I really need a motivator.

[Grobyc]

I need something to look at, something to read every single day that will remind me that I need to workout, that it needs to be part of my day to day routine.

 

Something, the traditional "just to look good etc" doesn't exactly work for me.

 

Ideas?

 

I want to get back in shape so i look good, can run like I used to, and whatnot. I just have a hard time with committing.

[Honorable_Venerable]

Good luck. Now that I can't fence or do judo any more, my rationale to work out / exercise is close to zero. I do it, in the same way that I pay bills and clean my shoes, because it's something you do, not because it means anything or because I get a kick out of it.

 

A lot of people will tell you guff like setting targets / obectives will help, and say "Make them SMART and they'll work". The R in these cases is often given as "relevant" and there is very little about how to make things relevant. You get these sort of unhelpful loops:

"How do I make exercise relevant?"

"You set an objective that's SMART and off you go!"

"Yes but HOW do I make it relevant?"

"You set an objective that's SMART and off you go!!"

"Yes, but HOW do I make it relevant to ME?"

"You set an objective that's SMART and off you go!!!"

 

At this point you get a short workout, as you try to beat some sense into the other person with whatever comes to hand, but you're no nearer making it "mean something" to you.

 

Sorry.

[Enema]

I had a tough time with motivation until I focused on doing exercise that I found genuinely enjoyable.

 

The kind of thing I'd do for the thrill of it even if it didn't help me maintain weight/fitness.

 

Most people with motivation issues serious enough to cause them to post on a forum about it will fail at regular old gym.

 

That said, this is a pretty cool pic: clicky!

[Honorable_Venerable]

Back when I exercised and didn't find it a drag / pain / bore, it was because it was in support of another interest.

 

Can you find a sport that you want to play that you would have to get fit for?

[datura_noir]

If you can find an online program that ages you based on a photo (both body and face), print that out and paste it to your mirror. Or carry it in your wallet or purse. I swear, you will be busting a$$ from that moment forward. I kid you not, once you see what you will become due to lack of exercise and not too healthy diet, you will be motivated.