We all know working out isn't always fun. We can sit on the couch after a long day's work and think of a million things to do other than hitting the gym. But before you raid the fridge or take another bite of Hagen Daz, perhaps you should rethink your daily habits.

I've been there. You're tired, all you want to do is sit and veg on the sofa while watching some mindless television. Hey, there's nothing wrong with that from time to time. We all need to unwind. But consider a healthier solution to stress relief as we approach holiday seasons and lots and lots of food. Below is a list of ten things that can and will motivate you into a regular work out routine. If you follow these, I can't guarantee that you'll be on the cover of fitness magazine or look like a trim famous celebrity, but what can come from a regular workout is stress relief, self confidence, and healthier bodies. So try it out!

1. Look at yourself in the mirror, be honest with yourself and discover what areas you should work on.

2. Don't set your expectations too high, setting high expectations will only frustrate you and cause you to quit your plan prematurely. Be realistic in the amount of weight you want to lose and the time frame. Be careful, too much weightloss in a short amount of time is extremely dangerous, so consult your doctor about various exercise programs first.

3. Slow and steady truly wins the race. Find something cardio related that you enjoy. It could be watching tv while on an elyptical or stationary bicycle. Set a half hour time and don't stop. Slowly build to 45 minutes then an hour.
Repeat or incorporate something else that is cardio related the next day...remember if you don't break a sweat then it isn't fulfilling the "Cardio" requirements. Don't push too hard...remember slow and steady, but repeat once a day.

4. Reward yourself on the weekends! You don't have to workout seven days a week! Take a break. Don't gorge yourself on junk food in response, but find something you can look forward to that you can enjoy eating on the weekend. Then eat it in moderation. But during the week to don't cheat yourself by premature celebrations.

5. Eat healthier. I know, this is sore subject for many of us. We don't want to limit our intake of high fatty foods and fast food cravings. But if you really are determined to change you have to discover if food controls you or if you control food. Remember step four above, it's not about complete withdrawal, set a goal, but keep to it during the week. Instead of high carbs discover high protein, salads, fruits and again eat in moderation and smaller portions.

6. Post-its. Write out your goal(s) and post it in places you frequent most in your home. On your fridge, on your mirror in the bathroom, on your night stand. Keep the motivation and discipline alive.

7. Find a Work out buddy. Most of us need motivation and accountability in exercise. If you have a friend who is either athletic or wishes to get into shape make a pact to workout together and hold each other accountable to do so. Push each other to do one more rep, or five more minutes.

8. Music is life. Find music that motivates you. We are so diverse in our music styles, but find what drives you and put in on your ipod or mp3, cd player. keep the music pumping while you work out. Set a workout compilation of music to coincide with your beginning and end time so that you know how much longer or further you have to go.

9. Feel the burn. I know that's kind of cliche but relish in the sore muscles and keep in mind that you are working the plan and winning. Make sure you stretch at the beginning and end of your exercise routine so that the burn doesn't become a four alarm fire instead. The burn is good...but remember once again don't over do during the first week cause your body takes time to acclimate to your new routine.

10. Role model. Don't take this the wrong way but find a celebrity or sports figure that you admire because of their athleticism, their firm body and their muscle tone. This is your dream or ideal body that you wished you had. Now remember don't get frustrated because a solid exercise routine will take upwards of six months to truly reach a peak fitness. But keep that celebrity or role model in your mind, say to yourself I will have rock hard abs like __________________(insert name here).

Remember, a solid exercise routine is just that a routine...you must consider it a life style change. not an annoyance. Write down your plan, stick to it, find a work out buddy...and watch out because in six months you will truly marvel at the change in your life. Maybe as a help you can take a before and after picture to keep your goals in constant review. Keep in mind your body is a temple so take care of it, we only get one. Now get to work, you can do it!!!

Source: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2318492/climbing_the_wall_in_ex...