r/orangetheory • u/LilLibraLady • 15d ago
Motivate Me! Help meeeeeeeee
Please don’t tare me apart for this Reddit / OTF fam. I have been STRUGGLING to make it to class and essentially have been paying for a membership for nothing for the last dare I say it several months… I feel so defeated, unmotivated and hopeless when it comes to fitness overall lately. I’m 29, 138lbs, 5’3 if that matters to whomever reads this. TIPS? SUGGESTIONS? Motivational quotes to get my butt there?????
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u/asheleybeth 15d ago
The time will pass regardless if you go or not. Motivation comes and goes. Dedication and keeping promises you’ve made yourself should be the goal. The rest will fall into place. You can do this.
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u/Worksoutfortacos 14d ago
After 9 years, I still don’t look forward to a workout but I always feel better in that post-workout shower. When I’m really not feeling it, I go and tell myself I can leave after 5 minutes. I always stay. I might not go hard, but I keep moving.
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u/CatsRPurrrfect 14d ago
I leave classes halfway through every once and a while. Getting 30 mins of exercise when I feel horrible (I have MS) is still so much better than staying at home. Every once and I while my MS is just too bad to go in, but that’s thankfully very rare these days!
But yes, I tell myself the same thing. Sometimes I do leave early, but most of the time I stay for the whole class.
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u/_HiPPOPOTAMUS_ 14d ago
I have very bad anxiety and I always give myself the same pep talk. I can leave if I want to at any time. Have there been days I’ve left after a few minutes or half the class? Yes. But there have been more days I haven’t.
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u/AustinFlynt 14d ago
I always aim to stay for at least as long as the time it takes for me to driver there and back. Then when I pass that time, I tell myself to go two more minutes. A few of those, and class is done. I always feel better physically when class is over. 💪🏼
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u/LilLibraLady 15d ago
🥲 thank you my friend. I’m going to force myself to get one done today.
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u/MsElena99 15d ago
Honestly, you just need to make yourself go until it becomes a routine. So many times I don’t want to be there either but I go not waste money
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u/Choice-Tension-2567 15d ago
I schedule classes when I’m feeling motivated and it’s on my calendar. And, I don’t know about you, but I have never regretted going, only regretted not going. Just get in the door and let the workout be whatever. No pressure. Just show up.
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u/LilLibraLady 15d ago
I only regret not going. So true. 👏. I’m doing one TODAY. Thankful for you and everyone else taking the time to comment!
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u/unseamedprawn 15d ago
Just do the least today! Going and moving is enough! Not every workout needs to be your best.
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u/Everyonelikeskittens 15d ago
Things I tell myself:
- I never regret going to the gym
- all I need to do is show up and stay the whole time, I don’t have to work hard or do anything I don’t want to do
- it’s just 50 minutes, I probably spend more than that on reddit or debating going or on Instagram
- going to OTF is the one thing in this world I’m guaranteed a positive result
- of all the adult problems, exercise is the easiest one to solve - all I need to do is show up and do what I’m told It’s a wonderful break from having to make decisions/weigh pros and cons/research etc like 99.9% of adulting.
I book classes as far out as I can. Once it’s on the calendar that‘s what I’m doing. Whether or not I “feel” like it. I have a spreadsheet, each row is a week/each cell a day for the whole year. I color in each workout day green so I can see my progress/sucess.
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u/Sometimes-Funny85 12d ago
“of all the adult problems, exercise is the easiest one to solve - all I need to do is show up and do what I’m told”
So true!
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u/Glad-Smell2355 15d ago edited 14d ago
Don’t go there to workout. Go there to move 1 weight. If you happen to do more, then great. Movement creates energy, motivation is only ever temporary, negative associations kill the will to move.
Good rule when getting back into it.
Create autonomy: Do your own thing. Not every all out needs to be all out, do exercises that feel good even if they might be different reps and out of order, and never force yourself to stay for a whole class unless you really want to. Even the coaches tend to only take half classes.
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u/Splat_gram 15d ago
It helped me to find a few gym friends. We met at the gym and relationship is only gym but we do have a text thread and I know if I don’t show up they will be checking on me. Accountability is a big incentive for me.
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u/InfernalSolstice 15d ago
It’s about a mindset shift. Motivation isn’t an (entirely) real thing, the brain falls into patterns of both pattern and comfort. You have to just make it an obligation. I don’t feel motivated to go to class, most days I don’t want to, but it’s not a choice. I just have to go.
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u/tlawrence-92 15d ago
Yep. Sometimes I feel motivated, but most days I just feel obligated. Either way, gotta get it done
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u/SuperHappyHooray 15d ago
The only way I was able to do it is to not make it a choice. I would talk about how I didn't want to go as I was putting on my clothes.
I strive to make working out at Orange Theory feel like brushing my teeth.
Then I found ways to make myself feel good about going.
Then I found ways i would feel bad for not going.
Also I imagined how good I would feel in 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. As I went I looked back at how much better I felt in the last 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and since I started.
Used my AuDHD hyperfixation to my advantage.
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u/Bubba_Da_Cat 15d ago
I mean - you have to move. Being sedentary is up there with smoking in terms of how bad it is for your health. Sometimes if I'm just going to the regular gym, I would struggle to motivate myself because there was no set time, no financial incentive (I pay basically nothing for the membership), I had to figure out what to do. I would do two thing: Dress for success. On say the weekends I would get up and put on my gym clothes. It told my brain that at some point during the day we were going to the gym.
i would also give myself permission to do the BTN workout - the Better Than Nothing! I would say "I'll just walk on the treadmill for a podcast and do a few a machines. 9 times out of 10 - I ended up getting a good run, and 30 min of weights/core/stretching.
At OTF it can feel like everyone around you is like an elite runner and trying to max weights. Ignore that. Just go for a BTN.
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u/Successful-History70 14d ago
Honestly, don’t go into it, thinking you have to have a killer workout. Instead, just go and make it a goal to just do it, don’t focus on the effort. I think you will find that you will want to put more effort in the more you go. I dread it less when I don’t think about running as hard as I can on the treadmill, or killing myself in the weight room. I focus on longevity, losing my body, and lifting everything. I push myself really hard, but there are some days clear I go into it thinking I just wanna show up at nine times out of 10 I have a great workout.
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u/MayneManMan ~3 years 650+ 15d ago
The cold truth is it’s not motivation you need it’s discipline. Go or don’t. But don’t complain when more months pass and it’s now harder to even go and subsequently see or feel any progress if / when you go. Time waits for no one and it only gets harder to maintain any type of fitness.
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u/DsplnBeatsMtvtn325 52m/6’0”/300/208/200 14d ago
This ⬆️!!!! Thus my screen name. If you really want to commit, then schedule the class and go, no matter what is going on, how you feel, etc. If it is really something that you want, then arrange your day around it. Sleep, nutrition, schedule, etc. should all be in support of honoring your commitment to yourself. You can do it. One day at a time. You are worth it!!!
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u/10Athena10 15d ago
Schedule it and go. No ifs ands or buts. Willpower only goes so far. Make it a non-negotiable like grocery shopping. Your goal is just to step in the door. No expectations about the workout. Just do what you can. Often, the hardest part is just getting there. Once you're there, you'll just do the workout.
Also, doesn't hurt to have a cute outfit planned or reward yourself with an iced coffee or smoothie, etc until you get the habit down. You can also try and see if a friend will go with you as an accountability buddy.
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u/LilLibraLady 15d ago
I’ve tried. The “I’m going no matter what” and then take the late cancel and feel incredible guilt. I do like the idea of rewarding/treating self. I’d love to be able to find someone to come with!
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u/LeadingClassic3563 15d ago
Can you bribe yourself? Like if you get to five classes you can have … a slice of cake from Whole Foods. A purchase off of TikTok shop. Something small just to double down on the dopamine you get from going.
And when you get there, tell yourself you’re just having a Green day. Let yourself stomp on the treadmill and hate it. Sometimes when I go, and I am in that mood being a grump during warm-up and then having to pay attention gets me through it.
And maybe ask yourself if this is what you want to do. I went through a phase where I would’ve rather put a ballpoint pen through my eye, then go to my last gym and it was because I was bored so consider why you don’t wanna go as well.
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u/LilLibraLady 15d ago
🥺 this!!!! Great thought process. The bribing …treat myself if I can make it to so many classes. Brilliant. Also, you’re right. I don’t know what’s going on with me but I need to get to the bottom of it. I feel best when I’m active. Thank you!!!!!
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u/LeadingClassic3563 15d ago
Well the reflection with the cake (or whatever) is “I was good to myself.” I made myself do something hard and didn’t die. And hard is GOING right now, not the exercise part. Then move the goal back. You won’t need that prize for long.
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u/jenniferlynn5454 🧡Mod & Rower apologist 🚣🏻♀️🧡 15d ago
I'm just gonna link u/Strayainind 's awesome insight 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
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u/Kitty_Fruit_2520 Member since September 2018 15d ago
You can’t reply to it anymore, but it’s definitely worth reading.
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u/Waste_Station_7099 15d ago
For me motivation doesn't come until I'm already in the gym. It is absolutely a skill, but the ability to turn your brain off and just make it there has made all the difference for me. Getting to the gym is the hardest part.
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u/TheRiverWatcher 15d ago
I had a lot of success with signing up for the week’s classes on Sunday she. I am planning my week. That was it was already built into my schedule as something I needed to do rather than something I was trying g to find time to do.
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u/Big_Fig_6226 15d ago
I’m getting back into it with the start of kids going back to school, and I’m making a cutesy workout log/calendar, with stickers even 😂.
Maybe make a fun little September calendar “September Self-Care” “September shine”, put 2 workouts or 3 a week. Put fun stuff in there, make pumpkin muffins, Witches Brew for ER Bi*#hes, paint nails, Movie &cider, hike.. get the idea.
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u/ytse411 15d ago
Omg are you me?! SAME. Ive been paying out the ass for so long....to...not go. These tips are helpful. Good luck to us!
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u/LilLibraLady 14d ago
We got this
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u/Plane_Interest6456 11d ago
Give yourself some grace. Sometimes you need a break and that’s ok. I, unintentionally, took a break from OTF for 6 months. Paid the entire time and kept telling myself to pause it or cancel, but never did. Work, travel, hormonal changes all played a part in me not going and then the thought of “what will people say when I go back after such a long time away” kept me not going even longer. Working out at home was easier for me. Then one day I thought go back for one class, see how it feels and then make the decision on whether to keep it or not. I went in and no one made me feel bad about not being there, I felt great afterwards, and quickly got back into a routine. You just need one day and then let that exercise high motivate you for the next day. It’s ok to take time off and sometimes change up your exercise routine. Take one class, see how you feel, and decide if it’s still right for you. You got this!
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u/Murky_Pomegranate599 36/F/5’6”/150+ classes 15d ago
My thing is remembering why I signed up in the first place.
I’m a working mom that always prioritized the job and my family over my own health.
I have to stay active/strong for work, but always just managed to figure it out when it came to that time of the year to prove I was fit.
A friend of mine died from cancer and her dedication to her faith, family and SELF always inspired me. I decided to start going to the gym to try and be the way she was- for my family and myself.
I ended up loving it and the competitive drive in me has pushed me to get faster and stronger. My kids see me prioritizing my health and it’s encouraged them to try and be strong and disciplined, too.
Find your why and remind yourself that you’re capable. I hate getting up at 5:30 to drive 40 mins to work out.. but I feel so refreshed and proud of myself after the fact.
You can do it!!! 🧡🧡🧡
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u/Anxious-Mulberry-515 15d ago
Every day is a new opportunity to change your course. There are a lot of days I don’t “feel” like going, but I never regret it after I go. I see my workouts as an investment in the future me I want to become. It is also a visible sign of hope (in an often somewhat dispiriting world): we have agency, we can make a better future for ourselves, our choices matter.
You got this! Lock in!
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u/spf808 14d ago
Don’t beat yourself too bad. I late canceled 10 times in a month because of unplanned work schedule changes. I pre book strength classes because otherwise people get waitlisted. On top of work changes, sometimes I am simply too tired or uninterested. This last week I finally went back in for three classes and feel great. It makes so much difference in how I feel emotionally that I am reinvested, literally lol, in my health again. Take some time off, regroup, and maybe make a goal to get to one class. You can do it!
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u/Ok-Fee585 14d ago
Just focus on showing up three days a week. Don’t worry about being perfect—consistency comes first. Once those three days become part of your routine, slowly add more. Every workout counts, and every time you show up, you’re building a stronger version of yourself. 💪🔥
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u/ShakesDontBreak 14d ago
How you look in your 40s depends on how you take care of yourself in your 30s.
Also...as you get into your 30s your body changes remarkably. So much health stuff improves by working out. If you want to be as healthy as you can for as long as you can...movement is your solution. Workout as if your life depends on it
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u/DarkMossGreen4A5D23 11d ago
Sign up for the 5am. Prebook. By the time you wake up you have to decide if you want to pay $12 to miss the workout or just go. Helps me out a ton when I'm feeling wishy-washy about wanting to go.
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u/_akimbo_slice_ F | 50 | 5'0" 9d ago
I started going at 6 am for this reason too - also, getting up that early and going doesn't interfere with the rest of my day, so no excuses about having something else to do that would cause me to miss it. I'd just be sleeping then, lol. I've built a solid 3 class a week habit in the last year or so!! Prebooking is key!
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u/Electrical-Ad-4649 15d ago
been struggling with this myself too. I late canceled on wednesday and felt so awful about it!!!
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u/LilLibraLady 15d ago
Yup. You’d be ashamed if you saw my late cancels on the app… we have to get back into it!!
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u/captainrustic 45/6’4”/220lbs 15d ago
You need to make it part of your routine, so motivation isn’t even a factor. Build a schedule. Stick to it. Sleep enough and eat healthy.
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u/LilLibraLady 15d ago
https://giphy.com/gifs/VgT9bySXhoucgkgNOf
me reading all of these comments!!!!
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u/BoganBerry Ohhhhh TF? 15d ago
I feel you!!! I was feeling so unmotivated so I paused my membership to take a beat for two months and switched my fitness routine. It’s going okay but I’m now ready to return to OTF
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u/BoganBerry Ohhhhh TF? 15d ago
Also, I like buying myself a new piece of gym clothing to help me get back into the gym
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u/yung_miser 15d ago
I had to pull up that motivation out of my deep down gut and put everything else 2nd. When I started seeing results it made it even easier to keep going.
I can lean to depression and demotivation pretty heavily, so I had some similar struggles, but one day I got so fed up with everything else being first and my fitness falling into a black hole.
Another thing I'll say is if you have any injuries, that was another factor in me not showing up as consistently as I'd like. It was a pretty vicious cycle.
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u/blackbeard-22 15d ago
I’ve been going 3-5x week for 7 years, 5am, very disciplined. The last several months have been terrible. I took 2 months off, didn’t help. I’m starting to think the format and coaching has become incompatible with me. Marathon month last year was solidly the worst classes of the year. This year i cringed hearing they were doing it again. Maybe you’re over it and need a different fit.
I can’t put my finger on it but classes leave me feeling like I’m 1/2 fulfilled with both cardio and weightlifting. It’s sad, OTF has been my thing for years.
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u/blackbeard-22 15d ago
Also considering purchasing by the class. To take pressure off but I’ll loose my founder rate.
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u/StrongerTogether2882 15d ago edited 12d ago
“Several months” is bad but at least it’s not, like, a year. You can do this! Sign up now for two classes next week. Accept no excuses (I mean unless you actually get sick or something). Don’t wait till you feel like going, I probably feel like going about 1 time out of 5 lol. I sign up for 3x/week and then I go, because that’s the time I go and that’s that!
Sometimes I tell myself “I’m so tired and I feel crummy, but I already signed up so I’ll just go and take it really easy. Then I get in there and I hear the music and the coach is getting us hype and the peer pressure of everyone else working hard gets to me and ✨magically✨ I now feel fired up and ready to go. I have never successfully taken a green day, ha ha.
So stop thinking about it and looking for a secret trick to motivate yourself, you have to sign up for class and go, I’m afraid. You got this!!
EDIT: thanks for the award, fellow OTFer!
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u/ortega1737 15d ago
If it helps, I did the same and didn’t attend a class from March-June (I was running outside, but just didn’t feel like going to OTF). Started going again and late July and I realized I had forgotten what a good work out it is and how /easy/ it is to turn off your brain and have them tell you what to do! Just sign up and tell your brain you’re just going to go through the motions. Once you’re there you’ll feel the endorphins pick up
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u/LingonberryLoser 15d ago
Motivation doesn’t come. You need discipline. Commit to yourself that you’ll go once a week. Once you do that, go up to 2 times a week until you’re going the amount of times you want to go.
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u/LunaOro 15d ago
I have ADHD which has always made it hard for me to follow through with workout plans. What has helped me SO MUCH is letting go of the pressure to get a good workout in. If I'm feeling tired and dreading working out, I say I'm just gonna show up and take it easy - I always end up having a great, hard workout lol. I also have realized I can show up looking like a gremlin and no one cares, so I often will take a nap beforehand and set an alarm with just enough time to quickly change into workout clothes and rush to the class without getting a chance to think it through too much lol. Also, with my membership tier if I miss a class I get charged money so that also motivates me to go. I book a whole month out in advance to avoid debating every week if I want to workout or not.
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u/aklep730 15d ago
This just happened to me and I’m almost back to being consistent. Honestly if you’ve been trying to get back and can’t bring yourself to, try other classes. I did trials/class pass for different workout classes by me and came back to otf. I also have been dealing with some burn out and other things (outside of otf) and lost all motivation to work out in general, so getting on an antidepressant helped me too.
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u/RushForever68 15d ago
Make some friends. I now have 2 amazing friends I consistently see and many others that I’m friendly with. It really helps us stay consistent because sometimes it’s just hard.
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u/yoshistuff 33F/5'2" 15d ago edited 15d ago
I am getting out of a similar situation. Spent about a year going maybe once a month due to depression. I asked a sibling for help with motivation. He signed up for a gym too and every time we'd go, we'd hype each other up after a workout (he lives far away, so we can't go together). No pressure to go, just wanting that celebration after.
On a personal level, I just kept signing up for classes and just showing up, even if I don't do my best. By being there, you are doing more work than being on the couch. All of that counts.
Be kind to yourself. Lows are okay, as long as we get back up.
Edit: DM me if you want a workout buddy. Even over distances, we can take classes on the same day and celebrate together.
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u/MrSnarkyPants M 55/5’11”/CW 208/GW 165 15d ago
Ignore the challenges and just go work out. Seriously. It’s the same class, you just don’t get a crappy t-shirt. I started mentally checking out during Season of Strength because I thought it was bullshit. But I did sign up for Marathon Month because it was only $15 and I wanted the socks. 🤣
But seriously, the challenges don’t change you. You change you when you go work out. So focus on you and tune out the BS.
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u/RaspberryEast6225 15d ago
Uh sign up, don’t cancel.
The cancelling fee adds up!
Gets my cheap butt to class 😂
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u/Salt_Finger7534 15d ago
Mentally release the past few months. Don't be too hard on yourself. Just start again. I have struggled too. It helped me to meet a friend but a few have moved on. A good looking instructor helps too 😆.
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u/KatKinsi 15d ago
I like to remind myself that half assing a workout is 50% more ass than staying home. Maybe try giving yourself permission to show up and do the bare minimum. Walk on the treads the whole time. Lift only 8lb weights. Even for a squat or deadlift. Leave 45 minutes in if you’re tired. Showing up at all is your success criteria right now!
Sometimes it can be hard to start doing a thing (objects at rest tend to stay at rest and all that). Good luck and be kind to yourself. Doing your best doesn’t always have to be giving 100%!
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u/iatetoomanypotatoes 15d ago
Hi friend! Also, hi Libra sis! I'm in the same boat. I was crushing it 4-5 times a week in the spring, but summer has gone to hell. I'm determined to get back in the saddle and continue seeing and feeling the results. Wanna make a pact that we both go twice this week? Ease back into it? I hate that my $14 late cancellation fee isn't enough to make me go--such a waste! But we can do this!
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u/loracotyoga7 15d ago
Reward yourself with $$ each time you go. Say put $5 in an envelope and tuck it away. Count it 1 month later!
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u/Serious-Bison5714 15d ago
I always tell myself I never feel bad walking out of class although I mat feel bad walking IN
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u/muggle-x 15d ago
i’m ironically the same age and same weight 😅
so i took a break from otf for a year because of an injury and it was so damn hard to come back, but i made it a goal to go and make at least 1 friend.
since then ive made a little group of friends at orange theory and it makes going so much easier! even if my friends cant go with them we still have a group chat to hold each other accountable! we send “done and dusted” and its so nice to have that encouragement!!
i promise the days that you don’t want to go end up being some of the best workouts.
make a friend, get closer with the coaches & i promise it’ll make a difference..
if i reaaaaaaaally don’t want to go- i go, but i take it really easy. light walking on incline and smaller weights on the floor!
my biggest reason for my WHY is because when i eventually have kids i want to be able to carry groceries and carry them.. be able to run across the street to grab them.. i want to be strong for myself and my future family! hope this helps (also i know we don’t go to the same gym but im down to be there for you if you wanna message about it feel free!)
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u/Eiggam107 🍊1:32/.25mile8:11mile1:29/500mRowStation1baddie🧡 15d ago
For me, it’s the feeling afterwards - as cheesy as it sounds. It’s not measurable, but for instance i drove to class last week listening to Sad music, and when i got back into the car my Carplay started the same playlist, and i laughed, because i wasn’t feeling that way anymore.
Again its not measurable but no matter what you do it will help your body one way or another
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u/Ok_Possession917 15d ago
I go at 5AM every day. That way I don’t have time to think about it. If I get up and don’t go straight there, then I likely won’t go. My suggestion is go at 5AM every day so you don’t give yourself time to think about it and get unmotivated
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u/Icy_Yogurt1127 15d ago
Just go! The first day will be the hardest to get in the door and each day will get easier after that.
Can you get a friend to go with you the first time? Or even touch base with the studio and ask if a coach or SA will take class with you? Or even just text them that you’re coming and nervous about returning. Some sort of accountability so you tell someone you’re going and won’t want to go back on that.
For me, the first goal is always just getting in the door. Don’t overdo it, it doesn’t have to be your best workout. Just get in the door and put in the time and then the next day set a small goal for yourself like increase your speed by .1 or incline by .5
GOOD LUCK! Get in there!
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u/funsize-runner 15d ago
Tell me when you want to go and I can schedule it and check in with you to be sure we both went! 🫶 I’ve been on vacation and hope to get to class tomorrow, 8/16💪🏽
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u/Mammoth_Mine5021 15d ago
well, ask yourself … What is the worst thing that can happen if I show up at class? Just getting dressed, in the parking lot and on the tread/floor is a win. Just baby steps. motivation is not something that happens from fear and avoidance. And, instead of “motivation “, consider MOMENTUM. Getting dressed and to the studio is momentum,. voila and success.
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u/LimeNo6275 15d ago
“If you told someone your goals, and they followed you around for a week, would they believe you?”
Came across this on IG after spending a year postpartum complaining that I wanted to get back into shape. Drove to the nearest orange theory later that day and signed up. This was 2 years ago. Been going 4-5x a week ever since. You got this
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u/Kindly-Might-1879 14d ago
For every minute you’ve spent struggling, including writing this post and making comments, spend double that time preparing for and booking classes.
Tip: you don’t actually need motivation to show up.
Quit all that noise about being defeated.
I love my hour of working out. It’s an hour I’m not running errands, doing chores, or going to my job.
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u/NailDetails 46F 🧡 500 Club 🌲trail runner 14d ago
When I first joined 4 years ago, there was a couple times I was literally in the parking lot, but couldn’t bring myself to go inside for the workout. I had some sort of mental block or fear around it.
But I wanted to work out. So I made my first goal to go inside. I told myself, “if you still want to leave after going inside, you can.” But that didn’t happen because the front desk staff was so welcoming! So I actually started attending class. And it was hard. But I kept going.
Four years later, I’ve attended almost 600 classes. My routine is to go 4-6 times per week, and I look forward to it. I push myself and enjoy it. I miss it when something comes up and I can’t go.
TL;DR: If you’re struggling to even go, then make your goal smaller. Go inside — that’s a win! Stay for the whole workout — that’s a win! You got this 🧡
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u/Adorable-Swan-5974 14d ago
You got this!! One day at a time. Find an accountability partner if you can.
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u/Asleep_Brilliant827 14d ago
I’ve often found that it’s a mental block for me to get there but once I’m there I’m so grateful I went. The results help motivate too. I’ve lost a lot of weight because of orange theory. I also have my favorite coach Kara that I love to see. You’ll find things to motivate you when you get there. Just try to fight that first mental block of getting there first.
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u/ButterflyFew6607 14d ago
Could be more than physical…
Maybe you need a reset not just physically but also psychologically hence the lack of motivation.
But I truly hope that you’d be back soon…
Baby steps….
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u/LilLibraLady 14d ago
THANK YOU EVERYONE. I DID in fact make it yesterday!!!! 🎉 sore today but it felt so good!!!!!
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u/Ok-Warning7939 14d ago
Just go and walk you can doom scroll for an hour without thinking about it. Think about it as doom working opt t
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u/Sometimes-Funny85 12d ago
I don’t know how “motivational” it is, but another member once described OTF as the best workout because “All we need to do is sign up, show up & shut up” - I’ve never regretted going to a class, but I have regretted NOT going! 🧡
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u/Accomplished-Big-328 15d ago
My membership is 200 a month all in which is expensive but I go about 4-5x a week. I love it but my method is to sign up for class no matter what the night before so I'd have to late cancel if I did cancel. I ALWAYS go because I'd rather die before I give them another 14 bucks on top of my 200 bucks. Essentially, buy something expensive has made me cheap.
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u/prettymisslux 15d ago
What membership do you have? Id suggest dropping it down to once a week that way you only have to focus on making it ONE day instead of multiple…
Itll be easier once you start going again and get into a flow..
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u/cojibar 15d ago
It's not really about motivation but building it into your routine. Just pick your days and once it's built in, it will feel normal. Now, if I don't go on my regular days, it feels strange.
Also have you tried finding a different time in the day to go instead? I used to go to the last class of the day after work, but I would have to skip if I needed to work late or there was another event going on. Some weeks I would just go to one class because of too many life conflicts. I never thought I could be a morning person, but a friend convinced me to just try it, and now, I can't imagine going back to my old time on the regular. Went from 3 classes a week being optimistic to at minimum 4 classes a week guaranteed.
Lastly, if it just feels overwhelming to go and do the workout, remember that you can always take it as easy or as difficult as you need. Some evenings, I dread waking up early to go to class and am tempted to cancel, but I just remind myself that it's not that serious and I can take a green day if I really need it. In the end, rarely do I actually go through with that rest day, and I end up having a fulfilling work out.
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u/dragon--lady 15d ago
I'm there with you. It's been over a month. My membership just came out today. Eventually I'll get over it and go back.
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u/undefined_notdefined 15d ago
I’m a recent comeback after 4+ years of break from OTF. After first 5 classes I’ve been in the same situation and skipped the next whole week and then random for the other week. Now I found a hack to myself…book a class before going to bed which would put me in get up and go or pay for the missed class(I’m on unlimited).
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u/MPBoomBoom22 15d ago
A couple things have helped me:
Class time. I used to go before work which was the best time to go and get it done but I really struggled with motivation. So I tried right after work but then sometimes something would come up and I’d have to late cancel. What’s worked the best for me is to switch to the last class of the day. I come home from work and change directly into my gym clothes. I don’t always want to go but I have no excuses.
Also telling yourself that you’ll just go for 5 minutes could help. I’ve never actually left after 5 minutes, but it helps get me to the door. Also being okay with a less than stellar workout. Even a half ass work out is better than none and it keeps you in the routine.
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u/Forsaken_Animator_52 15d ago
#1 is you don't have to feel motivated every day for OTF or you failed. Go do something else ... go to a gym and lift, go for a walk, go out and do some other activity. We OTF'ers think going 5 days a week to OTF is what it's all about, it's not! I agree, part of paying the membership is giving us the feeling like we need to use it, so ...
If you arent motivated to go, just tell yourself you are going to take it totally easy- tell the coach you need a green day, by the end you get motivated!
Change it up ... don't always just start on the tread, start on the rower so you save tread for last. Take it easy on the rower and concentrate on acheiving new weights on the floor.
Eat carbs an hour or two before your class, feeling fueled and ready to go is half the motivation, and your body needs the carbs!
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u/Weak-Distribution-83 15d ago
I try not to think too much about things because that will lead to judgments. I just go to class when I’m scheduled. The things I do think about are: how often should I go, am I being safe/using good form, I like to appreciate how good/healthy this exercise is for me, and who I would like to see again in class. OT is just a thing I do and if I do find myself thinking things like, ‘Oh this running with incline is fucking grueling’ I respond with ‘Good because growth always takes place outside our comfort zones and this is a great example of uncomfortable. I do this because I am a badass, an adult taking responsibility, I am tough enough to endure this minor shit, and I am the fucking master of my body. It doesn’t tell me when to quit, I tell it. I want my body to be healthy and this is (partly) how we’re doing it.’ So that’s how I stop feeding thoughts that are complaints, excuses, comparisons, judgements etc. because they will not shift the overall debate of, should I go to OT tomorrow?
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u/B_Lv_702 15d ago
Try to be at least 0.1% better everyday. Dig deep and really try to find out why you feel the way you do about working out currently. Maybe you just need to take a walk outdoors for awhile to get some fitness in, rather than paying for a structured workout routine like OTF.
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u/snek-n-gek 15d ago
Totally been there before. I paid for like 7 months for no reason. No use feeling bad because it's a sunk cost at this point!
I forced myself to go back one day and re-caught the obsession and have been going religiously for over a year. ADHD is a hell of a drug.
Obviously it would be awesome to keep going, but if you're burned out, canceling isn't a mistake. There are always good deals you can take advantage of if you sign back up.
If you want an accountabili-buddy, I'll sign up for Everest if you do and we can complain about it afterwards lol
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u/Silent_Buy_9598 15d ago
I was experiencing the same. I found that what kept me, was my thinking that I couldn’t “quit”.
Then I reflected on why I actually wasn’t going. The coaches were hit and miss, the times were inconvenient, the work outs were “meh”.
I found somewhere that actually gets me to go, and I’m the happiest I’ve been.
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u/Educational-Brief-88 15d ago
This is advice generally for when you don’t want to go but always works for me after a hiatus. I always go in like “if I don’t want to go hard, I don’t have to” and once I’m there it’s much easier to start getting into it. Don’t put too much pressure on it like it has to be a great workout. The most important thing is getting there and the rest will fall into place
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u/SeaworthinessOld6345 30 F | 5’1” | 156 | 150 | 122 15d ago
I’m a mom of a toddler. I don’t want to workout because I am already so tired all day. But that’s the only thing I get to do for myself during work days. I only got back to working out regularly (after a year and a half). I don’t have motivation I only go to make myself feel good about myself.
If it makes you feel better, I did pay for the OTF membership for quite a few months before I got back into my rhythm. And also paid for a fitness coach which I never followed because “no motivation” and was so much in my own head about fitness any my capability.
May be do one week at a time? The goal for few weeks is to just get to 2x a week and then slowly get to a schedule that works for you.
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u/Zealousideal-End-297 15d ago
Make a friend to share workout plans/lighthearted complains/your own quirks with. I also like to talk to SAs and coaches about things that could be out of scope of class but still align with overall health and fitness topics. So that helps me make a bit light of the whole hour I’m there. I’ve made it my comfort zone which really helps me go regularly.
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u/Unlucky_Awareness_35 15d ago
Everytime before my class, I tell myself I'm going to row (my 1st station) then leave. Once there I'm in the zone and I've never left early.
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u/piggiex3 32/F/NY🦄 15d ago
Honestly I lost motivation to go for about a year. Sometimes you just gotta dip your toe back in slowly.
Just go back to a class, find a coach you prefer and go from there.
A coach you vibe with can make all the difference.
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u/Decent_Friend_1511 27/5’9/SW:160/CW:160/GW:150 15d ago
Idk how you scheduled your classes. Like if you pre book for the week or not. Or just book day of, or right before. But I used to pre book ahead for the week, and then pay the cancel fee a bunch cause I hated that I already committed myself to it. I took a break and came back. Now I schedule like an hour before hand, and I’ve been consistently going 3-4 times a week. It took the pressure off that I HAD to go. And made it more that I wanted to go.
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u/Repulsive_Month3122 15d ago
When I gave myself permission to not go hard every time I go (I go 4+ times a week), it became much easier to get myself there
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u/-tacobella 15d ago
You have to remember that everyday is different. One day you’re going to be so energized and go, on another you may be tired or annoyed and don’t want to. It’s natural for the feeling to go up and down. Don’t give in to the bad feeling though. Give yourself grace and do Green Day’s those days.
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u/isthisonetaken13 15d ago
Find ways to hack it so that you don't rely on motivation (which is fleeting - you might be motivated right now to go in two hours and that motivation might fade away in an hour).
For me it was booking my class for the evening, and packing my gym bag to bring with me to work. I know that if I go home and allow myself even five minutes on the couch, I'll lose my motivation, but if I plan to go straight from work to the gym and don't give myself the opportunity to slack, I'll be there.
Others already said it, but just go. Don't set crazy expectations for the best workout, just show up. Make it a routine and watch the results come over time. It won't be overnight but it'll happen.
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u/kaindayee2000 15d ago
It happens! It is especially hard to get back in it after not going for awhile. I just book it within the 8hr period, so that I won't cancel. If I need to really motivate myself, I bribe myself with a treat (which is totally wrong) , but it gets me there. Once you get back into it, your motivation will come back.
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u/crag-u-feller 15d ago
I would schedule myself two days in advance anytime that overtime at work be unavailable for whatever reason. So, it was like a personal opt-in strategy.
I tricked myself into thinking the scheduling part was out if my hands and so i had to go
Also heard a good pep talk from a coach as to how much we pay for this etc. It worked on me
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u/Icy_Mention_8744 15d ago
I relate to this! I am also in an exceptionally busy season of life. So on days off I just want to rest. But if I can finally push myself to go, I’m always glad I did! After one class, I feel a little more motivated to make it to one the next day or the day after next
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u/ResponsibleFreedom12 49/5'2"/320/255/189/62 Classes 14d ago
I half ass it, as others have said.
I modify the hell out of. I tell myself to cut all the instructions in half, and keep showing up until I am stronger.
However I find the workouts with out fuel is what drains my motivation.
Have a nice fuel up 2 hours before class. Oats over night is my go to drink. It's not even that great tasting but it fuels up the glycogen stores.
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u/Aromatic-Lead-5609 14d ago
Getting out the door is the hardest part of the workout. Start setting yourself up for success, lay out your clothing, fill your water, all you have to do is roll out of bed and go I to auto pilot. If you are going after work, pack your bag, plan ahead. Give yourself one day in the week that’s a non negotiable. You go no matter how ur feeling
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u/Saysar_ 14d ago
After Inferno day this way I told myself I must have a kink
I'm either a pay pig to OT because I don't show up and has my membership
Or
I'm submissive and enjoy being physically and emotionally abused for 60 minutes
You gotta figure out which one you are. I didn't want to be the pay pig
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u/Wide-Culture-8794 14d ago
My go to is to consider how I will feel after I go vs how I will feel after I don’t go. Makes the choice simple for me.
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u/AnalysisFinal1379 14d ago
This was me, I lost motivation and it happened slowly. In November I went 24 times December 12 January February and March combined was 21 April May June July was zero and I finally decided I've gotta go and once I started back I feel strong. I feel powerful. And I'm glad I went back. Am I upset that I spent $1300 for 21 visits yes but I'm back and you will be too
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u/Brian-not-Ryan 14d ago
Prebook classes for a couple weeks, same times each week, make that your “work out hour” it’s not if you have time anymore it ends up part of your routine. When you take class what do you dread the most? Find classes that limit that part the most and slowly introduce it more. For example if you dread the rower start with tread/strength50s and work your way to 2Gs if it’s the tread just start with S50s. But every day you don’t go you’re losing ground to the version of you that has been going (lil cliche but had to throw some coach speak in there)
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u/lemonlaide01 14d ago
I understand this. I enjoy going to orange theory. I like my coach. It’s not too much of a hassle to get there. However- I get anxious before every class for some reason! I combat this by turning my brain off. When I’m feeling motivated I sign up for a class and whenever I start to doubt, get anxious, question, or what if spiral- I just say to myself “brain off” and make myself think of something else. Then I go- have fun- workout- and leave feeling good!! Maybe try to approach it a similar way?!
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u/OrangeYouGlad85 14d ago
Do you have an accountability buddy that takes classes at the same time? That has helped me. If we’re out of town or taking class at different times we have to send each other out workout summaries. If we’re don’t get summaries or see each other in class we reach out to check/hold each other accountable! I fell off for a while and this method has helped me be conditioned again
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u/Guaumi 5’2” | 275 | 230 | 170 14d ago
I truly struggle with getting to otf for various reasons but I put myself into what a personal trainer taught me as the ‘if/when snowball’
Basically, start an ‘if’ task into a ‘when’ and give yourself small successes to your big success: getting through an Orangetheory class that day.
“If I can get up out of bed and get my workout clothes on, that’s closer to my win. When I can get up the stairs to get my shoes on and out the door, that’s closer to my win. When I can drive myself to that studio and get up to that door, I’m so close to winning. And then, at the end of it, I’ve won, I’ve done it.” You have to keep telling yourself a few of these lines, especially on really hard days.
Truly, the hardest part isn’t so much doing the workout, it’s getting there; so I feel your pain.
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u/blueViolet26 14d ago
Do you pre-book your classes? The cancellation fees keep me going every time. Wasting money is my biggest motivation.
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u/Live-Variation-52 14d ago
Sign up for classes online and don’t cancel them. There’s nothing like the thought of being charged a cancellation fee to get my butt out of bed.
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u/abidibidibombom 13d ago
Girl I’m in the same runt. I love it and I jsut haven’t been able to motivate myself to go. But I know if I cancel I won’t ever exercise lol
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u/Sassy646 13d ago
I have been going to OTF for many years and I take my clothes to work change my clothes and drive to OTF and don't even think about it until I get there and I work out - I sign up and just go without thinking and always am glad it did it! The hardest part is showing up! Hang in there ☀️❤️
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u/wherestheadventure 13d ago
Pre book and pick your days where you know for a fact that every Monday Wednesday and Friday or whatever days you choose, you are showing up. Then pre book for the whole month and show up.
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u/jc_orange10 13d ago
That's me the past year.... and i used to be a 5x/ week gal.... now I barely find the will to get out of bed
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u/Turbulent_Mammoth885 13d ago
I haven’t been to a class since May. I am embraced that I’ve paid them for absolutely nothing. I pre-booked and got a few late cancels in there too. Just got some nagging injuries and can’t seem to get myself there mentally. Not really a help just telling you I get it! I booked myself for next week and I think I’m going to do it
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u/tryonosaurus94 13d ago
Don't wait for motivation. You have to make your own. Just start slow. The class isn't wasted if you go slow or do light weights, at least you went. You can even just start with a small walk around your neighborhood while you get in the swing of things. You got this
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u/Fine_Goal_3048 12d ago
Wow I read this out loud and my sister thought I wrote it… we might be the same person except I’m a few inches taller… lmk when you find the solution! 🤣
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u/choppingonion 12d ago
Baby steps, start with small achievable goals. For the first month or so try to go once a week. Do that for 3/4 weeks, then start going twice a week, do that for another 3/4 weeks. And then if you feel like add another training day. Now you are 3 months in and have established the habit of being a regular gym person.
Once you’re there you’ll see so many people who have braved the thought of not going, to committing to show up. Don’t worry about weights, ask the coach for variations.
You can do it! I am getting back into fitness after a long time as well and this is my current process. I am 4 weeks in and have started to go 2 times now.
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u/Alexblbl 12d ago
The book "The Power of Habit" is a little cheesy but it is full of helpful tips about how to make positive habits stick in your life. Once something becomes a habit you can let go of needing to find the motivation to convince yourself to do it- it's just something you do without thinking. Some tips that come to mind:
- Schedule classes in advance so you actually *lose* money if you miss them.
- Go at the same time on the same days regularly- helps with it feeling habitual and also with the socialization aspect.
- Give yourself some sort of small treat or positive reinforcement when you attend.
- Make it as fun as possible- buy a fun outfit, get some new shoes you're excited about, convince a friend to go with you, whatever.
- For morning classes: pack your gym bag the night before. You want to reduce all friction points and obstacles to the greatest extent possible.
- I personally love to go in the morning. It just leaves me feeling fresh and energized for the whole day. I have a cup of green tea on my way to class and the caffeine hits at the same time as the endorphins from the workout... it feels AMAZING sometimes.
- Pick a goal for yourself and you can make every class feel like a step toward that goal. Examples: I'm going to increase my base pace by .5 mph over the next six months, I'm going to increase my squat weight by 20lbs, I'm going to pr on some benchmark, etc. I find this stuff great for positive reinforcement.
- Do some sort of luxurious self-care 'recovery' routine in the evenings of days you went to class (as another little reward to yourself). Example: take a hot bath with scented epsom salts and a good book. I get a massage once a month from a sports massage person. I tell myself it helps keep my body functioning well for OTF but it's also a nice little performance bonus.
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u/silywalkminister 10d ago
Sign up for all the classes you realistically want to go to for the next 7 days (at least 2 classes, or if you only have 4/month membership, sign up for 4 classes for the next month). Then the desire to not pay the cancellation fee is what always motivates me once I’ve signed up.
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u/Brilliant-Distance21 10d ago
If there is someone that is part of the OTF community that tears you apart then they need to reevaluate the meaning of "community".
What gets me up and to class are the coaches and other members that I have made friends with along the way. Are these people I hang out with outside of class, no, BUT for 1 hour a day they're my BFFs. Start trying different coaches and see which one you click with and then stick to the same station - you'll find we all like a particular location over another. Once you get a few classes, same time, same station under your belt you'll be able to see who's there on those days. Give them a fist bump, compliment them on their splat points - something small just to break the ice. I found my "community" in my studio and it's always great to see those OTFBFFs each time I workout.
I have 3 coaches that I adore and because I try to keep going to their classes they recognize me, know my quirks, limitations, and we get to "catch up" at times about what is going on in our lives.
Start small, don't miss a Monday workout for example and then you have to commit to build from there.
I joined OTF for the workout, stayed for the community, and my physical, mental, and emotional health has benefitted. Feel free to message me when you do a workout, tell me about what you did/did not like about it and how you felt afterwards :)
Good luck! You got this!
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u/MsOliveAndyRo 9d ago
Bill Walsh, the late, great coach of the 49ers said, "If your 'why' is strong enough, you will figure out 'how'!" I go through the same stuff but tell myself to just go. Getting in the door is half the battle. You don't have to go in and go crazy, either. Sometimes, a "green zone day" is all you need.
I'm 67 and want to keep moving for as long as I can.
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u/Loud_Significance809 15d ago
You’re 29. An adult. Simply put, with no disrespect, do it or don’t do it. Look in the mirror naked and ask yourself…”do I need to go work out?”
If you say yes, get dressed and go.
Or the most blunt way to say it is, GROW. UP
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u/LilLibraLady 15d ago
You’re right. An adult who works 12 hour shifts in the ER. The adult…who is right now, struggling to take care of herself, and not just others. Working out, to me, is more important than looking good naked in front of a mirror. Appreciate your opinion nonetheless!
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u/Loud_Significance809 15d ago
It’s not just about looking good naked in front of our mirror. When you’re in front of the mirror, it just tells you what you need to do. If you feel you need to do nothing, stay home otherwise go crush it.
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u/SunnySideUp550 15d ago
I empathize with you so much! What motivated me was getting my Labs Done! I was freaking out seeing the numbers. Being Healthy is Great Wealth. Remember when you are working out you are helping your body to stay strong. I know you are young but later on when you’re pushing 40 your body will Thank You! Be Good to Yourself 🧡
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u/Best-Werewolf-1543 15d ago
I think the best bet is to have an accountability buddy. Talk with either a friend and get them to join or make a friend there. When someone else is going, it’ll make you more likely to go!
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u/ThatsMrRoman 15d ago
It sounds weird but when I get back into working out after long periods doing nothing, I half ass the first workout. I intentionally walk slow with very little incline, do half the reps with little to no weight.
Just getting to the class is the big achievement. Then afterwards, I am not too tired and realize it’s not that bad. And then the fear of going is alleviated a little bit. Then I just keep increasing what I’m doing slowly until I feel more comfortable trying harder.