Motivation and Inspiration on those days when you....

[toadstool]

just don't feel like doing it!

I've been feeling this way all week. Normally I am very active.... or, at least, active in the sense that I exercise regularly.

But all week I've been feeling lazy... I just want to sit on the couch, watch TV and stuff my face with junk food.

Usually I remind myself how crappy I'll feel if I don't workout... and how exercise always makes me feel better.

But I'm having a hard time getting my tuckus moving.

What do you do when you feel like this?

[Cassiel]

Sometimes I actually give in to the urge for a couple days. That's normally enough to remind me that laziness - even if it's appealing - actually does suck. I am not cut out to be a couch potato; that isn't my identity.
Setting goals really helps too. If I know I'm signed up for a 5k in two weeks, I'd better get my butt in gear. Smaller goals - like the desire to run 3 seven minute miles (ok, for me that's fast) within a month, or something, work too.
Do you have an idol/role model who does what you do? Don't laugh - but when I was in high school, the X-Files were all the rage. Fox Mulder was a swimmer and runner - and I became one too. Then it was Mia Hamm (who actually still motivates me). Get a picture and put it up where you can see it, and that may light a fire under you.

[brahmacharya]

Hmmm....this probably won't help, but sometimes taking it easy IS the answer. I know we feel good when we exercise, but rest can be very good for our bodies as well.

Heh, how unmotivational! Two more! One more! and stop....There, that's better. Seriously, if I need more juice to go back into the fray I try to just concentrate on each moment rather than how I'll feel at the end because then I get outcome-oriented...and I can't win 'em all. I just enjoy the feeling of my body moving. And I start small. If I don't do my normal routine I just say I'll do a tiny tiny bit and before you know it I'm right back on top again.

[Sunny]

I, too, feel that way sometimes. What I try to do on those occasions is tell myself that I don't have to do my complete routine, but I must do something.

For instance, on days I do weight training I usually target four muscle groups - hamstrings, quads, chest and back, for example. I may be feeling particularly lazy that day and don't want to do the entire routine, so I'll just start with the idea that I'm only going to work on my lower body (Lord knows that area needs all the help it can get!). Once I get into the routine I feel really good about what I'm accomplishing and I'm eager to finish the entire workout. Same goes for cardio. I usually walk or jog 3-4 miles every other day. I may only be in the mood to go one mile, but once I'm out there, before I know it I've completed all 4 miles!

And to add to what Cassiel and brahmacharya have mentioned, sometimes it's okay to just rest for a day or two. Your body needs to take a break sometimes to rejuvenate itself.

[sky73]

Good weather always motivates me. I don't even really think of it as exercising. I just love being outside, enjoying nature when it's nice out. :sunny:

[holly golightly]

buy some cute new workout clothes. i cant wait for my workouts when i have new stuff to wear :) download some new music into your mp3 player that you cant wait to listen to.

[markc7]

I'll echo what others have said about taking some time off. It's not such a bad thing to rest once in a while, and before you know it you'll be chomping at the bit to get going again. I usually stop running for 4-8 weeks around christmas. By the time Janurary comes along I'm dying for a run, and the motivation sustains me for months.

[Christy]

I try to do something, even if it's a few push ups. If I truly need to rest, I do. I just vow to try again tomorrow.

[CaptainSwab]

If I'm unmotivated to go running I'll go to the runners world or coolrunning forums to see what people are up to there. Reading about their races and daily workouts always help me want to get out there.

Sometimes I'll also put on the outdoor life network and catch an adventure race or ironman or something and watching those are always motivating too. :)

[savewilbur]

I just try to do a little something...even if it is not as much as I usually do. Good music gets me going...and telling myself I have to exercise before I do other..perhaps more enjoyable things!

[Autumn Leaves]

Music, Music, Music!!

Always a big help :up: