Staying Motivated

Working out a lot at the gym, I get to observe how members often start disappearing within three months of having made their New Years resolution to want to get in shape. Work, Family or other obligations start getting in the way, so that they miss a day, then one day becomes a week, then a month, and so on.

The key is to stay motivated, regardless of what comes your way, which is easier said then done, I know. However, I truly believe you can accomplish this by having a goal in mind and putting a deadline on it.

Below is aan article I found online from Zen Fitness Motivation 101. I've added a few of my own to the list. Feel free to add yours.


1- Realize How Lucky You Are

Og Mandino one of my favorite self development authors has a great poem he reads when feeling down. Check it out over here……..

We are so lucky to even be able to contemplate going out and exercising. There are so many out there who are not blessed with Money, Gym’s or the ability to workout. Remembering this is something very simple but powerful when feeling de-motivated.

2 -- Do it Anyway

Keep Going or Just Keep Living. These are two great slogans that can inspire you to get going. I read this post over at Applied Mastery recently and it rang true to what I have seen with successful people. They keep going regardless of the circumstances, They understand that life has its ups and downs but we must get things done anyway. This applies to more than just working out but everyday life.

Personal problems with their spouse? They keep going. Setback with their finances? They keep going. Health problems? They keep going. Lost their job? Same deal … they keep going…..

I always try to remember how good it feels to get a workout done. The satisfaction and sense of accomplishment of a good workout is amazing and it will last for hours after training.

3 -- Find Inspiration

This varies from person to person. We all have different things that strike the right cord and make us want to workout. It maybe better health, a good looking body or losing a few extra pounds. Remember these goals when in doubt.






I would like to add a few of mine own thoughts to this list:

4-- Find a workout buddy or join a group

Why go on your own? Buddy up or join a group to keep you motivated

5-- Log your training and progress

Log your training workouts by blogging or use a training log and watch your progress. By blogging, you open yourself up to the world, which will keep you accountable to your goals and others will motivate you to keep going.

6-- Do it for a cause

Some stay motivated to workout if they are doing it for a cause, such as a charity event, rather than just working out for themselves.

Cycling Made Fun at the Expo

I had a great time promoting cycling and our group at the DC Health & Fitness Expo this past weekend thanks to BikeWalk Virginia. I spoke to so many people about cycling and our group, especially on Saturday, that my words didn't come out right anymore. I didn't even have a chance to sit and stood the entire time from 9am - 5 pm both days. My feet were very sore afterwards.

Fortunately, Ed came by on Saturday for a few hours to help me out and answer people's questions, pass out literature and demonstrate the trainer. Besides having a bike raffle to win the 2010 Trek 7000 Sports Hybrid which Spokes, Etc, donated, the free massage I had at my booth was a huge attraction as well. Thanks to Tisha and Damiko of Calme Massage Therapy for providing this service, who also donated a free 2 one hour massage session to the lucky winner.

Our booth was located near the ribbon cutting ceremony. Many people were already gathered in front of the tv cameras, when they announced over the intercom: "A few more minutes till the ribbon cutting begins."

After finishing setting up my booth, I rushed to join the group to be part of the ribbon cutting. Having been somewhere behind a lot of people where I couldn't see much, someone said that we needed to squeeze in more, so somehow the people that were lined up way before me, ended up behind me and I was up close to the cameras, next to Hoda, the two "Biggest Loser" winners and Michael Jack the General Manager of NBC4.

Here I am having a few moments of fame on TV (I'm not quite awake yet)






Here is our booth with a big line of people waiting to get their free massage

Keeping the table neat and displayed with bicycle maps, brochures and information is a challenge at times for one person.

Damiko working on a lady. He sure worked some wonders on me. Tisha came on Sunday to relieve Damiko.

Here is the display board I made, next to the replica of a 1895 Columbia Penny Farthing (it's a bicycle)



Here I switched the board around and should have left it the way it was. Then people forgot to look at it. My countless hours of work and pulling out hair to get this done.

Here is someone who enjoyed being on the bike with trainer. I got a lot of people to try out the bike, even a NBC4 cameraman got in a 10 min. workout.

Here is a family that wanted their picture taken with the Penny Farthing. This bike tipped over so many times because people were either touching it or leaning on the rail. So at one point I jokingly said that whoever tips it over will have to get on and ride it.

I had a great time at the expo and met a lot of interesting people,. Check back to see who the lucky winner is.