Happy Monday!  Its the start of a new week!  Over the weekend I asked the question on Facebook and Twitter what you wanted to read about.  I got answers from everything to motivation, losing the last 5 pounds & how to break plateau & abs.  These are very common questions that I hear very often.

I wanted to touch on Motivation again, since this is what most people struggle with.  If you don’t remember, I did an in-depth post a while back called: “Getting Motivated When You’ve Fallen Off The Wagon”

Some of this may be repetitive, but perhaps different wording and thoughts can be helpful.

Getting motivated can be a very difficult thing…..

Is it easier to just sit on the couch?  Duh!  Yes!  Is working out a chore?  Again, yes!  Not everyone enjoys working out, I too, would typically rather be doing other things, but there are some key reasons why I keep doing it….

Why I Keep Exercising

1) Endorphins

I guarantee you, 99% of us that do it, feel better afterwards.  That feeling can get addictive!

Yep, that’s my before and after picture.  Quite a difference huh!  If you’ve ever gotten results, you know that with work, you can get the results that you want.  Having a goal, and getting closer to reaching it is a HUGE motivator.

3) Feeling Healthier

There is no better feeling than waking up in the morning and feeling GREAT!  Not tired & sluggish.  Feeling unhealthy can be a vicious cycle.  You Eat Bad —-> Less Energy —-> Get Lazy —-> No Exercise.  I’ve been in this cycle myself before, and sometimes its very difficult to get out of it.

Tips To Keep Motivation Going

Do you find yourself going to the gym, but not really motivated when your there?  Or perhaps you’re not excited to go, and dread it?

Here are some things that get me excited about working out…..

1) New iTunes Playlist

Music always helps me get motivated.  I get excited to go to the gym and hear all the new songs

2) Start A New Program – Old stagnant workouts get boring really fast.  Starting up a new program can spark new interest and new motivation

3) Try New Healthy Recipes

You know I have a ton of them HERE for you to try.  Keep variety high so you don’t get bored!

4) Recruit A Workout Partner

5) New Workout DVD’s

If you prefer to workout at home, it can be easy to pass on workouts.  Chalene Johnson and P90X are both great workout programs.  I also like Tony Horton 10-Minute Trainer as its QUICK!

6) Magazines

I like getting new magazines to read at the gym only!  I actually subscribe to quite a few: Oxygen, Clean Eating, Cooking Light, Eating Well & US Weekly.  If I have a bunch at home that I’m wanting to read, I just allow myself to only read them at the gym.  It gets me excited to go, and makes doing cardio so much easier!

I hope this gives you some ideas on how to stay motivated!!

Would love to hear some of YOUR tips on how you stay motivated!!!  I’m sure everyone would benefit from your answers.  I will post YOUR tips on my Facebook Health & Fitness Page and tag you in the post!  (Just be sure to give me your name or Facebook Page name)

Till Wednesday, where I’ll have yet another “Favorite Find”!

Yours In Health,