How can I create self-motivation to help me actually participate in regular exercise?
by 
Anonymous
ANSWERS: 5
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You can tie the exercise to something you really want/need to do. For example, you aren't allowed to shower to go to work unless you go for a mile walk first. Probably you'll only try to pull that off for one day before you do the exercise and take a shower. But, honestly, the only thing that will work is you committing to it. You can make all the deals you want, but if you don't stick to them (i.e. not take a shower if you don't exercise), then they don't work. Good luck. You might have luck exercising with a friend or joining a class to learn a new skill (yoga, karate, kickboxing, spinning).
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the best thing is to get 1 or 2 friends that also want to exercise and you will start exersizeing more and more
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I would never have believed this until I actually gave it a try... but I bought the Paul McKenna book and hypnotherapy CD ('I can make you thin') a few weeks ago and listen to the CD every night just as I'm going to sleep. No diet or exercise plan has ever worked for me before - mainly cause they're faddy and I don't stick to them. This CD has motivated me to exercise really regularly - and I'm enjoying it. Best £10 I ever spent.
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These are all good answers, but I have a few to add. First off, keep a chart of how much you exercise and put it somewhere you look often. A calendar works great as a visible reminder. Also, keep a chart of how much you've progressed. A lot of people would just put down their weight, but that's not always the best measurement since muscle gained looks better and is healthier for you, but makes you weight more. Plus weight can fluctuate several pounds depending on water retention. Instead (or in addition), your chart could include how many minutes you were able to run, measurements, etc. Just keep a measuring string around. Or better yet, a cloth band wide enough to write the date on after measuring yourself. Also, take pictures of youself weekly or at least monthly. Our bodies change so slowly that we often don't realize how far we've come. That's a shame because it's a sense of achievement that makes the best motivation, not guilt. Finally, reward yourself with a little shopping trip each month if you can. For me, the best motivation has been slipping into a pair of jeans a size smaller than I thought I was.
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These are all good answers, and I have another one to add; I workout too and one thing that I have found very useful is to tap into how good a workout really feels. I've never had a workout that I regreted doing; I ALWAYS feel good after one. It may be difficult to be motivated, but there's always the assurance that if you put your mind to it you will be benifited in the end. That's all the motivation I need, and perhaps it can help you too. Good luck with your training!
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