Hi, I've been going to the gym for about 2 years but I don't seem to change shape! The people in the gym give me new things to do like cycling for longer or running on the treadmill for 20 minutes then walking for 2 then running for 20, etc. I just don't seem to get this buzz that everyone talks about. Am I just not training hard enough or am I just not ever going to really get that buzz from exercising? I'm 5ft 5" and weigh 50kgs so it's not like I'm overweight or anything.

Welcome Jojo,

Firstly well done for managing to stick with it for 2 years, that shows great commitment and you should be proud of your achievements to date.

If you are finding that you are starting to lack motivation in the gym and have lost the 'buzz', you would benefit from shaking up your workouts a little.

You say that you a doing 2min walk 2o mins run. You should consider deceasing your rest and run periods to increase the intensity. For example:

Warm up 3 mins on Treadmill.
Run 2mins (10kph)
Walk 30sec (5kph)
Run 3mins (10kph)
Walk 30sec (6kph)
Run 1min (12kph)
Walk 30sec (7kph)
Run 1min (13kph)
Walk 30sec (7kph)
Run 2min (11kph)
Jog 30sec (8kph)
Run 3min (11kph)
Jog 30sec (8kph)
Run 2min (12kph)
Jog 30sec (8kph)
Run 1min (13kph)
Jog 1min (8kph)
Walk 1min (6kph)

Adjust the speeds to what you can manage and increase as you start to improve. You should find training like this will keep you motivated and put some 'buzz' back into your treadmill work.

I hope this helps and if you do give it a try let me know how you get on

hello jojo,
I suffer from a lack of motivation as well sometimes. I might give that treadmill workout ago soon when I feel up to it Nice work mike

Not sure if I would manage it just yet though.

Ok thanks, i will give it a go. You're probably right about my routine. By the time I've done the 20 mins it's quite difficult to start up again after walking for 2 mins. I'll let you know how I get on with that. Thanks

So how are you getting on now? You managing to keep motivated?

Make yourself a new playlist and turn the volume up - always helps me out!

Music is the key to keeping going if you are working out aerobically. Can help motivation a massive amount.

I have actually managed to drag myself into the 21st Century and have finally bought myself an ipod. Very happy with it so far. Spending far too long at the moment trying to create the perfect playlist.