1. Take that first step. Make a deal with yourself to just get started and do 10-15 minutes of a 30-minute workout. Tell yourself that if you aren’t feeling better or more engaged after those 10-15 minutes, you can stop and go back to bed. I guarantee you will be feeling more alert and energized and will want to finish your 30-minute workout!

2. Schedule exercise into your day as you would a business appointment. Committing to a dedicated workout time and making it a priority in your day is key to the success of your program. If you just say “I’ll get to it after work or after I run errands or after I make dinner”, chances are it will slip right off your schedule. Block time on your calendar and let others (family, co-workers) know that you aren’t available for interruptions or other appointments during this time. Remember, it only takes two weeks to form a habit so why not make your workout a habit!

3. Work out early in the day. Not everyone is a morning person so I am not suggesting that you have to hit the gym or the treadmill at 5am. What I am suggesting is that you try to incorporate your workout regimen as early in the day as possible so that there is less chance of something coming up to detour your program.

4. Make a bet with yourself…or someone else. Make a bet with yourself about how many times this week you can fit your workout into your daily routine. Better yet, make a bet with someone else. Bet a spouse, co-worker, or close friend on the number of times you can workout. If they know this hasn’t been a habit for you in the past, they may be thinking you won’t do it. Prove them wrong; win the bet and maybe a little “mad money” to boot!

5. Make an investment in your fitness program. Whether it be workout gear, new running shoes, a new treadmill, a personal trainer, gym membership or an online training service such as Hyperstrike.com, putting some hard earned money into your program will keep you “invested”. Next to time, money is another asset that most people don’t part with too easily. If you pay for it, you are more likely to stick with it!

6. Find something you enjoy. If you don’t like biking and you choose that as your form of a cardio workout, chances are you won’t stick with it. If you loved roller skating as a kid, try roller blading! Choosing an activity you enjoy will help ensure your workout success!

7. Find a workout buddy. This cannot be overstated! Having a workout partner that you are committed to meeting and look forward to seeing will hold you accountable --- and help you stick to your workout plans!

8. Say no to excuses for two weeks. For two weeks, the amount of time it takes to form a habit, say no to excuses for not working out. I guarantee at the end of those two weeks, the number of “miss my workout” excuses that pop up are much fewer!

9. Plan for detours. Life happens. Kids, emergencies, work…things that are sometimes out of your control. Know that they will happen occasionally and plan for them. Have a backup workout plan if Plan A goes awry. Planning for detours will help you get to your fitness destination via the shortest and most efficient route rather than trying to figure it out once you hit that workout “orange barrel”!

10. Reward yourself! Make note of your accomplishments and reward yourself! (Most of us think food here, but there are many other forms of rewards!) Let yourself play that new golf course you have been waiting to try or treat yourself to a manicure. Get your car detailed or head to the spa! It can also be something as small as using the bet you made earlier to have someone else do the dishes or clean the house. Just be sure to set small, realistic goals and reward yourself each time you reach one!