Some people admit to me that they would rather do anything than workout. They wonder how I stay motivated. Well the truth is, I enjoy it so much that I can’t imagine what it would be like without it. Sure, I didn’t always exercise so regularly, there was a time when I rarely exercised. I knew if I could tell you some of the things that worked for me, then maybe when you felt the need for a little motivation, these ideas might help you too. So I went back to my archives and dug up some of the tips that helped me catch “fitness fever.”

Yep, that’s what it was alright. Fitness fever is contagious. It occurs when you begin to exercise on a regular basis and enjoy the feeling that exercise delivers to your body. You become attracted to the strength and confidence that being fit provides. It comes on like a fever and then you are hooked. So below are some tips that will keep you motivated so you too can catch the fitness fever.

Mix up your workout. One of the major reasons people lose motivation is because they become bored with their workout. Week after week doing the same set of exercises or routines can drive you batty. Best to mix up your routines and your aerobic activities too.

Involve your family. If you feel isolated exercising by yourself or walking alone, ask your husband or child to come along with you. If your child is younger, they may want to ride their bike while you power walk or jog along. They won’t mind circling back to catch up with you. If you are out after dark, wear reflective clothing and use bike lights.

Do what works for you. Sometimes well wishers have tons of advice about what you should do. While it doesn’t hurt to listen to other’s opinions, remember it is just that—their opinion. Weigh it carefully against information that you already know and personal preferences that you have.

Use a Journal. Keep a fitness journal to get you started and to keep you motivated. Not only does it motivate you to write down your weekly or daily goals, it’s always a great mood lifter to read some of your past entries that prove your success.

Reward your self with something that you like. From tasty treats to sparkling jewelry, find something to reward yourself. Work out clothes or new tennis shoes are great ways to add function and style while keeping you motivated to look good and get healthy.

Do you have “fitness fever”?  Tell us about it in the comment space below:

Who says you can’t get a great workout and still have fun? For many of us, the hardest part about exercising is just finding the motivation to get started. There’s really not much to look forward to when you run on the treadmill at the gym or lift weights. If this sounds familiar, and you find yourself dragging your feet every time someone mentions the word exercise, then you may want to change up how you exercise.

There are many alternatives to exercising in a gym that can be fun and still offer you a great workout. Listed below are our top 7 ways you can exercise without hitting the gym.

1. Dancing. Dancing is a great way to tone your body and shed the pounds. You’ll be amazed at how much of a workout dancing can provide. Take dance lessons with a friend and learn how to shake your bootie on the dance floor. Dancing also can provide you with that extra boost of confidence you need to look and feel great.

2. Play a Sport. There are many adult leagues that you can sign up for to play just about anything. Softball, soccer, volleyball, even kickball! You don’t have to have a full team to play either. You can usually sign up as a single and they will place you on a team. It’s a great way to meet new people and get your exercise at the same time.

3. Biking. Biking is a great way to exercise and to explore the area around you. Many places have bike trails and most major cities have bike clubs where you can meet new people and share the road with other bike enthusiasts.

4. Swimming. If you’re lucky enough to have a pool at home, then you’re all set for at least part of the year. Invite friends over to play a little pool volleyball or water polo and switch it up a little. For the winter months, try to find a facility that has an indoor pool for you to use.

5. Skating. Whether you have a roller rink or ice rink near you, it’s time to strap on those skates and get moving. Skating can provide hours of fun and a great workout for your legs and thighs.

6. Kayaking/Canoeing. If you live near the water, getting in a kayak or canoe and spending a couple of hours out on the lake or river is a great workout for your arms and back. It’s also a wonderful way to escape from everyday stresses by relaxing out on the water.

7. Rock Climbing. Ok, this might scare a couple of you, but if you’ve ever thought about learning how to climb, most cities have a rock climbing facility where you can take classes. Grab a friend and experience the thrill of conquering the wall while also toning your entire body.

There are so many ways you can get your daily exercise in by simply doing the things you love. Don’t let the word scare you anymore. Find an activity you enjoy and go for it!

Do you know of any other fun ways to exercise?  Please share by leaving a comment.

You’ve been dieting and exercising for a few months now but you don’t seem to be losing as much weight as you were in the beginning of your program. It’s hard to stay motivated when you don’t see results.

In order to keep you motivated, we need to first uncover your definition of results. Why did you begin the program? Was your initial reason to begin dieting and exercising to lose weight?

If your answer is yes, then have you accomplished that task? If you have lost some weight, then your second answer would also be yes. So, it’s true, your hard work and dedication have brought about positive results.

But maybe you are thinking that you need to lose more weight. If that is the case, then you have every reason in the world to be motivated to continue the program. Ask yourself what will happen if you go back to your old way of dieting and forego the exercise?

Well, the obvious answer here would be that you will gain back the weight that you have worked so hard to lose. You definitely don’t want that to happen.

But how does one stay motivated?

• Maintaining a journal of everything you eat and drink and recording your physical activities will make it easier to stay on track.

• Affirmations will help you to stay motivated.

• Recognizing your achievements and rewarding yourself for your accomplishments will encourage success.

The important thing to realize is that it takes courage to begin any weight loss or fitness program. Commitment is needed to stay the course. Realize that you are a beautiful and important individual and you deserve to reach your goal.

Imagine all of the benefits you will reap when you succeed. Show gratitude for how far you have come. Know that you are on the right path and to turn back now, will seriously impede your chance for success.

Above all, know that yours is a magnificent life, full of choices and decisions. Make the decision today, to succeed.

Tell us about your weight loss efforts by leaving a comment below:

Sometimes, no matter how dedicated we are, we begin to lose our motivation for exercise. Before you talk yourself into foregoing your workout routine, read these helpful hints to get you back on the Exercise Express.

1. Write down all of the benefits of exercising. You know, like a healthy heart, stronger lungs, and increased flexibility.

2. With pen in hand, jot down all of the reasons you want the benefits of exercise in your own personal life. To turn heads when you walk into a room, to have more energy to play with your children, to participate in a marathon, or to feel comfortable in a swimsuit, write down as many things as you can think of. This is an incredibly motivating task.

3. Keep a daily journal. You would be surprised at how much inspirational motivation you can reap from maintaining a journal. It’s very uplifting to read your journal and see how far you’ve come. Use it everyday to set your goals and encourage yourself for success.

4. Exercise first thing in the morning. If you go out for a 30-minute walk in the morning, then you have the rest of the day for your other responsibilities. You will feel a certain amount of confidence throughout your day for having already exercised. Any additional activities or exercises you do later in the day will be an added bonus to your fitness program.

5. Reward yourself. It might be time for a little shopping spree. A new blouse or a new pair of jeans is a great way to keep you motivated. Don’t give in and buy a bigger size, though.

6. Find a friend to exercise with. It might be time to enlist a like-minded person to help you stay motivated. Between co-workers, neighbors, family or friends—there is sure to be somebody you know who would enjoy your company and make exercise less mundane and boring.

7. Listen to music while you exercise. If you already have a portable player of some sort, you might get more motivated with some new tunes. Choose music that makes you want to move!

8. Get new shoes. If hurting feet are making you sore—you may need a new pair of shoes. Feet and leg strains can put a damper on our workouts, causing us to shy away from exercising. Plus new shoes can put a spring in your step, helping to make exercise more enjoyable.

9. Train for a local 5k or even 3k run/walk in your community. Sign up for it and then commit yourself to training. You won’t want to be the last one in on race day, so keep a winner’s spirit in mind to keep you on track.

10. Start each day with an affirmation. Yesterday is gone, but today I will start anew. I have proved myself successful in the past. I can do great things today.

Share your workout motivation ideas with us and our readers by leaving a comment.

Beginning a fitness program takes guts. It also requires inspiration and determination. If you really want to get fit, you have to go all out. You may find it necessary to change many of your old habits, exchange exercise for lounging on the couch and snack on carrot sticks instead of potato chips.

Many women begin an exercise and diet program full of guts, inspiration and determination; but somewhere between day number two and day number 60, the motivation ceases to exist. Sadly, once the motivation is lost, all the guts, inspiration and determination in the world don’t seem enough to get you back into the groove.

If you need some help staying motivated, try following these 10 tips:

1. Prioritize your goals. Long term goal: up to 12 months for fitness, medium range goal should be at a 3 month marker and short term goal could be at 2 weeks. Post these somewhere that you will see them every day.
2. Confide your fitness goals to three positive minded people. This is not a time for nay-sayers so you want to announce your goals to people who believe in success.
3. Find a partner or friend to exercise with. If none of your friends are game, then hire a personal trainer or try to become friends with someone at the gym. Having someone to work out with makes it much more enjoyable and less boring.
4. Plan your meals ahead of time. Nothing throws off a diet more than not having easily accessible healthy foods to eat. Deny temptation by replacing sugar laden and fatty foods with healthy whole foods that are deliciously appetizing.
5. Create a journal to keep account of what you eat and drink each day. Be sure to record all of your physical activities too. Charting your progress helps to keep you motivated to keep improving.
6. Remember that everyone is unique and realize that it may take you longer to lose weight than someone else. Don’t let that discourage you from working towards your goal.
7. Start each day with a positive affirmation. Concentrate on what you are rather than what you are not.
8. Reward yourself for your achievements. A new blouse or new jeans can really make you feel special about the weight you have already lost, and will help to keep you motivated to continue your fitness regimen.
9. Make healthy eating a family affair. Enlist family members to help in food preparation and swap fatty, calorie-laden foods with healthier choices.
10. Mix up your exercise routine. Pick 3 days a week to participate in Fun activities. Swimming, bike riding, skating, running or even walking are all fun ways to get aerobic exercise.