So you’ve made a positive start to 2009, you started training an a regular basis and you’ve managed to keep up this change in your lifestyle for a few weeks but now its getting harder and harder to motivate yourself.  But how do you motivate yourself to exercise? Let's face it; unless you’re an exercise geek like me who loves training and can’t get enough, you may feel it isn't one of the most enjoyable things do to with your spare time.  This is where you’re wrong, exercise can be enjoyable and the only time it is enjoyable is when you are motivated.

 So how do we get motivated?  A great starting point is finding a personal trainer.  A personal trainer will start out by setting realistic goals for you to achieve.  Do you want to lose weight, gain weight, if so how much?  From this point ask yourself when you achieve these goals, what will you gain?  If the answer makes you smile, then you are half way to exercise motivation!  Due to the goals agreed between you and your personal trainer are realistic and achievable you won’t find yourself committing to run 5mile when you have never run 1 mile.  All goals agreed will be written down and also need to include the small steps of how you are going to achieve those goals.  For instance, the small steps to successful weight loss maybe drinking enough water, eating 5 portions of fruit and veg a day.  Very simple, yet highly effective.

Now your personal trainer knows more about you and your fitness ambitions they will put together a creative workout and take you through it.  Your training sessions will be fun, full of energy and never the same.  Commitment is the last and final stage to achieving exercise motivation. You have lost half a stone in body weight and are starting to eat a healthier diet, now you have to commit to doing it.  Make time every day and don't let temptations get in the way.  It is all in the will power.

That is not to say that you can't reward yourself with a treat, small piece of cake no and then, just make sure you have earned it.  It is important to reward your efforts, but being consistent with your exercise routine is priority.  It will soon become habitual to exercise. You have just replaced your bad habits with a good habit!

    Other simple methods of motivation is to take a photo of yourself, preferably naked so your body is visible and then when you feel like your workouts are pointless and not working, take another and compare the two.  You’ll soon see the benefits of your efforts.  You can try group exercises classes, try swimming, bring your friend or partner down to the club for a workout.

    Speak with a member of your fitness team on how you can stay motivated.