No matter who we are, we all have days when we just do not feel like exercising. The weather might be grey, you’ve had a busy day, or you might just be bored with your program. Whatever the reason, you just don’t feel like it!

It’s on these days that we need that extra motivation.

I’ve been exercising regularly for most of my life so I’ve had plenty of those days. To get me through, I’ve compiled a list of tactics to help motivate me.

Read something inspiring!
It could be a biography, quote, poem, or song. Use other people’s experiences to give you that lift.

Start a walking group!
It’s more social and you all get to feed off the motivation of each other.

Think of exercise as a menu rather than a diet!
Make a list of activities and choose 1 each day.

Use a training journal!
By keeping track of your activities you can see the improvements in your fitness week to week.

Start an interest or hobby that requires physical fitness!
It could be bushwalking, rock-climbing, tennis, golf, or scuba-diving. If you require physical fitness to enjoy the activity you will be more inclined to train for it.

Increase your incidental activity!
This is the amount of activity you do in your normal course of your day, the activity not generally classed as exercise. You could: walk to work, take the stairs instead of the elevator, get up to change the channels instead of using the remote, or play with the kids for 15 minutes per day.

Try cross-training!
If your exercise program is always the same then break it up with one session per week of swimming, bike riding, jogging, sprints, or circuits. You could even play a different sport and use it as a training session.

Use a personal trainer!
Personal trainers can provide motivation as well as training variety.

Use an exercise video!
If exercising in public places is not for you, then try training at home. There are many forms of training available on video including: boxing, aerobics, pilates, and yoga.

Just start!
You will always be able to find excuses not to train so don’t think about it, just walk out the door.

Listen to music!
Put on the stereo or use a walk-man. Music certainly helps the time go faster.

Watch TV!
Most fitness centers currently have a cardio theatre where you watch your favorite shows whilst you work out.

Read about the benefits of exercise!
We all know that exercise is good for us but do you know why it is? Reading a reputable publication on exercise can inform you of the great ways exercise can improve your life. It’s more than just being able to walk up those stairs!

Don’t complicate things, make it simple!
You don’t have to find a fitness centre or join a Tai Chi group. Just find a nice park and go for a walk or run.

Create a list of reasons you want to be healthy and read it regularly
It may be to improve health, play with the kids, or trek through India. Whatever the reasons write them down.