What is your reward?

[sysydo]

Ok, so I have started this thing where I set small goals to be accomplished in a set number of days.  For example: x number of squats in 30 days, x pushup in 100 days, etc.  Mini challenges if you will

 

Once each goal is accomplished, I would like to reward myself with a small something and I'm looking for ideas.

 

Since I expect to reward myself often, the reward has to be inexpensive, so I'm wondering :

What is your reward?

 

I'll go first, but credit goes to Alice.x.  She gave me this idea in her thread: If I do 1000 jumping jacks in 30 days, I'll buy myself some nice underwear.  

[magi192]

At the end of this 6-week challenge, if I achieve a C or above on my fitness goals, I'm gonna sign up to a beginner's parkour session.

 

Once all of my credit card debt is cleared, I will allow myself to start saving $100/month to buy a Surly Troll.

[Mezzo Minx]

I like to buy something like a new water bottle or workout gloves that make me even more excited to go to the gym! I'm a music addict too, so buying a new album of something I really love on iTunes is a good motivator for me. If you're a reading fiend at all, maybe a new book? I have a friend that just lets herself loose in the makeup department and buys the first thing that catches her eye, but I don't find that too appealing as I don't wear makeup that often. Maybe nail polish if anything!

 

I think the hard part is to stay away from "a big dinner out with my husband where I can order whatever I want" or "that thing I avoid eating all the rest of the time because I love it to a fault" - I'm sure it works for some but I find food rewards tend to be a bit counter-productive for me. 

[ravnos]

Interesting idea. My reward has always been feeling better about myself, but I think once I complete the 6-week challenge I might try this out. I've been thinking about getting a FitBit Flex. Or maybe I'll make that my reward if I complete the 6-week challenge... hmmm...

[Gainsdalf the Whey]

When I hit weight milestones I set for my lifting goals, I buy t-shirts. For example, my initial epic quest, final strength goal was to hit a 400 lb squat, 300 lb bench, and 500 lb deadlift. When I achieved all 3 recently, I got myself the starting strength shirt.  The next two milestones are a 1400lb total and 1500 lb total between the 3, and I will get shirts when I get those. I have a plan for some short shorts for the day that I am finally succesful at cutting bodyfat down to below 20%. I find as long as it's every few months, an article of clothing doesn't break the bank.

[whoiwas]

I'm with ravnos. Living well and the feeling I have is the best reward. For me, rewarding myself with things (food) sort of got me into a physical mess in the first place. So for now, I'm a little anxious about tying accomplishments to things. 

 

That said, nice underwear can make you feel good about your physical accomplishment and propel you to future success. Rewarding yourself with new/more fitness gear will do that as well. I think the more direct the nexus between the accomplishment and the reward, the more likely it will breed more success.

[sysydo]

Thanks for the great ideas guys.  There are a few I'll be adding to my list.

[Cheeky_Echo]

Of course feeling good about yourself is a reward in and of itself but I like to feel physically rewarded for my hard work! Sometimes I do small things like buy pretty nail polish and paint my nails, get a pedicure, take an entire evening to treat myself to a bubble bath. (Can you tell I'm girly?) If its a bigger goal I'll buy something new to wear to the gym or get a massage. It really is so important to take care of yourself! Do what makes you happy and truly makes you feel good! I love the new underwear suggestion! I'm gonna add that one to my list! 

[MrsDethe]

What a great idea this was. I'm so glad I found it because it helped me find what I needed to push myself further today at the gym:

 

If I run/walk 2 miles today and take those first few steps to Mordor then I'll reward myself next paycheck with a pedometer (or other piece of workout equipment) :3

[Norgaard]

something gym based, or experience based.

 

could be to get a massage, joining a beginner class, to somehting you always wanted to do, but never got to start with.

 

or simply new gear for the gym!

[WildColonialGrrl]

I am on a bit of a super hero bender at the moment... Part way though my last 6 week challenge I found mini surprise marvel figurines on sale. I get one for each week of the challenge, just for doing it! I now have 9 on display and look forward to thinking about my progress and seeing what surprise is in the next package! Very nerdy... But that is why this place is working for me

[sysydo]

I am on a bit of a super hero bender at the moment... Part way though my last 6 week challenge I found mini surprise marvel figurines on sale. I get one for each week of the challenge, just for doing it! I now have 9 on display and look forward to thinking about my progress and seeing what surprise is in the next package! Very nerdy... But that is why this place is working for me

 

I love this!

 

Well, it looks like my "better health" efforts inspired my family in joining me.  We will have a home gym in the basement.  We bought an elliptical machine and a multi-station.  My next rewards will be free weights and other accessories to complete the gym.