Every time I start a new workout program or try to get focused on getting back into shape, I end up bored with it after a few days. P90X has been a lot of start and stop for me and I suck at staying motivated. There are so many distractions, things that seem like more fun, etc. that I have a hard time sticking with it. I have tried convincing myself of the usual “do it for your kids,” “do it so you live longer,” and probably every other mind trick but then I convince myself that even by getting back into shape there is no guarantee that the effort is really going to accomplish any of those reasons to do it. Maybe I just need to stop thinking about it and push through with the thought that nothing is guaranteed and doing something is better than nothing at all.
I know it’s just an excuse and exercise isn’t necessarily supposed to be fun, but there has to be something that keeps people motivated beyond the typical reasons people use as “feel good” type answers…
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I’m doing the p90x program and it’s definitely hard. To stay motivated, I’ve seen youtube videos featuring people who have dramatic results, and unfortunately, also people who had almost no results. Just watching what could happen if you’re not dedicated just inspires you to stick with the program.
Also, I recommend doing the program with a friend. Doing it alone just sucks.
I have been doing it alone, which is probably my biggest issue with staying motivated.
I just completed the 90 day program. I did it with a group of people, which made it much easier for me to do it. I felt I had to be there and doing it with others helped me to be accountable not only to them, but myself. The first couple weeks were the most difficult. It is said that it takes about 21 days to make a new behavior a habit. I think that after 21 days of this program I was sold! I am definitely going to do it again. I have found that I am now making workouts a priority in my life and can not stand to miss a workout. I lost over 20 pounds and I can wear pants that I have not worn in over 2 years. I feel better physically and mentally and my self confidence is sky high because of what I pushed myself to accomplish.
My wife and I started the P90X program on 3/15/2010, and still going strong on week 3. It really helps to do it with someone. That way you can push the other person and stay focused.
We are already starting to see results, and my wife is getting stronger and stronger every day. For added motivation we both started a nice little wager. The first person who quits or skips a day loses, and will have to do what ever the other suggests. We are both competitive, and would hate to lose to the other. However, maybe towards the end Ill let her win. Just to see the smile on her face, or maybe not.
You have to commit mentally to stay motivated! Think about the reasons your doing the workout in the first place! Your probably at the hardest part in the workout just push thru it and you wont be dissapointed!
try doing it with a friend, so that you have someone to hold you accountable.
if you are someone who finds it difficult to stay motivated with a fitness routine, it may not matter what program you start you’ll quit it.
do you like any sports? or physical activities? biking, rollerblading, etc? maybe to keep from burning out from p90x (since its extreme) intersperse it with activities you like, that way its not too overwhelming. maybe you won’t get dramatic p90x results, but the results you do get will be better than doing nothign at all.
The BIGGEST reasons why I stay committed to getting in my workouts – First off you have to have some love to working out to get that “feel good feeling”. Second – $, being a Beachbody coach has kept me motivated more than anything ever before, just my 2 cents – hang in there:)
I know how hard it is to push through. So my trick was to continuously visualise the result that I want, especially before I start any workout. I found that if we keep doing this daily, the result is much better than just trying to use our determination alone. The more vivid the visualization, the better the result.