Tuesday fitness check in

[HoneySpider]

I am a mess - I cannot get back on track with working out or eating. I had a mini breakdown last night. Ugh.

What motivates you to stick with your health/fitness routine? I've tried all kinds of things over the years but not much really seems to work. I could use some inspiration today.

[mswax]

Well, since I teach group fitness classes, I have to be at the gym at least twice a week. When I was training for my half marathon, I had a schedule and was working towards something.

When I'm not going to the gym, I now work out after I put the kids to bed. However, it's much easier for me to be motivated before I eat dinner. I used to, in my pre-kids days, go straight from work to the gym. And I used to only do classes. I call myself a social exerciser, since I really like to sweat with other people doing the same thing. Finally, when all else failed, I'd tell myself I can go for 15 minutes, and if I want to leave after that, I can. I never did, though...once I got started, I always did a full workout. It was a great mind trick to get me there, though

[magpie]

I am a runner. I'm motivated by various things. Sometimes it is training for a race, sometimes, I just like to build speed or distance to beat myself. Lots of times, I just want to be outside on my own for a while. The biggest motivator that has kept me at it for over ten years though is the mood boost/stress relief. When I can't run or exercise, I can have problems with depression and anxiety. That's my biggest motivator.

I am not nearly as motivated towards healthy eating though. If you figure out a secret for that, pass it along please! ;D

[glauren]

First off, cut yourself some slack - you're growing a baby!
I am a (super slow) runner. Like magpie, I enjoy the solitude of long runs outside and find it incredibly therapeutic. I try to sign up for 5ks to give myself something to work toward.
Also, for me, I have to run on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. If I wait until after work, I choose wine and sitting on the couch over working out every.single.time.
As for eating...well, I run so I can eat and drink so I'm not a lot of help there!

[HoneySpider]

As much as I am not a morning person and I hate working out early, I think I need to ease myself back into that schedule. In the few months before our wedding, I used to get up at 5:30 every morning and ride the exercise bike before work. It meant I went to bed a lot earlier (9-9:30ish) but I rarely skipped a workout.

I'm too tired now by the time I get home after work/commute and so it's easier to just plop down and be lazy.

[glauren]

I'm also not a morning person, but I find I enjoy my evenings a lot more when I don't have a workout to excuse my way out of! Maybe try setting small goals - shoot for 1 or 2 mornings a week at first so you don't get burnt out or frustrated.