Welcome to Gaia! ::

What I have found that has helped in the past and I've started to re-do it now.

Keep a diary that you write in everyday.

For example, with my fitness program, I write daily in it about:

- the exercise I did that day (where I ran, how far, how did I feel etc)
- the after affects of the day before (am I sore, am I tired, do I feel great etc)
- inspirations or ideas I get (how to change the fitness program for the better)
- stick in magazine articles and tips (eating for energy, running tips etc)
- conversations about my fitness work and so on (talking to my brother about running and him saying he will start running me when he gets back from New Zealand in 3 weeks)

Then to keep myself motivated, I read back through my goals and journal each morning if I don't feel up to doing the exercise. If I can't do it for some reason (like my calves are currently very tender), I write how I feel in it and why I'm not doing it.

Although some people will keep it on their computer, although I update mine here regularly, I write it all down in a book that I bought. The book I bought really stood out to me when I was looking for an exercise book for about $1, but I ended up buying a cute one that is an actual journal for $9.95. Even though I paid more for it, I'm actually writing a stack more in it then I would if it was just a boring exercise book.

A great thing to do is to set goals for yourself and the reason for them. Anytime you find yourself struggling and feel like giving up, re-read those reasons. When setting goals you should always make them manageable. Don't set out rageous goals that you can't complete in the time frame you want it to. It'll just upset you and make you want to give up sad Also, after reasching your mini goals, you should reward yourself. Either it be to buy that shirt you really wanted or treat yourself to something (anything that won't mess up your progress) This way you'll always want to keep going even if it's just for those rewards biggrin


Also I agree with the diary or log idea. It's sometimes really hard to see changes on your body when you see yourself everyday. Take a pic of yourself and place that in your log when you first start, along with your measurements. RE-take pics and measurement either by month or every 2 weeks smile

If you have an exercise partner, don't rely on them to be able to exercise. If they are busy or not feeling well that day. Don't be afraid to go by yourself. Push yourself. Sometimes you may find that you are less restricted in options and time if you exercise by yourself.

If you are feeling lazy, go out anyway. You know you should, and it's good for you.

Don't exercise in silence. Get some up beat music to pace yourself with.

Always stretch before doing rigorous activity. Incorporate warm up and cool down to your exercise sessions. You might hurt yourself other wise.