Newbie with a question (or several)

[mrsjrd23]

Hello! I usually post on MMM but of course with the new year, comes another commitment to try and get healthy and lose this baby weight.  I haven't really worked out in over a year and have come to the point where I hate the way I look and need to make some changes. 

With my work schedule, it's hard to consistently get to the gym so my workouts are done at home.  I have access to an elliptical at home, some free weights, a bench, and several workout videos including 30 day shred, P90x, Turbo Jam and I recently got T25.  I've previously been a pseudo runner having run a 1/2 marathon 3 years ago but haven't run since.

I'm trying to come up with some fitness goals and rewards to keep me motivated and was wondering if you had any ideas on small rewards for certain milestones.
Right now, my first goal is to work out at least 30 minutes/5days a week for a month and after that month, want to have something fun to look forward to. 

Other goals that I'm looking for little rewards for:

losing 10 lbs
signing up for and finishing a 10k (want to do one end of April)
losing 20 lbs (DH said I can get the Ipad I've been wanting when I hit 20 lbs)

Any ideas for fun/ healthy rewards (obviously not along the line of an ipad for every goal LOL)

Thanks for any ideas and hope to be a little more active over on this board if you'll have me.

[trigal]

Massages are great rewards!

[sadlebred]

How about something not H&F related like a mini-manicure or pedicure? For a big goal (25 pounds or something) , a massage or something fitness related like a foam roller?

[clseale]

Hi & welcome!

For the 10 lbs, I might get a great pair of jeans. Sure, you'll have to buy more later, but 10 lbs is enough that your old jeans will be pretty loose. I'd want one great fitting pair.

For the 10k, I like the idea of a massage or pedicure.

[secretlyevil]

A friend of mine pays herself a dollar for every workout she completes. Periodically she cashes out and spends it on fun stuff only.

[gt7301b]

Hi and Welcome!!!

I suggest starting with a smaller goal and then moving onto a bigger goal. If you haven't worked out in a year it is pretty aggressive to maintain a 5 workout a week schedule to start. I'd aim for 3 times a week in the first month, then 4, and then 5 times.

[shauni27]

welcome! I started out with running goals. As soon as I ran my first 5K I went and got a pedicure. When I lost 15 lbs last summer I bought new clothes.

Good luck, and also do not beat yourself up if it goes slowly, you have setbacks, or you cannot achieve all of your goals 100%. Work hard, but also be realistic!

[labbie]

Hi and welcome!
I work out at home as well, so if you're looking for new ideas there I've really enjoyed fitnessblender.com and doyogawithme.com for free workouts that you can search based on time you have (helps when the schedule is tight).

For rewards it's personal as to what you like, but I agree that massages are awesome. I love workout clothes, so I treat myself to that stuff as well-- anything from new running socks, sweatybands headbands to clothes.

Good luck with your goals!

[pag41989]

Welcome! I am also a newbie on here. I have been running for awhile and will be doing my first half in February and it all started with me wanting to lose baby weight as well which is still a constant struggle (especially with diet around the holidays). What your doing is a great idea and a good form of motivation. I created myself a spreadsheet and for any time I lost 5 lbs I rewarded myself with something. The first 5 lbs was a new lipgloss, 10 lbs was a manicure, 15 lbs was a new workout outfit, 20 lbs was a mani/pedi, 25 was a new pair of jeans, etc. etc. I tried to make sure I increased the type of "prize" for each weight loss goal to increase the incentive to get there. Once I hit my weight loss goal my treat is a new work clothes wardrobe which I have started saving up for. Good luck to you! Losing baby weight is no easy task but it is so worth it and will help a ton when you are having to chase around a toddler.

[katinthehat]

I bought Lush bath bombs and would have one after every long run when I was training for a big race.

[Deleted]

Welcome! You've got some great advice and ideas here. I agree with all of them. Set realistic expectations and don't give up if you get a set back. Increase the incentive in line with the size of the goal. And check in and tell us how you're doing!

Good luck!