We have all been there. We decide to start working out and getting healthy. We make a plan and it goes well for awhile but eventually life gets in the way and the workouts stop. We're right back where we started. Committing to a healthy lifestyle and sticking with it is hard. Here are some of my tips to committing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle of fitness that have worked for me.

1. Set small attainable goals withing your long term goals. How are you going to reach your long term goals? Through short-term gains. Getting in shape doesn't happen overnight.  If you haven't ran in years, don't start by running 5 miles. You want to challenge yourself, but be realistic about where you are currently and work towards long term goals incrementally. Baby steps people!

2. Workout with others. You are less likely to give up on exercise if you aren't just accountable to yourself but to someone else. Not to mention you can motivate and encourage one another. Inspire & be inspired!

3. Make exercise fun. A good work out dvd set to killer music, a workout outside, a color run 5K..whatever it is that gets you excited for a workout will only be to your benefit!

4. Have music that gets you pumped. You'll train harder and won't be counting the minutes.

5. Reward yourself. Exercising consistently is an accomplishment even if it doesn't seem like it. Take time to recognize your achievements.

6. Positive thoughts. Spend time each day thinking about yourself positively. Did you just do 5 more reps than you did yesterday? Did you choose to workout instead of watch tv? Did you join a workout group? Whatever it is those are positive thoughts you should fill your mind with, stop beating yourself up!

7. Be consistent. Set a routine for yourself. Overtime, workouts just become a part of your day.

Have something to add? I'd love to hear what works for you!