When you have CONFIDENCE you have MOTIVATION! I know that for me I feel more confident after a good workout. I feel stronger and healthier. On days that I don't feel like working out I try to remember how good I'll feel after the workout. It just makes my day go by so much better. I am more productive, and I feel good about myself because I choose to make the hard decision of working out.
Fitting into a favorite outfit is a huge motivational tool. I remember that before I started working out I tried on an old dress. I could barely fit into it and it would not even come close to zipping at all. Once I started working out and losing some weight I decided I wanted to try that dress on again. Now at least a year had probably gone by. I was a little hesitant to put the dress on. Last time is was so tight and uncomfortable. This time, it was huge. I could not believe it! It was such a good feeling and it really keeps me going to this day. I love knowing that I am smaller now than before I had 4 kids!
Another great thing that working out does is it gives me a reason to get up and go in the morning. If I don't have a workout scheduled it takes me forever to get anything done. When I have a workout scheduled I am running around in the morning trying to get my house clean before I leave. I get my workout in and shower usually before I do any of that on days when I don't workout. I cannot afford to miss a workout. I don't accomplish anything during the day.
A huge reason for exercise is for your FAMILY. You are an example to your kids. My kids ask me why I work out and I tell them it is to keep me strong and healthy. If I am doing sit-ups or push-ups they usually want to do them with me! It's funny that whenever I eat fruit or vegetables, that is what they want to eat. If I am eating cookies, that is what they want. Our kids want to be like us. Lets be an example of health to them!
MOMENTUM also keeps us motivated. When you start working hard and start seeing results you have that drive to just keep moving. Nothing will hold you back from your workouts when the pounds start coming off. And once you've hit your goal you want to stay there. So that momentum will keep you going even after you've hit your goal.
As you workout you are going to learn what works for you. You will know what motivates you to continue your journey. By knowing what exercise you enjoy and what foods you like to eat will make it easier to stay on track. I have discovered that I work out so much better when I am in a group setting. It could be because I am competitive and I want to push myself and can't quit because others are watching. I teach group fitness because I am pushed by those in my class. They may say that I motivate them, but they really motivate me. I know that I am trying to be an example so I have to give my best. Even when I am not in front teaching I still give my best because I "think" people are watching (even though I know they aren't). I have also learned what food is good for me too. When I go out to eat I know the nutritional value of food. I am picky so I don't vary to much off of my normal menu items. That makes it easier for me to stay focused too.
I want you to realize you are going to motivate others! Others are going to notice that you are changing your mind set and changing your body. They are going to ask you for advice. If that isn't motivation then I don't know what is. It is a huge complement for others to notice your hard work.
Right now since I am not working (until July 24th) I really have to find the time to squeeze in my workouts. I can come up with the excuses. It's really these motivational factors that get me to the gym. Believe it or not, I don't always want to work out.
