The trick for motivation is....keep telling yourself "I can do this today, no reason I cannot... I've done it yesterday, I can do it today"...and after a few times of that, you start telling yourself "I can do this, I've done it dozen's of times" Then 100's of times, etc, etc, then "Everyday"

and before you know it.......

It's 5 am right now, having my coffee...will head to the gym at 5:30 to run my 5 miles....it's easy...I've done it before, I've done it dozen's of times, I now do it everyday!!! NO REASON I CAN"T DO IT TODAY!!!!! No reason I can't do it tomorrow!!!

Take that, PLUS how good, satisfying, and rewarding it starts to feel, and eventually you will feel down and depressed when you miss a day!

I started with the C-2- 5K program...struggled with it..took me about 14 weeks to complete the 8 weeks because there were weeks I struggled so bad , I would go back and repeat the entire week.....

I now run at least 5 miles a day and it's all become routine....and that is getting easier so now I am increasing my pace.....to keep my heart rate at optimum...I do 5 miles in a little less than 45 minutes. So I will increase my pace and maintain the 45 minute duration and see what happens.

I am 61 years old, a heart attack survivor with subsequent cardiac surgery......and only started this since being banded....and I am still improving, So I don't like it when people say they can't...or don't have the time.... but they can figure out ways to cheat the band....very clever indeed...tricking themselves like that.....

I also now play softball every Sunday in a 55 and over league, and I am usually the oldest guy there, yet one of the better players.(shortstop).....all because of the band!!!!

Wow thanks for sharing B52! You are a huge inspiration! I'm going to be banded in early December..and I know I will remember your mantra on rough days. I used to workout ALL the time when I weighed less so I can't wait to be back there. I'm going to start now I think ..even if its just walking 2 or 3 miles a few times a week.

Love this!

And another motivation can be once you see that you are losing weight, setting short term realistic goals to keep you engaged in your weight loss journey.

During the first 12 months following placement of my band, I had 3 surgeries, the recovery from two of which I had to be essentially a couch potato for 6 weeks. I was depressed because of my inability to engage in exercise. Then several weeks post op, with my ortho physician's blessing, I discovered I could use a recumbent bicycle. My mood improved dramatically...and I was back on track again.

Now that we have moved to a cooler climate, I am able to get to the fitness center 5-6 days a week for at least an hour of cardio. I feel restless if I have to miss out on "my time" at the gym, as now it is a habit for me.

Seeing the scale move in the right direction, even slowly, is the motivation which keeps me going with diet compliance and exercise.

And the changes which take place with seeing the possibilities of a healthier and more fit you are excellent motivators as well.

We can all be successful if we keep our focus on the rewards of improved health and mobility. Some days are more difficult than others...but maintaining focus also helps to maintain motivation!

Best wishes for continuing success!

I am printing this out! Thx!!

I am printing this out! Thx!!