

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UberiorShanDoge@reddit

Pick one exercise and do it for 1 minute on the first day. If it’s 1 push-up that’s fine, but just don’t do zero. That’s the key. Once you start exercising it’s easier to keep doing it, and set goals/plan a routine. Just never zero.

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LondonLeather@reddit

What I listen to in the gym makes a difference I do Monday's work out to Elaine Page on Sunday and the rest of the week Zoe Ball but Spotify has a rock workout for when they get too much

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Kaioxygen@reddit

Do it or be a fat fuck. Your choice.

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AndyWatt83@reddit

I'm in a competition with two other friends whereby we get our VO2max tested every 6 months, and kudos goes to the most improved, and a healthy level of banter / bullying for last place. I find the competitiveness very motivating.

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brightonbloke@reddit

Lately I've been motivating myself with the fear of becoming weak as I get older. I've never felt weak and never really bothered to work out consistently, but Ive always been in ok shape. Now I'm in my 40s and feeling below par, like things are getting harder, so I'm working out more to make sure I stay strong and can be useful for my family as I get older. My motivation is to be able to play rough and tumble with the grandkids that don't exist yet.

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LionLucy@reddit

I work from home. To separate my working day from the evening, and to get moving, I do workout videos from YouTube, about half an hour a day. I put it on the TV and basically dance around the living room. I like "Grow with Jo" - fun, great music, doesn't need too much coordination but really gets your heart going. "The Body Project" is good too, but a bit too much talking for me.

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elissapool@reddit

Get a secondhand treadmill off Facebook marketplace for 50 quid and stick it in the living room right in the way of everything. Do ten min fast walks on it three times a day while listening to music

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Extension_Waltz2805@reddit

Tbh by liking it. I’m just wired to really enjoy it, luckily.

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King0llie@reddit

Motivation is the wrong word, I am not motivated . Dedicated is the correct word

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fruityfart@reddit

Feeling guilty when you are not doing it.

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tinyarmyoverlord@reddit

I joined my leisure centre and you can use their app to book on to classes. If you miss a class you get an angry email. You can’t unbook less than an hour before else you incur the angry email. So I book on the 6:45 am spin class a week in advance. The fear of the email gets me to go. (Nothing really happens after the email) So I am willing to email you a strongly worded message about skipping your exercise if you would like.

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FudgingEgo@reddit

Motivation? Whats that… you just do it even if you hate it.

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RandomBritPerson@reddit

Find something you enjoy. Set a goal. It's discipline, not motivation.

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NewBodWhoThis@reddit

"I deserve this. I deserve 30min for myself and to feel good afterwards. This time is gonna pass whether I use it to feel good or to slouch on the sofa playing Gardenscapes."

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R0BIN_BANKS@reddit

Routine is key. That way, you don't even think about it - it becomes part of your day. I run on my lunch - it helps I work from home most of the time, but I have ran when in the office too. 30 minutes running at lunch, 5 days a week, is all you need to remain relatively fit. Good luck.

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MJLDat@reddit

I have joined an active running club. Only way I will get out in this cold.

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Flyone51fiveone@reddit

https://youtu.be/4Ux8A2yM7E0?feature=shared

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ATSOAS87@reddit

I like to bake and eat junk. I don't want to be fat

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Federal-Condition964@reddit

I almost died this year, it changed my priorities

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zackjbryson@reddit

I just wake up. Drag myself to the gym and dress up as warmly as possible. I say to myself, just get yourself there and try to enjoy it. It's only an hour. Then look forward to my cup of tea when I come back home.

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F1nut92@reddit

I have a decent indoor exercise bike, I often cycle for 30-60 mins while either listening to music (which I quite like, as I tend to use the tempo of the music to try and increase/decrease my speed), watching TV, playing on my Switch, anything that can pass the time if you're not a huge fan of the activity. I would like to add that I struggle hugely with motivation to even do the above, can often be weeks between actually feeling in a good headspace to jump on it. Late last year I was in a really good space, probably down to my lowest weight in years, but then I got covid and struggled to find the form I had before it.

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AnExcitingSentence@reddit

I’m naturally introverted and have a 24-hour gym that’s a reasonable walking distance from where I live, so I like to go late at night. It’s a great way for me to leave my home without having to talk to anyone!

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Cat-guy64@reddit

Park your car further away from your destination (if you even drive at all). That way you'll get some extra exercise without even meaning to

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SteviesShoes@reddit

Normally when watching tv, walking down the street or while browsing social media I see a fat person saying some nonsense. This alone motivates me enough to have some self respect and do some exercise and eat relatively healthy.

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OmsFar@reddit

Find a time of day that works best for you, when you have a little bit of time and have energy. Next, start out short, like really really short. Just do literally 30 seconds of weights, say some bicep curls and nothing more. Congrats you’ve done your workout for the day. Carry that on for a few weeks and come back to tell us what happened!

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Particular-Echo347@reddit

I wake up and going to the gym is the most important thing. I also know I don't want a fat, hideous body. That's a huge motivator.

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moon-bouquet@reddit

I found the 5BX/Xbx exercises good: Canadian airforce programme which starts off easy so that you build up a habit and incorporate it into you routine. You increase intensity gradually. Other than clothes it takes no kit, no money and can be done in front of the telly.

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TheNotSpecialOne@reddit

Stick to a schedule and soon enough you'll actually want to go the gym. I have my 4 days a week so in stone and I always go to gym on those 4 days, it's just part of my life now, like going to work 5 days a week

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RatArsedGarbageDog@reddit

I do not.

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bg2meister@reddit

I can only be motivated when I have a motivated gym buddy.

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Perfect_Jacket_9232@reddit

I schedule exercise like I would any other appointment so it just becomes part of my day. It also helps to find exercise that’s sociable and you enjoy. I climb and parkrun with friends and it forms a big part of my social life. Also, gym classes - I get fined if I don’t turn up so that means they’re pretty committing?

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falafel_waffles_@reddit

Easy to do, easy not to do. I'm always chasing the feeling after exercising.

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WRA1THLORD@reddit

I look at pictures of myself I really don't like, and I think about someone I know who had a heart attack and died when they were about my age (44). That gets me off my ass when I'm struggling to get up for boxing at 6am

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Foxmourne@reddit

Try and explore different sports. You'd forget about the cold and rain when you're in the middle of a match of something.

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Suspicious_Tap_1919@reddit

Find something you enjoy.

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Bobtknob@reddit

Find someone to do it with, who can motivate you and make you accountable It’s easy to sack it off if no one else knows you were going to do it, it’s much harder if you have to tell someone

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Ok-fine-man@reddit (OP)

Yeah, that actually used to work pretty well for me. I used to screenshot my runs on Strava to a pal after ever run.

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datasciencepro@reddit

Fatphobia

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