Is this the year when you have finally decided that you just have to get back into shape? Well, that’s me. And yet, being tied to a desk job for eight hours, plus commuting, household chores, etc., taking up a large chunk of each day, it can be real hard to muster up the motivation to get into shape. Well, in order to counter all my procrastinations and to help me get back on the right track, I have decided to make a list of getting-back-into-shape tips. Here they are:

Getting Up Early: Which is easier said than done, I know. Though I set the alarm on religiously every night, come 5:30, I just turn over and punch the snooze button on, and get right back into my dream world. Well, resolution number one, which I have been maintaining over this month, to date – I am getting up early and getting my workout done first thing in the morning. And I am feeling the benefits already, feeling energized throughout the day.

Find the Fun in Working Out: Do you dread the idea of getting up early and going for that early morning jog, or to a sweaty gym? Then don’t do them. Do something that you love doing, which will keep you motivated and keep you at it regularly. Me, I just put on some energetic music and get into a high-energy aerobic-cum-callisthenic workout.

Make it Convenient: However, if you are the gymming type, and are planning on joining one, keep in mind the convenience factor. Choose a gym that is close to your office or home, because this will increase the chances of you actually going to it and working out.

Be Realistic: Yes indeed, set realistic goals. I can’t remember the number of times I have gone off a diet or a workout program because I didn’t see the results happening as soon as I thought they should. Make goals that are small enough to be achieved, but challenging enough to keep you at it.

Try Some Brainwashing: Let’s face it – exercise is a boring chore. You know it and I know it. But brainwash this thought out of your mind. Remind yourself about the glowing and healthy feeling you get once you do workout. Put up little stickers telling you about the benefits of exercising. Read success stories, get fitness magazines, check out the Internet about the latest fitness equipment or workout.

Try Out Something New: One of the most demotivating factors is doing the same workout over and over. So spice it up by trying out something that you have never done before – take lessons in salsa, tap-dancing, or samba, or take up tennis – anything that will break you out in a sweat, really! And, is fun to do, of course.

Make it Challenging: Do you like the challenge of competing and winning? Well, I do. There is nothing like getting together with a bunch of friends on the field, court, or the gym, and getting into some fun competition. You can devise fun prizes for the winner.

Bask in your Success: With every milestone you achieve in your fitness goals, reward yourself. No, not with a candy, which will just get you back to square one (ask me, I know all about torpedoing all my hard work by that single piece of chocolate that turned into a choco-binge), but, say, with a short trip somewhere, or a new outfit, or a new haircut.
By Rita Putatunda