What motivates you?
Discussion
I'm fighting a loosing battle with my weight these days (up 10kg in 2 years), but try as I might the gym just doesn't do it for me.
I used to play a lot of football which kept me fit. These days though old injuries and the work travel schedule (I'm abroad 2-3 weeks per month) mean that football is something I do a couple of times a year for fun in the park.
My mrs loves the gym, she keeps trying to convince me it's the answer - after all every hotel i stay in has a gym. The thing is no matter how hard I try I just don't get it. She clearly gets some kind of high from running / rowing / lifting weights and comes out with a big grin on her face. No matter what I do I just don't get that high from exercise at all, no endorphins nothing, just pain and boredom and no sense of achievement.
Anyone else felt like this about the gym and learned to love it? It seems to be the only option for me, but I just can't get enthusiastic..
I used to play a lot of football which kept me fit. These days though old injuries and the work travel schedule (I'm abroad 2-3 weeks per month) mean that football is something I do a couple of times a year for fun in the park.
My mrs loves the gym, she keeps trying to convince me it's the answer - after all every hotel i stay in has a gym. The thing is no matter how hard I try I just don't get it. She clearly gets some kind of high from running / rowing / lifting weights and comes out with a big grin on her face. No matter what I do I just don't get that high from exercise at all, no endorphins nothing, just pain and boredom and no sense of achievement.
Anyone else felt like this about the gym and learned to love it? It seems to be the only option for me, but I just can't get enthusiastic..
Set yourself targets and work hard to meet them! Thats what I do, I'm a runner but know I am never going to be elite so you have to set realistic goals and work towards them.
Personally to me there is nothing better than running a PB after you have worked so hard for it through crappy weather and early starts as it makes it all the sweeter when you do get there!
I feel better coming last in a race but running a PB than winning and running slowly - so you have to have something that motivates you from inside not just from getting one over on other people (not that that can't be sweet also!)
Personally to me there is nothing better than running a PB after you have worked so hard for it through crappy weather and early starts as it makes it all the sweeter when you do get there!
I feel better coming last in a race but running a PB than winning and running slowly - so you have to have something that motivates you from inside not just from getting one over on other people (not that that can't be sweet also!)
I go to the gym twice a week and jog/run 7.5 miles each time.
Motivation?
It's my thinking time. It's 2 hours a week where there's no phone, no interruptions, just me and my iPod.
Weight loss and fitness is motivation. Staying that way is motivation aswell.
I aspire to run a marathon one day. I'm gradually increasing my mileage (very slowly!) but I am building towards that goal.
Having said all that, IMO, gym is about routine. I go on the same days, at the same time and do more or less the same thing. If that's not the sort of person you are then it can seem boring/monotonous.
If you're someone who requires variety, I would suggest running outdoors which can obviously be done anywhere and gives you a chance to explore where you're visiting with work?
Motivation?
It's my thinking time. It's 2 hours a week where there's no phone, no interruptions, just me and my iPod.
Weight loss and fitness is motivation. Staying that way is motivation aswell.
I aspire to run a marathon one day. I'm gradually increasing my mileage (very slowly!) but I am building towards that goal.
Having said all that, IMO, gym is about routine. I go on the same days, at the same time and do more or less the same thing. If that's not the sort of person you are then it can seem boring/monotonous.
If you're someone who requires variety, I would suggest running outdoors which can obviously be done anywhere and gives you a chance to explore where you're visiting with work?
VEA said:
+1 for the having something to train for, find something that you are interested in doing. Like a charity cycle ride or run. Book yourself onto it. Then get training as you don't want to look like a mug on the day do you?
OK this works. The competetive aspect always brings out the best in me. Training against myself never works, having others to beat means I will sweat to the last breath..Running is out - I stopped playing football due to shinsplints which now recurr pretty badly if I even look at a pair of running shoes. Cycling is fine though so maybe this is what I need to do.
So, if I'm currently accumulating additional weight (i.e fat) at 0.5kg a month, how far do I need to cycle each month to stem the flow without a change in diet?
(or someone explain how I work this out)..
Ok worked it out.
7000 calories need to be burned to lose 1kg bodyweight (from WikiAnswers)
21 calories burned per mile (According to exercise bike).
To stabilise my weight - I need to lose 0.5 kg a month (which is what I'm gaining).
this means 2500/21 = 167 miles a month cycling.
Assuming I cycle 5 times a week this is 22 days a month which means 7.6 miles per day. Which, in a 20 minute window is around 24 mph.
Should be achievable.
Now if I want to lose that 10kg by Christmas....
70000 (10kg) + 5*3500 (what I'm gaining) / 21
= 4166 miles
which in 5 months of 22 days is 110 days.
so miles per day are 37.8
Which in my 20 minute window is 114mph.
Think this is probably unrealistic...
So if I'm going to lose that by christmas, I'm going to need to allocate a lot more exercise time which is probably unrealistic, or find something that burns 80-100 calories in 20 minutes..
Any ideas?
Edited by mr_tony on Wednesday 4th August 12:51
Competition.
I've just got back from watching my training partner and coach's wife win a team bronze at the European Athletics champs in the marathon. In the men's race were guys I've been competing with for years - if they can do it, so can I.
It's going to be a long road back to fitness but being out in Barcelona, being part of the atmosphere and massive support out there motivates me to work harder at my training.
I've just got back from watching my training partner and coach's wife win a team bronze at the European Athletics champs in the marathon. In the men's race were guys I've been competing with for years - if they can do it, so can I.
It's going to be a long road back to fitness but being out in Barcelona, being part of the atmosphere and massive support out there motivates me to work harder at my training.
mr_tony said:
So, if I'm currently accumulating additional weight (i.e fat) at 0.5kg a month, how far do I need to cycle each month to stem the flow without a change in diet?
(or someone explain how I work this out)..
Circa 7,200 calories is equivalent to 1kg gained / lost.(or someone explain how I work this out)..
.5kg = circa 3,600 calories.
You need to cycle around 108 miles a month to break even / stop the weight gain.
Ish..
Based on around 100 calories to a 3 mile (gym based) bike ride.
Edited by UncleRic on Wednesday 4th August 12:52
Gym doesn't do anything for me either. Therefore I cycle, walk and may soon be getting into swimming. I managed 1 month of a gym membership once but I found it so boring that I haven't been back since (that was in 2002).
I may use a gym in the future if I need it for specific things. But for general exercising I prefer to be out and about where the scenery changes.
One good thing about the gym though, ladiez in tight lycra. Dribble!
I may use a gym in the future if I need it for specific things. But for general exercising I prefer to be out and about where the scenery changes.
One good thing about the gym though, ladiez in tight lycra. Dribble!
Sign up for some classes. I can't stand being in the gym and start clock watching after 30 seconds. But if you're in a class, spinning, body pump or whatever, you're not going to leave half way through, and you're going to make an effort due to the peer pressure. Works for me.
Ultimately though, the best exercise for me is doing things I actually enjoy.
Cheers,
FT.
Ultimately though, the best exercise for me is doing things I actually enjoy.
Cheers,
FT.
Lots of good advice above. Try them all and see which tickles you the most. Classes can be good cos there's someone at the front motivating you to push yourself. Maybe it's doing something more sports-focused as you'll be getting fit without noticing it as you're having too much fun.
I'm sure classes would be great but joining a gym isn't an option - I travel between 50-80 percent of the time each month - long haul which is why I'm finding it hard I think - no regular mealtimes, regular foodtypes and constantly jetlagged and living off caffeine and sugar to get me through. Had to give up football as I cannot turn out regularly for a team because of the travel, as well as the injury which means I cannot sustain a 90 minute match any more too.
I am fortunate that some of the hotels I stay in have gyms - well at least a running machine / exercies bike and a rack of weights usually.
The exercise bike is something I can do at home when I am here which will be consistent with what I can do while I'm away which is what makes it appealing.
I am fortunate that some of the hotels I stay in have gyms - well at least a running machine / exercies bike and a rack of weights usually.
The exercise bike is something I can do at home when I am here which will be consistent with what I can do while I'm away which is what makes it appealing.
Edited by mr_tony on Wednesday 4th August 13:05
You could try having a chat with some of the PH guys who did the London to Brighton ride this year, may help motivate you, I think you'll burn more on a real bike than one in the gym.
If your wife cycles maybe it's something you could do together, which may also help keep you motivated.
I hate the gym, but I except that at my age it's a necessary evil if I want to consume alcohol and a few nice meals a month. If you don't want to change your diet lots, you could try tweaking breakfast and lunch, then reduce some of your alcohol a little reduction goes a long way, swap a couple of beers for a spirit with slimline.
If your wife cycles maybe it's something you could do together, which may also help keep you motivated.
I hate the gym, but I except that at my age it's a necessary evil if I want to consume alcohol and a few nice meals a month. If you don't want to change your diet lots, you could try tweaking breakfast and lunch, then reduce some of your alcohol a little reduction goes a long way, swap a couple of beers for a spirit with slimline.
Exercising when travelling is quite tough, but there are things you can do. In line with what was said about goals above, try some of the programs below. Its very motivating to have targets and really see your performance improving, and there are even iphone apps to remind you and count reps.
http://hundredpushups.com/
http://www.twohundredsitups.com/
http://www.twohundredsquats.com/
http://www.twentyfivepullups.com/
Cheers,
FT.
http://hundredpushups.com/
http://www.twohundredsitups.com/
http://www.twohundredsquats.com/
http://www.twentyfivepullups.com/
Cheers,
FT.
Tumbler said:
You could try having a chat with some of the PH guys who did the London to Brighton ride this year, may help motivate you, I think you'll burn more on a real bike than one in the gym.
Sounds like a plan - proper challenge cycling that far. And I get to buy a new toy as I don't have a bike..Tumbler said:
If your wife cycles maybe it's something you could do together, which may also help keep you motivated.
She doesn't - she is a runner. Pi**es me off because I'd love to go for a run with her, but after a mile of running my legs are completely destroyed and I go home in pain. (Shinsplints). Doc says it's the price I'm paying for 30 years of football with no shinpads most of the time. 
Tumbler said:
I hate the gym, but I except that at my age it's a necessary evil if I want to consume alcohol and a few nice meals a month. If you don't want to change your diet lots, you could try tweaking breakfast and lunch, then reduce some of your alcohol a little reduction goes a long way, swap a couple of beers for a spirit with slimline.
I'm with you on the hating it bit - I just hate exercising with all that time to think - I start to stress about things I haven't done etc and it's not enjoyable. If I'm playing football then I forget about everything else and just play and it's great. Still between the travel and the shinsplints footy is off the agenda these days.Boozewise I'm practically TT already - less than 7 units a week this week (and I've been to a good friends wedding). Most weeks I'm 0 units, unless the GP is on in whichcase I have a can to enjoy whilst relaxing on the sofa.
Fume troll said:
Cheers - Interesting - something you can at least do anywhere. Have to say that just the idea of doing 100 press ups make me feel slightly quesy though!Personally I started out with training for a specific standard and weight loss. I was surprised how readily this was achieved with time to spare so trained a bit more, and so far this cycle is continuing. It's developing into a mild fascination with how fast the body can adapt to different levels of exercise.
I don't know whether or not it is feasible but having a personal trainer is a must I think to set you targets and to be your guilty conscience. They can design a program to suit your specific goal and take into account any issues such as shin splints. Are there classes at any of the hotels you go to or are there just gyms to use on an ad-hoc basis?
I used to keep a training diary and that really helped to motivate me as I saw improvements. You need to acknowledge that there will be days when you cannot sustain times and weights as you may be tired. I need targets to work to too. You already have one and that's Christmas. Make the targets achievable though otherwise you'll lose motivation.
Diet is important too. I'd opt for energy foods as opposed to relying on caffeine.
I appreciate how you feel as I find it hard to motivate myself some days. I think putting on a lot of weight and losing tone is a good kick up the arse. I get a buzz out of pushing myself and seeing improvements. In all honesty I find that if I don't train at least twice a week I might as well forget it as I lose motivation. I always feel so much happier and more alert after exercising.
For me the best exercise for achieving muscle tone, weight loss and improved CV capacity is circuit based training, pushing yourself hard over a shorter period of time. For increased weight loss, maybe the bicycle and cross trainer would be a solution to your shin splint issues.
I used to keep a training diary and that really helped to motivate me as I saw improvements. You need to acknowledge that there will be days when you cannot sustain times and weights as you may be tired. I need targets to work to too. You already have one and that's Christmas. Make the targets achievable though otherwise you'll lose motivation.
Diet is important too. I'd opt for energy foods as opposed to relying on caffeine.
I appreciate how you feel as I find it hard to motivate myself some days. I think putting on a lot of weight and losing tone is a good kick up the arse. I get a buzz out of pushing myself and seeing improvements. In all honesty I find that if I don't train at least twice a week I might as well forget it as I lose motivation. I always feel so much happier and more alert after exercising.
For me the best exercise for achieving muscle tone, weight loss and improved CV capacity is circuit based training, pushing yourself hard over a shorter period of time. For increased weight loss, maybe the bicycle and cross trainer would be a solution to your shin splint issues.
Edited by EmmaP on Wednesday 4th August 23:26
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