Can't seem to keep my motivation!

[Tripper11]

I hate this mind fuck I am putting myself through! I recently gained some weight and so I joined a gym to try and obviously get myself back into some kind of shape as the shape round doesn't work for me.
I have gone maybe once a week in the last month. Of course once I get there and start up I am fine and of course I feel good after having gone, but I just can't seem to get into a habit of it.
I know what I need to do, but I keep having these stupid internal arguments with myself, talking myself out of going. Too cold, too tired, maybe later, etc etc etc.
I have noticed how my clothes are not comfortable anymore and I find it easier, which it is, to just go and take a nap instead, or just casually putter around the house doing inane things that are not very important at all.

So, aside from just laying out a little rant about my lack of motivation here, I guess I'm asking for a little advice on what I can do to get my motivation up and begin a routine that will stick.

[LeftofObama]

1. I read this piece of advise somewhere a while back and it makes perfect sense.

After breakfast, or whenever you have chosen your workout time to be, go get dressed for the gym and make yourself go. Tell yourself that you are going to stay for at least five minutes. FIVE MINUTES NO MATTER WHAT! If after 5 minutes you still don't feel like working out, then leave.

You have to get yourself into a routine of getting dressed for the gym, getting to the gym, etc. Once you've gotten dressed and arrived at the gym you've conquered half the battle.

And remember, no matter how slow you exercise you're still doing laps around the person laying on the couch!

Good luck and I wish you the best!

[Tripper11]

2. I went!

got up this morning, had some coffee, read some news as I always do. This time I just ate a banana instead of lingering past my point of no return.
Went and got dressed for a quite cold morning, drove over to the gym and just went at it.
Not hard, nothing severe, just an exercise bike, listening to an amazing Phish jam that goes for 36 minutes. That helps take your mind off things.
Finished the bike, did a few stretches and a few crunches.
Home now, feeling pretty good about myself.

Thanks LeftofObama, you and a few other factors got me through this one.

And like anything, I do know, one day at a time, tomorrow is another day, but today I did it.

[LeftofObama]

3. That's great!

Congratulations! Now, before you go to bed tonight, pack your gym bag and set it by the door. Tell yourself the same things again tomorrow. Go to the gym for at least 5 minutes. Before you know it, it will be a routine. You'll do great! I believe in you!