Pure Motivation: What keeps YOU going?

[sofi_sunshine 14]

I'm only three months out but I want to know what other exercisers consider their biggest motivator. I look at how far I've come but I also look forward to more positive changes. Please share!

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

success breeds success in my view. Progressive improvements in fitness, mobility and feeling good are very motivational. Then, you start to notice you look alot better.

I think the opposite is also true and when people are feeling demotivated (whether exercise or whatever) it is helpful to think about disrupting the defeat pattern and getting back on a succcess cycle. It is a normal part of life, even dedicated, life long fit people aren't always perfect. It isn't about perfect, it is about DOING IT.

[bikrchk 1,313]

For me, exercise is what gives me the flexibility eat what I like in small portions. 5 days per week I spend an hour on my stationary bike. I burn 500-600 calories at a shot and enjoy an hour of whatever NetFlix series I'm currently addicted to in the process. I take weekends off from focused exercise, but I'm way more active that I used to be. When I'm living life this way, I can have a small treat daily if I want and still meet my nutrition goals while losing weight. I record everything that goes in and know what I burn, so I never feel guilty as I'm working a balance that naturally thin people have already figured out! I wouldn't trade this for anything! It's what motivates me to be up at 4:30am to get it done so that life, fatigue, etc. doesn't get in my way at the end of the day. My new size 27 (size 7 Jr. jeans) MissMe's are pretty good motivation as well! LOL

[DarbiMolly 188]

I am having surgery in 2 weeks, so far my cruise in December is keeping me motivated. I want to wear nice summer clothes and look great!

[BookWorm 87]

Simply put...Results.

[Bandista 7,466]

I'm seeing a new version of myself -- not just thinner, but happier, more empowered and at peace with who I am, my life, etc. I feel accomplished and able. I'm in my fifties and have arthritis so that is motivating in itself -- how we will be in our elder years starts now. Plus I love being toned -- that long, lithe and strong feeling in my limbs is pretty addicting. Oh, and hello collarbones, nice to see you again!

[JCsMamaBear 58]

The increased energy it gives me, because it allows me to keep up with my very active toddler.

[terrydumont46 1,954]

it's all the nsv's that keep me motivated. the other day my jeans I have been wearing all winter were so big. I could pull them on without unbuttoning them. I started going through my husbands jeans. he is about 4 sizes smaller. but I knew he had to wear a back brace a few years ago so I grabbed a pair of jeans and pulled them on a omg they fit with a little room. all I had to do was roll them up a bit. this makes me happy and I feel thin. the scale make not rock and roll but nsv's do.

[getnhealthyintx 281]

Getnhealthy. As my user name says. Healthy means energy to walk the dogs, clean the fridge , work. I love my energy.

[wcn1970 239]

Watching my body change and seeing how fat I can push it. I am amazed at how I look now and want to see more. More importantly though, I am one of the fittest people I know.

[Ava324 413]

Progress! I'm genuinely amazed at how far I've come. When we first did a core day in personal training, I couldn't do a single hanging leg raise. He wanted me to do flutter kicks, and I couldn't even get my legs off the ground. Now I can do 30 hanging leg raises in succession. I can do flutter kicks for a minute at a time. It's not the biggest accomplishment, but I'm quite proud! I was Personal Training Client of The Month in May.

[aroundhky 1,174]

The feeling I get from my workout, especially the first few hours after I lift. I suppose it's the feel good hormones or whatever. Also like what "cowgirljane" said...the progress and success shows that the hard work pays off and keeps me coming back for more.

[Fiddleman 4,376]

My day is 1000x better then if I do not. The after glow of euphoria after working out is entirely worth it. And my head is so much clearer.

[A.c. Nelums 11]

Before, there were plenty of exercises I couldn't do, including streches, putting your knees to your chest, be able to hold your legs in the airm leg lifts (those are still a little diffcult)

I can now, that's one of my motivations.

Also, seeing how happy walking makes my dog, that good motivation too

[betternowthanever 83]

The attention I get when I'm lifting at the gym or out with my kids. That is what I enjoy and that is what gives me motivation. Men wanting me like I'm some perfect 10 and I am sooooo not. That gives us all motivation. Married or not - we all love the attention from a stranger