I was in a similar situation (I think most people would say they are) and found that the root problem was that I wasn’t making the best use of my time. If you start keeping track of how you spend your time, you may find you spend too much time on the internet or watching TV, etc. Only after you know where the problem is can you fix it.

If you watch TV, try going to the gym when your favorite shows are on and watch them while you’re working out. If you’re a book lover and have an MP3 player, consider getting a subscription to Audible.com so you can listen to audio books while you’re exercising.

Even better, go with your girlfriend if you can. Your time will be a lot more enjoyable if you’re there with someone else. Plus, it never hurts to have someone who can keep you honest when you don’t feel like working out.

Good luck!

I just go first thing in the morning, 3 days a week. I keep a second set of all my toiletries in the gym bag & do the usual morning stuff at the gym after I work out. We are a scruffy looking bunch in the morning, but we get there.

Good luck.

Great points, Jason. By doctor’s orders my wife and I are walking an hour every evening. The dr said “no excuses, if it rains or snows, you had better be out there.”

At first I was wondering how this would work, but we’ve managed to do it just fine. I’m watching less tv (which is on my 43things list), and I’m spending an hour with my wife that I didn’t have before. We enjoy the extra time for conversation.

I’m also sleeping better (also on my 43things list.)

The suggestion of keeping track of how you spend your time is a good one. It’s also often a question of priorities (go out with your girlfriend, or sweat at the gym? Hmmm..) but not always. Personally, I haven’t been to my gym in some years – stupid to keep paying the monthly membership fees, actually – but with two small kids, an infirm husband and several businesses to run, I often have to choose between going to the gym and, say, feeding my children or going grocery shopping. So yeah, maybe it is priorities, but sometimes the choice is a no-brainer no matter how much you want to go.

Statistics on the situation are that the closer one lives to their gym, the more likely they are to work out regularly.

E.g. if you are a 10-minute drive away, you are more likely to go. That is

You might consider joining a place nearer home or better-situated to your commuting network.

I was lucky, in that my gym opened a branch two blocks away. I go 4x/week. Before I was weighing 40-80 minute roundtrips to other branches.

You could do your commuting by walking/running/cycling, and the aerobic portion would be finished.

At the gym, try a group exercise class or group instruction – it’s a great way to meet people that will help you stay motivated.

Also, outdoor activities are a great way to stay in shape – throw that into your routine to keep it fresh and interesting. Most towns have outdoor clubs that do all kinds of great activities and trips; another great way to meet people.

Thanks for all the suggestions! I’m mixing and matching a few. (Also, it helps that Boston’s weather is no longer Icy Slush Death.) Some things – like trying to get the gf going to the gym – failed, but on the other hand bringing my gear to work certainly helps more. I’m also more seriously making sure I’ve got something to do over there – specifically, I’m trying out listening to podcasts at the gym, and might try out audible in a bit.

Another idea I just had: given how much of a music maven I am, I could use that as a gimmick – i.e., buy the new CDs I want, but only listen to them first at the gym. A mixture of these things might work out…

Thanks again!