Exercise Motivators.

[chatterbocs]

I thought I'd start a thread on what motivates us to exercise.....

Mine: fights disease

What's your motiavator?

fear of The Podge is my main one

plus I know it will make me feel better, even if I already feel ok

My skin looks better, my body looks better, my mood is better and I can wear my "slim" jeans

it is social and have met many new friends. It also makes me feel healthier and fitter

Sooo wish I was at the slim jeans stage!

My biggest motivation for getting out the door for a run or to the gym for a weights session is getting away from the children! Seriously, having an hour or so when I don't have to look after them, and I know someone else (DH) is coping with all their many many tiny demands is such a treat that it's so easy to motivate myself to exercise. Couldn't justify the same time just to go for a coffee or shopping or having a bath but somehow for exercise it seems ok just to say, "ok, I'm off".

Oh yes, plus it's good for you.

Ditto time away from baby!
Had v high blood pressure before/during/after labour, getting that down was an influencing factor in the early days.
And also, I'm just a better looking/feeling/to be around person. It boosts my confidence in a way that spreads into the rest of my life.

While making me slimmer is a good point, the way it puts me in a better mood for the day is always my biggest motivator.
That plus the feeling of achievement when I manage an extra km/kg etc

The irrational belief that if I stop my whole body will turn to mush in less than a week,

other people seem to get by without it but I have a longstanding addiction and I fear I will fall apart if I don't exert myself on an almost daily basis.

My primary motivation is a belief that exercise is not an optional extra. It's compulsory and has to be done, even though I am the most appalling procrastinator. For me it's up there with eating fruit and veg - just another factor in being healthy and minimising the chances of lifestyle related diseases. I also appreciate the shorter term benefits - productive thinking time whilst exercising and always feeling better afterwards.

Really good question!

I mainly do it (classes & running) because I enjoy them and they are part of my day to day life. However, on the dark / hungover / cold days the thought of not worrying about what I eat and how nice my clothes will look does help!

I have always done some form of evening sport since primary school, so it feels a bit odd to not be doing something physical most nights.

To give me more energy.

In no particular order, running means:

I can eat what I like and still fit in my clothes
I keep control of my asthma
I get time outside watching seasons change

Some great motivators there everyone but I like your rationale fascicle! Sound like you don't allow yourself the luxury of thinking about stopping.

I am almost up to running 5k. Today I ran 4.64k in 29 mins, not sure if that pace is good or pants but so pleased with myself for running that far.

I dont have any motivators (hence not going out as much as I want to).

I really need something to get me going. Once I have my running gear on Im fine, but I always seem to find some excuse. I have nothing stopping me from going out.

Ive signed up for a half marathon in May in the hope that will be motivation enough.

Running helps me to:
manage my anxiety and depression
feel stronger
feel trimmer
eat pretty much what I want to
feel proud of myself for sticking with it and getting stronger and faster

Diabetes 2 runs in my family :(