How to Stay Motivated

I got an interesting question from my article on keeping a resolution. Adam said it’s no problem for him to join a gym and get started, but after a few weeks he gets bored with going to the gym. Adam you are not alone. I just read that 5 out of every 10 people who join the gym will cancel their membership by year’s end. That got me thinking, how did I manage to stay motivated enough to continue working out all of these years?

I began working out when my first dance teacher told me that I needed to put on some muscle if I wanted to be a dancer.  I was a very thin college freshman in the fall of (ah hem) 1984. My dance instructor was a straight baseball jock that I had a HUGE crush on.  So if he said, “join a gym” I did.  Shoot if he said, “run through the campus with a diaper and pacifier and scream ‘I made poopie!’” I probably would have! So I nervously joined the local Family Fitness Center and began working out.

What kept me motivated?  Well, I guess it was easy for me because I was told to go by someone who I worshiped!  Another motivational factor for me were all the cute guys!  I know it’s shallow.  But it definitely got me going.

Once I went for about 8 weeks I began to see results and my friends would comment they noticed changes too.  My chest developed the quickest so that was what I primarily focused on.  Is that the best way to train?  No.  But it kept me going and eventually I added more body parts.  Through the years when I find myself getting bored I just change up my routine.  Maybe change the time of day I go, or change the exercises that I do, or workout with a friend…anything to shake things up. Which is great for the body because it adapts to exercise…so change is good.   

Here are a few ways to stay motivated:

1. Do exercises you enjoy.  If you absolutely hate doing pull-ups then do lat pull downs.  If you can’t stand doing cardio on a treadmill then find some activity that you like outdoors.  Go hiking, bike riding, or sign up for the tennis league or rugby team. 
2. Though socializing shouldn’t be your main reason for joining a gym, making friends at your gym can keep you motivated enough to go.  Start up a conversation with that guy across from you (as long as he’s not in the middle of his set), and ask his advice on a certain exercise, or compliment his sneakers.    One warning, DO NOT BE A SERIAL DATER AT YOUR GYM!  That is the quickest way to make your gym an uncomfortable environment, which will cause you to stop going.
3. Hire a trainer (hint hint) or find a workout buddy.  Having someone you are going to meet is a great way to hold you accountable.  If you hire a trainer the simple fact that you are paying money will get you going.  And need I even say it? DO NOT date your trainer?!!
4. Take pictures of your progress.  When you notice changes in yourself you will be encouraged to keep at it. 

If anything else, remember you are paying for a gym membership.  In these tough times we have to use our money wisely.  So don’t waste your dough…get to the gym!

**On a side note: I would like to try something here.  I enjoyed answering Adam’s question.  So if any of you have a question that you would like for me to answer, and feature in an upcoming article, please post your questions via a comment and it will be sent to me.  Only questions about health and fitness, please.  Though I do think I’m a pretty good therapist as well. ;)

(Photo: Getty Images)

---

A.C.E.- and N.A.S.M.-certified, Bobby Solorio has been personal training for 10 years. You might recognize him from Bravo TV's "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List," where he trains his now-A-list client. For more info check out Bobby's website. 

Comments

[Joe]

I have to disagree with most points of this article.

First of all, most people are not excited by a change in their workout. This won't fight their boredom because for the most part, the common person finds going to the gym boring altogether.

Secondly, making friends at the gym is only partially a good idea. Like any social situation, it's a 50/50 shot that the person you chose to talk to may end up being the most annoying or distracting person at the gym. I find myself avoiding the gym at certain hours that the 'chatters' will be out. So now, I isolate on my ipod. Oh, and by the way...for those of us who go to a STRAIGHT gym, complimenting a guy's shoes my get your butt kicked.

[Jack]

I agree with nothing in this article. More gay.com fluff.

This is all womanish advice. Man up and get your ass to the gym. I don't care if you aren't "motivated." Stop being a bunch of pussies.

[Eric]

First, you have to want to do it. You have to be motivated beyond just wanting to look good/be healthy etc. I found it helpful to set some goals and change my eating habits before I started really working out. I made changes gradually over the past couple of years to make a lasting impact in how I live my life from here on out. I planned for my fitness, much like I would plan for a vacation or a move.

[Roger]

I guess what motivates me to continue my exercise routine after almost 25 years of doing it is that I like the way it makes me look. Call me "Mr. Vain" if you want, but I like looking good. Secondly, I feel better. I think I am healthier and enjoy fewer colds etc. because I exercise regularly.

I have a home exercise machine. It is a resistance machine. I do a simple 90 minute workout routine on it twice a week. I do change the resistance and routine about once a year. I think this type of resistance routine builds a more lean shape ("swimmer's build") whereas weights bulk more.

[Nik]

How do I stay motivated? I took a good look at the nasty, trifling, lazy, good-for-nothing couch potatoes here in Kansas City & they know who they are...But then again, nothing more funny than a bunch of lazy shits who want to put their hands all over you like you're a prize to be won. Sorry for those who take offence to this but it's my results & the only person whose gonna enjoy them is the person who worked & put forth the determination to getting them...ME.

[Curtis]

Personally, going to the gym has been a great addition to my life. No matter how busy or tired I am, I always make time for the gym, and feel much better for it!
The hardest part about getting started is GETTING STARTED!!! Once you see your first results, that should be motivation enough to keep going!
My advice to anyone starting out at the gym is to make it past your first month, once your past that it becomes habbit and you wont want to go back to your lazy ways.

PS. Did I mention there is an abundance of hot, muscular, sometimes naked men at the gym? =)

[John]

Um...so basically it sounds like everyone is motivated by vanity? Is that a real motivation?

[Gary]

After reading the article and the comments here's my opinion like I have said for over 20 years.

Keep your body in shape for sexy you really never know when your next partner is coming along.

Another reason why I find gay men repulsively shallow.

I had a friend who lost a ton of weight who couldn't handle the sudden pressure of men after him....he ended up committing suicide and I think that's the reason why.

I am motivated by good health.

[Tony]

The way I stay motivated is by having a personal trainer. I hate to waste money so if I pay him the total first I'm sure to go every time.

[splerk]

Anyone who Patiently takes the Committed time to achieve his smaller goals in dedication to achieving a Broader Goal, isn't Vane for having a bit of pride for himself.
Feeling good while developing admiration for oneself is very radiating.
Vanity is a word used in envy.
When attracted to a hot bod, I am also attracted to the fact that if that man Cares enough to take Care of himself, then he will most likely take care of me as well in dedicated committment.
Big Birds of a Feather flock & other things together
Everyone admires a nice in shape guy, but be the man that you want or at least try.
Another thing, these HOT BOD guys are looking for the same thing as you & I & just like everyone else 1 out of 2 people either like you or they don't.
Don't be afrain to Talk to them.
They sometimes are just as lonely as anyone else, if not more so.
At lease have some courage to risk a shot down.
Your and his chances are still 50/50.

[Jack]

Nothing wrong with wanting to look good. Healthy = pretty = healthy.

[John]

I agree that most of this information is just recycled crap. What keeps me motivated? Knowing that when I am 80 or 85 yrs old I will not have to have anybody drive me around, wipe my ass, bathe me, or lift a 10 lbs. bag of cat litter for me.
I can say this much about lifting. The hardest part about going to a gym and staying with it is walking through that front door.

I had quit lifting for a year because I got burned out. After seeing myself in the mirror after a shower I decided it was time to go back.

[Damien]

The hardest thing is to start working out. After working out for few months now, I try not to think about going to the gym, I just do it. What motivates me? I see results, not huge but I know that in six months I will see a huge difference in my body shape. Looking at hot guys also helps, since I want to look like them, the inspire me to work even harder. I know that looking in really good shape takes a lot of hard work, so I try not to feel sorry for myself that I have to work out. Working out now makes me feel good and now I actually like going to the guy. I think everyone needs to find their own reasons to work out, I don`t think any reason is shallow even if it`s just to look good.

[Jay]

of course vanity is a real motivation - who doesn't want to look good? and bad news for the dude who plans to wipe his own 80 year old ass - working out isn't a cure-all...you may still have to hire out for that.

[oldkingtroll]

People talk about vanity as if it is such a bad thing. As if people do not take pride in being smart or in doing good works for others. Following this sort of logic, people who read new things - because they are curious and to learn (i.e., mental exercise) - are also vain and should not.

Yeah, looks eventually fade but, if you are lucky enough to live long enough, so does the rest of your body, your personality, and your mind. It is the balance among these things - our looks, personality, intelligence and the like - that defines us as individuals.

Get over it and decide that being healthy and that balancing among all aspects of your being is worth an investment of time. If that is being vain, so be it.

[Eli]

I don't like this advice at all. You're a man, you make a commitment, you keep a commitment, especially for yourself. All it takes is focus. Yeah, you'll get bored, you fight through that boredom. Don't go to the gym to make friends, that will slow you down... you get in focused, for a 40 minute set, push as hard as you can, pay attention to nothing but the weights and your form, and you get out and have a life.

[Edward]

5 out of 10? Wouldn't it be easier to say 1 out of 2?

[HT]

Exercise for health...

...Not to have scores of gay men coming to find you for a hot one night stand and the possibility of getting a disease. Gay men are indeed shallow, it's nice to read I am not the only one who knows the truth (I am bi and have had dealt with too many shallow game players to give a bleep about the "community" any longer...)

[Boston Ember]

Constant visuals!

The only way you can stay motivated is to find that within you. That is what some poeple say. I find that can be reinforced with some good external stimuli! I find keeping a fitness mag close to the can and a nice, cut dude on the fridge helps a lot.

Choose wisely!

Living with 6 gyms in close walking distance, I chose the farthest one, with an uphill walk to boot--and a costlier fee. Find a place you love.

You could also choose a neat weight set for home, and a bike for outside. Maybe you want to go to one of those one-on-one places, or hit the monkey bars at the park. Find whatever works for you, keeps you heart healthy and hopefully the bod at least a bit toned!

Research home workouts online if that is your preference. Having any of these options around gives you choice.

I personally find compartmentalizing all of my activities to my one gym and the running path along the Charles a better plan. Too much choice can lead to stagnation.

Eye candy!

I guess for me one major motivator is that the gyms in Boston have tons of young, cut guys. Avoid the "gay gyms," and you may avoid any insecurity.

You'll feel fabulous!

Plus what greater motivator is there than youth? Working out slows aging, adds energy and gives you a great feeling afterwards and for a prolonged period of time.

At the bar!

I have often had a guy reach for my tush or grab my arm, nothing too obnoxious, but reflexively pull away -- instantly remarking at how hard I am.

Stand and deliver!

Working out improves posture, strengthens muscles that when weak can lead to backaches and such. Fight off slouching and tight hunches.

I find that working out your back (which you should do twice as much workload on as for chest) relieves tension, improves posture, improves slep and keeps you from getting a back-ache from your desk chair.

Over time, you can take breaks!

I have worked out in some way or another since I started biking and swimming in grade school. Make it a part of your life. When you need to take a gym break, you can and you have enough going for you that you won't lose much. In fact, a week off every once in a while is GOOD for you.

Do not socialize!

Find a gym you like, work out alone, have a plan, visualize it, and be friendly but not friends with everyone.

Have FUN!

[matt]

Ive been working out since april and ive lost about 65lbs as of right now. I go with my cousin and a group of friends to the track 5days a week, at the same time everyday. I go as soon as i wake up, because i work over nights i have to get done and then head to work. I do surveillance and decided to go on a diet as soon as i got the job and saw my supersized boss. While im at work i left a 20lbs dumbell i take with me. I find that if i do change up just a little bit it helps out alot. Also having a goal, or in my case two events to want to look good for is a good incentive. Im planning on going to madrid in august, and my second is to go as my favorite vamp on halloween so i have to look even sexyer by then... lol but i dont get with friends and have a few drinks every week i tell them to bring cameras so i can have some pics taken and I have seen my progression slowly but surely. so if i can do it, theres hope for anyone out there to do anything they want...

[Blake S]

Recently I stubbled upon a new little treat called EBOOST. I too struggle with staying motivated enough to go to the gym and workout. But EBOOST has been giving me the kick in the toosh i need to get there, stay there, and look my best. EBOOST now replaces my daily 3 redbulls and 2 coffees. I love it! check it out at www.eboost.com