Remembering a time when you missed out because you felt FAT.

by maureen
(England)

Well not too long ago I refused to go to a party, BECAUSE I felt fat (obviously I gave another reason lol).

I know it seems terribly irrational to do that, but I just couldn't face going out and seeing all those people,when I would have been focussing all night on whether people thought I looked a bit "plump" or not.

So that was it for me!!! Never again I told myself, would I miss out.

Whenever I feel lazy or sluggish, I just remember how I felt when I turned down that invite. I was so upset. I thought "if only I had not been so lazy and greedy these last few months,I could have gone and enjoyed myself".

I asked myself "is pigging out in front of the telly really that important that you're willing to give up on feeling good about yourself?".

Really if you think about the pro's and con's of both, sitting on the couch all day,and exercising, its really a no brainer.

I always have that picture now in my head,of that night,sitting at home feeling sorry for myself.

NEVER AGAIN...I will burn this fat!!!

Pride

by Loz

I exercise every day of the week, with a week to let my body recover every 8th week. And I'm proud of that effort.

It's a lot more than what any of my friends and colleagues do and that gives me a major ego boost.

It also means that when we go and do something active (even just kicking a ball around at the park) everyone has to keep up with ME rather than having me huffing along a mile behind like I did in my teens.

A Pair Of Kids Full of ENERGY!

by Ingrid
(Imperial CA)

One of the things that makes me want to seek out exercise are my two kids. I want to be a Healthy, Active, and in Great Shape Mom who is capable to play, jump or run with her kids at all times.

Both Lucy and Xavier are my motivation.

It is amazing to see how much energy they both have that I don't think in the near future they will know what the word tired is.

I'm happy because that indicates they are very healthy.

I want to be able to cherish them to the fullest and have experiences such as hiking a mountain with them or race them on sand, which is very tiring.

One of my strategies that I began is placing their picture in front of me when running and exercising. By seeing it I can picture myself doing all these fun activities that require myself to have a good condition and be healthy.

Exercising is not as hard as I thought when you have a vision! I can DO IT!

Summer

Summer when it comes to going to the beach, I want to have a healthy toned body!

Scared factor

by Jeannette Cleek
(California)

What makes me exercise or rather watch what I eat is definately, being scared of dying soon of something that could easily be prevented.

I try to eat less fatty foods and keep off the couch. Also my image and self-esteem are a motivator of course.

Good Classes

by Judy
(Australia)

Group fitness + tough yet patient instructor + a little competition + loud music =happy exercising.

(Note from Cindy...The above submission is short and sweet but says alot, thanks alot Judy! Find yourself a great group fitness class, doing whatever you like, from aerobics to spinning to dance to whatever! and jump in. The company and the fun will keep you motivated to keep on keeping on.)

WALK THE DOG!

by Jo Anne Kikel
(denver colorado)

When I walk, my mind is engrossed with the smells around me, the sights and sounds. I live in the city so when I spot a bird or hear them singing amidst the city noises, I feel like I have uncovered a treasure. Plus my dog is very happy and very relaxed afterwards!

Comment from Cindy

...Thanks Jo Anne! Excellent submission.

Exercise doesn't have to be sweating it out in the gym.

Just take the time on a regular basis for enjoyable activities that get your heart rate up. Its great for your mind and body (your dog's too!).

Sports I Love

You think about a sport you would really love to do and for me that's surfing.

I love to surf, but being over-weight is a problem. So to be able to surf, I must lose weight.

So my motivation to exercise is surfing.

Feeling independent

by Ruanna
(So Cali)

When I'm feeling too let down by others, too preoccupied with "why doesn't he call?" or "why won't she listen?" I find that exercise helps me to feel more centered, less dependent on others doing what I want, and more aware of the truth that I have a great deal to say about my own destiny and life.

It makes me feel stronger, calmer, and more positive.

What works for me.

Put the exercise between you and the TV. Don't allow yourself to even turn the thing ON until you've done your workout.

Get a GYMBOSS. Let it be like your loud, annoying coach. Set it for :30 followed by 1:30 cycle. Do your set in :30, then rest, repeat until done.

Don't focus on your plan, just use as a guideline, and document it so you can see how much you can accomplish.

If you're feeling too lazy to lift, then go jogging. If you don't feel like jogging, lift. But choose ONE. Framing it as a choice between alternatives ensures you'll at least DO something.

It's ALL ME

by Athena
(California)

I know that I only have myself to blame for the way my body looks.

My body is something that I can change and is achievable.

It's not like trying to be taller or change something that is impossible for me to do on my own.

But losing weight and looking fit is all on me. I can either get off my butt and go to the gym, go jog outside, etc. or I can sit on my butt, do nothing and lose nothing.

If I want that body for a bikini it's in my hands to make it happen.

Just knowing that is all up to me and I can make the changes with continued persistence, makes me get up and work-out.

Myself

by Drea
(Edgewater New Jersey)

The power levels I feel in my body after running twelve laps.

The mind strength I experience when I want to quit but my brain says move on, move on, move on.

The sound of my feet hitting the ground, knowing I am burning off an extra pound.

Money

by David Jefferson
(Imperial Valley College)

I plan to be a professional basketball player one day so I have to be in good shape.

Even when I dont want to, I have to exercise so I can compete at a higher level.

If I want someone to pay me to play I have to be good. I can't be good if I'm out of shape.

My Wedding!

by Casey
(Longmont, Colorado, USA)

I just started my diet, and the thing that is keeping me going more than anything else, is thinking of how nice I want to look in my wedding dress, and how sexy I want to feel on my honeymoon!

Morning energy burst

by Sanndy

When I wake up in the morning the first thing I do is get on my treadmill and that gives me a HUGE energy burst to my metabolism. Plus for me it's easier to workout in the morning then to keep holding it off till later in the afternoon.

Small Steps

by Brett
(New Zealand)

I swim 2km, 5 or 6 times a week.

There are many days when I don't want to hit the pool, it's such a solo passtime and can bore me to death.

On those days I get in the car saying I'll just get in the pool.

I get in the pool saying a few laps will do.

10 laps later I realise I can do another 10. I take a short breather and do 10 more.

80 laps end up going by in no time, and I am so pumped in the chest, shoulders and arms.

Afterwards, I am determined to come back the next day.

I am overweight, but getting slimmer.My posture is better, my back pain is reduced, and I'm starting to find my mojo!

Body Motivation Workshop

by Wilson W
(Phoenix, AZ, USA)

I've learned, through the Body Motivation Workshop, that "motivation follows the action." In other words, you have to start doing it in order to get motivated.

It's pretty rare that external motivation works... but when you take just 10 seconds and "start" doing it, no matter what it is, you start getting motivated, and you continue doing it.

Not only does this work with getting in shape, it works with any type of goals and dreams... it's changed my whole outlook on accomplishment... and "it works."

You go girl!

by Jessie Goodies
(Yes)

I just love that you took off time in your busy, busy schedule to make this lovely site for us soccer moms.

Habit

by Laura
(California, USA)

I have to begin making it a habit as I've made eating those things I shouldn't a habit.

Once I got started exercising, it became easier for me to get up and do it, AND it becomes a chain reaction....as I continue exercising, eating the wrong foods is not as appetizing as it used to be.

Sleeping the right amount of hours becomes more important (because I got up at 5:10am), and I dropped the diet soda and chose water all the time.

It all becomes more appealing to continue exercising. As all of these work together, they compile a power of energy in the mind to motivate me to say keep at it, you've changed some major bad habits, you can make it a lifestyle!

Visualize the future!

by Lauren
(US)

If you're like me and you've been on and off diets more than once in your life, then you know what it was like when you were successful.

What keeps me motivated is reminiscing of the healthiest point in my life--what I looked like and how I felt, and how my clothes made me look--and I try to make that my goal.

Every time I step onto the treadmill or in front of the fridge, I picture myself in my thinner days and find an new sense of motivation. Having to wear a bridesmaid dress in 3 months also helps!

Reality

by Ann
(Wyoming)

Having no health insurance and knowing that every time I do need medical treatment I am required to pay cash for it or be refused treatment.

Psychical feelings and mood and condition

by Ludiek
(Sumperk, Czech Republic)

A good exercise workout always makes me feel better - less worries, more happiness, a push of positive energy and more oxygen for my brain!

Trying is not an option

by david ballard
(fitness training center, hemet ca.)

The one thing I'd hate to face is the possibility of not being able to do something.

At forty I started BMX racing in order to motivate my children to do the best that they could.

To show them how to get up when things knock you down and have an elbow get scraped.

Mom would often settle for them trying and I taught them doing..... doing the best you can and let the chips fall as they will.

I'm now fifty and had a car accident which if left to doctors definition of functional I'd still be having problems zipping up my pants each morning.

Limitations are set for those who don't truly want to fully participate... don't judge your performance just enjoy doing the best that you can.

Kevin and my children

by Beverly
(TN)

To continue to get healthy and be toned. To have more confidence, and a more positive outlook.

When I look in the mirror I do not like what I see, so I want to work to change that. I know there is great potential within me, I just have to find it. There is so much life to live and I want to live it healthy and fit.

Complex

by Robert

I think I am too thin according to my height and age.

So when I see people having better physique than mine I feel embarrassed.

That makes me add gym to my everyday routine.

I don't know if it is a positive motivation or not.

Compliments

When someone gives me a compliment on how good I look. That makes me realize that my hard work does pay off. If I want to keep getting compliments, I need to keep working out.

Preparing for a Trip!

(Buffalo, NY)

My motivation to exercise: my upcoming camping trip with my husband!

I know we'll be very active during our trip, so I want to be in the best shape possible in order to prevent being sore and/or worn-out.

Plus it doesn't hurt that I know we'll be taking lots of photos on our trip--and who doesn't want to look great in photos?!?

There are other reasons that motivate me to exercise: it relieves stress, it keeps my heart healthy, it helps me sleep great.

Doggy Guilt

by Charlotte
(Santa Cruz, Ca)

I have two high energy dogs that are alone all day when I work.

I take them out each morning for a 4 mile trail run.

If I miss getting them out, I feel guilty that they didn't get to stretch their little legs.

Besides that, the trails where I run are very beautiful in the morning when the sun is rising. There is lots of wildlife to see, which makes the time very special and meaningful.

Janette

I see my boyfriend exercise and it makes me want to. I want to look beautiful for him so I have to do it.

My Mom , My role model

My Mom is an inspiration to me.

She is a Physical Therapist and always encourages me to exercise.

She is eighty one and still very active. She looks good, she feels good and she can keep up with people half her age.

She still works part time and loves it.

When I don't feel like exercising I think of her and say to myself 'Just do it' and I always feel better after I do.

Stickers

by Lisa
(Ohio)

I am motivated by giving myself a sticker on my calendar each day that I work out. Eventually, you start to see those stickers adding up and it's very motivating!

Exercise Partner

by Amanda
(United States)

My best motivator is having a buddy to exercise with.

What better exercise partner than your own dog!

They get into a routine and are waiting for you at the door to start your morning jog/walk.

Man's best friend.

Determination!!

What are the first thoughts that come to mind when looking at this picture? For me it was Determination!! Other words that followed that thought were Focus, Goal, believing in yourself, never give up and give it your all.


We have a mini gym in our garage thanks to my sweet husband. On the mirror in our gym sits this picture of Michael Phelps. When I am not in the mood or just plain to tired to give my work out my all I look at that picture and in goes those thoughts. I know how hard he worked to make worlds best. He wanted it and he met the goals that it took to achieve his dream.

I have dreams. I am meeting goals and I am determined to reach my goal. Motivation comes from within. For me it?s like a seed that is planted and as long as I water that seed it will flourish. Good luck to you in whatever your dream maybe. May you archive your goals by keeping your eye on the ball and reaching for the stars.

Visit my site to keep getting motivated! :-)

http://getupandgetmoving.net

Hobbies

by Becky
(Lisle, IL)

I read while on the elliptical machine and I love to read. So, going to the gym gives me an excuse to read, as well as exercise.

If you have no time to do some of the things you like to do, such as reading, watching TV or movies, or listening to music, do it while exercising. It allows you to spend time on your interests while pursuing health.

Avoiding cancer

by Anonymous

What motivates me?

Knowing that a good diet and exercise will help give me a chance of avoiding colon cancer along with getting fit so I can keep up with my friends when we go have a good time.

Also looking in the mirror after a shower is a good motivator. I don't like what I see so I'm going to change it.

Those three are my biggest motivators.

To feel good about myself and do great adventures..

When I don't exercise I start feeling dissapointed in myself, weak and flabby.

I hate it.

Exercise makes me feel like I am control of my life and feel happy that I am able to exercise and am grateful for my good health.

I want to contimue being like this and the only way to continue this into my 40s and beyond is to keep regular, motivated and have goals.

Having a range of ways to keep fit helps keep me motivated, interested and provides cross training advantages..

Good luck with your motivation.

Ask "Am I this...or that"

by Jo Anne Kikel
(Denver, CO)

I believe most people want to stay as healthy as possible. I look at my values and I see that I cetainly am one of those people who believe health is the greatest wealth.

I recently presented a lecture to a group of professionals on "What Really Matters" and it really is what you value that matters (although those values should be those which provide you with the greatest positive outcome for you).

If I am tempted to lay around and eat potato chips, I ask myself, "Am I this greasy potato chip and this couch or am I a person who values health and fitness, strength and self-esteem and self discipline?

Or, I can really get tough on myself and ask "Am I this weak chump who is attending to my weaknesses or am I a self-disciplined individual who has control over my mind and body"?

Once I put together my lecture and presented it, I started thinking about my own values.

Now I find that I actually keep working out at something each and every day and I stay away from bad foods because of what I value.

I even wrote a short workbook about keeping one's eyes on the value and not the distraction. It works..for me at least.