Switch it Up

If you train certain body parts on certain days, try switching up your routine. Do your upper body workout on Wednesday instead of Monday, and switch your leg routine to Friday instead of Wednesday. Just breaking out of the same routine can be a refreshing change of pace.

Take Up a Recreational Sport or Activity

Instead of doing an aerobics class, take up inline skating or ice skating.

If you do most of your cardio indoors on a treadmill, get a bike and go for a ride outdoors.

Join your company’s softball team, take tennis lessons, or organize a weekly basketball pickup game with some friends.

If you’re having fun with friends or participating in something exciting, you might even forget you’re doing it for the exercise.

Train for a Marathon or Triathlon

The training required for a marathon or triathlon is probably very different from what you’re doing right now. Putting aside your old regimen for a few weeks or months to get in shape to compete in these kinds of events will definitely give you a new challenge.

You might even look at your old routine with a certain fondness, longing to get back to it, after training for one of these intense athletic events.

Do Something You Said You’d Never Do

Many people shy away from yoga and just want to pump iron or do cardio instead, but taking a yoga class can be beneficial and keep your muscles learning.

Taking up an activity such as swing dancing or salsa dancing will also get your body moving in new ways, and you’ll meet new people in the process.

Rock climbing – indoors or outdoors – is very popular, and will encourage you to use your muscles in an exciting new capacity.

Even if you’re more of a lover than a fighter, a traditional martial art such as karate or judo can offer you the benefits of improved strength, reflexes, and balance.

Always Try New Things

Giving something that you’ve assumed you won’t like or be good at an honest try can open new doors for you in terms of fitness and other aspects of your life.

When it comes to working out, you might start skipping a workout here and there, and before you know it, you haven’t worked out in a week. And one week turns into two weeks, then three weeks. We’ve all been there.

If you aren’t motivated in your dieting, you might start cheating by adding a snack here and there, or eating unhealthy foods, or telling yourself “hey, this bacon cheeseburger won’t hurt me, I’ll make up for it later,” until suddenly you are completely off your diet.

So how do you stay motivated? Ultimately, it’s up to you to stick with your diet or exercise program. But here are some tips that may help.

Remind Yourself Why You’re Doing This in the First Place

Re-focusing on your initial reason for starting to exercise or diet can be a powerful motivator. Remembering what originally gave you the motivation to make changes in your life can get you fired up all over again. Try to conjure up the thoughts and feelings you had before you started, and use that to carry you through on your way to success.

Use Another Person as Your Role Model

Maybe there’s a celebrity that has the type of body that you’d like to have. Perhaps you know someone personally who either lost a lot of weight, got in great shape, or completed their first marathon. Use them as your inspiration to keep yourself motivated. Remember, if one person can achieve something, so can you.

Use an Upcoming Event For Positive Pressure

You might have your 20th high school re-union coming up. Maybe you want to look good poolside or on the beach during next summer. Perhaps you’ve got a strip poker tournament in a few months. Whatever it is, keep in mind that you want to look as fit and sexy as possible for this particular event. Having this in mind every day can keep you on track.

Use Negative Comments From Others

Let’s face it, for some people, being told they can’t do something is reason enough to do it. You may have people in your life saying you can’t get stronger, you can’t get faster, you can’t achieve the body you want, you can’t compete in that triathlon. Turn their negative energy into a positive for yourself by using their comments to make you work even harder and achieve your goals.

However you do it, and whatever keeps you going, always stay motivated and always remember that with time, dedication, and effort, you can achieve your fitness goals.