Shake it up: Instead of doing the same exercises day in and day out, change what/where/with whom you do your exercises periodically to keep it from getting too boring/discouraging. Do cardio some days and strength others, switch the type of cardio/strength you are doing every day or every week or so. If you run, change your route from time to time, or instead of just on a treadmill, go outside. If you exercise by attending classes with others, switch up the classes or even with who you go with--invite others to join you if you already enjoy your current company.
Invite others: Often exercising with friends and/or family can be helpful in staying motivated. Instead of trying to do everything by yourself, you have someone to talk to. And even if the other person can't physically be there at the same time, sometimes working with someone that you have to report your progress on your goals helps in keeping up and sticking with exercising/being healthy.
Goals: Even if you don't need/want to lose weight, a goal helps to have something to work for. If you are trying to lose weight, remember it is diet & exercise together that will be the most beneficial, not just one or the other. Also, you should plan on losing between 1-3 lbs a week, anything more is likely to be added back on if you stopped exercising and dieting, as well as it's just not healthy to lose 10 lbs in a day or a week. So, when setting a weight loss goal, set one that allows you time to lose and really change your lifestyle not just a quick fix. If you aren't in need of weight loss, you can set different goals--like a certain time for running/walking a mile, how many reps you can do, a goal to run a 5K or 1/2/full marathon, or an organized bike ride. There are many types of goals you can set. Be realistic, but optimistic. And then set steps that will help you reach those goals.
Make time: One of the steps to reaching your goal is making the time. Make exercising an actual appointment you need to attend like you would a doctor's appointment. Schedule the time so that you know during that time you aren't to go to the store, clean, etc. Write it down--there is something about writing things down that seems to cement an idea or goal into our minds.
No Excuses: Our bodies need exercise and movement, just like they need water, food and sleep. Sometimes we can be our worst enemy because we make excuses for our behavior. Exercise, like many other things, will take determination and dedication. It will require you to put aside other things (even worthwhile things) to use the time to help your body, it will require you to put aside other body/mind desires (sleeping, lounging, etc) to get and get moving. There are ways to work around emergencies and situations that may arise that cut into your scheduled workout time--like being sick, you can tone down the intensity or change the type of exercising you do to better fit with the energy you have with the illness, or workout every other day instead of everyday.
Take a rest: Yes, take a rest, but not too long... Instead of working out every single day of the week, month, year. Take Sundays off. Let your body rest and prepare for the upcoming week. Also, in between strength training sessions, you should take a rest--so instead of doing ab/core workouts every day, switch to every other or every 3rd day, with the days in between alternating between upper and lower body.
Have fun. Enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle like having more energy, being able to combat illness more readily and simply knowing you are taking care of your life and you are making a difference to someone-YOU and those you love who enjoy your energy and life.
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