Your exercise routine has fizzled out. Now what?

Ok, so we’re nearly two weeks into January, and I am wondering how many fitness resolutions are already out the window. As someone who loves being active, I’m all for goals that promote a more active lifestyle. But if you don’t get off on the right start, well-meaning intentions will only go so far in delivering you to the gym. Before you commit to getting fit, evaluate your motives, and make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. (Read What Motivates You to Move?) Once you’ve established that your goals come from a genuine desire for well being (rather than trying to reach an unattainable or unmaintainable body weight/shape/size), you still might get discouraged at what seems like a long road ahead of you. If your motivation has already petered out, here are a few suggestions to help spark the flame again.

Buy some new work out clothes. This may seem like a shallow approach, but if you feel self conscious in your over-sized holey sweats while everyone else is walking around in their Nike/Reebok/Adidas gear, you will look for every excuse not to go. While there is no limit to how much you can spend on fitness apparel, you don’t have to spend a lot on functional, yet fashionable clothing that will give you the freedom you need to move. I recently stocked up on Champion boot-cut fitted pants from Target, and while I was lucky enough to catch them on sale for $14.99, their regular price of $19.99 still can’t be beat. I also got a few tank tops with built in bras, like this Champion Racer Back Tank for $18.99. And speaking of bras, make sure you have a properly fitted bra that gives you the support you need. If you are uncomfortable because the girls are bouncing around too much, that will just add to your list of excuses to avoid moving. For extra support, check out the Ultimate Sport Bra from Lane Bryant. Old Navy is another great source for reasonably priced fitness clothes, and Junonia is a good source for plus-sized active wear. If you’re ready to spend a little more and want to check out some fun styles, try the newest brand from the Gap brand of stores, Athleta. While many of their price points are beyond what I’m willing to spend, I definitely love their styles and would enjoy heading to the gym in some of their cute tops. Whatever you do, find clothes that are comfortable to work out in but make you feel good too. You’d be surprised what a difference it can make.

Get a buddy. You’ve heard this before, but I’m going to tell you again. People are more likely to maintain a fitness routine when they do it with a friend. Yes, it’s partially the accountability that makes you go, but it also just makes it more enjoyable when you have someone to talk to during your workouts, and share in the joys of your success as you make progress in your fitness goals.

Use your social networking sites to brag. I’m not talking so much about specifics, like how many reps you can do, or how much weight you can lift — that might start to bore your friends. But when you report on Facebook or Twitter, or whatever site you used that you ran 3 miles or went to the gym at o’dark thirty, people are impressed, and they will say so. When my schedule was such that I had to get up at 5:00 a.m. to squeeze in a 5:30 spin class, I often posted about it immediately afterward. I have to admit I loved hearing the “way to go” comments I would get from all my friends, and sometimes the anticipation of the kudos I would get after my work out was the little extra incentive I needed to get up out of bed and go. Plus, you can take heart knowing that you are probably motivating a few other people to get their butts off the sofa too.

Find an activity you love. You may be thinking if it has the word “activity” associated with it, there is no way you are going to love it. But if you search hard enough, I can bet there is something you can find that you will absolutely love doing, even if it’s hard work. I love to run, but due to injuries over the last few years, I’ve had to get creative and find new activities I enjoy. As a result, I discovered the joy of swimming, pilates, yoga, and even ice skating. And one of these days I am going to try the Latin Fusion dance class at my gym, even though I am sure to bump everyone else in the room due to my utter lack of coordination. If you belong to a gym, peruse their class schedule and try something you haven’t done before. You might just surprise yourself!

Listen to good, energetic music. When I am out walking or running, I like to listen to the sounds of nature, and so I don’t wear my iPod. But if I’m stuck indoors, whether I’m strength training, riding a bike, running on the treadmill, or even folding laundry at home, I put on my most energetic music, and then you couldn’t pay me to sit still. It gives me a boost and makes me challenge myself more. Plus, it just puts me in a great mood! If you don’t know what you like, you can find some great play lists at Hella Sound.

Finally, Let go of the all-or-nothing attitude. Let’s face it. No matter how committed we are, life can sometimes get in the way of our goals. If you vow to work out two hours every single day, you are bound to hit hurdles fast. It’s ok to set high goals as long as they are achievable and as long as you give yourself flexibility. If one day you only have 30 minutes to work out, don’t blow it off because it’s not your usual routine. And if you have to miss a workout all together, don’t beat yourself up. If you are truly aiming to improve your health, then you’ll get back on track — not because you have to, but because you know its what your body wants, and ultimately it makes you feel good.

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