We all know that exercise is a good thing. It burns calories, improves mood, makes your heart healthier, improves blood sugar control, makes you smarter…and on and on.

But it’s hard! It can be a real struggle to get out the door, especially when it means getting out of your cozy bed a little earlier, or leaving behind your couch and favorite TV show. Sometimes I trick myself into getting started by telling myself I only need to do a little and then I can rest again. I also try to make it easier by varying my workouts so I don’t get bored, and having my shoes and workout clothes all ready so it’s easier to start.

So…what are your tricks for making sure you get in your exercise?

I also love the mapmyrun/mapmyride app.. LOVE IT. There are sponsored challenges on there.. being in the top 2-5% of everyone in a challenge pushes me so hard.. I also love seeing what everyone is doing to be active..

If anyone else uses the app, please let me know and I will add you.

@@Chrystee ... you are AWESOME. I'm inspired just reading your posts here. Thank you for those.

@@Chrystee ... you are AWESOME. I'm inspired just reading your posts here. Thank you for those.

Well.. gosh.. thanks.

@@*Lexie*, hmmm having difficulty getting dressed. That reminds me of my daughter's solution when she was going to high school. She'd wear her clothes to bed

I set multiple alarms to go off between 5 and 530. I feel like I'm trick in myself when I work out in the am.....then I can be a bum post work.

My biggest help has been wanting to see results on my body now that I've gotten more of the layer of fat down - I do lift weights in a gym, and just watching some of the muscles getting slightly more defined is rewarding for me.

As for personal trainer and costs, I hear you! Here's a bit of info that might help with that; my daughter is a personal trainer, and what I hear from her is how much she cares about her clients' health--far more than about the money. No, she's not going to train anyone for free, but she does work with a person to set up (and write down!) a good routine for them to follow, and one they can work with for 4-6 weeks running, and then they buy another session and she changes it up based on the new changes and working the body in ways that challenge and mix it up. It's what she does for me, since we don't live near enough for her to train me every week, and it's been great!

Hope this helps for those of you (and me!) on a tight budget. I find it's good incentive too, knowing she'll review progress at regular intervals.

I've gotten a 2nd hand treadmill, elliptical, and recumbent bike from Craig's List. As soon as I walk in the door after work, I change my clothes, and start working out. A minimum of one hour, seven days a week. Weekends it's the first thing I do in the morning. I watch Netflix while I'm exercising. One episode or more of whatever I'm currently interested in, or I listen to an audio book.

I've also been swimming and this Saturday I'm starting my first ever Yoga class.

My motivation is getting the most out of my RNY as I possibly can, the renewed energy I have at two months out, and knowing how long I waited and worked towards having this surgery. I'm going all the way! It's never too late to turn your life around!

I signed up for a boxing class that meets 3x/week. There are only three of us in the morning class and class is cancelled if 2/3 don't show up. I don't want to be why someone can't work out! Having accountability from my group is a big motivator, as is the monthly fee. It also helps that my Coach is pretty tough on us if we have lame excuses as to why someone missed a class.

Netflix, on my phone and watch the shows that I want while on the treadmill ????

Treadmill at home, I bought a couple treadmill DVDs "hikes" to watch on the tv (setup in front of the treadmill) while I walk. I can listen to the DVDs sounds or play music and zone out.

My gym has a childcare center that my kids adore. Basically it has a bounce house, rock wall, video room, video game area and play area. They harass me if I don't go because they want to go! I've convinced them that we will only go 5 days per week as a compromise!

Help I'm having trouble getting motivated to exercise!!!!!

I have hired a personal trainer at the Y. I find it's easy to commit to a person rather than commit to an activity. At some point soon, I will commit to MYSELF. What a concept.

Thank you all

Keep mixing it up!! And try things you never would have ever considered.

First I was all about kayaking, then lane swim, the a couch to 5K app. The past 2 months, I have been OBSESSED with kickboxing!! I think I'll stick with this for a while because it's truly awesome but if I get bored, I'll try something that will push me and keep my interest. Don't be hard on yourself if you get bored of something...just find something new. The important part is to go, go, go!!!