1. Make it Fun! People get stuck in the rut of the same old routine. No wonder they dread exercise. The number one factor to sticking to fitness is the amount of fun you have while exercising. Get creative. Get in touch with physical activity that you love or have been successful with in the past. You must have some level of enjoyment when working out, otherwise you're doomed to drop off the program, or at the very least you'll dread each and every session.

2. Turn on Autopilot! We do so many things each day without having to think about them. Did you think about how you were going to brush your teeth or drive to work this morning? Of course not, you just do these tasks naturally since you've done them repetitively for so long. Your fitness routine can easily go onto auto pilot as it just becomes part of your lifestyle. If you dread going to the gym and struggle to figure out what exercises are most effective, join a group program, like a fitness boot camp that does that for you. You show up, follow what the instructor has planned for you and your workout is over without much thought on your part.

3. Forget the Numbers! The scale is not a good measurement of progress. Likewise, BMI doesn't give you an accurate picture of the health of your body or whether you are overweight or not. Focus on how you feel - more energized, less stressed, more vibrant and alive, improved mental and emotional outlook. These will be positively impacted during your first week of exercise. Focus on your clothing fitting better. Consistent exercise, combined with sound nutrition habits, will lead to your ideal body shape.

4. Set a Powerful Goal! I'm going to be 40 next year and for me the idea of completing a marathon in my fortieth year is compelling. What compels you? Find it and your consistency with exercise goes up tremendously! The following resource can help you unearth powerful reasons to exercise consistently: http://www.briancalkins.com/Why.htm. 

5. Get Help! Everyone needs a little pick me up now and again. And sometimes a friend or spouse isn't the best person to provide the support & expertise you need. Join a group of people who share similar goals, such as a spinning class or the new Gravity fitness program that's popular. Hiring a professional fitness trainer or joining a group that you're accountable to goes a long way to support your exercise goals, and for many it's a lot more fun exercising with other committed people.

Regular exercise offers unlimited benefits - improved sleep and relaxation, reduction in stress, elevated mood, better performance during work and play, enhanced self confidence, increased energy and enthusiasm for life. All it takes is getting started and setting it up correctly, then as you have fun with exercise, a positive momentum takes over.

Let's get started today!

Your friend in fitness,

Brian Calkins