Trying to get motivated to keep a workout schedule.

[alarimer]

I have always had trouble going to the gym more than say three times a week. This week I am likely to only get their twice. I work a lot of odd hours and this is part of the problem. And each week is completely different. It drives me nuts for a lot of reasons. I am a person who needs a little bit more certainty in my schedule.

The other thing I have been thinking about is buying a treadmill or elliptical trainer although I live in an apartment so I am not sure where I would put it. My apartment used to have a workout room but they closed it because they didn't want to pay to repair the equipment. I have decided that my next apartment will be in a place that has a good workout center. Then it would be almost the same thing as owning my own equipment. But for now I am sort of stuck where I am.

I don't really understand how people stay with a routine. I guess it is a little easier if you have a more regular schedule than I do. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[flvegan]

1. If you're motivated by numbers, keep an exercise log.

You'll find yourself getting to the gym *just* to put the numbers in the book.

[alarimer]

2. I use Gymamerica.

So I do enter the numbers of what I do. And I feel guilty every time it asks me "Are you sure you want to skip this routine?" LOL.

So maybe that will help.

[Lars39]

3. I have my treadmill in front of a tv in the basement.

If it wasn't in the basement I'd have it smack dab in the living room. I watch a movie while I walk. I get kind of bored with just music. :hi:

[Kali]

4. Just walk for an hour or something. Why buy an overpriced, electronic clothes rack?

[alarimer]

8. Because it's 90 degrees outside most of the time.

I work outside. So when I am not working, I spend as much time in the a/c as I can.

It's likely, though, that if I move to a different apartment complex, they will have better facilities so I won't actually have to buy anything.

[Kali]

12. you work outdoors? Is that not enough excercise?

yeah - I can understand the heat! I work outside and used to swim for a little extra (and more to cool off) but the old sears cheapo is shot. Maybe next year I will get another.

[alarimer]

13. My job isn't sedentary but it isn't strenuous enough.

Not enough to skip the gym or something at any rate. I wish it was.

[Left Is Write]

5. I don't really have a regular routine - but I do work out most days a week.

My motivator? My favorite jeans. If they fit well and look good, I'm doing fine. If not, I have to step it up a bit. :)

[alarimer]

10. That's a good motivator.

I have had to buy bigger clothes this year (just one size up but still) so I am trying to get more serious.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

6. My dear alarimer!

Getting into a routine is tough...

I think you need to go about 20 times and then it's more automatic. And once you start feeling better, you'll want to go!

Hang in there, sweetie!

And you know, there's nothing wrong with going twice a week...

Go when you can, and enjoy yourself!

:hug:

[alarimer]

9. I have been working out for about 10 years and have never been able to get into a routine.

I tell myself that something is always better than nothing.

I (mostly) blame my work schedule. Not only is it not the same from week to week, I often do not know when I go in what I will be doing that day. It drives me nuts for many reasons, not the least of which is that it wreaks havoc with any sort of routine.

But there are days, it's true, when I just don't go because I don't feel like it! I have to stop that.

[Mike 03]

7. For many people it is not easy, and I hate giving advice because everyone is different.

I am a morning person, and one of my favorite things is to get up very early (three-ish) and just devote two hours to yoga and weight lifting (but it could be anything you like), and I put on my favorite radio show, or listen to some music, or just enjoy the peace and silence.

The other thing that helps me is that I walk a very active dog, and we walk twice and day, and because I have a young, active dog our walks turn into jogs, or at least very robust walks.

I know it's not easy to exercise a lot when you work long hours, but you will get some good suggestions here, because we have some personal trainers online here.

Best of luck.

[sammythecat]

11. My 2 cents

Years ago I got what is probably called a "workout bench". No moving parts, takes up less room than a small cot, and enables you to do bench presses, pull-ups, and squats. That's all I use it for. That, a bar, two dumbbell bars, a hundred or so pounds of weights, and there you go. Ready whenever you are, and no time-wasting trips to a gym. You can start and be done within 30-45 minutes. I'd never stick with a routine if I had to travel to a gym every time. That seems like such a project. I like to do it and be done with it.

And if you have one, fine, but you don't need a treadmill. A good walk it just as good for your legs and heart and probably better for your mind. I find that to be the case, anyhow.

That erratic schedule of yours is a problem. I've had to deal with weird schedules myself in the past and that definitely sucks and makes things difficult. It makes everything difficult in fact.

I doubt I'm telling you anything you don't already know, but I think the best motivator is success. Stick with a SENSIBLE routine for a month and you'll see and feel a noticeable difference. Oh, and don't slouch on eating sensibly. That's every bit as important as the exercise routine itself.

And one last thing you're probably already familiar with, but I'll say it anyway. If you do this and start seeing results, try not to get carried away with doing more. Over-training is one of the biggest reasons people stop their exercise routine. They get burnt out physically and mentally, and this can happen quickly.

Good luck.

[stewartcolbert08]

14. I completely understand

I am a graveyard girl so it SUCKS, if you get a handle on things let me know how you do it, I could use the help also! Good luck!

[cwydro]

15. I used to go to a gym,

but had the same problem.

Now I have my own free weights at home. My aerobic stuff is taken care of with running, walking, biking and kayaking.

Gyms are nice if you need that environment, but I'm able to exercise every muscle group just fine; the best thing is I can do it at any time.