Motivation, how to get it back?

[Parker]

After more than year lay off due to health issues ( extremely high blood pressure) and job and location change, I have found it hard to motivate myself to work out. I have picked up the weights here and then, but it was just fooling around. I have gone from my best shape of 175 pounds (was heavier at 180) to about 125 pounds, then 130  pounds. This all at 5'5". The only thing I can say is that I have six pack that would make DaddyWaddy jealous...

Has anyone ever had this long of a slump, and how did you get motivated to work out. By the way, I have weights in the apartment, a dip bar, a adjustable bench, and dumbells, they just collect dust...

[PANDAEMONIUM]

The longer you take off, the harder it is to get back into the swing of things.  If you got into it because you love pushing yourself and just love that adrenalin rush from pushing the iron, then commit to 3 weeks of balls to the walls workouts like you used to do.  If you can't rediscover that passion, then you might try a shotgun blast to the head.

[Parker]

The longer you take off, the harder it is to get back into the swing of things.  If you got into it because you love pushing yourself and just love that adrenalin rush from pushing the iron, then commit to 3 weeks of balls to the walls workouts like you used to do.  If you can't rediscover that passion, then you might try a shotgun blast to the head.

Yeah, I got into because of that love, and because of the discipline. I guess I should see it as a challenge...

[E N A N T H A T O R]

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[candidizzle]

buy a muscular development...fli through it and find the best phsyqieu (in your opinion)...take off your clothes, and compare yourself in the mirror to that physique..(hold the magazine with you while you look in the mirror)

this should be motivation enough

[GoneAway]

Motivation doesn't last.

You should have the drive to build a better body. I do know that it can be hard, that you can fluctuate between good and bad periods, but it should always be in the back of your mind, that you want to do this. If not, try taking up another hobby.

[webcake]

Motivation doesn't last.

You should have the drive to build a better body. I do know that it can be hard, that you can fluctuate between good and bad periods, but it should always be in the back of your mind, that you want to do this. If not, try taking up another hobby.

Exactly.

When your driving to the gym, are you going because you want to, or are you just going because you think you should go?

Do you genuinely want to lift weights, or do you just lift because you think you should?

You really have to ask yourself if you genuinely enjoy weight training. If you don't, its only a matter of time before you fall off the wagon and thats it.

[Quickerblade]

Exactly.

When your driving to the gym, are you going because you want to, or are you just going because you think you should go?

Do you genuinely want to lift weights, or do you just lift because you think you should?

You really have to ask yourself if you genuinely enjoy weight training. If you don't, its only a matter of time before you fall off the wagon and thats it.

exactly, i love the gym.

[Parker]

Exactly.

When your driving to the gym, are you going because you want to, or are you just going because you think you should go?

Do you genuinely want to lift weights, or do you just lift because you think you should?

You really have to ask yourself if you genuinely enjoy weight training. If you don't, its only a matter of time before you fall off the wagon and thats it.

I used to lift at my parents house in the basement, had all the stuff there. ANn I was always pumped up, no distractions and I grew like a weed. When I got a membership to a gym, I liked going at 9:30 at night, to workout at the last hour the gym (10pm -11pm), or going on Sat and Sun at 6am, I was there like clockwork, and I talked to non-one. Strictly working out.

It wasn't until, I was admitted to the ER last Feb with a blood pressure that stroke level. Then I found out that I had one kidney, next came the meds. And I got scared to even do push ups...I used to eat like I was never going to have meal again, that stopped as well.

So mentally, it's a hurdle to even fathom trying to set foot in a gym.

[ripitupbaby]

You should definitely join a gym... don't try to remotivate yourself with a few weights that have been collecting dust in your apartment.  You can use those for supplemental training once you're back into it full-swing.  Joining a new gym and getting into the atmosphere can be very motivating.  The first steps are the hardest to take... it gets easier once you get back into it.

EDIT:  I just saw your last post.  You gotta take the first step and get in there. 

[mass 04]

I have never dealt with the motivation thing, but i understand your problem and hope your health is good.

I would say, think back to the way you looked at 175 and in good shape and how good it made you feel, and the accomplishment and great feeling you get after a workout and the confidence and discipline it gave you.

oh brother, i sound like an "Animal Pack" ad. 

[danielson]

After more than year lay off due to health issues ( extremely high blood pressure) and job and location change, I have found it hard to motivate myself to work out. I have picked up the weights here and then, but it was just fooling around. I have gone from my best shape of 175 pounds (was heavier at 180) to about 125 pounds, then 130  pounds. This all at 5'5". The only thing I can say is that I have six pack that would make DaddyWaddy jealous...

Has anyone ever had this long of a slump, and how did you get motivated to work out. By the way, I have weights in the apartment, a dip bar, a adjustable bench, and dumbells, they just collect dust...

Now everytime you post I am going to imagine this.

[Parker]

Now everytime you post I am going to imagine this.

Haa, Good one. I'm way lighter in skin tone. And I have the square jawed, "Cab Calloway mustache" thing going on. And of course taller, and I ain't no virgin...

I have never dealt with the motivation thing, but i understand your problem and hope your health is good.

I would say, think back to the way you looked at 175 and in good shape and how good it made you feel, and the accomplishment and great feeling you get after a workout and the confidence and discipline it gave you.

oh brother, i sound like an "Animal Pack" ad. 

Thanks, and I will think of this as well.

You should definitely join a gym... don't try to remotivate yourself with a few weights that have been collecting dust in your apartment.  You can use those for supplemental training once you're back into it full-swing.  Joining a new gym and getting into the atmosphere can be very motivating.  The first steps are the hardest to take... it gets easier once you get back into it.

EDIT:  I just saw your last post.  You gotta take the first step and get in there. 

 Yes, I agree with you...And I will take the first steps...

[jpm101]

Join a gym as RIUB suggest, but just not any gym. Try finding one where they are some serious guy's working out. And if you can, try working in with them. Most guy's will be glad to help and offer advice. You get a certain vib and motivation from a gym with serious intent, like nowhere else. Training at home may offer some advantages but does not come close to tapping your full potential to improve to your best. A lot of gym's will let you take a guest workout to get the feel of training there. Good Luck.

[G.R.H.]

did your doc give you the thumbs up to lift again?  anyway, i have exactly the same problem. i go to the gym, see guys bigger, stronger, more muscular than me, and i get intimidated inside. i work out, tire 20 minutes later, and stop. then i don't go back for days and weeks at a time sometimes. i know i have made improvements sice last year, but motovation is hard to keep. i was told to try to change the routine once in a while, and find someone to lift with.  that may help. and as intimidating as i may feel sometimes by guys that can lift more and are stronger than me, i remember that they were also beginners at one time. they are there to workout too. 99 pecent of the time, nobody really cares what u look like or if u can out bench them or not, they are just there to lift. the ones who have to grunt and show off after each and every rep....IGNORE THEM! they have no brains, just brawn! only my opinion!   actually, i have even had a few guys ask me for help a couple of times when they need spotting. anyway, don't get discouraged. i have said enough! 

[andre90]

this video i promise you will pump you up.

[JasonH]

It is hard to come back after a layoff - I took an extended one from mid 2005 until early 2006. Then picked up the weights again promptly to quit once more in late 2006. I didn't train at all from late 2006 until mid 2007 due to work pressures and I've only just got back into it properly again now since late 2007. The passion for training diminished somewhat during that time but I'm over the worst of it now and am working back to regaining my best ever strength and size. But it has been difficult. I can't see me quitting again for that length of time and with every workout I do now it makes me feel that much more consistent and satisfied - just take each workout at a time and before you know it the weeks and months fly by. Setting goals always helps too - my goals now are to get as big as I was at my heaviest in 2004 but with more definition and also to be stronger at that weight too. Might even go for a show - who knows?

[4thAD]

Enanthator actually said it best here, Just get your ass back in the gym and train. I think we all have our down times when training is the last thing we want to do. The only to combat this is to just get off your ass and go. Head out the door and get to the gym. You will find your self very soon!

[Parker]

did your doc give you the thumbs up to lift again?  anyway, i have exactly the same problem. i go to the gym, see guys bigger, stronger, more muscular than me, and i get intimidated inside. i work out, tire 20 minutes later, and stop. then i don't go back for days and weeks at a time sometimes. i know i have made improvements sice last year, but motovation is hard to keep. i was told to try to change the routine once in a while, and find someone to lift with.  that may help. and as intimidating as i may feel sometimes by guys that can lift more and are stronger than me, i remember that they were also beginners at one time. they are there to workout too. 99 pecent of the time, nobody really cares what u look like or if u can out bench them or not, they are just there to lift. the ones who have to grunt and show off after each and every rep....IGNORE THEM! they have no brains, just brawn! only my opinion!   actually, i have even had a few guys ask me for help a couple of times when they need spotting. anyway, don't get discouraged. i have said enough! 

Actually, yes and no. They have said lift light weights and keep my protein low (60 grams) per day. My condition is far worse than HB...

And a hot female that I'm cool with, said that she and I could workout together...too bad I live far away from her Gold's gym ...Ain't nothing like a hot female to get ya motivated.

this video i promise you will pump you up.

Thanks, and Yes it did...Damn, I will look at this before each workout...

I have slowly gotten to workout-arms, chest, delts, and abs.

[Faust]

Enanthator actually said it best here, Just get your ass back in the gym and train. I think we all have our down times when training is the last thing we want to do. The only to combat this is to just get off your ass and go. Head out the door and get to the gym. You will find your self very soon!

Agreed. After a couple of weeks/months your body and mind get accustomed to it, and it will actually be hard to stay at home.
At first i didn't really like working out. Now i work out three days a week, and been getting good results. I had planned to take a week or two "off" now, but i simply can't help but lifting :-).

[bigerthanu]

i agree with a lot of these guys and gals you must join a gym, and see if there is any one at work that is intrested in weight training as well so you not only have a spotter but you have someone to give you that extra push untill your motivation kicks back in.  and set real goals dont do what candy said comparing yourself to  vicor m or dennis wolf is only gonna make your current goals seem imposable to reach.  once youre walking through the doors of that gym consistantly you will get stronger your muscules will start to grow and then your motivation will increase as well

[BAZZERKER]

I swithed gyms, grabbed a some supplements i havnt tried and read a mag and bought a battle for olympia dvd...  also got a few tank tops that i couldnt wear till i was in shape..

[Benny B]

Definitely join a gym, as the inspiration isn't there at home by yourself.

You have to give yourself a set routine. If you don't use a daily planner...buy one. Pencil in your gym time just like every other appointment or requirement you have for that day. Start out with just scheduling a three days per week routine where you're out of the gym in less than an hour. Once you manage to make it to the gym at your scheduled time for two to three weeks, the juices should start flowing again and you'll be on your way. 

Sorry to hear about the high blood pressure issue. Hopefully you can incorporate weight training into your lifestyle in a way that isn't dangerous. Weight training is beneficial in so many ways that I think some doctors may not know what they are talking about when they tell you to avoid the weights with your condition. Certainly cardio and diet should be a BIG priority for you because they keep down hbp and cholesterol.