It's All About the Payoff

by Leslie Aronson — April 26, 2008

Sometimes you need a little extra outside motivation to make it to the gym. If you aren't feeling motivated to lose those last 5 pounds or make your workouts more regular, consider creating an incentive program for yourself. Every time you hit a new milestone in your weight loss, reward yourself somehow - treat yourself to a massage or mini-shopping spree (just don't reward yourself with food, if weight loss is your goal). Similarly, reward yourself for making it to the gym a set number of times each week or month. Or, as Shape magazine suggests, start a weight-loss pool with other friends who have similar goals. Have everyone contribute a certain amount of money and the "biggest loser" gets to take home the pot. If you want to steer clear of monetary motivations, friendly competition can be a great motivator even if you only end up with bragging rights. Friendly support when trying to lose weight can be key, too. Having a friend to exercise with or friends who won't enable you in making poor food choices at restaurants can be excellent motivators, or at least help you feel like you're not alone in reaching your fitness goals.