That was the reason I originally got into martial arts (well, that and to try to control my temper). I knew I needed something to keep fit and at least with martial arts, the workouts usually then made way for some learning of a practical skill. I just seem to have a bias against exercising just for the sake of exercising. Yard work, martial arts, they provide something beyond the physical activity itself. I guess really the big thing is that most any kind of movement on my feet is uncomfortable.
The thing I tell starters at the gym to help motivate them is that whatever they see in the mirror after getting a “pump-up” due to a quality workout will be them in about 6 weeks provided that they keep training. A good example might be that a good pump on the arms will see about an inch or so after a bunch of curls and clearly gives a good bit of “see to believe” motivation a person needs. Even better, those larger arms can be theirs permanently in about 6 weeks. Beginners always seem to get a lot more out of workout than those who have been at it for a while. A beginner will be able to achieve at least a 25-35% increase in muscle mass in just the first year no matter how young or old they are. Unfortunately, the results drop year after year and yes, age starts coming into play which is why a lot of people get disappointed and quit or become pin cushions which is soooo contradictory to why a person starts to train to begin with.
When a particularly attractive young lady walks into the gym with skin tight leo’s on, it does indeed motivate the guys into throwing extra plates on the bars, sucking in their guts, puffing out their chests and do less grunting whilst lifting said overweight bar.