If you have been exercising for some time and find yourself bored and dreading your next work out, consider a change of environment. If you have been exercising in your basement, you may benefit tremendously from joining a gym where you can interact with other people and use different equipment.



Don't worry about not using your home equipment. It may be that once you have exercised at a gym for awhile, you'll be ready for another change and want to exercising at home.

If you are currently using a gym and find yourself not wanting to go in, it may be time to look at exercising at home. There is something to be said for finding the quiet and solitude exercising can bring when you're not in the middle of a crowded, noisy gym.

A second key for increasing motivation to exercise is in finding a way to listen to music that motivates you. For me personally, I use hip-hop, R and B, and rap. If you saw me in my SUV with kids in tow, you may not believe me. Just ask my husband; he's the one who programs all my music into the MP-3 player he got me for Valentine's Day off of ebay.

A third important key is to take a look at the clothing you wear when you exercise. Have you run more than 200 miles in a pair of shoes? If so, it's definitely time for a new pair. Also, make sure that what you wear to exercise is comfortable and non-restrictive.

In addition to the function of work-out clothing, appearance is important. If you have a great new pair of work-out pants, you may be more motivated to get up in the morning and go to the gym. If you're wearing the same T-shirt you've worn for twenty years, it may be time for a little shopping trip.

The shopping trip doesn't have to be expensive. A friend of mine buys her work-out gear at Goodwill. She always looks fabulous.

A fourth key is to keep focusing on the goals you have set for yourself. If you've reached your goals, it's time to set some new ones. Be sure to keep your goals realistic and measurable to prevent discouragement.

A fifth and final key to maintain or increase motivation to exercise is charting progress. Once you have an attainable goal, how will you know when you have moved one step closer? If you chart your progress, you will clearly see where you are and where you hope to go.

There are as many ways to work out as there are people who work out. Everyone's routine is different and tailored to them. However, if you remember to incorporate these five keys into your work out, you will experience success and be motivated to continue your program.

Pepper Montero