Workout: How to Stay Motivated

Ideally exercise is fun. Realistically, it often isn't. Despite good intentions, finding the motivation to stay on track can be very difficult. How do you maintain energy when it is flagging, find time when there is none, and keep up interest when you are bored?

Set yourself some goals. Perhaps you want to improve the shape of your body, maybe climb a mountain when you retire, or compete in some sporting event. It is good to have an outcome in mind. But it's just as important to set specific, short-term goals that are action-oriented and measurable. For example, "I will walk or run six miles three times a week" is better than "I will take up running". When one set of goals become stale, just set different one.

As goals are achieved, reward yourself. Every one, two or three months, treat yourself to relaxing massage or time at a day spa. Buy that new dress, outfit or item that you've been wanting so much. Take a short weekend break away as a reward for your ongoing effort and reaching your goals.

Don't compare yourself with others. There will always be other men and women who are more fit, more skilled, more trim than you. Ignore them. Also ignore the athletic accomplishments of your youth. The only measure to focus on is your own immediate capabilities, and limitations, and how they improve.

Lighten up. Exercise isn't an all-or-nothing endeavor. Sometimes situations arise that are totally out of your control. So, if you miss a few exercise sessions, that's fine. Fitness losses, like gains, occur slowly. Sometimes you may just need a break. That's not failure, and it is not a reason to quit.

Have fun. Working out should be a pleasure, not a chore. Cruising down a hill on a bike, skiing or snowboarding through powder, or making love is work, but not drudgery. Neither are your hours training on weights or stationary cycle if you know they'll make those more exciting activities better later on.

If you are getting bored with your exercise routine vary it. Mixing and matching is great. If you are a walker maybe throw in a few sessions of swimming a couple of days a week. If your main activity is cycling incorporate some rowing, canoeing or kayaking. The saying 'variety is the spice of life' applies to your exercise program also and will help keep you motivated.

Make priorities. There are two types of tasks. One is urgent which calls for your immediate attention, but has little long-term significance. The second type is vital, which has long term importance and will ultimately deliver greater satisfaction. Exercise is that of the second type. Write workouts into your daily planner to elevate their status. When tempted away from exercise, ask if the alternative is as vital in the long run.

One way to keep motivated is to make sure you choose an activity that you really enjoy for its own sake. Enlist friends. Find consistent walking or exercising partners who will provide support, inspiration, camaraderie and even a dash of competitiveness. Exercising with friends and colleagues also helps to motivate you because you are less likely to miss a workout if your mates are counting on you to be there.

Having a personal trainer is a great idea, if you are really struggling for motivation, because they will be there, on you doorstep, at six o'clock each morning.

Make sure that most of your exercising can take place somewhere that's easy to get to and is close to your home or workplace. The more you have to travel the harder it can become, so keep it convenient.