Looking for a Contract

[KellysCrack]

I am looking for an exercise contract.... It is time to get tough.

I spent time in the military running as someone was yelling at me to move it so I never lacked motivation, 10 years later 2 kids and a desk job are killing me. I need to get off my lazy arse and get moving.

I have told my SO do whatever you think is needed I want to do it I am just not always as motivated.

I want to put it in writing that way there is no turning back and no he said she said. So I am looking for ideas on how to get started from anyone who has done the same.

 

[TypicalDeviant]

If you really want to exercise and get it, it's not a matter of a contract or rewards agreement, those are just delaying tactics. You need to motivate yourself, figure out HOW you want to exercise, and then maintain the discipline to follow through.

I see that you already have step 1. What's your plan for step 2? Gym, cycling, running, swimming, weight lifting, pilates, yoga? Is your goal general fitness or weight loss?

If it's general fitness, any of the previously mentioned activities, except for weight lifting, will work. If it's weight loss you're after, you'll conquer that my maintaining a healthy, REASONABLE diet.

I cannot stress this enough, the formula for weightloss is simple and as follows: IF calories in < calories burned, THEN weight = lost. Keep in mind that muscle is more dense than fat, so you can shrink sizes and GAIN weight - but who cares since you'll look good.

All that aside, my girlfriend maintains a simple reward system with some easy, weekly goals/criteria - drink only water for a week, work out at least 30 minutes a day, no dessert, etc during the week. Each success gets her 1 minute towards a massage... Try that if you need that type of system.

Lastly, go take a walk - working out doesn't have to make you redfaced and sweaty - just get moving and you're on your way! You can do it!

 

[KellysCrack]

contract is for his defense... see honey right here you said.

 

[breezyblue]

I have never formalized the arrangement with a contract - but its a good idea so run with it, pun intended It might be a good idea to type something up and then post it on the refrigerator - that way you can glance at it to remind yourself that you promised and maybe that will help you forge ahead even when you don't really feel like going out for a walk or whatever. I haven't really ever had to lose weight but when i try to motivate myself to tone up it is a similar experience - if i don't have some reward waiting at the end of it i tend to lose motivation. It might seem silly but when i reach my goal i do something like buy myself something i have really been wanting - find something that will be a good motivator for you and put at the end of your contract that when you achieve such and such a goal you will get that thing or experience or whatever you have decided.

I also second the idea of drinking only water for a week (with an allowed cup of coffee in the morning). I find that i have more energy and do not become dehydrated like i normally do throughout the day so it makes it easier for me to get motivated for exercise.

Oh! and if you can find someone to go exercise with you - like a friend or you SO or anyone really that is always great because you make each other accountable for actually getting up and doing it.

 

[KellysCrack]

End goal is a beautiful corset that I eyeballed on-line...

Once I get going I am good, I just really have low motivation until I see the results.

 

[Primalex]

End goal is a beautiful corset that I eyeballed on-line...

Print it out on paper and put the print somewhere, where you always see it.

 

[Kikori]

Exercise at needs to be fun, most of all. Or at least un-obtrusive. Home isn't like the military, where you're punished for not completing your exercises.

This is where games that get you to physically move around come in handy. Real life games and video games alike. They don't have to be complex, either. Badminton or whiffle ball (plastic baseball) if you have an open yard, wall ball if you just have a tennis ball (which was a game I've only seen played by teenagers behind the bathroom building at an old baseball park, but still...), unofficial sports teams around your city CAN'T be non-existant.

If you have to be indoors, the Wii is surprisingly your best friend. And with how many are out there, lord knows you might, someone close might, or someone you know will have one. Wii Fit, Wii Sports, Wii Sports Resort, the Active Life games (Outdoor Challenge, etc)... As long as you don't just sit on a chair and twirl the Wiimote around with your wrist, it's a way to get you moving as you play.

I could actually see you borrowing or playing something indoors until your body gets used to moving enough and you enjoy moving enough that you seek more physical forms of fun outside.

 

[KellysCrack]

Oh don't get me wrong I move about and average walking about 6 miles a week for exercise generally with the two kiddos in tow. Once upon a time that was daily and running.

I just need to stick with it. This is where my motivator will come in handy in encouraging me to keep going.

I have the basics...gym membership, love to hike, and all kinds of other outdoor items. I just really need to sit down put it on paper and commit. I do better when I have a strict guideline of this is what I am going to do, and this is when I am going to do it, for how long....blah blah.. For me the devil is in the details.

I was just wondering if anyone else had done something similar and how it worked for them.

 

[KellysCrack]

Print it out on paper and put the print somewhere, where you always see it.

It's the background on my phone and computer...