Motivation - Been in a slump - Need help! - JP Fitness Forums

Blackjack · 07-28-2005, 02:01 PM

First off, let me just say this forum rocks! The support and information on here is second to none. JP should be very proud to be providing such a quality service to people.

That said, I'm looking for a little help. I've been working out pretty seriously for a few years now. But the past month or so, I've been having some motivation issues. I've got a great program, TT, proper equipment in the basement, proper nutrition, and I've seen some results since I started TT like I want. But for some reason I just can't stay consistent!

We're doing a lot of work on our house in addition to other summer time activities. Plus, this is the first summer with a child (he'll be one in August). But generally, I work out first thing in the morning and have pretty consistently for the past two years. Lately, its just not there.

I wake up, I'm not that tired. But I just want to stay in bed. Fitness and nutrition are still incredibly important to me, I'm on this website a few times a day.

Anyone experience this? Any ideas how to get out of this 'fitness funk'?

I've tried to help as many people as I could on this forum so now I ask for your help!!

Thanks in advance.
Ted

Jean-Paul · 07-28-2005, 02:10 PM

Too bad you can't come down to LR for a few days... I'd motivate ya!

UpNorth · 07-28-2005, 02:16 PM

I had similar motivation problems about three months back. I decided to make a radical change from my lifting/HIIT routine and started running with the goal of increasing my endurance. I followed one of the programs on HalHigdon.com and it was pretty fun, but after two months I wanted to get back to the weights. I came back very motivated, albeit a bit less muscular, but it was just what I needed. In short my advice: Change it up, its nice outside so get out and do something new.

Hope that helps.

gobbla · 07-28-2005, 02:45 PM

2nd upnorth's suggestion. change it up some, go for a different goal\style of routine.

or take a week off of everything...eat twinki's and drink beer sitting on the couch scratching yourself. by the end of the week you'll be begging to jump back on the wagon.

FlyinM · 07-28-2005, 03:09 PM

We can give you an ass-whupin' if you think it would help. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Seriously though, an off week or a change of routine are great suggestions.

Jean-Paul · 07-28-2005, 03:35 PM

Great suggestions... I get burned out from time to time and I found that nothing breaks my funk better than a vigorous mt bike ride on some really technical trails.

Blackjack · 07-28-2005, 05:36 PM

I'm not sure, but a contributing factor may be the fact that in February, I've quit going to the gym and started working out in my basement ($$ issues, 1-year old son). I generally workout alone, even at the gym but there may be something to working out in a gym as opposed to in your home as it applies to motivation.

You guys are right, maybe I'll hop on the bike for a while - haven't done that in quite some time.

Thanks for the responses so far and any other suggestions/ideas are appreciated.

Ted

Chris-STL · 07-28-2005, 05:51 PM

I've never really had the motivation to just stick with a program. I however have always really enjoyed sports and the out doors. I motivate myself lifting by thinking about how much better I feel while running, biking, hiking or whatever.

Whenever I feel like not going, I just try to ask myself why. If I have a good reason I don't force it. I find that, like the others have said, after a few weeks of not forcing it, I remember why it is important.

So just go with the flow. This time of the year maybe your time is better spent outside just staying active. However I imagine that winter in WI is a prime time to pound some serious iron!

Jimbo · 07-28-2005, 05:53 PM

If having nobody around is the issue...Set up a computer with a web cam so everybody in the world can see you. Call it BlackJack's World Gymn.

Wonder why nobody has done this...hmmm...A virtual gymn!

gardener · 07-28-2005, 08:28 PM

Quote:

I'm not sure, but a contributing factor may be the fact that in February, I've quit going to the gym and started working out in my basement ($$ issues, 1-year old son). I generally workout alone, even at the gym but there may be something to working out in a gym as opposed to in your home as it applies to motivation.

I think you're onto something. Before reading this later post I was about to suggest that working out alone in a basement is not conducive to discipline. I was out of shape most of my life. At 60 I decided to "do something about it," so I bought a treadmill. It was a great clothing rack. At 65, with much hesitation, I joined a gym. It was a great help to see others carrying on the same pursuit--and to see that although some were in much better condition than I, some were worse. I made friends, too.

Now I'm going to a different gym, one where all the clients have trainers, as do I (a high school classmate of one of my sons). It isn't cheap, but, hey, I put my kids through college, the house is paid off, and the money is well spent.

But when my first born was young, there was no way I could have afforded a trainer. But gyms or fitness centers vary. My old one, sans trainer, was about $45 monthly, a sizable chunk. But the next town over has a community center with library, swimming pool, classrooms for arts and crafts, and a fine exercise room--a family membership there is $60. A year!

If going back to your old gym eats up some $$$$...chances are it's a wise investment. If you lose motivation and stop pushing your body, inertia and entropy will befriend you--and they're dangerous guys to hand out with.

twinsavsvikingsfan · 07-28-2005, 09:44 PM

I went and bought some Chuck Taylors today because of all I've read about lifting in them. I can't wait to get into the gym and try squats and deads while wearing them.

I have really been concentrating on running the last few weeks and am now really ready to get back into the gym and lift heavy shit!

jim

Lost Dog · 07-29-2005, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by twinsavsvikingsfan:
I went and bought some Chuck Taylors today because of all I've read about lifting in them. I can't wait to get into the gym and try squats and deads while wearing them.

If only they made Chuck's in EEE, I'd be there with ya.

Mahler · 07-29-2005, 10:56 AM

Blackjack,
I workout alone in my basement and it can be a lonely place. I try to make the atmosphere as much like a gym as possible with my equipment, posters, etc. There have been several times when I look at the clock and just want to stay in bed. But I always get up and at least look in the mirror. "Is this the best you want to be?" is the question I ask myself. By that time I have tricked myself into being up and it's down to the basement. I change routines frequently and take some off days to just experiment. It might be practicing new lifts or stretches or just doing some maintenance work on my weak areas but it keeps a good mix in my daily routine.
If you have trouble getting out of the funk, let me know. I can give you a daily call on my cell phone and kick your A$$ out of bed and into submission.

In Fitness & Friendship,
Mahler

jruck37 · 07-29-2005, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mahler:
Blackjack,
I workout alone in my basement and it can be a lonely place. I try to make the atmosphere as much like a gym as possible with my equipment, posters, etc. There have been several times when I look at the clock and just want to stay in bed. But I always get up and at least look in the mirror. "Is this the best you want to be?" is the question I ask myself. By that time I have tricked myself into being up and it's down to the basement. I change routines frequently and take some off days to just experiment. It might be practicing new lifts or stretches or just doing some maintenance work on my weak areas but it keeps a good mix in my daily routine.
If you have trouble getting out of the funk, let me know. I can give you a daily call on my cell phone and kick your A$$ out of bed and into submission.

In Fitness & Friendship,
Mahler

It also helps to read Mahler's posts every Monday morning.

Newlife · 07-29-2005, 11:30 AM

A couple things that help me.

Mirrors. Big ass mirrors for your gym. Home depot sells them for cheap. they make your gym less basement and more gym-like. it almost gives you the feel your not alone lifting.

Lighting. Again, make it as nice as possible so you enjoy going down there. If it feels like prison, you won't want to be down there. My gym is my favorite place in the entire house.

Lifting partner. Do a search on this here as I have responded a few time about how priceless a partner can be. They offer so many things...

Music. Maybe go buy a few new CD's to pump you up while you lift. it will be a change.

Get out. It's nice out and there are so many ways to get a good workout outside. Hell, I lug my bar and some plates outside 2 times a month and do oly lifts in the fresh air. very uplifting

Everyone goes through these feelings when you train for life. Good luck Ted!

Blackjack · 08-01-2005, 04:33 PM

Thanks alot for all your input/support.

Reviewing the past 6 months or so, I haven't been very consistent working out in my basement. One thing that hinders that is finding a time to workout. The only time available that won't take away from family time is first thing in the a.m. from 5:30 to 6:30 am. My wife complains about the noise (the equipment is set up right under our bedroom). Not sure how to fix that except with dumbells. That makes it tough for super-setting, need the barbell too.

Going to try and change things up - went out on the bike yesterday a.m. so that was good. Need to get back on the weights though.

Thanks again for all your help, everyone.

Ted