How to Get Motivated to Lose Weight and Get Fit

by Joanne Bednar

Once overweight and out of shape, Joanne is now a certified aerobics instructor. How did she motivate herself to lose weight and get in shape? Read on to learn her best motivational secret!

I had to hit bottom before I was able to get motivated. Keep in mind that my personal bottom might be very different than yours, but I was sitting on the ground by the time I did anything about my body. The sad thing is, I knew better!

One day, I sat down and picked my brain and then made a big list. I searched for, and listed, every single reason why losing weight and getting into shape was important to me. My list included some very vain things, but I was being totally honest with myself. I wanted people to react positively towards me when they saw all the weight I had lost. I no longer wanted to see that roll of fat on my belly above the water level when I soaked in a nice hot bath. Oh to fit into that certain pair of jeans and be able to wear lingerie again!

I had to stop being so hypocritical with my degree. I wanted to practice what I preached. For the first time in a long time I wanted to be able to wear my hair anyway I wanted, and not have to hold my chin up when someone photographed me to avoid the double-chin-syndrome.

I was tired of having to wear certain styles of clothing, like leggings, and big shirts. I wanted to wear the cute sleeveless tops that were so popular. My husband and I were getting a hot tub, and I wanted to entertain my guests without feeling self-conscious.

Then came the icing on the cake:
I had just moved to a new city and was in need of a new hairdresser. I picked a shop randomly and happened to stumble onto a great male stylist. He quickly assessed my hair and recommended a new trendy cut that I really liked. When he finished, he said, "This style looks really good with your face, since you are still trying to lose baby weight."

Well, he didn't know it, but I had lost all my baby weight within 10 days of delivering my daughter, and she was nine months old at the time. I was just heavy from before my pregnancy. You can bet that I was completely crushed, but I really needed to hear that. The next day I started my exercise program. I still go to him for my haircuts so I can rub my weight loss in his face, and, of course, thank him for being so honest!

It was only after making my list that I was truly motivated to take that first step. After my list was complete I felt so low, yet I was so ready to make a change. Try making a list and include every reason you can possibly think of for losing weight. If this doesn't motivate you, try on your swimming suit!

Reprinted with permission. Joanne Bednar is the owner/fitness trainer for The Motivation Station, featuring online personalized fitness program created just for you. Joanne also writes a daily fitness tip.